The Weekly Bender: You Can Always Come Home
Fri Jul 5 6:00pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer
There is nothing better than winning your fantasy football league. Whether you’re playing against your friends in a home league or gearing up to take down the $500,000 grand prize in The Fantasy Championship, that euphoric feeling hits you in such a way that sometimes words can’t even describe. But it takes work. It takes tenacity. You don’t just stumble into a championship. You earn it. And that starts with your research here in July. Scouting talent is a top priority for you right now and it’s not just about the NFL players on the field. It’s also about which fantasy analysts you choose to trust each season.
Back in 2011, the folks here at RealTime Fantasy Sports led the way in premier scouting. During a raucous after-party following the FSTA Conference (currently the FSGA) in San Francisco, two of RTSports’ finest made their way to the bar and struck up a conversation with the guy slinging drinks. As it turned out, he also happened to be an aspiring fantasy analyst, freelancing for a couple of sites and looking for more work.
The conversation was light and friendly but intensified when opinions on players and teams came into play. The Giants had just won the World Series and baseball talk was buzzing in the Bay Area. The Green Bay Packers were in mini-camp looking to defend their Super Bowl championship and as we witness every year, the football frenzy was already taking over. With every lager and IPA that hit the bar, the men of RTSports also received formidable opinions, spicy hot takes, boatloads of sarcasm and some pretty entertaining jokes. By the end of the evening, a business card was handed across the bar with a firm demand: “We need a fantasy article written every week with these thoughts, these opinions and this kind of attitude.” With smiles all around and firm handshakes given, “The Weekly Bender” was born.
Yes, all of this, just to re-introduce myself to the community here at RealTime Fantasy Sports. What’s going on, everyone? I am over-the-moon with excitement about being back. In some ways, I never left. Though I was soon offered a full-time position at Fantasy Alarm and the Weekly Bender came to a close, I have remained very active on this website. For years, I hosted the Mock Draft Army here on RTSports and provided fantasy owners an opportunity to mock draft alongside dedicated fantasy players and industry analysts from all over. I’ve hosted numerous best ball drafts here for my audience at SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio and until my return today, have been logging plenty of time turning a profit in the RTSports DFS Pick ‘Em contests.
Yes, I am still over at Fantasy Alarm and you can find all of my fantasy football player rankings, cheat sheets (coming this Monday, July 8), draft strategies and my coaching scheme breakdowns in our Fantasy Football Draft Guide. The community over there is spectacular and I am sure that some of you reading this right now may already be over there. But RTSports has always been a home for me and now that I am back, I cannot wait to jump in.
In addition to the Weekly Bender, an article dedicated to providing winning strategies and picks with a hefty serving of snark, I will also be joining Jeff Paur on his weekly podcast/livestream, sharing videos with DFS Pick ‘Em contest picks, hosting mock drafts to get everyone ready for the 2024 NFL season and even setting up some “Beat Howard Bender” contests so that we can not only play against each other but also give you the opportunity to serve some of that smack-talk back to me.
When Thomas Wolfe wrote “You Can’t Go Home Again,” he was referring to the way nostalgia has us viewing the past in an overly-positive light. For those of you who remember the original Weekly Bender, you know we don’t look back at those pieces with rose-colored glasses. We crushed the research together, we ruled the waiver wire together and we shared championships together. It all comes full circle today and if Wolfe was sitting with me here right now, I’d let him know that you truly can go home again.
Here's to a spectacular 2024 season!
Bender, out!
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 17
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: TFC comes down to the wire
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16
- Raiders showing up late to New Orleans due to delayed flight
- NFL roundup: Bengals top Broncos in OT, stay in playoff hunt
- Bengals leading rusher Chase Brown (ankle sprain) exits
- Colts rule out QB Anthony Richardson; Joe Flacco to start
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip) doubtful vs. Browns on Sunday
- Eli Manning among 15 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists
- Patriots QB Drake Maye checked for head injury, returns to game
- Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins active vs. Patriots
- Panthers to place RB Chuba Hubbard on IR
- LB Shaquil Barrett reportedly set to rejoin Bucs
- Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 17
- Deshaun Watson, Browns agree to restructure contract
- Chargers activate RB J.K. Dobbins from IR
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson questionable vs. Giants
- Eagles QB Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol
- Week 17 NFL Capsules
- NFL Christmas games on Netflix set streaming records
- Eagles QB Kenny Pickett expects to be ‘ready to go’ vs. Cowboys
- Giants star WR Malik Nabers (toe) says he's a game-time decision
- Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) done for year
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings PPR
- Fantasy Life: Everything You Need To Know For Week 17 Fantasy Football
- Fantasy Life: The AFC's Final Seed Is Up For Grabs
- Fantasy Life: Week 17 Rankings: Tyjae Spears, Jameson Williams, and More
- Fantasy Life: Championship-Winning Streamers For Week 17
- Fantasy Life: Week 17 Do-Or-Die Saturday and NFL MVP Debate
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip) has officially been ruled out in Week 17 versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, while outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee, elbow) is active despite being listed as questionable. The Panthers defense will also be without linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion, quadriceps), who was ruled out on Friday. Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (knee, illness) and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (knee, shoulder), who were both listed as questionable, are active. Horn, 25, was considered doubtful to play this weekend, so his absence from the lineup on Sunday shouldn't be a surprise after getting hurt in last week's overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. With Horn out against Tampa, look for Caleb Farley to serve as Carolina's No. 2 corner.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip, wrist) is officially active on Sunday as the team takes on the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. Legette did not play in last Sunday night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he made good progress during the week in practice and will return to the field this weekend. The 23-year-old will be a poor flex option for fantasy managers with everything on the line in Week 17 in Carolina's low-volume passing attack. Veteran Adam Thielen should continue to command most of quarterback Bryce Young's targets, and he'll be fighting for snaps alongside fellow rookie Jalen Coker and David Moore. The 32nd overall pick in this year's draft does have four touchdowns in his first NFL season, but he hasn't scored since Nov. 3 and has gone over 60 receiving yards just once in his 14 games played.
From RotoBaller
With Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) out for the final two games of the season, Raheem Blackshear will make the start in the backfield in Week 17 on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. ESPN's David Newton also suspects that Mike Boone, who was added to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad, will get a fair share of carries also. The Panthers are expected to give both Blackshear and Boone some touches as they play out the string in 2024. Neither back will be all that attractive for fantasy managers trying to win a championship in the final couple of weeks, but Blackshear should be the preferred flex dart throw in DFS contests in a plus matchup. The 26-year-old excelled as a pass-catcher out of the backfield in college and should have slightly more upside in PPR leagues, but he's averaged just 3.4 yards a carry on 40 rushing attempts in his three NFL seasons.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (toe) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The 31-year-old has appeared in 15 games this season, catching just 12 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown. He remains off the fantasy radar given his reduced role in a tight end room that also features Drew Ogletree and Kylen Granson.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) is officially active for the Week 17 clash against the visiting Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Nabers missed a couple days of practice this week and was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but he was ultimately expected to play. The first-rounder out of LSU has dealt with a handful of nagging injuries in his first year in the NFL but has only missed two games due to a concussion. He will suit up on Sunday in a pretty good matchup, and even though quarterback Drew Lock is one of the worst starters in the league, Nabers needs to remain locked into all fantasy starting lineups. He has had double-digit targets in each of the last four games and has been a top-15 pass-catcher all year long. Nabers is second in the NFL in targets (154), behind only Ja'Marr Chase, who played on Saturday.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) and left guard Quenton Nelson (ankle) are active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both players had been listed as questionable. Speed has been one of the top IDP contributors this season, registering 129 tackles and one interception. Meanwhile, Nelson has long been an anchor within the Colts' offensive line, and he's only missed a few snaps in 2024. This Sunday, he'll be tasked with protecting quarterback Joe Flacco after Anthony Richardson (back, foot) was ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receivers Jalen Tolbert (finger) and Jalen Brooks (knee) are both active on Sunday to face the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 after coming into the contest listed as questionable. Tolbert suffered a finger injury in last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night and was limited in practice all week. The 25-year-old will not only play against Philly, but he should have an expanded role in the passing attack with top wideout CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) shut down for the final two games of the 2024 season. Despite the expected increase in volume, Tolbert should still be considered a low-upside WR4/flex option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues against an Eagles secondary that has been stingy against receivers in 2024. Brooks should also have a bigger role for Dallas, but he's even riskier for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (foot) is officially active for the Week 17 game.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd should see a few targets during the game but has not been a big factor in the passing game this season. Fantasy players should have better options available and can avoid Boyd.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) is active for Week 17's game versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fantasy Spin: Valdes-Scantling had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in all three of the Saints' practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. However, he is not a recommended fantasy option in any format as long as Spencer Rattler is the team's starting quarterback.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hip) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Buffalo Bills. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The veteran receiver has been dominant lately, catching 39 passes for 441 yards and five touchdowns over his last four games. He is the overall WR1 in half-PPR leagues during that span, ranking a couple points ahead of Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. Adams should continue to be treated as a high-end WR1 option against the Bills on Sunday. He's especially intriguing given speculation that Aaron Rodgers may target Adams for his 500th career passing touchdown.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. Valdes-Scantling was listed as questionable on the final injury report on Friday, but he will suit up and could lead the team in targets in a plus matchup with Chris Olave (concussion) staying on Injured Reserve for another week. With MVS active, rookie Mason Tipton will be a healthy scratch. The 30-year-old Valdes-Scantling was not active in the loss to the Green Bay Packers last Monday night. He had a stretch from Weeks 10-13 where he caught seven passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns on 10 targets, but that was never really sustainable for fantasy managers, especially after quarterback Derek Carr broke his hand and gave way to rookie Spencer Rattler. MVS is a boom/bust, desperation flex play in Week 17 in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein (left knee) and cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring) are both active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Both players had been listed as questionable. Zuerlein returned from injured reserve this week and is set to handle kicking duties for the first time in more than two months. He'll look to improve upon a season stat line that includes a woeful 9-for-15 success rate on field goals. Meanwhile, Gardner's presence will be key as the Jets look to slow down the Bills' dominant offense. He has 46 tackles, one sack, and just one interception through 14 contests this season.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims is a healthy scratch for the Week 17 contest against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in New Orleans, even with Alvin Kamara (groin) missing another game. Mims, for lack of better options in the Saints' depleted offense, led the team with five receptions on eight targets for only 16 yards in the Monday night loss to the Green Bay Packers. He added four carries for only 16 yards. The 25-year-old has been used sparingly in his second year in the NFL, carrying the ball only 18 times for 58 yards (3.2 yards per tote) while catching nine of 15 targets for 58 yards in his 10 games played. With Mims inactive, the Saints will roll with second-year back Kendre Miller as their starter in the backfield, with veteran Jamaal Williams backing him up.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick (neck) and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring) are active for Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. Both players had been listed as questionable. Reddick has been highly disappointing in his first season with the Jets, registering just nine tackles and half a sack through eight games since returning from his holdout. Williams, on the other hand, has been much more productive, anchoring the Jets' defensive line with 35 tackles and six sacks through 14 contests. All in all, the Jets will benefit from having a healthy group of defensive reinforcements available against Buffalo this weekend.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have declared DT John Ridgeway, RB Alvin Kamara, LB Anfernee Orji, RB Jordan Mims, QB Derek Carr, DT Khristian Boyd and WR Mason Tipton inactive for Week 17.
From TheHuddle
The New York Giants have declared C John Michael Schmitz, DT Cory Durden, QB Tim Boyle, CB Greg Stroman, WR Dee Williams and LB Micah McFadden inactive for Week 17.
From TheHuddle
The Carolina Panthers have declared QB Jack Plummer, OG Taylor Moton, CB Jaycee Horn, WR Deven Thompkins, S Jordan Fuller and LB Josey Jewell inactive for Week 17.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams (hip) is officially active for the Week 17 game.
Fantasy Spin: Adams did not do much during practice this week but should see plenty of targets against the Buffalo Bills. He is the main option in the passing game for the Jets and should be a starting option in all leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) is active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had been listed as questionable and faced an uphill battle to play after missing three consecutive practices, but in the end, he'll be able to suit up. Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will continue to operate as the Titans' top two receivers, with Boyd set to be the No. 3 receiver. This week, he'll be catching passes from Mason Rudolph. Boyd and Rudolph connected for just two completions and 20 yards last Sunday. The 30-year-old receiver should be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Jets. He had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice. The veteran pass-catcher has merely filled a depth role for Buffalo this season, consistently operating behind Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins. Those four receivers will remain Josh Allen's top targets on Sunday afternoon, with Shakir the most intriguing fantasy option of the bunch.
From RotoBaller
