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: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pick Em Picks: Week 6
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 6
- Jaguars S Andre Cisco criticizes defensive effort vs. Bears
- Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson suffers serious leg injury
- Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II (concussion) exits vs. Chargers
- CB Darius Slay among three Eagles starters out with injuries
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. out with concussion
- Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out vs. Bucs
- Colts' Joe Flacco to start vs. Titans
- Ravens vs. Commanders: Betting Trends, Prop Picks, Prediction
- Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers downgraded to doubtful
- Chargers put CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB Gus Edwards on IR
- Lions sign RB David Montgomery to extension through 2027
- Jets rule out CB Michael Carter II, LB C.J. Mosley could return
- Roger Goodell talks kickoff rules, Super Bowl outside U.S.
- Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) out vs. Ravens
- Steelers RB Jaylen Warren in vs. Raiders; DE DeMarvin Leal on IR
- Jaguars owner on Doug Pederson, GM: 'I still believe in them'
- Bills coach: RB James Cook (toe) to be questionable vs. Jets
- Giants to sign P Matt Haack as injury sub
- 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall returning to practice after shooting
- NFL, NFLPA back Josh Allen's concussion check
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Early Rookie Check-Up | Jayden Daniels and Brock Bowers Excelling
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 6 | Shake Rattler and Roll
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 6 Preview
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Sunday Night Football: Giants vs. Bengals
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Best Bet: Are You on Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos?
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Anthony Richardson Sits
- Fantasy Life: Injuries Force More Week 6 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Sunday Blitz 2.0: Notes For The Week 6 4 PM Slate
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 NFL DFS Plays: Top Stack, Values, and More
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is a healthy scratch for Sunday night's game against the Giants. The rookie looked good during the preseason. However, he has just one catch through the first five weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Instead, Trenton Irwin will suit up, although he likely won't get much action with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas in the mix.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may not have lit up the fantasy scoreboard like he did the past few weeks, but he moved the offense enough for a 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. The two-time MVP finished the game with 323 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 20-for-26 throwing while adding 40 yards on the ground with 11 carries. This game marks his second 300-passing-yard game in a row and his fourth in a row with a passer rating of 114 or higher. Jackson and the Ravens will get an extra day of rest as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 31 attempts for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 41-21 victory on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year tossed first-quarter touchdowns to wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon, the first receiving scores of the season for both players, and found wide receiver Stefon Diggs for another touchdown in the third quarter. It was another efficient outing for Stroud, who has spurred a talented offense to a 5-1 start. The second-year quarterback will look to keep the momentum going in Week 7 at Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin is active for Sunday's meeting with the Giants. The 26-year-old has played in just two games this season but has been a healthy scratch in other contests. Instead, Jermaine Burton will take a seat in Week 6. However, with Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Andrei Iosivas on the field, along with Zack Moss (ankle) and Chase Brown (quadriceps) cleared for action, Irwin isn't expected to get much playing time. The same would have been true for Burton.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (quadriceps) is officially active for Sunday Night Football versus the Giants. He's been on a roll of late, amassing three touchdowns in the last two contests. But there was some concern regarding his availability once he appeared on the injury report and was listed as questionable. Fortunately, he's good to go. While Zack Moss (ankle) will also be in the equation, both players have been involved to remain relevant for fantasy managers, making them flex options (at the very least) in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin finished with game highs of 11 receptions, 125 yards and 13 targets in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, and he had touchdowns of four and 55 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin has five or more receptions in all six games this season, he has scored five times, and he has managed two 100-yard games. He has posted low-end WR1 fantasy numbers in most formats. He'll look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Zack Moss (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The 26-year-old injured his ankle in the Week 5 overtime loss to the Ravens. As a result, he missed practice time during the week. Fortunately, Moss is good to go, and even with Chase Brown (quadriceps) also active, both men are at least flex options in any fantasy format.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) stated he is "going to be good" after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Colts. However, he acknowledged the severity of the injury, indicating that it prevented him from returning even if he wanted to. Spears finished the day by totaling 27 yards off six carries, although Tony Pollard had one of his best games of the season by going for 93 yards and a touchdown off 17 touches. Spears will likely undergo further testing. He may also miss practice time heading into the Week 7 matchup with the Bills. If he can't go for that one, Pollard will likely see more opportunities out of the backfield, with Julius Chestnut picking up the scraps.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield completed 24-of-36 passes for 325 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, while adding 29 rushing yards on three attempts.
Fantasy Spin: It was Mayfield's second straight game with three or more touchdown throws, and he has totaled three scores in three consecutive outings. He also has a pair of 300-yard showings in the past three contests. Don't look now, but Mayfield can be trusted as a low-end TE1 in most fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams. The Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night in Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz caught four passes for 27 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Schultz has been targeted at five times in each of the last four games but has been held to under 35 yards in each of those games. He should see a handful of targets next week but can be benched in fantasy leagues if players have better options available.
From TheHuddle
The Cincinnati Bengals have declared DL Lawrence Guy, TE Tanner McLachlan, OT Andrew Stueber, DT Jay Tufele, WR Jermaine Burton and DE Cedric Johnson inactive for Week 6.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (knee) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. The veteran injured his knee early in the second half and immediately went to the locker room after a brief stop in the medical tent. Slay, one of the team's top defenders, was replaced in the contest by Isaiah Rodgers, who had played just nine defensive snaps this season. The team will likely get an update soon on his condition. But his potential absence isn't ideal for a Philadelphia team that has struggled at times this season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd ended up with three receptions for 19 yards on three targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd is the third receiver on a team with a bad quarterback, and that's never good for fantasy appeal. He should be treated as a more of a WR5 in most fantasy leagues until further notice.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley was targeted a team-high eight times in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, but he was held without a reception.
Fantasy Spin: Yuck. QB Will Levis tried to get the ball to Ridley early and often, but they were unable to get on the same page at any point. Levis has been pretty bad from a fantasy perspective, and he is killing the appeal of his received like Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd in the process. Unless a change is made under center, Ridley's fantasy ceiling seems rather limited.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans WR Stefon Diggs caught six passes for 77 yards and one touchdown against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted seven times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Diggs has been playing very well over the last month and has posted at least 69 yards in each of the last four games. He should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) was carted off the field in Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old entered Week 6 with 6.5 sacks, the most in the National Football League. He recorded another on Sunday. Unfortunately, his latest sack may cost him some time, especially since he immediately grabbed his leg afterward and was placed in an aircast before leaving the field. This isn't a good situation for the Lions, so IDP managers will anxiously await an update, which will likely come soon.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon rushed for 102 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He also caught two passes for 30 yards and one touchdown during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon returned to the lineup this week after missing multiple games because of injury. He was productive in both the running and passing games against the Patriots and should be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins went for 54 receiving yards on four catches on six targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins did pretty well considering his quarterback threw for less than 100 yards. You can imagine what the stats for the other receivers look like. Hopkins still has plenty left in the tank, but the clock is ticking, and he is wasting away in Nashville with a less-than-stellar QB. He remains more of a WR3 in most fantasy leagues heading into Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The veteran suffered a groin injury and will finish the week without a catch. Considering he hasn't done anything relevant this season, his departure likely won't cause panic for most fantasy managers. But his absence could at least allow Will Dissly to see a few more targets during the game.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Agholor caught one pass for 25 yards against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. He was targeted three times during the game.
From TheHuddle
