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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5

Player Notes
Charlie Kolar Oct 6 7:10pm ET
Charlie Kolar

Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar scored the second touchdown of his career in the overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The third-stringer registered three receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown on four targets. He was the second-most targeted tight end in this game with Mark Andrews getting five and Isaiah Likely getting three. Kolar normally serves as a blocking tight end in big packages, but he had a big part in the passing game in this one. He even had the longest play for the Ravens on a 55-yard catch-and-run. Fantasy managers with stock in any of the Ravens' tight ends will continue to see frustrating usage if Kolar gets thrown into the passing game more often.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 6 7:10pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is inactive for Sunday's meeting with the Cowboys. However, he will be available in case of an emergency. The signal-caller has made progress in his return from a calf injury. But for another week (at least), Justin Fields will remain under center. The 25-year-old got off to a slow start this season. Yet, he's coming off a stellar showing, throwing for 312 yards and accounting for three scores (one passing, two rushing) in the Week 4 loss to the Colts, making him worthy of a spot in most fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Adam Butler Oct 6 7:00pm ET
Adam Butler

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Broncos. Vegas was fortunate to get Maxx Crosby (ankle) back for this one. However, the team lost Wilkins for the second half. The 28-year-old had a fantastic showing in his limited time on the field, ending the day with five tackles and a sack. If he can't get on the field for the Week 6 meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Vegas could turn to Adam Butler to fill the void.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Oct 6 6:50pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely was one of three tight ends to receive targets from Lamar Jackson during their 41-38 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Likely kept finding himself in the right place at the right time during Lamar Jackson scrambles. He finished the game with three receptions on three targets for 13 yards and two scores. His biggest score of the day was on the receiving end of a fantastic play by Jackson when he recovered a bobbled snap, stiff-armed a lineman, and found Likely in the back of the end zone to make it a three-point game near the end of the fourth. Moving forward, now that Charlie Kolar has been more in the mix, Likely's usage could fluctuate even more.

From RotoBaller

Malik Mustapha Oct 6 6:50pm ET
Malik Mustapha

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals. Hufanga has battled several injuries, with the 24-year-old missing three games already this season, in addition to logging just 10 contests in 2023-24. Malik Mustapha entered the contest and took over at the position. With that said, Hufanga will likely undergo further testing, so there is a chance the Niners won't have him on Thursday night versus the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Oct 6 6:40pm ET
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II exited Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The signal-caller had a rough day, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown off 12-for-17 passing. He also threw two interceptions, one that resulted in a 100-yard return by Patrick Surtain II for a score. Aidan O'Connell took over under center. However, it's tough to say if O'Connell will remain the team's starter for the Week 6 meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Regardless, neither quarterback has been reliable for managers, so they likely won't be featured in many fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 6 6:30pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers bounced back in a big way against the Cincinnati Bengals in a thrilling 41-38 overtime victory. The speedy wideout hauled in seven of his 12 targets for 111 yards and he received one carry for nine yards. Flowers seemed to be open almost every time Lamar Jackson looked for him whether it was a short, medium, or deeper route. The Ravens were trailing in this one until the very end of the game, forcing Jackson and company to throw the ball a lot more than in the previous two games. Flowers was the beneficiary yards-wise, but he's still searching for his second touchdown of the season. He'll try to find the end zone in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 6 6:30pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell has entered Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. Gardner Minshew II didn't have the best showing, throwing for 137 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, so the move was likely related to his performance. This isn't the first time this has happened this season, meaning it's possible Minshew's days as the starter are over, at least for now. However, O'Connell wasn't the most consistent fantasy signal-caller in 2023, making him hard to trust in any format moving ahead.

From RotoBaller

Grant Delpit Oct 6 6:20pm ET
Grant Delpit

Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (head) exited Sunday's loss to the Washington Commanders. He suffered a head injury and underwent an evaluation, so his status for the Week 6 meeting with the Eagles is up in the air. The 26-year-old entered Week 5 with 25 total tackles and one fumble recovery. With the Browns banged up on the defensive side of the ball, his absence isn't ideal for a team with only one win on the year.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 6 6:10pm ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (ankle) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran made both field goals before suffering a right ankle injury while trying to make a tackle. With that said, there should be an update on his condition soon. However, with the Niners meeting the Seahawks on Thursday night, the short turnaround may not allow Moody enough time to get healthy enough to play. The team may look to the open market to find a replacement. But for the remainder of Week 5, punter Mitch Wishnowsky will serve as the emergency kicker.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 6 6:00pm ET
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper caught four of his 10 targets for 60 yards in a 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Cooper turned in a solid afternoon, although it comes as a bit of a disappointment as he failed to capitalize on an excellent matchup against a leaky Washington secondary. That being said, the veteran at least bounced back after going for just 35 receiving yards in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cooper has struggled with drops this season, which, coupled with a struggling Cleveland offense, has made him a risky weekly play in fantasy leagues. He will likely settle in as a low-end WR3 in Week 6's road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 6 6:00pm ET
Romeo Doubs

According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Packers hope to "salvage" their relationship with wide receiver Romeo Doubs. The wideout skipped a few practices throughout the week and was suspended for the Week 5 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. However, the Packers plan to meet with Doubs in the coming days, hoping to resolve the issue between both sides. With that in mind, the Packers are expected to lean heavily on Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks versus Los Angeles, and that could be the case moving ahead if Doubs doesn't return and Christian Watson (ankle) remains on the shelf.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Oct 6 5:50pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry salvaged his fantasy outing against the Cincinnati Bengals with a clutch 51-yard run in overtime which set up their game-winning field goal. The King posted 92 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries while adding one reception for four yards. For most of this game, he couldn't find much running room as he averaged around three yards per carry at one point. The 51-yard run in overtime put him back into the RB1 conversation while allowing the Ravens to grab their third win of the season. He'll look to continue his scoring streak against the Washington Commanders in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Oct 6 5:40pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) didn't return to Sunday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. He's been one of the NFL's top wideouts this season. Unfortunately, there's concern about his health moving ahead after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5. According to KPRC's Aaron Wilson, the Texans are "optimistic" that the injury is "short-term," so it appears fantasy managers could see him back for the Week 6 matchup with the New England Patriots. Collins will likely undergo more tests in the next day or two and may also miss some practices. If he's ruled out, it will likely mean more targets for Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 6 5:40pm ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran has played well in Week 5, making both field goal tries. However, he suffered a right ankle injury while attempting a tackle. Moody left the field on his own, which is encouraging. But there's a chance he won't be back for the rest of the contest. If that's the case, the Niners will turn to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, the team's emergency kicker.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Oct 6 5:40pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught 5-of-8 targets for 62 yards in the team's 15-10 victory over the New England Patriots. He lost one yard on his sole carry. Quarterback Tyler Huntley looked improved in his second start, leading Miami to their second win on the season. Despite the mediocre stat total, Smith played an integral role in the offense in this one -- seeing four of his receptions culminate in a first down. The 29-year-old received most of his work in the short area of the passing chart but was missed at least once on a deep shot by Huntley. Smith's totals were all good for second on the team Sunday, and fantasy managers who rolled with him have to be happy about his output. In Week 6, Miami will get their bye week, giving Huntley a bit more time to improve his rapport with the Dolphins' skill players. The former third-round pick will be tough to trust as a viable fantasy option coming out of the bye. However, the tight end's recent production and an enticing matchup against the Indianapolis Colts firmly put him on the streaming map for a position that has been volatile, to say the least.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Oct 6 5:30pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill hauled in 6-of-9 targets for 69 yards in Sunday's 15-10 win over their division-rival New England Patriots. It was a decent bounce-back effort for the 30-year-old, who posted his first double-digit fantasy outing since Week 1. It wasn't a world-beating performance, but fantasy managers who stuck with him must be encouraged at least a little. Quarterback Tyler Huntley appeared to be much more competent in his second start, and Hill's targets, receptions, and yards all led the team. His big play of the day was a 21-yard catch on 1st-and-18 with Miami pinned back deep in their own territory after a holding call. That drive would eventually culminate in the Dolphins' second touchdown since Week 2 -- a 3-yard rush by fullback Alec Ingold. With the team heading into their Week 6 bye, Huntley will have an extended time frame to build more rapport and chemistry with Hill and the other Miami skill players. The long-time Chief will now have a week of rest before an enticing Week 7 matchup against a Swiss cheese-like Indianapolis Colts defense that just got torched for 37 points by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 6 5:30pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson put together another brilliant performance as he brought the team back from down 10 in the third quarter to a 41-38 win in overtime over the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson had his best passing performance of the season, as he finished with 348 yards and four touchdowns on 26-for-42 throwing. He added 55 yards with 12 carries on the ground, but no scores this time around. Jackson did fumble twice, which came on bobbled snaps, but one of those turned into a ridiculous play where he stiff-armed a rusher and threw a fall-away touchdown to tight end Isaiah Likely. The two-time MVP will likely end up as the QB2 or QB1 once Week 5 is over. His next game in Week 6 could turn into another shootout in the battle for the DMV against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

D'Onta Foreman Oct 6 5:20pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball nine times for 44 yards and added a 16-yard catch in a 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Foreman unexpectedly found his way back into the game plan after he saw just six carries over the previous two contests. He ultimately wound up in a near split with starter Jerome Ford, who had 12 touches in the loss. Foreman's weekly usage has become tough to predict and he is likely to lose most of his current touches once Nick Chubb (knee) is ready to return, which could be in the next couple of weeks. Foreman will not be a fantasy consideration heading into a Week 6 road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Oct 6 5:13pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 29-of-54 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in a loss to Minnesota. Dynasty Analysis: After five weeks, a few things are becoming clear. First, Rodgers can still throw the bal with amazing accuracy. Second, his age and recovery from injuries is really limiting his mobility. Finally, this offense is out of synch. Rodgers has been fine but he simply isn't good enough to carry a team at this stage in his career. If the Jets fail to land someone like Davante Adams, this may be the theme all season. For the first time in his career, Rodgers doesn't look like a QB1.

From Dynasty League Fantasy