Guest of the League
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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!

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The Paur Report

Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Skylar Thompson Sep 13 10:30am ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson entered Thursday night's game near the end of the third quarter when Tua Tagovailoa left the game with a concussion. Thompson completed eight of his 14 passing attempts for 80 yards and one carry for four yards. While the team evaluates Tagovailoa further on Monday, head coach Mike McDaniel said that Thompson is the "next man up." The amount of time that Tagovailoa will have to miss is still to be determined, so we'll see how the offensive game plan might change accordingly. Thompson last appeared in seven games for the Dolphins in 2022 and he posted 534 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions on 60-for-105 throwing. The biggest fantasy value increase could be the ground game if Tagovailoa has to miss extended time.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Sep 13 10:10am ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey remains one of the top kicking options heading into a Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. The 29-year-old went 4-for-4 in field goals and 3-for-3 in extra points in Week 1, with his longest kick of the day clocking in at 57 yards. In a lot of formats, he put up 20+ fantasy points. Now, with a home matchup, and an offense that will still be able to move the ball into kicking range, Aubrey remains a must-start. In 2023, Aubrey made all 21 of his field goal attempts at home and knocked through 28 of his 29 extra points. Fantasy managers can be confident starting Aubrey each week as long as the Cowboys offense is moving the ball down the field.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Sep 13 9:50am ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks put together a solid Week 1 finishing in the top 24 receivers in the WR2 range. His touchdown was a big part of that finish, but he also saw a good bit of volume against what was expected to be a solid defensive unit in the Cleveland Browns. Now, the Cowboys get a home game against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints posted a big performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, and their secondary isn't one to scoff at. Cooks should still receive close to the same target share (21.8%), but going up against Tyrann Mathieu, Paulson Adebo, and Marshon Lattimore is going to prove to be more difficult. Currently, Cooks sits in the mid-flex area since CeeDee Lamb will be the one to deal with Lattimore the most.

From RotoBaller

Mike McDaniel Sep 13 9:20am ET
Mike McDaniel

The Buffalo Bills DST secured three interceptions and took one back for a touchdown in the team's 21-point victory over the Miami Dolphins. The pick-six came on a desperation throw away from Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter to put Buffalo ahead by three touchdowns. The unit also picked up two sacks. It was a surprising result against the high-powered Miami offense. The Dolphins' secondary kept Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle contained, prompting head coach Mike McDaniel to try and win the game on the ground. The Bills get a mini-bye week and will return to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 13 9:20am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was forced to leave the Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills after colliding with safety Damar Hamlin and suffering a concussion. The fifth-year signal-caller has had a history of concussions and has seen some scary moments over the past few seasons. According to Grant Gordon of NFL.com, Tagovailoa will undergo further testing and evaluation on Monday to understand the extent of head injury and to determine how long he may be out. Head coach Mike McDaniel said that Tagovailoa will be day-to-day for now until they get the full picture. Skylar Thompson filled in on Thursday and ended up throwing 8-for-14 with 80 yards, and barring any kind of transaction, Thompson will likely be the starter if Tagovailoa needs to miss any time.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 13 9:18am ET
Devon Achane

Dynasty | Dolphins running back De'Von Achane had 96 rushing yards, seven receptions, 69 receiving yards and a touchdown in Miami's blowout loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: Achane was questionable entering the night but clearly performed more than admirably, leading the Dolphins in virtually every major statistical category. Raheem Mostert could be back as soon as next week, so Achane could have his workload scaled back. However, we've seen enough over the past season (and more) to say Achane is a lineup lock moving forward. He should be a matchup-proof option moving forward and his dynasty value seems to actually be trending up, despite it already being high. The best part of all this is he seemed to exit this game healthy and now has a nice break before the Dolphins play again in week three.

Dalton Kincaid Sep 13 9:10am ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught four passes for 33 yards in the team's 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The final stat line isn't ideal, especially when Kincaid was quiet in Week 1. However, the Bills made a clear effort to involve Kincaid early. The 24-year-old caught Josh Allen's first two pass attempts of the game and again secured the first attempt on the first play of the second half. Because most of his receptions came in the flats, he ended with an underwhelming yardage total. The Bills won easily and only completed 13 passes. In a more competitive contest, Kincaid could have been a great start. He'll have another shot to put together a breakout game in Week 3 when the Bills host the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 13 9:10am ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught all five of his targets for 54 yards and added one rush for two yards on Thursday Night Football. Josh Allen, who completed just 13 passes on the night, targeted Shakir early. Five of Shakir's six touches came in the first half as Buffalo built their lead. Thanks to James Cook and a stifling defense, the Bills were up 21 points midway through the third quarter and didn't need to throw to maintain their dominant victory. The 24-year-old appears to be the safest Buffalo receiver to roster in fantasy football. He'll be a low-end WR3 when the Bills host the Jaguars on Monday Night Football in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 13 9:10am ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman did not secure his lone target on Thursday Night Football, resulting in a goose egg in the box score. It's a disappointing step back for the rookie, who led the team in receptions and yards in Week 1. It can't all be blamed on Coleman, however. Josh Allen only completed 13 passes in the blowout victory. The Bills looked toward Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid in the passing game early. After three touchdowns from James Cook gave Buffalo a big lead, they didn't need to open things up on offense. Coleman and the Bills will enjoy a mini-bye week and return to the field on Monday Night Football in Week 3 against Jacksonville.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 13 9:00am ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 13 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown in the team's 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. An unfortunate game script led to Allen's worst fantasy performance since his rookie season. Allen threw the first touchdown of the game to running back James Cook, who scored the next two on the ground. One Buffalo pick-six later, Allen found his team up big and didn't need to throw. He didn't add anything on the ground either (two carries for two yards). Allen will return with a QB1 status ahead of a Week 3 matchup against Jacksonville a week from Monday.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 13 9:00am ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook caught one touchdown and ran for two more in the team's dominant victory over Miami on Thursday Night Football. He totaled 95 yards and is now an early favorite to be the RB1 in Week 2. Cook started the scoring with a 17-yard reception on fourth down on the Bills' first drive. A few drives later, Cook punched it in from the one-yard line, a rare site in his young career. Finally, he sprinted away from defenders on a 49-yard touchdown run up the middle. Cook has now matched his rushing touchdown total from last season. His night could have been bigger but the Bills remained up three touchdowns throughout the entire fourth quarter and let rookie Ray Davis burn the clock. Cook will be in the RB1 range when the Bills take the field against Jacksonville a week from Monday.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Sep 13 8:30am ET
Luke McCaffrey

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey led all Commander wideouts in receiving yards in the season opener and will look to continue to stake his claim on the open No.2 spot against the Giants. The Rice product logged the second most snaps at the position, only behind Terry McLaurin, and caught all three of his targets for 18 yards. While 18 yards is not an impressive feat and will rarely be the most out of the wide receiving corps, seeing the 23-year-old look comfortable in an every-down role in his regular-season debut was promising. McCaffrey is worth taking a flier on as a stash option in deeper leagues but should not be relied on in any starting lineups this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Sep 13 8:30am ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught three of his four targets for 28 yards in their Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the modest output, Ertz saw 24.0% of the team's air yards and 16.7% of the team's targets. In addition, the veteran logged 39 total snaps, just under 70% of the team's total snaps. As rookie QB Jayden Daniels continues to develop at the professional level, the 33-year-old should continue to establish a connection with him and serve as a safety valve in the middle of the field. For now, Ertz should just be deployed in DFS settings as a cheap value play, as he has not yet proven that he should be relied upon in a redraft setting.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Sep 13 8:30am ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert will make his 2024 regular season debut as the Commanders recently cut ties with Week 1 starter Cam York. York missed two field goal attempts in the season opener and will hit the free-agent market. Seibert has played on several teams throughout his four-year NFL career and holds an 80.4% field goal mark. From 50+ yards, he has gone just 2-for-6. Seibert should not be relied on as a streamer, given his inconsistencies over the past few seasons. However, if the 27-year-old could establish himself in D.C., he could eventually grow into a deeper league streaming option.

From RotoBaller

Emmanuel Forbes Sep 13 8:30am ET
Emmanuel Forbes

The Washington Commanders defense stumbled in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they have a great opportunity to turn things around in Week 2 as they face the New York Giants. Baker Mayfield looked unfazed last week against the Commanders as he went 24-for-30 with 289 yards and four touchdown passes. All three Tampa Bay wideouts found the end zone, with Chris Godwin leading the way with 83 yards. The Commanders will enter this game slightly short-handed in the secondary as they will be without cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who underwent thumb surgery on Thursday. However, morale around the Washington defense could change quickly as they will face Daniel Jones, who went 22-for-42 with 186 yards, two interceptions, and no scores last week. While Jones usually terrorizes the Commanders with a stellar 5-1-1 record against them, given how poorly he played in the opener, the Commanders will be a popular streaming option this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 13 8:20am ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels relied on his legs in his regular season debut as he ran for 88 yards and two scores on 16 carries. Through the air, he went 17-for-24 for 184 yards. The Commanders could not find much consistency in their passing attack, which forced the reigning Heisman winner to utilize his legs much more than his coaching staff would like. However, fantasy managers hope that the LSU product does not shy away from taking off, as his running ability placed him as the No.3 QB in total points last week. This weekend, he will face the New York Giants, which allowed over 200 passing yards to Sam Darnold. While Daniels will still need time to develop as a passer, fantasy managers should feel confident starting him this weekend in any league size.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Sep 13 8:20am ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. looks to continue to stake his claim as the lead runner in the Washington offense and should be locked into all lineups as an RB2 this weekend. Robinson saw 12 carries in the season opener compared to two from backfield mate Austin Ekeler. Robinson caught three passes on four targets through the air, while Ekeler caught four. Robinson tallied 89 total yards and a score against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was just a few inches away from punching in a second score but was tackled at the one-yard line, which set up a Jayden Daniels QB run. It was a promising sign to see the Alabama product begin to emerge as not just the "1A" of the backfield but the clear leader. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Robinson in a game where he should see plenty of red zone opportunities against a weak Giants team.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Sep 13 8:20am ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler led the team in receiving yards (52) in the season opener but had a limited role in the offense. In his Washington debut, Ekeler was exclusively deployed as a pass-catching running back as he saw just two rushing attempts, compared to Brian Robinson Jr.'s 12 attempts. However, through the air, Ekeler made the most of his limited touches as he caught all four of his targets. In addition, he ran 19 total routes and posted an average of 2.74 yards per route run, which was one of the best marks of the weekend. While the 29-year-old will typically serve as the No.2 option in a committee, his production on such limited touches is still worth noting as he still possesses some quality upside. For now, Ekeler remains a solid flex play in deeper PPR leagues but holds much less value in standard formats.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Sep 13 8:20am ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a disappointing season debut, as he caught just two passes for 17 yards (on four targets). He could not find a connection with his rookie QB as the Commanders' passing attack could not get untracked. In fact, Daniels overthrew the Ohio State product on a potential 70-yard score on the opening play of the second half. Despite the frustrating debut, fantasy managers should continue to start McLaurin in all formats. Even playing with sub-par QBs throughout his career, McLaurin has posted four straight 1,000-yard campaigns and only caught less than 70 passes in one season (his rookie campaign). This week, McLaurin will face a Giant defense that could not contain Sam Darnold in Week 1. The 28-year-old is a solid WR2 in all formats on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Sep 13 2:53am ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith recorded six catches for 53 yards versus the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. His seven targets were tied for most on the team.

Fantasy Spin: The tight end has often been a forgotten position in Miami, but it was busy Thursday night. Beyond Smith's seven targets, backup Julian Hill had two passes deflect off his hands in the end zone. While we're still not at a place where Smith should be rostered in most formats, if the Dolphins are forced to turn to Skylar Thompson for a while you might see Smith's numbers tick up.

From TheHuddle