Guest of the League
Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

The Weekly Bender: You Can Always Come Home

Fri Jul 5 6:00pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer

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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!

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Marshon Lattimore Sep 15 12:20pm ET
Marshon Lattimore

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 2 versus the Dallas Cowboys. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after not practicing on Friday. By Sunday morning, reports emerged indicating that the Saints wanted to be cautious with Lattimore and might hold him out. Indeed, he'll sit out. Lattimore had been slated to cover CeeDee Lamb on Sunday, so this development is great news for the Cowboys' WR1 and fantasy managers who have him on their rosters.

From RotoBaller

A.T. Perry Sep 15 12:20pm ET
A.T. Perry

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old missed Week 1 with a hand injury but was a full participant in practice this week. Now, he's sidelined again, but this time for non-injury reasons. The Saints will enter their second game of the season with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed atop their depth chart, followed by undrafted rookie Mason Tipton as their No. 3 receiver.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 15 12:11pm ET
Evan Engram

Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been ruled out for the Week 2 game. He suffered a hamstring injury in pregame warmups.

Deshaun Watson Sep 15 12:10pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (knee), who was considered questionable for the Week 2 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road, has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game. With offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) having already been ruled out earlier this week, Cleveland's offensive line will be missing some key pieces this weekend. The 30-year-old Conklin was limited in practice all of last week and also sat out the season-opening blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys in which the Browns' offense looked like a disaster. With both Conklin and Wills out, expect James Hudson and Dawand Jones to see plenty of playing time on Sunday on the book ends of Cleveland's offensive line. This is more bad news for a Browns offense that has come under a lot of scrutiny already under quarterback Deshaun Watson.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 15 12:10pm ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday, but as the weekend progressed, it became clear that he was healthy enough to suit up. Williams is looking to build off a huge Week 1 showing in which he led the team with five catches, 121 yards, and one touchdown. We need to see this type of production on a more consistent basis before ranking Williams as a must-start fantasy weapon, but he's certainly worth consideration in most leagues with 10 or more teams. If he can produce alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, he has league-winning upside. For Week 2, he should be deployed as a mid-to-high WR3 option.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 15 12:10pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday Night Football versus the Atlanta Falcons. He had already been trending in the wrong direction after missing practice on Saturday, and now we get confirmation that he won't suit up on primetime television. Fantasy managers will appreciate the timing of this announcement as it gives them roughly one hour to find a replacement for Brown in their lineups before the Sunday 1 p.m. games kick off. The Eagles will move forward with DeVonta Smith as their No. 1 receiver on Monday with additional opportunities for Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert. Receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson should get more looks, too, but neither of them is even worth rostering in leagues with 14 teams or fewer.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 15 12:10pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups on Sunday and has been ruled out for Week 2 against the visiting Cleveland Browns. Fantasy managers that had Engram in their starting lineups for this weekend are going to have to adjust on the fly. In Jacksonville, Brenton Strange and Luke Farrell will now battle for targets in the passing game with Engram sidelined, but neither player is an acceptable starting replacement for Engram. The most likely scenario is that wide receivers Christian Kirk, rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis will see more targets through the air against a tough Browns defense. The 30-year-old Engram had a rough season debut last week as well, catching only one of four targets for five yards in the loss to the Miami Dolphins. There's no guarantee he'll be able to play in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Blackshear Sep 15 12:00pm ET
Raheem Blackshear

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (personal) and tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) are both active for Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. They had been listed as questionable entering the weekend. Blackshear was absent from practice this week for personal matters, but it appears he's good to go for Sunday's home game. Although he remains a depth option in Carolina's backfield, he offers plenty of value on special teams as the Panthers' primary kick returner. With the Panthers susceptible to surrendering plenty of scores, Blackshear could be busy returning kickoffs this season. He's only a worthwhile fantasy option in leagues that award points for return yards. Meanwhile, Tremble is suiting up after being limited on Friday. He was inactive in Week 1 and figures to poach snaps from rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders. Even without a clear top tight end in Carolina, there's no real path to fantasy relevance for Tremble.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 15 12:00pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (illness) was ill on Sunday morning but will play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, according to a note on NFL.com's official injury report tracker. Carr was added to the injury report Sunday but did not have any designation, which is a good sign that he won't have any limitations in Week 2. The quarterback faces a tough matchup in the form of the Dallas Cowboys, but he's coming off a big performance against the Panthers and figures to maintain some QB2 appeal this weekend. He's a fine option in deeper two-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Sep 15 12:00pm ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (knee) is officially active on Sunday for the Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks, while wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is a healthy inactive. Hasty popped up on the team's injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice, but his knee injury wasn't serious enough to sideline him this weekend. The 28-year-old is well off the fantasy radar in the vast majority of fantasy leagues as the No. 3 RB behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in one of the weaker offenses in the NFL. In the surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Hasty had didn't touch the ball at all on offense. Boutte didn't play a single offensive snap last weekend and will now take a seat so that rookie Javon Baker can make his NFL debut after he was a healthy scratch in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Genard Avery Sep 15 11:53am ET
Genard Avery

The Indianapolis Colts have declared C Tanor Bortolini, WR Josh Downs, S Julian Blackmon, LB Genard Avery, OT Blake Freeland, TE Will Mallory and QB Sam Ehlinger inactive for Week 2.

From TheHuddle

MarShawn Lloyd Sep 15 11:50am ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction throughout the weekend. As Lloyd makes his NFL debut, he could steal some touches from backup Emanuel Wilson. Both backs are expected to touch the ball Sunday despite operating behind Josh Jacobs. In fact, Green Bay could have a heavy dependence on its rushing attack with Malik Willis starting in place of the injured Jordan Love (knee). If the Packers want to keep the clock ticking and reduce the chances of a Willis turnover, we could see a lot of opportunities for Jacobs with Lloyd and Wilson each getting at least a handful of touches, too. Still, Lloyd is not an appealing redraft option and can be left on the bench in most dynasty leagues, too.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 15 11:50am ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Green Bay technically left the door open for him to play by listing him as doubtful, but it was always clear that he wasn't going to suit up. The talented, young quarterback injured his MCL late in the season opener against Philadelphia and is expected to miss roughly three games, giving him a Week 5 return date. Until then, Malik Willis will quarterback the Packers. He has yet to prove himself as a capable starting quarterback in the NFL, which means fantasy managers should temper expectations for the Packers and their playmakers, including Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed, and Christian Watson.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 15 11:50am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) is officially active for the Week 2 contest against the Carolina Panthers on the road on Sunday. Palmer was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being listed as a DNP on Friday, putting his status in question for the team's first road game of the season. However, the 24-year-old will be good to go and should continue to start alongside rookie Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston with DJ Chark (hip) on Injured Reserve. Palmer caught just two passes for 15 yards in the season-opening win over the Las Vegas Raiders and was ejected in the contest, making it a forgettable season debut. However, he did play 81% of the offensive snaps prior to his ejection, and he makes for a WR4/flex with upside against a Panthers defense that was torched by quarterback Derek Carr and the Saints in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Davenport Sep 15 11:43am ET
Marcus Davenport

The Detroit Lions have declared WR Isaiah Williams, DE Marcus Davenport, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., OT Giovanni Manu, LB Trevor Nowaske, OT Colby Sorsdal and CB Ifeatu Melifonwu inactive for Week 2.

From TheHuddle

Marshon Lattimore Sep 15 11:43am ET
Marshon Lattimore

The New Orleans Saints have declared WR A.T. Perry, CB Marshon Lattimore, LB D'Marco Jackson, TE Dallin Holker, QB Spencer Rattler, DL Khalen Saunders and LB Jaylan Ford inactive for Week 2.

From TheHuddle

Kenneth Walker III Sep 15 11:40am ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as doubtful entering the weekend, so this latest update does not come as a surprise. The star running back will watch from the sidelines as Zach Charbonnet operates as the Seahawks' No. 1 running back. Charbonnet has some high-end RB3/FLEX appeal against a Patriots defense that did allow a rushing touchdown despite playing a strong game against the Cincinnati Bengals last week.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 15 11:40am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle), who is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and was considered 50-50 to play in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, has been ruled out on Sunday as caution prevails. Downs suffered the high-ankle sprain in training camp in August and also was inactive for the season-opening loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. The good news, though, is that he was able to practice in full on Friday, so perhaps he'll be ready to make his season debut in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. With Downs out again, it makes both Alec Pierce, who went over 100 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, and rookie Adonai Mitchell a little more attractive as flex plays in deeper fantasy leagues at Lambeau Field. But when Downs does make his way back, he could eventually settle into the WR2 role in Indy behind Michael Pittman Jr.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 15 11:40am ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf, shin) is officially active for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Still, as the weekend progressed, Reed was trending toward playing. Indeed, he'll suit up on Sunday. Unfortunately for Reed and his fantasy managers, the Packers have ruled out quarterback Jordan Love (knee), which means Malik Willis will get the start at quarterback. It's unclear whether Willis is capable of supporting steady fantasy production from his playmakers, which means Reed drops to the WR3/FLEX tier in most leagues this week. He can still get involved in the rushing attack and break off big plays, but it's hard to envision him replicating his 138 receiving yards from the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 15 11:33am ET
Russell Wilson

There is a possibility that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields could remain as the team's starting quarterback even after QB Russell Wilson (calf) has fully recovered from his aggravated calf injury, according to multiple sources.

Fantasy Spin: Head coach Mike Tomlin could stick with the hot hand if the Steelers keep winning and if Fields continues to execute the team's game plan while limiting turnovers. For now, Fields should only be used as a starting lineup option in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle