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!
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- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11
- Bears working out free agent S Terrell Edmunds
- Browns place OT Dawand Jones on IR, sign Geron Christian
- 49ers consider QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) day-to-day
- Netflix exec: 'Very ready' for XMas NFL games despite Paul-Tyson issues
- Lions are Super Bowl favorites for first time ever
- Ravens back PK Justin Tucker after missed FGs in two-point loss
- Titans LB Jack Gibbens out for season after ankle surgery
- Falcons have bye week to heal, reset from blowout loss at Denver
- Cowboys put QB Dak Prescott on IR, elevate DB Josh Butler
- Matt Eberflus, Bears cry foul to NFL on game-deciding FG block
- Bengals CB DJ Turner II has fractured clavicle
- Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks to debut vs. Chiefs
- Bucs designate CB Jamel Dean to return from IR
- Jags WR Gabe Davis suffered meniscus tear
- Panthers signing CB Caleb Farley to active roster
- Week 11 MNF: Cowboys-Texans Preview, Props & Prediction
- Giants to bench QB Daniel Jones, start Tommy DeVito
- NFL roundup: Bills send once-perfect Chiefs to loss column
- Lions LB Alex Anzalone (forearm) lost for 6 to 8 weeks
- 49ers star DE Nick Bosa aggravates hip, injures other hip
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 12 Defense Stream-O-Matic
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- Fantasy Life: Xavier Worthy, Nico Collins Fantasy Outlook: Week 11 Sheesh Report
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Takeaways: Week 12 Utilization Report
- Fantasy Life: MNF Best Bets Week 11: Cowboys-Texans, Nico Collins Return
The Paur Report
Newly acquired Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo failed to catch a pass from four targets in a 34-10 loss to Houston on Monday. Dallas gave up a fourth-round pick in a trade with Carolina at the trade deadline, but couldn't get the second-year receiver involved at all against Houston. With quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) out for the season and the Dallas running game unable to muster much of anything, it's difficult to see the situation improving at all. At this stage, Mingo doesn't need to occupy a fantasy roster spot, even in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott caught all three of his targets for 16 yards and carried once for eight yards in a 34-10 loss to Houston on Monday. It was ugly all around as the Cowboys rushed for just 64 total yards and spent most of the night playing catch-up behind backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Running back Rico Dowdle had 10 carries for 28 yards, leading the team in both categories. Elliott's best days are behind him as is, but the entire Dallas backfield simply can't be trusted as the team prepares for Washington in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III hauled in all three of his targets for 33 yards in the Texans' 34-10 victory at Dallas on Monday night. The third-year receiver was coming off a career game last week against Detroit, and remained involved despite the Texans seeing the return of top receiver Nico Collins. The Alabama product has now played more than 60% of Houston's snaps three weeks in a row and appears to have hold of their third receiver spot now that Stefon Diggs (knee) is out for the season. Metchie won't get much volume, though, so he'll mostly be a desperation streaming option as Houston takes on Tennessee in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert caught just two of his five targets for 21 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. The 25-year-old posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in four of his first eight games this year, initially giving him some low-end WR3/FLEX appeal. However, ever since Cooper Rush has taken over for Dak Prescott (hamstring), Tolbert has fallen off the fantasy radar. He continues to play north of 90 percent of the Cowboys' offensive snaps but has just five catches for 35 yards over his last two games combined. Tolbert can be benched in fantasy leagues with 14 teams or fewer.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker caught six of his 10 targets for 56 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. While Schoonmaker typically operates as the Cowboys' No. 2 tight end, he was bumped up to the first-team offense early in Monday's game after Jake Ferguson (concussion) was ruled out. The 26-year-old has shown off his ability to step up on offense before, catching six passes for 43 yards when Ferguson was sidelined back in Week 2. If Ferguson's concussion forces him to miss Week 12 against the Washington Commanders, Schoonmaker would temporarily become a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin caught each of his three targets for a total of 86 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. The bulk of his production came on a 64-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. This was Turpin's best game of the year, bringing his season totals to 20 catches, 267 yards, and two touchdowns. The 28-year-old is a talented big-play threat but doesn't have the volume needed to justify rostering him in leagues with 14 teams or fewer.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb turned 12 targets into eight catches for 93 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. He also tallied a 13-yard rush. Even with the Cowboys' offense faltering under Cooper Rush, Lamb was able to be productive, turning in 18-plus fantasy points (PPR) for the fourth time this season. This was his highest fantasy point total this season in a game where he failed to find the end zone. The Cowboys' No. 1 receiver should continue to see heavy volume moving forward, which will allow him to remain in the low-end WR1 tier for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. He also caught two of his five targets for an additional six receiving yards. Even as quarterback Cooper Rush racked up production in garbage time, the Cowboys' starting running back was not able to get very involved. Between his subpar volume and reduced efficiency, Dowdle will drop to the low-end RB3 tier next week against Washington.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush completed 32 of his 55 pass attempts for 354 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. He also fumbled twice, but both were recovered by the Cowboys. All in all, Rush put together a solid fantasy showing by racking up yardage during garbage time. This was enough to reward fantasy managers who may have opted to stream him in Week 11. Moving forward, Rush will drop back down to the QB3 tier. He faces the Washington Commanders next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell finished his team's 34-10 victory at Dallas with four catches for 54 yards on seven targets. Interestingly, it was exactly the same stat line as No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, who returned to the lineup following a prolonged absence. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed passes to eight different receivers, but running back Joe Mixon accounted for all three of Houston's offensive touchdowns. Dell and the Texans will look for a breakout day against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 23 of 34 passing attempts for 257 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in a 34-10 victory at Dallas on Monday. The second-year quarterback saw the return of top wide receiver Nico Collins, but running back Joe Mixon did most of the offensive damage by scoring three touchdowns. Stroud completed passes to eight receivers in the game, but has now thrown just two touchdown passes in his past five games. The Houston signal-caller will look for a better performance in a solid matchup in Week 12 when the Texans take on the floundering Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans saw top wide receiver Nico Collins haul in four passes for 54 yards on seven targets during a 34-10 victory at Dallas. The star wideout's return to the field after a hamstring ailment landed him on injured reserve was a bit underwhelming, as he finished with exactly the same stat line as fellow wide receiver Tank Dell. However, it was running back Joe Mixon who stole the show, scoring all three of the Texans' offensive touchdowns in the convincing win. Collins and the Texans' passing game will have a great chance to break out against a reeling Tennessee team in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz set a season-high with five catches for 33 yards in the Texans' 34-10 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. The big tight end drew seven targets, which tied for the team lead, but did most of his work within short yardage. The former Cowboy still has not scored this season, but Houston has only two passing touchdowns in its past five games as a team, so receiving touchdowns have been few and far between. Schultz and the Texans will look for better against the struggling Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
For the fifth consecutive week, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon surpassed 100 rushing yards and found the end zone on Monday at Dallas, finishing with 153 total yards and three scores in the 34-10 win. The veteran running back kept up his hot streak with 109 yards on 20 carries, to which he added two catches for 44 yards. Mixon broke a 45-yard touchdown run on Houston's first drive, scored from a yard away later in the first quarter, and capped off the win with another one-yard touchdown. Five straight games of 100-plus rushing yards and a touchdown ties a Super-Bowl-era record. Houston's RB1 will look to keep the momentum going in Week 12 against Tennessee.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans D/ST compiled five sacks, forced two turnovers, and clinched a 34-10 victory Monday at Dallas with a wild defensive play in which they ended up in the end zone. Houston defensive end Derek Barnett stripped Dallas quarterback Cooper Rush, Cowboys guard Tyler Guyton recovered, and Houston safety Jalen Pitre blasted Guyton, jarring the ball free again. Barnett then scooped and scored from 28 yards to go up 27-10, sealing Houston's win. It was another great performance from the Texans, who will face another struggling offense in Week 12 when they take on the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chiefs are signing wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Dynasty Analysis: It used to be a little more exciting when any free agent signed with Kansas City, but the team's offense has changed dramatically, making it much different now. Thornton will try to stick with the club as a depth piece and clearly has the talent to do so. However, Thornton failed to live up to his second round draft stock in New England and his dynasty value is near zero. He could be worth a speculative add, but you'd need some clear roster space to take the plunge on him.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) could have his 21-day practice window opened this week. Greenlaw has been on the injured reserve all season after suffering a torn Achilles during the Super Bowl. It sounds like Greenlaw is close to making it back on the field. The expectation is that Greenlaw will need to practice for a few weeks before getting back into game action. This defensive unit could certainly use Greenlaw's help, but the team isn't going to rush him back to the field. Greenlaw getting back to practice this week would be a huge step forward in his recovery process.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) has been placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. This is another big hit to the Lions defense. Anzalone suffered a broken forearm during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The organization said Anzalone is set to miss 6-8 weeks while he recovers from this injury. There's a chance he's ready by the end of the season or in time for the playoffs. Anzalone has 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one sack through nine games this season. Jack Campbell figures to start in his place going forward. This Lions defense can't take too many more hits with a handful of defenders already on the injured reserve.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's game against the Houston Texans. Yikes, the injuries continue to pile up on the Cowboys as Ferguson was forced to exit early in the first quarter with a head injury. He has now been ruled out for the rest of the contest and placed into the league's concussion protocol. Ferguson caught his lone target for 11 yards before exiting the contest. Luke Schoonmaker will take over as the primary tight end for the rest of this game. He has eight receptions for 56 yards coming into Monday's contest. He might have some streaming appeal next week if Ferguson is unable to play next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers WR Jacob Cowing (concussion) is going through the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
From TheHuddle
