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!
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has been hot and cold this season, but looks to string a couple of great games together pre and post-bye as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Reed put up his third 100-yard game in a row in the Packers' loss to the Lions in Week 9, but in the four weeks prior, Reed hadn't been top-24 fantasy wide receiver. He's been a bit inconsistent, but still is the Packers' best chance at a massive spike week from the wide receivers with his utilization for target-earning in the slot as well as downfield. With the Bears being excellent against slot receivers having given up the third-lowest fantasy per game to slot receivers, Week 11 represents a tough matchup for Reed. That takes his fantasy status down a bit to the WR2 range this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has been a very solid tight end for fantasy purposes this season and looks to keep up that standing when the Packers head to Chicago to take on the Bears in Week 11. Coming off the team's Week 10 bye week, Kraft is in a good spot to keep up his strong season where he's been a top-12 tight end in four of the last six games. While the target-earning potential hasn't quite been there for Kraft this season, he's making the most of his touches with four touchdowns in his past five games as a clear outlet for quarterback Jordan Love. The Bears are just middle of the road when it comes to defending tight ends as they're 15th in the NFL in tight end fantasy points allowed. Consider Kraft a low-end TE1 worth starting in the Packers' matchup with Chicago in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (back) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Warren sat out of Thursday's practice due to a back issue and was able to get through a limited session on Friday. His status seems uncertain heading into this weekend's game which should mean more carries for Najee Harris. Warren rushed 14 times for 66 yards during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Cordarrelle Patterson will likely see an uptick if touches if Warren sits, but he doesn't offer great upside. Harris is going to gain the most fantasy value from Warren's absence, but fantasy managers will have to check back for another update.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has been one of the top running backs in fantasy through the first 10 weeks of the season, especially given his heavy involvement in the passing game. Last week's performance marked the fifth consecutive contest in which the 22-year-old went over 100 total yards rushing and receiving and the seventh straight in which he caught at least three passes. The former first-round draft pick is up to six rushing and one receiving touchdowns on the season, while his 41 receptions give him the third-most among running backs. In Week 11, the second-year pro will face a Denver rush defense that has allowed the 14th-most fantasy points to RBs and was pushed around by Derrick Henry as recently as Week 9 to the tune of 23-106-2. With the Broncos better against the pass, the Falcons may lean on the ground game more than usual in Week 11, but given his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, either way they choose to go puts Robinson in a position to finish as a high-end RB1 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a huge game in Week 9 prior to the Seahawks' Week 10 bye. Without DK Metcalf (knee) in the lineup, Smith-Njigba caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He was certainly treated as the No. 1 wide receiver in the offense while Metcalf was out. However, Metcalf is on track to play in Week 11 in a tougher matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are the No. 10 team against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. Smith-Njigba has been inconsistent this season, but he has flashed his ability to be a high-end producer in fantasy on multiple occasions. There is no doubt that the 49ers will be able to score on Seattle's defense. As such, the passing volume should be high for the Seahawks which gives Smith-Njigba a chance at WR2 production even with Metcalf back in the lineup.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett should be a flex option in Week 11 when the Seahawks visit the San Francisco 49ers. Lockett has consistently delivered close to, or more than, double-digit fantasy points in 2024 in PPR formats. That trend should continue in Week 11 in a game in which the Seahawks project to need to throw to keep up with an excellent 49ers offense. Lockett has been especially valuable when he scores a touchdown this season. The days of consistent WR2 production from Lockett are gone, but he continues to be a very important member of this offense as a chain-mover. Even with DK Metcalf (knee) set to return in Week 11, Lockett should not see a dip in target volume. In fact, Lockett's volume was lower in the two games that Metcalf missed than it had been all season. With several bye weeks this week, Lockett is a safe floor option.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) appears ready to go ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The rookie wideout was limited in practice all week, but it sounds like that won't stop him from suiting up. Thomas has been solid during his rookie campaign, but his fantasy value is going to take a major hit with Mac Jones under center for the Jags. Last week, Thomas hauled in two receptions for 12 yards in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect better results until Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) returns to the field. Thomas falls into the WR4 conversation with Jones getting the nod this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Hunt found himself on the injury report with a knee injury but practiced fully all week and has been removed from the report ahead of the contest. Hunt turned into another strong performance against the Denver Broncos in last week's contest. The veteran running back did not find much success on the ground, only gaining 35 yards on 14 carries, but he found success through the air. The 29-year-old hauled in seven catches for 65 yards against the Broncos. Hunt will have an easier matchup this week against the Buffalo Bills, who rank 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is ranked RB15 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so start him as a high-end RB2. Fantasy managers will have to deal with the eventual return of Isiah Pacheco, but Hunt will have the backfield to himself for at least another week.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Harris didn't practice to open the week, but appears ready to go after getting in a full practice on Thursday and Friday. The expectation is that Harris will continue seeing a heavy workload this weekend. He has seen 19 carries or more over each of the last three games. Harris rushed for over 100 yards in two of those games, so fantasy managers should continue to lean on him going forward.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is looking to shake some rust after the Week 10 bye as the Packers match up with their long-time rival Chicago Bears in Week 11. Love has been spotty at best in the past two weeks before their bye with a combined 18.6 fantasy points in matchups against the Jaguars and Lions. Having thrown multiple touchdowns in his first five starts, Love hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in almost a month. Not helping Love here is a tough matchup with Chicago, who represents a team that has allowed the third-fewest touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks and a lockdown cornerback in Jaylon Johnson. For fantasy, Love always has huge upside, but should be considered as a low-end QB or high-end QB2 where you may prefer to start a quarterback with a better matchup.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Kelce had a strong performance against the Denver Broncos last week, totaling eight catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. The 35-year-old will now face a Buffalo defense that ranks 12th in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends. Regardless of the matchup, Kelce has been the focal point of the Kansas City offense since Rashee Rice went down with an injury. The Chiefs star tight end has scored at least 20 points the last three games in a PPR format. Kelce's ability to find soft spots in the zone allows Mahomes a safety valve to move the chains easily. Kelce is ranked TE1 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings again this week. Fantasy managers should continue to start Kelce confidently.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Bigsby played through an ankle injury last week, but was barely seen on the field after exiting early in the contest. Now, Bigsby will sit out after missing practice this week, but hopefully this will be a one-game absence. Travis Etienne Jr. will be the lead back and figures to see a heavy workload on Sunday. He rushed 11 times for 44 yards during the loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week. Etienne hasn't been able to produce reliable fantasy value in quite some time. This will be a great chance for him to break out of his slump.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. The 29-year-old found himself on the injury report with an ankle/hip injury but practiced fully all week and has been removed from the injury report ahead of the contest. Mahomes was trending up until he faced the tough Denver Broncos defense in Week 10. Mahomes passed for 266 yards and one touchdown in last week's contest at Arrowhead. The Chiefs quarterback will now take on a Buffalo Bills defense ranked fifth in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. Despite these teams being two high-powered passing offenses in the past, this game has the makings of a defensive showdown. Kansas City and Buffalo have strong defenses and an affinity for running the ball to dominate time of possession. This week, Mahomes is ranked QB13 in our RotoBaller rankings, placing him outside QB1 territory. Fantasy managers may be disappointed with Mahomes if this contest turns into a defensive affair.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (quad) is off the injury report after putting in a full practice session and is good to go for Sunday's Week 11 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears. With two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, Jacobs may still be a bit banged up even after the Packers' bye in Week 10. Jacobs has been solid for fantasy managers, but hasn't delivered much in the way of spike weeks with just two top-ten finishes among fantasy running backs in nine weeks. Against the Chicago Bears, Jacobs remains a workhorse running back who will see the bulk of carries and provide a solid floor double-digit fantasy point floor as a high-end RB2.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is within the top 10 in fantasy scoring at the position through 10 weeks of the season despite some inconsistent play, including a zero-catch performance in Week 4 and a one-catch performance in Week 9. The 24-year-old rebounded last week with four catches for 55 yards and this week gets a Denver defense that is middle of the pack in allowing production to TEs, although Travis Kelce torched them for 64 yards and a touchdown on eight catches last week. Pitts has a solid aDOT of 8.16 which has allowed him to average 14.3 yards per reception, so he doesn't need many catches to maintain relevance in PPR leagues. However, with his volatility still a concern, the former first-round draft pick projects as a back-end TE1 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) was limited in practice all week and is considered questionable to suit up on Sunday to face the visiting Cleveland Browns in Week 11. Wilson hasn't really been on the fantasy radar at all this year. The 28-year-old suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers and did not suit up in the Week 10 win over the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Wilson could be a true game-time decision, but it shouldn't matter much to fantasy managers, even with top wideout Chris Olave (concussion) on Injured Reserve. The former sixth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 out of Boise State has only 11 receptions (14 targets) for 122 yards and one score in eight games in 2024. If he's active, Wilson is likely to start in three-wide sets with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Mason Tipton.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have officially ruled out tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) for the Week 11 contest this Sunday against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. LaPorta suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans last Sunday night and will now miss at least one game. The 23-year-old second-year TE was listed as day-to-day earlier this week, so there is some hope he'll only miss one game and return to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. With LaPorta out this weekend, expect both Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra to see the field more in two-TE sets, with Wright being the better target as a TE2 streamer in deeper leagues and DFS. LaPorta's absence should also mean more targets for receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) was unable to practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. This will be Williams' third straight game missed due to a groin injury. Lead back Alvin Kamara had already been a workhorse back for the Saints before Williams' injury, but it ensures the 29-year-old will continue to see the lion's share of touches for the Saints, although Taysom Hill could be a bit more involved against Cleveland. Jordan Mims will operate as Kamara's primary backup with Kendre Miller (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve. At best, Williams is a handcuff option for fantasy managers in deep leagues that have Kamara rostered. Williams only has 32 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown in eight games played in 2024 in his second year with the Saints.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and has been cleared to play in Week 11 on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Smith-Schuster will return for the first time since getting injured on Oct. 20 but won't be as interesting for fantasy managers now that DeAndre Hopkins is the team's top wideout. In his last game, the 27-year-old went off for 130 receiving yards, prompting many fantasy managers to pick him up off the waiver wire given how depleted KC's receiving corps was at the time. He'll still have a role as a deep threat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes now that he's back, but at best, he'll be the No. 3 target behind Hopkins and stud tight end Travis Kelce. Smith-Schuster should be considered a boom/bust WR4/flex, at best, in his return against the Bills.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle, hamstring) is dealing with appendicitis and will not be active for the team's Week 11 divisional contest against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. "It is a shame, certainly. This all happened this morning. He felt some pain his abdomen this morning. Not sure if he's had surgery," head coach Matt LaFleur said. Lloyd was designated to return from Injured Reserve at the start of the week and had a shot to make his return to the field this weekend, but that won't happen now. The 23-year-old has been very injury-prone since joining the Packers and has played in just one game in his first season in the NFL. He suffered a high-ankle sprain earlier this year and will now miss an eighth straight game. Lloyd has explosive rushing ability as a backup to Josh Jacobs and is worth a stash in deeper leagues, but it's now unclear if he'll be able to return in Week 12 against the 49ers.
From RotoBaller