Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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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The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10

Player Notes
Aaron Jones Nov 10 4:20pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (chest) returned late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had initially exited the game and was listed as questionable, but was able to check back into the contest for the final offensive drive. He finished Week 10 with 17 rushes for 88 yards on the ground. He also caught two of three targets for an additional 13 yards through the air. Jones will rank as a mid-to-high RB2 heading into next week's game against a strong Tennessee Titans run defense.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 10 4:20pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 28 of 42 pass attempts (67%) for 266 yards and a touchdown in the 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos. Mahomes had his lone touchdown in the second quarter on a two-yard pass to Travis Kelce. The Chiefs quarterback was nearly handed his first loss of the season but was saved on a last-second blocked field goal by the Kansas City defense. After two straight games with multiple touchdown passes, Mahomes was held back by the Denver defense. The Chiefs remain undefeated heading into their Week 11 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills rank seventh in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season, so Mahomes may have another tough matchup next week. Mahomes had nearly 16 fantasy points in a four-point per passing touchdown format this week and has passed for over 260 yards for the fourth time in the last five games. Mahomes has not displayed the high-end fantasy quarterback play he was drafted for, but he has been more usable lately. Fantasy managers should view Mahomes as a low-end QB1 heading into Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Nov 10 3:50pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (chest) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Jones had tallied 13 carries for 71 rushing yards, plus an additional two catches for 13 yards through the air. Ty Chandler and Cam Akers will handle ball-carrying duties for Minnesota until Jones is healthy enough to return.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Nov 10 3:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) is doubtful to return against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. Kincaid exited in the third quarter. Assuming his day is done, Kincaid finishes Sunday's contest with five targets but just two catches and 24 receiving yards. The second-year tight end has been held to single-digit fantasy points in 70 percent of his games this season and will likely fall out of the TE1 tier going forward. Even if he's healthy enough to play next week against the Kansas City Chiefs, fantasy managers can justify benching him.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 10 3:30pm ET
Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe that left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wirfs had only missed three snaps over the first nine weeks of the season, but it now sounds like he's bracing for an extended absence. The good news is that MCL sprains typically aren't season-ending, and depending on the severity, it's possible that he actually avoids an injured reserve stint. Nevertheless, losing Wirfs for any period of time is far from ideal for Baker Mayfield, Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and the rest of Tampa Bay's offense. With that said, Tampa Bay should have confidence in its backup left tackle, Justin Skule, temporarily taking over on the end of the offensive line.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Nov 10 3:20pm ET
Will Levis

Los Angeles Chargers defensive ends Khalil Mack (groin) and Joey Bosa (hip) are officially active for Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans. Both players had been listed as questionable. Mack is suiting up despite missing all three days of practice this week. He hasn't missed a game this season, amassing 26 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery through eight contests. Bosa, meanwhile, was limited in practice all week long. Injuries have held him to reduced snap counts all season long, and he's still looking to return to his Week 1 form. In that season opener, he played 40 percent of the defensive snaps, registering seven tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Perhaps this week's game against subpar quarterback Will Levis will be a great opportunity for Bosa to get back on track.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Nov 10 3:10pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (ankle) is officially active for Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable despite practicing in full all week long. Conklin has appeared in all nine games this season, catching a modest 27 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He is 19th in tight-end fantasy points this season and will continue to rank in the TE2 tier on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Julius Chestnut Nov 10 3:10pm ET
Julius Chestnut

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. Chestnut saw additional opportunities over the last few weeks with Tyjae Spears (hamstring) inactive. However, now that Spears is healthy, Chestnut will return to the No. 3 running back role in Tennessee, keeping him off the fantasy radar in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Nov 10 3:10pm ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (coach's decision) and tight end Stone Smartt (ankle) are both inactive for Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans. Vidal had not appeared on the injury report but is evidently the odd man out now that Gus Edwards has rejoined the backfield following an injured reserve stint. Vidal totaled 93 scrimmage yards and one touchdown in his four-game run as J.K. Dobbins' backup. Smartt, meanwhile, had been listed as questionable after logging three consecutive limited practices. He has just two catches this season, remaining a non-factor in fantasy football. In his absence, Tucker Fisk will step up as the Chargers' No. 3 tight end behind Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Nov 10 3:10pm ET
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after being activated from injured reserve on Saturday. Edwards spent the minimum four games on injured reserve and is now back for his first contest since Week 4. Through the first four weeks of the season, he had mustered just 38 carries for 113 yards (2.97 YPC) in the No. 2 running back role behind J.K. Dobbins. Edwards is an uninspiring handcuff option and will not have any fantasy appeal as long as Dobbins is healthy.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 10 3:00pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the game against the San Francisco 49ers. The fifth-year All-Pro has been one the most consistently healthy linemen on the team and an important piece to the pass protection. With Wirfs out against one of the better defensive units, it could mean even more trouble for Baker Mayfield with a thin receiver corps. Justin Skule is the next man up on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Nov 10 3:00pm ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (calf, illness) and linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) are officially active for Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players had been listed as questionable. Diggs had missed practice on Friday but was widely expected to play this weekend. He has 31 tackles and one interception this season. The 26-year-old will be tasked with slowing down the connection between quarterback Jalen Hurts and his top receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Parsons, meanwhile, is returning to play in his first game since Week 4 against the New York Giants. The star 25-year-old had amassed 14 tackles and one sack through his first four games. His return provides a major boost to Dallas' defense ahead of this week's divisional contest.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Mingo Nov 10 3:00pm ET
Jonathan Mingo

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had not appeared on the injury report. However, given that Mingo was acquired from the Carolina Panthers just five days ago, we can assume that he simply needs more time to learn Dallas' system. CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert will continue to be the top wide receivers in the Cowboys' Cooper Rush-led offense.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 10 2:50pm ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (ankle) is considered questionable to return to their game against the New England Patriots. The fourth-year guard appeared on the injury report leading up to this contest with a knee injury but was cleared to participate until he suffered the ankle injury in the first half. The next left guard on the depth chart is on IR, so they'll have to shuffle around the line who is already struggling to protect Caleb Williams.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Nov 10 2:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) left Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half due to a knee injury. At the time, he accounted for two receptions for 24 yards on four targets. The team has officially deemed him questionable to return to the game, so they'll likely perform some tests through halftime to see if he can take the field in the second half. Dawson Knox should see an uptick in snaps and targets while Kincaid is sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Nov 10 2:40pm ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson led the team in receiving yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, hauling in five catches for 51 yards on eight targets. Robinson averaged a solid 10.2 yards per reception, including a 23-yard catch that showcased he can catch deeper passes. He made a few key first-down catches to keep drives alive, showing his value as a reliable option in the Giants' passing game. While he didn't reach the end zone and finished with 7.6 fantasy points, Robinson's consistent reception totals make him a potential fantasy asset in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 10 2:40pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Wanya Morris (knee) has been listed as questionable to return against the Denver Broncos with a knee injury on Sunday. The next left tackle on the depth chart is rookie Kingsley Suamataia, but the offensive line has been pretty suspect so far this week. Morris is an important piece to Patrick Mahomes' protection, so it could be tough sledding against a solid Broncos defense if he can't return.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Nov 10 2:40pm ET
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson continued to build on his momentum in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, catching four passes for 37 yards on six targets. Averaging 9.3 yards per reception with a 13-yard long catch, Johnson showcased his reliable presence in the Giants' offense. Coming off a breakout Week 9 performance that saw him score his first career touchdown, Johnson has emerged as the team's most dependable tight end option. While he didn't reach the end zone this week and finished with only 5.7 fantasy points, his consistent target share and solid yardage suggest a growing role that fantasy managers should keep an eye on as he becomes a go-to option for quarterback Daniel Jones.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Nov 10 2:30pm ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. turned in an impressive ground performance in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, rushing for 103 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown. Tracy's dynamic 5.7 yards per carry, including a 32-yard burst, provided a spark for the Giants' offense and kept them competitive throughout. However, his strong outing was marred by a costly fumble on the Giants' opening drive in overtime, which the Panthers recovered and quickly converted into a game-winning field goal. With 14.9 fantasy points, Tracy showed his potential as a lead back, though his late-game miscue underscores the need for ball security.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 10 2:20pm ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a challenging day in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, completing 22 of 37 passes for 190 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Jones struggled to find a rhythm in the first half, missing multiple open targets and throwing for just 54 yards, including a costly red-zone interception. Despite his rough outing through the air, Jones salvaged some fantasy value with a rushing touchdown and 26 yards on the ground, finishing with 14.2 fantasy points. He took two sacks and averaged only 5.1 yards per attempt, underscoring his difficulties moving the offense. Jones' inconsistency remains a concern for fantasy managers, as turnovers and missed opportunities continue to limit his upside.

From RotoBaller