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!
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks caught his first touchdown since Week 7 in the Packers' 34-0 blanking of the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Wicks kicked off the proceedings with a two-yard score from quarterback Jordan Love and ended up as the target leader for the Packers with seven. Catching 3-of-7 targets for just 13 yards, Wicks was inefficient but still was targeted heavily in comparison to the rest of the pass-catchers for the Packers. On deck for the Packers is a date with a divisional foe in the 13-2 Minnesota Vikings, where Wicks will be a flex option if Christian Watson misses that game as he left Week 16 with a knee injury.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has led the team's pass-catchers in each of his last two games and should get plenty of run against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. The Chiefs have shut down the running game while giving up a fair amount of fantasy points to receivers this season. Although Austin has seemingly established himself as a trusted target of quarterback Russell Wilson, he will likely have to compete for opportunities with George Pickens (hamstring) for the first time since Week 13. If Pickens is surprisingly inactive, Austin can be viewed as a desperation flex play, but he shouldn't be started in fantasy lineups otherwise.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams played on over 35% of offensive snaps for the first time in black and gold last week and will look for continued utilization in a Week 17 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City has been middle-of-the-road against opposing wideouts in 2024, surrendering the 16th-most fantasy points per contest to the position. Williams may see yet another uptick in his playing time on Wednesday, but it is difficult to project him for many opportunities with George Pickens (hamstring) pushing to make his return from a three-week absence. Williams was unable to make an impact for fantasy purposes with Pickens sidelined, so there is no reason to consider him in starting lineups this week.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is coming off a high-scoring fantasy performance and will look to remain a fringe QB1 option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Williams benefitted from some garbage-time production on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, finishing Week 16 with 334 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one turnover, as well as 34 rushing yards. The No. 1 overall pick has boasted impressive decision-making without a single interception since Week 6, but his ball security has started to come into question as he has a lost fumble in each of his last three games. Nevertheless, Williams ranks just outside the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks this season, and he could be due for another strong showing in this week's potential shootout against a mid-tier Seahawks defense. Seattle has allowed the 11th-most passing touchdowns and 14th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, but the sixth-fewest rushing yards.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was underwhelming for fantasy purposes last week and will look to get back on track in Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs. While it is nearly impossible to beat the Chiefs on the ground, Kansas City has been vulnerable to the pass and especially to opposing tight ends. The Chiefs, who gave up a big performance to Houston's Dalton Schultz last week, have allowed the third-most fantasy points per contest to tight ends this season. With George Pickens (hamstring) expected to rejoin the Steelers on Wednesday, Freiermuth doesn't offer much in the way of guaranteed volume, but he certainly has some upside in this matchup and can be started as a low-end TE1.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has been the QB20 in fantasy since Week 14 and faces a tough challenge on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City has surrendered the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks over the past eight weeks. On a positive note for Wilson, Pittsburgh's top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) reportedly has a good chance to return from a three-week absence on Wednesday. Wilson has seen a significant dip in his fantasy output without Pickens as the Steelers' offense has struggled to push the ball downfield. If Pickens is indeed active, Wilson will have some upside in this contest, but he is still best viewed as a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been quiet as of late and will have to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 to provide value in fantasy championships. The Chiefs have been shutting down the run all season, giving up the fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs as well as the fourth-fewest yards per carry. With George Pickens (hamstring) likely returning to the lineup on Wednesday, Pittsburgh's offense should look much better than it has for the past three weeks, which will put Harris in more favorable situations. Still, he can't be trusted in this matchup. Fantasy managers with other options would be wise to bench Harris or deploy him as a low-end flex option this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was plenty involved in the Packers' victory over the New Orleans 34-0 in Week 16. Kraft caught 3-of-4 targets for 63 yards, highlighted by a 30-yard catch in the second quarter to get the ball deep into Saints' territory which set up the Packers third touchdown of evening. Kraft's 63 yards and four targets were second on the team for the evening and Kraft also chipped in with a direct snap that went for two yards rushing. With Kraft as involved in the offense as he is, he's become a solid low-end TE1 for fantasy managers this season. He'll remain in the starting conversation for Week 17 as well when the Packers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in a divisional showdown.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) had an eventful Week 16 as the Packers steamrolled the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Watson only recorded one target and did not record a reception in the game. After a 14-yard rush by Watson to help set up a Chris Brooks one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, Watson hurt his knee and went into the blue tent to get it checked out by medical staff. Watson was considered questionable to return, but he did not return to the game. Watson also added a nine-yard rush for his final stat line of 23 yards rushing on the evening. The Packers will face division-rival Minnesota in Week 17, where if Watson is available for fantasy managers, he will be a boom-or-bust flex option.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs kept his touchdown streak intact with a second-quarter touchdown as the Packers routed the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Jacobs scored on a two-yard touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, making that the sixth consecutive game that Jacobs has scored a touchdown. With an economical 69 yards on 13 carries, Jacobs was efficient on the ground while also catching a perfect 4-of-4 targets for 38 yards on the evening. Bowing out a bit early was Jacobs as with a massive lead and the Packers well on their way to a win, he gave way for the backups later in the second half. With a divisional matchup set for Sunday afternoon when the Packers face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit was dominant in their Week 16 home win over the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were outmatched from the opening kick as the Packers held the Saints to 220 yards of total offense. The Packers sacked Spencer Rattler three times while also forcing a fumble and interception as Green Bay is the first team to hold an opponent scoreless this season. The Packers will head west to the neighboring state of Minnesota for a late afternoon date with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. For fantasy managers, the Packers D/ST will be a borderline startable unit in that matchup based on how well the Packers have played on defense as of late.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was quiet and didn't have to do a lot of heavy lifting as the Packers blanked the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Love was 16-of-28 passing for 182 yards and one touchdown; a two-yard strike to Dontayvion Wicks to kick off the scoring for the Packers in the first quarter. Love also added two yards rushing in the win. With the run game a massive part of the production for the Packers against the undermanned Saints, Love didn't have to expend a lot of energy in this game as he bowed out in the fourth quarter for Malik Willis to finish out the game. In Week 17, the Packers will head to U.S. Bank Stadium to face the Minnesota Vikings, where Love will be a low-end QB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
With quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder) banged up again, the New York Giants have not made a decision on who will start on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Head coach Brian Daboll said that Lock went for an MRI exam on his right shoulder on Monday. "We'll see where he's at," Daboll said. Back in the starting role in the Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the 28-year-old was bad again, going 22-for-39 for 210 yards, one touchdown and two pick-sixes. So in addition to his underwhelming performances as the team's starter since Daniel Jones left town, Lock is injured again and could give way to Tommy DeVito for the starting job in Week 17 against the Colts. Regardless of who is starting under center for the G-Men this weekend, fantasy managers should be staying away. Lock has a touchdown and four interceptions in six games (three starts) in his first year in the Big Apple.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is out for the season with a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap. Dynasty Analysis: This is yet another devastating injury for Dell, who just can't seem to catch a break. He was having his best game of the season before suffering a gruesome knee injury on a touchdown catch yesterday that proved to be of the season-ending variety. The question now will be if he's going to be fully healthy for the 2025 season, which honestly seems unlikely at this point. The Texans claimed Diontae Johnson off waivers, but that's going to be a short-term solution. Houston will need to make a decision on how to move forward in the off-season with their receiving corps, especially considering Stefon Diggs was lost for the year as well. Dell is going to see his dynasty value sink a ton this off-season.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Monday that safety Jimmie Ward (foot) will miss the rest of the year, while offensive guard Shaq Mason (knee) is considered week-to-week. Ward was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a foot injury in Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that will require season-ending surgery. M.J. Stewart or Myles Bryant are the options to fill Ward's role in Houston's secondary the rest of the way. The 33-year-old veteran finishes his second season with the Texans with 48 tackles (32 solo), five tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a TD) and four pass breakups in 10 starts. Mason suffered a knee injury in the first half on Saturday and is now questionable to play on another short turnaround in Week 17 on Christmas Day this Wednesday against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans could be without their starting right guard this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he's open to taking a pay cut and is also willing to mentor a rookie if he continues to play in 2025. However, Rodgers also said that he remains undecided on whether he will continue his playing career. The Jets fell to a disappointing 4-11 after their Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams despite a recent stretch of improved play from Rodgers. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer carries a $23.5 million salary cap hit next year, and the Jets would be on the hook for a $49 million dead cap hit if Rodgers is released or if he retires. Rodgers has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions a year after tearing his Achilles in Week 1. The Jets offense is in the bottom third in the NFL in points per game (19.5) and yards per game (307.9). Rodgers will be a QB2 in fantasy in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is considered questionable to return to Monday night's game against the visiting New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field due to a knee injury. Watson initially got up slowly after a 14-yard rushing attempt in the second quarter but eventually returned to the game in the first half. The 25-year-old was then being stretched out on the sidelines in the second half and is now questionable to return. The Packers are up big 24-0 with the Saints not mounting much of a challenge, so we'd be surprised if the team brings the receiver back into this contest. Before Watson was listed as questionable, he had 23 yards on two rushing attempts and didn't catch his only target. On a short turnaround in Week 17 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 29, Watson could have a tough time playing, depending on the severity of his knee injury.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was non-committal on Monday as to whether wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) will practice this week. "I'm expecting to get everything from Waddle that he can do... I've [talked to] the trainer to make sure we protect him from himself. We will see how the week progresses. I don't know exactly what it will look like." Waddle suffered a knee injury in the Week 15 loss to the division-rival New York Jets and did not play in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. The fact that the team is unsure if the 26-year-old will even practice this week doesn't bode well for his availability in the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. If Waddle cannot practice or play this week, Tyreek Hill and tight end Jonnu Smith should see a heavy dose of targets, with Malik Washington stepping up as the WR2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) didn't suit up for practice on Monday. Skowronek injured his hip during the first half of Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was cleared to return to the game, but clearly Skowronek is still dealing with the issue. He finished with two receptions on two targets for 25 yards. He has mainly been playing on special teams all season long, but has seen a few more chances on offense with George Pickens (hamstring) injured. However, Skowronek won't see enough snaps on offense to make him worth starting in fantasy formats this week.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdomen) was limited during Monday's practice session. This comes after Fields sat out of Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He picked up an abdomen injury in Week 15 and appears to still be dealing with the issue. The absence of Fields doesn't mean much considering he has barely played since being benched for Russell Wilson. That being said, Kyle Allen would be the primary backup if Fields is unable to play during Wednesday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller