Guest of the League
The Big League 3 (est. 2011) Est. 2010
FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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 6

Player Notes
Zamir White Oct 13 3:20am ET
Zamir White

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is "considered a long-shot to play" in Sunday's game against the Steelers. The 25-year-old missed a few practices during the week, although he was on the field in a limited capacity on Friday. However, it appears he'll miss his second straight game, so his next chance to suit up will be for the Week 7 meeting with the Los Angeles Rams. Without White in the equation, Alexander Mattison should handle most of the carries out of the backfield, with Ameer Abdullah picking up some of the slack as his backup. But no matter who is atop the depth chart at the position, they are expected to have a challenging day against one of the most efficient run-stop units in the National Football League, something for fantasy managers to consider before setting their lineups.

From RotoBaller

Audric Estime Oct 13 12:30am ET
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (ankle) was activated from the IR heading into Sunday's divisional clash with the Chargers. The 21-year-old rookie made his only appearance of the 2024-25 campaign in Week 1 versus Seattle. Estime had only two carries for 14 yards in that one. He also injured his ankle, putting him on the shelf. With that in mind, Estime's fantasy potential is severely limited in Week 6, assuming he sheds his questionable designation, considering Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are the top options out of the backfield. However, the Broncos offense has struggled this season, so anyone on that side of the ball is hard to trust.

From RotoBaller

Chad Ryland Oct 13 12:20am ET
Chad Ryland

The Arizona Cardinals elevated kicker Chad Ryland from the practice squad heading into the Week 6 meeting with the Packers. With Matt Prater (knee) questionable, the team may look to Ryland to handle the kicking duties. He looked good in Week 5 against the 49ers, making three of his four field goal attempts, one of which secured the win for the Cardinals. However, with rain and wind in the forecast in Green Bay, fantasy managers in need of a kicker may want to look elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 13 12:10am ET
Davante Adams

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) "could wind up staying" with the team. Schefter didn't elaborate. However, it adds another dynamic to what has already been a volatile situation. The wideout will miss another game on Sunday due to a hamstring injury, with many still believing his days with the Raiders are over. But at this point, fantasy managers aren't as concerned with who he is playing for as long as he gets back on the field. As far as the Week 6 meeting with the Steelers is concerned, Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is doubtful, so it could be a rough day for Aidan O'Connell. Still, the door is open for Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, who both logged over 50 snaps in Week 5, to get more involved. Alex Bachman and Tyreik McAllister may also enter the equation, although Brock Bowers still has the best chance of being the top fantasy pass-catcher for Vegas in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 12 10:41pm ET
Jauan Jennings

Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings had just three catches for 27 yards in a win against Seattle Thursday night. Dynasty Analysis: Much like his teammate Brandon Aiyuk, Jennings has had one blow-up game (11/175/3) and four clunkers that have resulted in just 14 catches for 229 scoreless yards. Jennings is looking like a boom or bust player each week and dynasty managers are going to need to feel pretty desperate to trust him on a weekly basis at this point.

Kenneth Walker III Oct 12 10:41pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Dynasty | Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker had 32 rushing yards, eight catches and 37 receiving yards with one touchdown in a loss against the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: The yardage totals for Walker weren't good but eight catches and a touchdown made his night a good one, at least in PPR leagues. Even better, Walker continued to dominate backfield touches as he had 22 compared to the six from Zach Charbonnet. Walker is a prime trade target for a contending dynasty team as he's become one of the more consistent running backs in the game.

D.K. Metcalf Oct 12 10:39pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf had three catches for 48 yards in a loss against the 49ers on Thursday night. Dynasty Analysis: Metcalf had 11 targets, but he and Geno Smith are just not on the same page. After three straight 100-yard games, Metcalf now has just seven catches for 103 scoreless yards over his last two games. He did have a long touchdown called back because of a penalty, but things seem to be going sour for Seattle in a hurry as they've lost three straight and seem to be losing their way a bit. Metcalf will likely bounce back but this is notable in future weeks as lineup decisions are being made.

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 12 10:00pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) plans to play Sunday in the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. A few days ago, there was talk that Pittman could miss multiple weeks with a back injury and began the week with back-to-back non-participant designations at practice. His fortune changed on Friday when he was able to log a limited session, and he is reportedly traveling with the team to Nashville ahead of the divisional tilt, per Stephen Holder of The Athletic. It's excellent news for the Colts, who should also have second-year wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) and quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) active for the contest as well. Reports are that the 27-year-old will "play through" the nagging back injury, so it's possible he is operating at less than 100% and could have his snap count monitored. Tennessee's defense has been difficult for opposing offenses this season, so expectations should be tempered due to his health and the poor matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 12 9:50pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is expected to be active for the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Despite logging two DNPs this week and being listed as questionable, the second-year wideout will reportedly suit up, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Teammate Michael Pittman Jr. (back) traveled with the team and also plans to play in the contest against the Titans. Downs has been a PPR monster over the last two weeks, racking up 17 catches, 151 yards, and a touchdown on 21 targets. However, it's worth noting that most of this production came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center in stead of second-year QB Anthony Richardson (oblique). Richardson is also slated to be active for Sunday's outing, so the 23-year-old wideout could return to a lower-volume role. Still, he could see more work than usual with Pittman dinged up. Regardless, the Titans' defense has been one of the more staunch units against opposing offenses, so look for Indy's unit to have their hands full.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 12 9:40pm ET
David Montgomery

The Detroit Lions and running back David Montgomery have agreed to a two-year $18.25 million extension, locking the veteran RB up through the 2027 season, per Adam Schefter. Montgomery had two years remaining on the three-year $18 million deal he inked in 2023, but the team saw fit to extend an integral part of their offense. The new contract includes $10.5 million in new guaranteed money, and Detroit handcuffs him and backfield mate Jahmyr Gibbs for the foreseeable future. Since 2019, the former third-round pick's 43 rushing scores are good for ninth-most in the league. The 27-year-old has been one of the more consistent fantasy backs this season despite fluctuating yardage outputs, scoring a touchdown in each of his first four outings. He'll look to keep that streak going in Week 6 on the road against the Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 12 9:20pm ET
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is scheduled to make his 2024 debut next Sunday when his team hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in a home matchup, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. It will be his first regular-season action since Week 2 of last season when he was forced from the Browns' contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a gruesome, complex knee injury. It's unclear what capacity that will be in, and it is fair to wonder whether or not he'll be on a snap count, but it's a remarkable feat for the 28-year-old. For one more week, it will be running backs D'Onta Foreman and Jerome Ford shouldering the load in the backfield before the former second-round pick's return. When that comes to pass, Chubb will likely make this backfield a three-man rotation until he is healthy -- or effective -- enough to siphon touches away from his teammates. That duo will face an Eagles squad in Week 6 that's let up the eighth-fewest yards on the ground to opposing defenses (515) but the third-most yards per carry (5.0).

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Oct 12 9:00pm ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught four of his seven targets for 38 yards in the team's Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a decent target share, Mitchell saw a very low snap share, playing a total of just 19 in the game. With Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) trending to play, Mitchell will likely see a similar snap share again in Week 6. On top of that, Mitchell and the Colts will be up against the Titans' secondary, a unit that's allowed the lowest receiving yards/game as well as the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs. Mitchell is better left on the bench in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 12 8:30pm ET
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco had an outstanding Week 5 performance, completing 33 of his 44 passes for 359 yards in the team's loss. Flacco's starting status for Week 6 against the Titans is up in the air, with QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) tracking to play but still a game-time decision. If Flacco were to start, he would make for a deeper streaming option, with the Titans secondary allowing the fewest passing yards this season at a 124/game average. Fantasy managers in 2QB/Superflex leagues should stay up to date on the news on Sunday morning, should they need a last-minute replacement.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 12 8:10pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce popped in the team's Week 5 loss, grabbing all three of his targets for 134 yards and a touchdown. He'll now gear up for a Week 6 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the team allowing the fewest points to opposing WRs this season. While Pierce has led the team in yards with 386, he comes in fourth in total target share at 12.1%. On top of that, reports suggest that the Colts will be starting QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) in Week 6, which may lower the team's passing volume as opposed to if they were to start QB Joe Flacco. While there remains the possibility that Pierce can catch a few deep shots like he has in weeks past, it's a hard thing to bank on in such a tough matchup. Fantasy managers can view Pierce as a WR4/5 option in Week 6, with him currently slated as the WR46 in our staff's half-PPR rankings.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 12 7:53pm ET
David Montgomery

Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery's contract extension is for two years and $18.25 million, with $10.5 million in new guaranteed money, per source on Saturday, Oct. 12. The extension keeps Montgomery with Detroit through 2027.

From TheHuddle

David Montgomery Oct 12 7:33pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery agreed to a contract extension on Saturday, Oct. 12, that will keep him with the team through 2027, per source. The financial terms of the extension were not immediately disclosed.

From TheHuddle

Jamal Adams Oct 12 7:33pm ET
Jamal Adams

Tennessee Titans S Jamal Adams (hip) is 'frustrated' with his role after playing just one snap in Week 4, per source on Saturday, Oct. 12.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Goodson Oct 12 7:30pm ET
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson ran the ball five times for 26 yards in Week 5, also grabbing three targets for 31 yards through the air. Goodson was involved in the absence of Jonathan Taylor (ankle) but played a secondary role to RB Trey Sermon in last week's loss. With Taylor out again in Week 6, Goodson will remain involved in the backfield once again. He is in for a tougher matchup, facing a Titans defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. While Goodson may see an increase in volume after a nice showing last week, it's too much of a speculation to start him with confidence in most formats. He is currently the RB48 in this week's staff's half-PPR rankings.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 12 7:20pm ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon ran the ball ten times for 38 yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 5 loss. He also reeled in six catches for another 25 yards through the air. Sermon is slated to be Indy's lead back once again when they face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Although he has replaced Jonathan Taylor (ankle) in his absence, running back Tyler Goodson has also seen a sizable role, getting five carries in the team's Week 5 loss. Sermon will face a tougher defense in Tennessee, as they have allowed the 11th least fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Given the tougher matchup, and what could potentially be a split in opportunities with Goodson, Sermon doesn't make for a strong start in Week 6. Fantasy managers replacing Taylor can look his way, but he should otherwise be viewed as a RB3 option. He is currently the RB31 in our staff's half-PPR weekly rankings.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Oct 12 7:10pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) has been placed on the injured reserve ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The organization was hopeful that Reynolds would only miss one game after having a minor finger surgery. Clearly that wasn't the case as Reynolds will now sit out the next four weeks. The absence of Reynolds should mean more playing time for Lil' Jordan Humphrey, Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin. Between the trio, Humphrey has the biggest upside after a 48-yard performance last week.

From RotoBaller