Guest of the League
RTS Top Dogs Est. 2011
FFL: Offseason | NFL: Championship

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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Player Notes
Trevor Lawrence Jan 23 10:20pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to name Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach. The two sides are reportedly in active negotiations, and Coen should be in Jacksonville next season, barring anything unexpected. This was an odd turn of events, as Coen interviewed with the Jags recently but decided afterwards to return to Tampa as their offensive coordinator. The Bucs were prepared to make Coen the highest-paid coordinator in the league after his tremendous performance with the team this past season. Now, Coen appears ready to ditch the Bucs and join the Jags after their decision to fire general manager Trent Baalke earlier this week. The hope is that Coen can turn around quarterback Trevor Lawrence's career like he did with Baker Mayfield this past season in Tampa.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Jan 23 10:00pm ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. That is good news for the Bills after Dawkins sat out of practice to begin the week. It sounds like Dawkins is dealing with a minor illness, but that shouldn't stop him from playing this weekend. The fact that Dawkins was able to practice in full on Thursday means that he should be fine for Sunday. Barring any setbacks, Dawkins should be starting at left tackle and holding down the blindside for quarterback Josh Allen during the AFC Championship Game.

From RotoBaller

Frankie Luvu Jan 23 9:50pm ET
Frankie Luvu

Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It's worth noting that Luvu did suffer a shoulder injury during the regular season finale. However, he looked fine in each of the last two games and practiced in full during Wednesday's practice. Possibly, the Commanders were just taking the cautious approach and were limiting Luvu to keep him fresh for this weekend. His absence would be a significant hit for this defensive unit given how well Luvu has played this season. In 17 games, Luvu recorded 99 tackles, eight sacks, and seven passes defended. There should be better clarity on his shoulder injury following Friday's practice.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 23 9:20pm ET
Robert Saleh

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly expected to hire Robert Saleh as their new defensive coordinator. Saleh was fired as the head coach of the New York Jets after a slow start to the season. He was reportedly the favorite for the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching gig. However, Liam Coen now appears to be the favorite to land the Jags head coaching job. That being said Saleh is expected to return to a familiar place in San Francisco. Saleh was a defensive coordinator for a number of years in San Francisco before he took the job as the head coach of the Jets. This seems like a good decision given the fact that Saleh is a smart defensive mind.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Jan 23 7:20pm ET
Trevon Diggs

ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer reports that Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) had a chondral tissue graft surgery on Thursday on his left knee, and the recovery could keep him out until parts of training camp, if not longer, according to multiple sources. The delay in Diggs' surgery could cost him the start of the 2025 season, although we'll have a better idea of his timeline later this offseason. The 26-year-old defensive back landed on Injured Reserve on Dec. 21 due to his left-knee injury. The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft out of Alabama has only played in 13 games the last two seasons due to injuries after he made the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022. Diggs had 14 interceptions in 2021 and 2022 but has recorded only three picks since while dealing with injuries. Even if he's ready for Week 1 this fall, Dallas may choose to ease him back in early in the year.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Jan 23 6:50pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (knee, rest) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Johnson has been battling a knee issue but played in both playoff games and shouldn't have a problem suiting up for the NFC Championship this Sunday versus the division-rival Washington Commanders. The Eagles were likely just giving the 34-year-old veteran a little extra rest on Wednesday for the first practice of the week. Johnson and the rest of Philly's strong offensive line were a big reason running back Saquon Barkley led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season. Philly's ground game will be key in the clash against Washington as they look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl with a win this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Ben Sinnott Jan 23 6:40pm ET
Ben Sinnott

Washington Commanders tight ends John Bates (shoulder) and Ben Sinnott (shoulder) were both listed as limited participants in Thursday's practice after they were both full-go in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's possible that both are merely being rested ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, but there statuses will become more clear on Friday. Meanwhile, fellow TE Zach Ertz (rib, rest) returned to a full practice on Thursday after picking up a DNP on Wednesday. As long as Ertz is healthy and on the field, neither Bates nor Sinnott are worth considering in fantasy playoff leagues. Bates had only eight catches on 13 targets for 84 yards and no touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, while Sinnott had five grabs for 28 yards and one score in 17 games.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Jan 23 6:40pm ET
Dyami Brown

Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. The impressive rookie defensive back injured his shoulder in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams and was never able to return, but the fact that he practiced in full on Thursday gives him a pretty good chance to play in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders this Sunday in Philly. The 23-year-old first-rounder has been a big reason why the Eagles defense has been one of the best units in the NFL this year, and his presence on the field this Sunday would be bad news for Commanders receivers Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown. Mitchell recorded 46 tackles (37 solo) and 12 pass breakups in his first 16 regular-season games.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 23 6:30pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle) was a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. An earlier report suggested that Goedert would return to practice after missing Wednesday's session, but that turned out to not be the case. It now puts the 30-year-old's status for the NFC Championship this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders up in the air. However, if he's able to get back on the practice field on Friday, it would be a surprise if he's not active as the Eagles look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Goedert had four catches on six targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in the wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers and caught all four of his targets for 56 yards in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. If he's out or limited on Sunday, Grant Calcaterra would become a TE sleeper for DFS lineups.

From RotoBaller

Christian Benford Jan 23 6:30pm ET
Christian Benford

Buffalo Bills cornerbacks Christian Benford (concussion) and Taron Johnson (neck, shoulder) were both limited in the team's practice on Thursday. It was the second straight limited practice of the week for Benford, while Johnson was a downgrade after he put in a full practice on Wednesday. Benford is most likely going to need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to have a shot to clear the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson injured his neck in the wild-card win over the Denver Broncos but was able to suit up in the win over the Ravens, where he apparently picked up a shoulder ailment. The Bills could just be resting him on Thursday ahead of the AFC Championship on Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills could be strong DFS play against a Chiefs offense that hasn't been as explosive this season.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Jan 23 6:20pm ET
Baker Mayfield

One day after reportedly agreeing to a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that would have made him the league's highest-paid offensive coordinator, Liam Coen is meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday about their open head-coach position, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Just several days ago, Coen was considered the favorite to become Jacksonville's next head coach, but then the extension with Tampa was announced. The Jaguars then fired general manager Trent Baalke, and all of a sudden Coen is interest in the job again. It's a fluid situation and nothing is official, but it appears Coen could back out of his extension with Tampa to join Jacksonville now that Baalke is out of the picture. Coen joining the Jags would be good news for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and bad news for Baker Mayfield in Tampa.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Jan 23 6:20pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee, illness, rest) upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice session after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. In addition to a knee injury that he's been nursing since late in the regular season, Brown has been a bit under the weather this week, but a return to a full practice on Thursday means he should be just fine to play on Sunday in the NFC Championship game against the division-rival Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old pass-catcher continues to play nearly all of Philly's offensive snaps on game days, but he's caught only three passes for 24 yards in two playoff wins over the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams the last two weeks. Fantasy managers brave enough to take the chance on Brown in DFS lineups this weekend will be leaning on the fact he caught 13 passes (23 targets) for 162 yards and a TD in two games against the Commanders earlier this year.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 23 6:13pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Jan. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Goedert has missed the first two practices of the week, so fantasy players will need to monitor the situation to see if he will be able to play in the NFC Championship game. He will see a handful of targets if he plays and can be a starting option in some leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jalen Hurts Jan 23 6:10pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as limited in Wednesday's walkthrough. Hurts injured his left knee on Sunday in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Although he didn't miss a snap, he appeared to be severely limited in what he could do the rest of the game and looked to be limping around after the game. However, Hurts said he expected to be fine for the NFC Championship this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders, and his ability to practice in full on Thursday backs up that sentiment. As long as he does not have a setback with his knee on Friday, he should be available to play this weekend as the Eagles look to get back to the Super Bowl. Hurts' ability to score goal-line touchdowns on the tush push makes him more attractive for fantasy lineups, but his mobility could be limited against Washington.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Jan 23 5:03pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Mahomes will be facing the Buffalo Bills for the second time in the AFC Championship game and threw for 196 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the first matchup. He can still be a starting option in fantasy leagues even though he has seen a decrease in his numbers this season.

From TheHuddle

Patrick Mahomes Jan 23 5:03pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs OG Mike Caliendo (shoulder), QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle), OT Jawaan Taylor (knee) and CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 23.

From TheHuddle

Zach Ertz Jan 23 4:53pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders OG Samuel Cosmi (knee), QB Jeff Driskel (illness), DT Daron Payne (finger, knee) and LB Bobby Wagner (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Jan. 23. TE John Bates (shoulder), WR Jamison Crowder (non-injury), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee), DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste (shoulder), LB Frankie Luvu (shoulder), TE Ben Sinnott (shoulder) and WR Olamide Zaccheaus (hip) were limited during practice. C Tyler Biadasz (ankle), OT Brandon Coleman (shoulder), TE Zach Ertz (rib), LB Dominique Hampton (back) and RB Jeremy McNichols (hand) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Dorian Williams Jan 23 4:50pm ET
Dorian Williams

Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (biceps/hamstring) remained limited during Thursday's practice session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's final session, but seeing him remain a limited participant is a positive sign. Last weekend, during their victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the 30-year-old tallied three tackles (one solo). In their wild-card victory over the Denver Broncos, Milano logged five tackles with one sack. Milano missed the first 11 weeks of the season due to a torn biceps he suffered during training camp. However, since he returned, he has operated in his typical starting role in the Buffalo defense. If Milano were to miss Sunday's contest against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dorian Williams should see an increase in playing time.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Jan 23 4:43pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (rib) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz is on track to play against the Philadelphia Eagles and probably will see a few targets in the passing game. He can be a starting option in some fantasy leagues but likely will not be the best tight end available in leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jamison Crowder Jan 23 4:43pm ET
Jamison Crowder

Washington Commanders WR Jamison Crowder (non-injury) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Crowder caught both of his targets in the Divisional Round playoff game but finished with only 25 yards. He may see a few targets this week but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle