Guest of the League
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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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!

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 2

Player Notes
Roquan Smith Sep 11 10:13pm ET
Roquan Smith

Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (shoulder) and Kyle Van Noy (eye) were listed as limited and DNP, respectively, regarding Wednesday's practice report. Van Noy played just 37% of the snaps in Thursday night's opener against the Kansas City Chiefs before he exited early in the third quarter. The outside linebacker sustained the injury while attempting to take down Patrick Mahomes, and it's officially listed as a fractured orbital bone. Smith, on the other hand, played a full complement of snaps and appears to have picked up the injury sometime over the last few days. There wasn't much news on him, suggesting this may be a prudent move rather than a necessary one. Baltimore will square off with the Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener this Sunday, and while the Raiders' offensive unit isn't all that fear-inducing, the Ravens cannot afford an 0-2 start. Additionally, they'll take on the Cowboys in Dallas in Week 3 and need their defense at full strength in one of the best games over the first month.

Jordan Love Sep 11 10:12pm ET
Jordan Love

When asked if the door is open for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) to suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I'd say it's pretty open." Love did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain in his left knee at the very end of the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday in Brazil. The Packers are not placing the 25-year-old on Injured Reserve, which means they are confident he can return within the next four games. However, despite LaFleur's comments about Love having a shot to play this weekend, fantasy managers should have already formulated a plan to be without Love in Week 2 and possibly beyond. Love's injury typically comes with a three- to six-week timetable, so the smart money is on him missing multiple weeks. The Packers offense could struggle mightily with backup Malik Willis under center in the meantime.

Devaughn Vele Sep 11 10:10pm ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos wide receivers Josh Reynolds (Achilles) and Devaughn Vele (ribs) were both listed as non-participants in Wednesday's practice. Both wideouts were pivotal pieces in Denver's passing attack against the Seahawks despite the 26-20 loss. Vele and Reynolds each tied for second on the team with eight targets (Courtland Sutton - 12), while the former caught all eight of his --albeit for 39 yards -- and the latter led the team with 45 yards and a long gain of 25. For either player to participate in the Bronco's Week 2 home tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they'll need to get in at least one limited session before the weekend. Of note: while the rookie wideout averaged just 4.9 yards a grab this past Sunday, he was in on 34 of Denver's snaps (49%) and ran 83.9% of his routes from the slot. After a one-game sample, at least -- it would appear Sean Payton has found his "big-slot" guy.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Sep 11 9:40pm ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) was back at the team's practice on Wednesday after missing Week 1 due to injury. He was out on the field with his teammates during warm-ups and was officially limited in his return. Tremble will look to suit up for his first action of 2024 this Sunday when Carolina hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in their home opener. The Panthers got molly-whopped by the New Orleans Saints this past Sunday 47-10, and in Tremble's stead, rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders caught one pass on one target for just four yards. The team looked lost in Week 1, and although Tremble seemingly has a good chance of suiting up this week, it is too difficult to project him for a viable fantasy workload. It's early, and Carolina will likely work out its offense over the coming weeks. Still, Tremble can be firmly off fantasy managers' radars.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Sep 11 9:20pm ET
Luke McCaffrey

When asked about Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey on Wednesday, head coach Dan Quinn gave reporters a shining endorsement. Specifically, Quinn was asked about the wideout and how he has fit into the Commanders' WR corps. He said: "I think we're seeing it go like this [*plane taking off gesture*]. And so that's why more reps and more playing time to go. We've really seen kind of that confidence grow, especially inside in the slot where he can use some of that strength and work guys through." McCaffrey acquired just three targets in the team's 37-20 loss to the Buccaneers, catching all of them for 18 yards. However, rookie QB Jayden Daniels spread the ball around pretty evenly, with four Commanders racking up four targets -- including both running backs -- and another finishing tied with McCaffrey for three. The rookie third-round pick ran the most snaps (36) of all Washington receivers not named Terry McLaurin and took 29 of those from the slot. No other player received more than six.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 11 9:03pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 11, and is not on the injury report for Week 2.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson probably was resting when he did not practice earlier in the week and should not have any limitations in Week 2. He is a must-start option in all leagues when healthy.

From TheHuddle

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 11 9:00pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. saw only three targets and caught one of them for four yards in his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said that Harrison attracted extra coverage from the Bills defense. "As a quarterback, obviously, you're going through your reads," Murray said. "Sometimes the ball goes to him, but that's not my job. I have a sense and a feel for guys when they don't get the ball and when they are getting the ball, but I leave that up to Drew. He tells me, 'Don't worry about that type of stuff. Just keep playing your game and get the ball to where the ball is supposed to go.'" Harrison's quiet day could have been a combination of all those things, and Murray mentioned himself he thinks he and Harrison will eventually get on the same page. Going into Week 2, treat Harrison as a high-end WR2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Michael Thomas Sep 11 8:50pm ET
Michael Thomas

The National Football League on Wednesday announced that it has lifted the suspension of free-agent wide receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas was suspended for the first game of the 2024 NFL season for an incident with a construction worker near his home last year. The fact that the 31-year-old remained without a team all offseason is a sign that he may struggle to latch on with an organization despite the fact that he's past his one-game suspension. Just several years ago, Thomas was the best receiver in the league, but injuries have limited him to 20 games since the start of the 2020 campaign, and he played in just 10 games with the New Orleans Saints last year before a knee injury ended his season. He caught 39 passes for 448 yards and one touchdown in 2023. Thomas belongs on the waiver wire in all leagues and is unlikely to be on the fantasy radar in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Gannon Sep 11 8:50pm ET
Jonathan Gannon

The Arizona Cardinals will place offensive tackle Jonah Williams (knee) on the Injured Reserve, which will force him to miss at least the next four games, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. The head coach said he does not know yet if Williams will require surgery for the knee injury that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It's bad news for the Cardinals offense after the team brought the 26-year-old offensive lineman in during the offseason to help bolster their O-line. If Williams requires surgery, there's a possibility that he'll need to miss more than four games for the Cardinals. In the meantime, expect Kelvin Beachum to step in on the right side of Arizona's offensive line and start at right tackle, beginning in Week 2 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Jermaine Burton Sep 11 8:40pm ET
Jermaine Burton

When asked if Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton would warrant more snaps if Tee Higgins (hamstring) remains out in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Zac Taylor said, "I think Jermaine is making progress." Higgins hurt his hamstring last Thursday in practice and didn't play in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. It wasn't a good sign that the 23-year-old Burton played just 8% of the offensive snaps behind Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones. Burton was selected in the third round of the NFL draft back in April but reportedly struggled with his professionalism during offseason workouts and in training camp. The talent is there, but it sounds like Burton needs to mature behind the scenes before he can expect to have any kind of significant role in the Bengals offense. He's merely a dynasty/keeper stash for now.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 11 8:30pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was listed as a limited participant for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Starter Rhamondre Stevenson was also limited, but that was for rest purposes and not an injury. Gibson was also limited in two practices last week but he eventually suited up in his Patriots debut in the surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a small role behind Stevenson, playing only 22% of the offensive snaps while seeing seven carries for 18 yards. Gibson wasn't targeted in the passing game. Barring a setback later this week, Gibson should be fine to play in Week 2 at home against the Seattle Seahawks. However, in a low-volume, low-upside offense currently being game managed by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, we can't realistically recommend Gibson as even a flex play in most fantasy setups.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 11 8:30pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, which was a light walkthrough. Jennings briefly left the field in Monday night's win over the New York Jets due to an ankle injury, but he returned to the action and caught all five of his targets for 64 yards. He played just under half of the team's offensive snaps and likely had an elevated role with Deebo Samuel Jr. being more involved in the backfield and with the team easing Brandon Aiyuk back in after a lengthy contract hold-in during training camp. The 27-year-old's ankle injury likely isn't serious enough to keep him sidelined for a Week 2 tilt against the Minnesota Vikings, but if it is, Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell would compete for more playing time. Jennings is currently rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 11 8:20pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said on Wednesday that veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) should be closer to full-go for the Week 2 game against the New York Jets, but the team will still be mindful of what they ask him to do as he gets into shape. As a result, Callahan said he sees Hopkins' role growing in practice and this coming Sunday after he played just 27% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, which ranked fourth behind Calvin Ridley, Tyler Body, and even Treylon Burks. The 32-year-old finished with just one catch on his only target for eight yards. Expect to see Hopkins on the field more this weekend, but against one of the best secondaries in the league, fantasy managers would probably be wise to keep Hopkins on their benches as he continues to work past a knee injury. Hopkins practiced in full on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 11 8:10pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Apparently Schultz is a little gimpy after the team's Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old played a healthy 79 percent of the team's offensive snaps but disappointed his fantasy managers in the season opener by catching all three of his targets for just 16 yards. His status for the rest of the week should now closely be monitored, and he could head into Sunday's Week 2 game against the visiting Chicago Bears with an injury designation. Schultz is on the TE1/2 borderline most weeks given all the mouths to feed in Houston's passing game. If Schultz's injury is too serious for him to play this weekend, Brevin Jordan would most likely take his spot as the top pass-catching tight end for the Texans on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 11 8:10pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) was listed on the team's first practice report for Week 2 on Wednesday, but he practiced in full and should be fine to play this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. It's something to watch moving forward, but it shouldn't make fantasy managers hesitant to use the 27-year-old signal-caller as a QB1 in starting lineups this weekend. Murray was inconsistent in the Week 1 loss on the road to the Buffalo Bills, going 21-for-31 for 162 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 57 yards and a lost fumble. Murray connected with rookie first-round receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. just once for four yards. It's nothing to be too concerned about yet, and Murray's rushing abilities at QB give him QB1 upside most weeks. Expect Murray to look Harrison's way a lot more in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 11 8:00pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf), who didn't play in the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons, opened the week on the injury report and was limited on Wednesday. "He feels better (Tuesday) than he did over the weekend," said head coach Mike Tomlin of Wilson. "But as I sit here Tuesday, we're preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that's the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time." Fields didn't do anything to wow and didn't even lead the offense to a single touchdown, but he didn't turn the ball over, which is most important. For now, Wilson is day-to-day, but things are trending toward Fields getting a second straight start in Denver in Week 2 against the Broncos. Until he can get back on the field, the 35-year-old Wilson is only worth stashing in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Sep 11 8:00pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Steelers.com's Teresa Varley writes that things are looking up for Wilson, who didn't play at all in the preseason or the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. "Expect an uptick in the participation of guys like Roman Wilson, who's working his way back to us, who's a partial participant at times and so forth," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "We're excited about getting him in the fold and seeing him maybe take a step." The third-rounder was also limited all of last week before being inactive on Sunday. There is plenty of opportunity in Pittsburgh's inexperienced receiving corps, but it's hard to expect Wilson to have much of a role when he gets fully healthy after all the developmental time he missed in training camp and the preseason.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 11 7:53pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett (thigh) was limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Fantasy Spin: Lockett was able to play in the last game despite the injury and let the team in receiving with 77 yards. He should continue to see a decent amount of targets in the passing game and could be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jerome Baker Sep 11 7:53pm ET
Jerome Baker

Seattle Seahawks OT George Fant (knee), LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and LB Tyrel Dodson (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 11. TE Pharaoh Brown (foot), LB Jerome Baker (hamstring), LB Dre'Mont Jones (hamstring), CB Riq Woolen (hamstring) and CB Tre Brown (quadriceps) were limited during practice. OG Laken Tomlinson (ankle) and OG Anthony Bradford (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Lockett Sep 11 7:50pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) continues to deal with a thigh injury and was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Lockett has been dealing with a thigh injury since the middle of August at training camp. He also was limited in practices last week but ultimately suited up for the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Lockett played 54 percent of the offensive snaps, which was third behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he still managed to catch six of seven targets for a healthy 77 yards. As he gets healthier, the 31-year-old's snap count should rise, and he should be able to play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots unless he suffers a setback in practice later this week. Lockett is shaping up as a WR4/flex play for fantasy managers for the second week in a row.

From RotoBaller