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: Lineup Prep: Week 17
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 17
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Happy Holidays
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 16
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 16
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16
- Aaron Rodgers on his Jets future: ‘You should ask Woody’
- Cardinals lose OTs Paris Johnson Jr., Jonah Williams to knee injuries
- Falcons add Rashaan Evans to practice squad
- Dolphins LB Bradley Chubb won't return this season
- Ravens WR Zay Flowers (shoulder) questionable vs. Texans
- Titans return to QB Mason Rudolph after 3-INT performance
- Steelers WR George Pickens to return vs. Chiefs
- Packers WR Christian Watson avoids serious injury
- Bills welcome back LB Nicholas Morrow, put Baylon Spector on IR
- Giants QB Drew Lock to start Sunday vs. Colts
- Jets rookie OL Olu Fashanu (foot) out for season
- Chiefs DT Chris Jones, RT Jawaan Taylor questionable
- Bucs designate S Jordan Whitehead for return from IR
- Bears adding S Adrian Colbert to active roster
- Eagles' Jalen Hurts in concussion protocol; Kenny Pickett hurt, too
- Raiders’ Pierce after win hurts draft order: ‘We don’t do this to lose’
- Texans claim WR Diontae Johnson off waivers
- Raheem Morris 'pleased' with Michael Penix Jr. as Falcons control destiny
- Texans detail extent of WR Tank Dell's knee injury
- Giants QB Drew Lock to have MRI on injured shoulder
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 17 Defense Stream-O-Matic
- Fantasy Six Pack: Advanced NFL QB Stats & Analytics
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Goal Line Guide Week 17 | Philadelphia Eagles Saved by Saquon Barkley?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 17 | Michael Carter to the Rescue
- Fantasy Life: Chasing Records, Christmas Wishes, and More For Week 17
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Christmas Wish List: Saquon Barkley, Bucky Irving, and More
- Fantasy Life: Chiefs vs Steelers Predictions and Preview For Week 17 Christmas Day
- Fantasy Life: There Are Two NFL Games Tomorrow Start Fantasy Football Title Week
- Fantasy Life: Dynasty Fantasy Football Guide To Week 17: A TE Emerges In Houston
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Top Plays For Week 17: Championship Weekend is Here
The Paur Report
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (ankle) was able to get through a full practice session on Tuesday. Franklin popped up on the injury report to begin the week, but the fact he was a full participant on Tuesday suggests that he'll be fine for the Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Franklin hauled in two of his three targets for 25 yards during last week's loss. The rookie wideout hasn't finished with more than two receptions in a single game since Week 7. That being said, Franklin won't be an ideal streaming option for Saturday's game against the Bengals.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is good news after Hasty was forced to miss last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old as mainly been used as the third-down back while also operating as the primary kick returner. His status won't make a difference for fantasy purposes, but having Hasty out there would be a benefit to the Pats special teams unit ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. That is good news after Fant was limited during Monday's walkthrough. It sounds like Fant should be ready to go for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. Fant has been dealing with a lingering knee issue for weeks, but has suited up in each of the last four games. Over that span, Fant has 12 receptions for 109 yards, which means he'll be a low-end TE2 for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (elbow) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is good news after Charbonnet was listed as limited to begin the week. It appears Charbonnet is trending in the right direction ahead of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. The 23-year-old has seen more activity lately, but that could be because fellow back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) is still banged up. Walker missed Tuesday's practice after suffering an ankle injury during last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. If Walker sits, Charbonnet would be a strong RB2 for Thursday's game.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) was not able to suit up for Tuesday's practice session. This marks back-to-back missed practice sessions for Walker after he suffered an ankle injury during last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The fact Walker is still missing practice is not a good sign ahead of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. If Walker sits, Zach Charbonnet (elbow) would become the lead back and would be a solid RB2 for fantasy purposes. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Wednesday for another update on his status.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (knee) is dealing with a 'little' MCL injury but expects to play in Week 17, he told reporters on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Fantasy Spin: While Rodgers playing is good news for the Jets' offense, he isn't a suggested lineup option in Week 17.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks TE Brady Russell (foot) and RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle) did not take part in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Also, OT Abraham Lucas (knee, rest), LB Ernest Jones (knee, rest) and DE Leonard Williams (foot, rest) were limited and S K'Von Wallace (ankle), TE Noah Fant (knee), RB Zach Charbonnet (elbow), C Olu Oluwatimi (knee), LB Derick Hall (shoulder) and LB Uchenna Nwosu (wrist) practiced in full. The injury report was an estimation, as the Seahawks held a walkthrough.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 24. The injury report was an estimation, as the Cardinals only held a walkthrough.
Fantasy Spin: Conner exited the Week 16 game early due to a knee injury, but the fact that he was an estimated limited participant is a good sign he has a chance to play. Conner is a borderline RB1 play if he suits up.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens WR Anthony Miller was elevated from the practice squad for Week 17 on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals S Joey Blount (ribs), CB Elijah Jones (ankle) and P Michael Palardy (illness) did not take part in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Also, OL Kelvin Beachum (rest), RB Trey Benson (ankle), OL Evan Brown (neck), LB Baron Browning (neck), RB James Conner (knee), PK Matt Prater (knee), DL Darius Robinson (calf) and LB Mack Wilson (concussion) were limited. The injury report was an estimation, as the Cardinals only held a walkthrough.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Additionally, tight end Hayden Hurst (illness) did not practice on Tuesday. Dissly has missed two straight games with the injury so his return to practice at this point in the week is encouraging. Dissly is not very fantasy-relevant on his own, but he is an important offensive piece for the Chargers, especially quarterback Justin Herbert. Hurst was the No. 1 tight end for the Chargers in Week 16 in Dissly's absence. However, Hurst was returning from a hip injury that had sidelined him since Week 11. As such, he only received one target which resulted in one catch for eight yards. Hurst's absence with an illness is not concerning at this point in the week but it is worth monitoring as the week wears on. Neither player is on the fantasy radar this week, but both are important for the prospects of Herbert's fantasy play. Hopefully, both tight ends will be able to take the field together for the first time since Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Dobbins' running mate Gus Edwards (ankle) was also limited. Dobbins has been on injured reserve since Week 12 with his injury. He had been putting together a nice bounce back season with 766 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games. The Chargers need Dobbins for the last bit of their playoff push. Edwards has been the main rusher in Dobbins' absence. He has racked up 365 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. He is coming off his best game of the season in which he ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos in Week 16. The Chargers will face the New England Patriots in Week 16. The matchup is great for running backs. It seems likely that both players will be active. Given that Dobbins is coming off a long-term injury, it will be difficult to trust either player in fantasy this week. For now, fantasy managers should monitor the situation and see how practice reps evolve over the course of this week.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadricep) was limited in practice on Tuesday. McLaughlin missed Denver's Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Chargers with the injury. His return to practice this early in the week suggests that McLaughlin has a good chance of being available when the Broncos travel to Cincinnati this weekend. McLaughlin is part of a robust running back committee that includes Javonte Williams, Audric Estime, and Tyler Badie (back). McLaughlin has had a few solid games this season en route to 388 rushing yards and a touchdown. However, despite a great matchup in Week 17, McLaughlin is not much of a fantasy option. There simply is no way to know which Broncos running back will receive the majority of the workload on a week-to-week basis. Leave McLaughlin on the waiver wire for fantasy championship weekend.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots C Ben Brown (concussion), S Kyle Dugger, (ankle, quad) and CB Marcus Jones (hip) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 24. LB Curtis Jacobs (concussion), S Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), OL Cole Strange (knee), LB Jahlani Tavai (groin) and OT Caedan Wallace (ankle) were limited at practice. RB JaMycal Hasty, (ankle) was a full participant.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Prater was recently designated to return from injured reserve and has been practicing in his 21-day window for the past week. Prater has not played since Week 4, so it is no surprise that the Cardinals are easing the 40-year-old back into action. Prater is one of the better kickers in NFL history. Before his injury, he had not missed a kick this season. However, if he were to be activated ahead of Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams, he would be a risky play in fantasy. The Cardinals offense can be inconsistent at times, and Prater may need to shake off some rust. Even so, it is good to see Prater progressing from his injury.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers DL Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis), LB Denzel Perryman (groin), OL Trey Pipkins (hip), TE Hayden Hurst (illness) and P JK Scott (illness) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 24. CB Cam Hart (concussion), TE Will Dissly (shoulder), S Tony Jefferson (hamstring) and DB Elijah Molden (knee) were limited at practice.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) was limited at practice on Tuesday. Rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) was also limited. Conner picked up his injury in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. There has been much speculation as to whether or not Conner would be able to play in Week 17, especially since the Cardinals have been eliminated from playoff contention. Conner's participation in practice in any capacity on Tuesday is a very encouraging sign for his availability this weekend. Benson missed Week 16 with his ankle injury. His availability on Sunday would be a great sight for depth behind Conner or for Benson's standalone value. Conner has been on fire lately. He has rushed for 90 or more yards and scored a touchdown in three straight games. Fantasy managers have been riding Conner all the way to championship weekend as a result. Conner has rushed for his second 1,000-yard season in 2024. He has also caught 45 passes for 410 yards. If Conner is active this weekend, he should pick up where he left off in Week 16 when the Cardinals face the Los Angeles Rams.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) was limited to kick-off Week 17 preparation. Higgins often receives rest for various ailments throughout the season. However, he has not been listed with an ankle injury recently. That suggests that he picked up the ankle issue on Sunday, but the fact that he practiced in any capacity is encouraging. Higgins has put together a strong stretch of games recently. He has scored in four of his past five games and is receiving solid target volume. Higgins is having a solid season all-around with 727 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games. The seven touchdowns match Higgins' career high. The Bengals will face a tough defense when they host the Denver Broncos in Week 17. However, matchups do not seem to matter with the way quarterback Joe Burrow is currently playing. Additionally, Higgins' ankle injury is worth keeping an eye on as the week progresses, but it is relatively unconcerning for now.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears CB Elijah Hicks (ankle, foot), RB Travis Homer (hamstring), OG Teven Jenkins (calf), CB Tarvarius Moore (knee) and TE Marcedes Lewis (rest) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Dec. 24. DT Gervon Dexter (knee), LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (hip) and OG Doug Kramer (shoulder) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
