Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

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

Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Tyler Lockett Sep 8 3:00pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is officially active on Sunday and will take on the Denver Broncos. Last season was the first time Lockett failed to hit the 1,000-yard mark since 2018 and the first time he had fewer than eight touchdowns since 2017. He'll turn 32 years old this season, so he's a bit of a risky fantasy pick. Through the offseason, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was praised for his growth while DK Metcalf is primed for a big season. The new system with an all-new coaching staff will likely play a big part in how valuable Lockett becomes as well. If the Broncos' defense is anything like last year, Seattle has a chance for a big offensive day.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Sep 8 2:50pm ET
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (coach's decision) has been officially designated as inactive for the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wide receiver is healthy but hasn't climbed up the depth chart enough to be a part of the main receiving corps. Word from the coaching staff was that they were happy with Franklin's growth so far, but it'll take a bit longer to see him on the field getting snaps. He's more valuable right now as a rookie stash in dynasty formats rather than redraft. His progress will be something to monitor as the season goes on and any injuries occur.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 8 2:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left the field for a brief moment to be evaluated for a concussion. He was quickly cleared, however, and joined the team back on the field. The Dolphins offense wasn't able to gain momentum in the game just yet, as Waddle and Tyreek Hill have combined for 64 yards and no scores. The good news is that the former sixth-overall pick is healthy though. Waddle was a good fantasy start heading into this matchup against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that showed plenty of weaknesses last season. The second half will be as important as ever for fantasy managers who started Waddle with high hopes.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 8 2:30pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jonah Williams (knee) suffered an apparent knee injury and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Kelvin Beachum has replaced Williams at right tackle for the time being, but this will be something to monitor as it could affect Kyler Murray's protection. Williams has been an everyday starter for the Bengals through the first four years of his career and transitioned into the starter for the Cardinals. Updates will likely be on the way after Williams is checked out in the locker room.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 8 2:10pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is expected to be sidelined for 3-to-6 weeks after getting injured in Friday's loss to the Eagles in Brazil. But according to NFL's Tom Pelissero, the Packers believe the signal-caller could be back on "the sooner end." Of course, with Green Bay and Love agreeing to a lucrative contract extension this offseason, the team won't take chances. There was talk that the club had reached out to veteran Ryan Tannehill to fill the void under center. However, that doesn't appear to be the case, with Pelissero adding the Packers "are focused on preparing Malik Willis and Sean Clifford." With that said, Love's absence isn't good news for the receiving corps, so fantasy managers are certainly hoping he'll be back sooner rather than later.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 8 1:50pm ET
Kyler Murray

Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest versus the Cardinals. He has a forearm injury, although there hasn't been much else revealed about his condition. The 28-year-old received a three-year, $31 million contract extension this offseason. Unfortunately, the Bills may be without him for the rest of the contest. The Bills defense has struggled early in Week 1 against Kyler Murray and the Arizona offense, so the team can't afford to lose anyone on that side of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Tannehill Sep 8 1:00pm ET
Ryan Tannehill

The Green Bay Packers have reached out to free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Tannehill has expressed interest in signing with an NFL team, but only if it's the right situation. Specifically, he's looking to play for a contender with strong offensive-line play and talented weapons. Green Bay represents a fit, not just because it meets those specifications, but also because the Packers recently learned that Jordan Love (knee) will miss several weeks with an MCL sprain. Without Love, the Packers' current quarterback room consists of Malik Willis and Sean Clifford. Tannehill could be an upgrade over those two players, though even if he does sign, he might require a little extra time to ramp up to an NFL-caliber quality of play.

From RotoBaller

Dalvin Cook Sep 8 12:50pm ET
Dalvin Cook

Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook was not elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game versus the Cleveland Browns. As a result, he won't play in Week 1. This backfield belongs to some combination of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, and with Cook off the roster, Deuce Vaughn will operate as the No. 3 running back. Elliott and Dowdle are the only Cowboys backs on the fantasy roster; they are both RB3/FLEX options.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Sep 8 12:40pm ET
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is officially inactive for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Gay recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia and wasn't able to practice this week, although the Colts listed him as questionable on the Week 1 final injury report on Friday. The 30-year-old veteran booter was trending toward not playing all week, though, and the final indication that he wouldn't play this weekend was when the Colts elevated rookie kicker Spencer Shrader to the active 53-man roster on Saturday. It's unclear if Gay will be ready to kick in Week 2 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, but fantasy managers need to look for another option in Week 1. We'd suggest ignoring Shrader in his NFL debut and look for other more reliable kicking options to replace Gay.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 8 12:30pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) is officially active and will make his Patriots debut in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gibson drew a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report, but it was reported on Saturday that he was fully expected to play this weekend. While Gibson, the former Washington Commanders RB, is worth a bench stash in deeper fantasy leagues in his first year in New England, he doesn't exactly come with a lot of fantasy upside as the backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in what is expected to be one of the weakest offenses in the NFL in 2024. The 26-year-old will provide a change of pace for Stevenson but should probably be left on fantasy benches in Week 1 wherever he is rostered.

From RotoBaller

Javon Baker Sep 8 12:30pm ET
Javon Baker

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker will have to wait to make his NFL debut, as he's listed as a healthy scratch for Week 1 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. To begin his first year in the league, the 22-year-old fourth-round selection is behind Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Kashon Boutte on the receiver depth chart in New England. Things won't get any easier for Baker once Kendrick Bourne (knee) eventually comes off the Physically Unable to Perform list at some point after Week 4. Especially in a Patriots offense that is expected to be one of the weakest units in the league this year, Baker's prospects for becoming fantasy relevant in single-year leagues are remote. For now, he's merely a bench stash in dynasty/keeper formats in what could be more of a redshirt year.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 8 12:20pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 1 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. There were conflicting reports throughout the week on whether Wilson would make his Steelers debut this weekend after he was given a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report. Head coach Mike Tomlin seemed to think Wilson was fine earlier in the week, but team trainers have taken a more cautious approach to the veteran signal-caller after he dealt with an injury to the same calf during training camp. It's unclear if Wilson will start in Week 2 on the road against his former team, the Denver Broncos in Week 2, but the Steelers could have some QB controversy on their hands early on if Justin Fields performs well in the Week 1 opener against Atlanta. Kyle Allen will serve as Fields' backup on Sunday with Wilson out.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Sep 8 12:20pm ET
John Metchie III

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers and wide receiver John Metchie III are healthy scratches for Week 1 of the regular season against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Texans are rolling with starter Joe Mixon and backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale as their three RBs to open the year against the Colts. The 25-year-old Akers saw plenty of action in the preseason, but for now he'll just be RB depth in Houston and remains well off the fantasy radar. Metchie has plenty of talent but has been hurt by injuries so far in his NFL career, and the Texans now have a crowded receiver room that features Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods and others. The 24-year-old is also battling for a position with Xavier Hutchinson and Steven Sims. Obviously, Akers and Metchie both belong on the waiver wire in your league.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 8 12:13pm ET
Jordan Love

Dynasty | Packers quarterback Jordan Love is likely going to miss just 3-6 weeks after experiencing a mild MCL sprain in the season opener. Dynasty Analysis: The news gets even better as Ian Rapaport is reporting the Packers believe he's going to return in the low-end of that scale and only miss around three weeks. This is major good news for Love (and his dynasty managers) as it looked like he could have suffered a season-ending injury in week one. Dynasty managers will need to turn to their QB2 in the short-term but we should see Love again shortly. He retains all the momentum he had gained this off-season in terms of his dynasty value, despite missing some time.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tyreek Hill Sep 8 12:13pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained outside Miami's stadium prior to the start of their opening day game. Dynasty Analysis: Hill was stopped for what is being called a minor traffic violation but video shows him on the ground in handcuffs. This is a story that's not going to go away any time soon as details are a little sketchy at the moment. What we do know is Hill was released and will play. This looks like an ugly situation that may have been totally avoided but we won't rush to judgment. Regardless, Hill is locked into lineups this morning.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Russell Wilson Sep 8 12:13pm ET
Russell Wilson

Dynasty | The Steelers are starting Justin Fields in their season opening game against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Russell Wilson has been unable to shake the calf injury that has plagued him all off-season and Fields is going to get a golden opportunity to take the job and run with it, perhaps literally. This is a situation to monitor closely today as Fields' performance will shape the future of the Steelers franchise in the short-term. He remains a solid buy low but that window may have just closed.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dak Prescott Sep 8 12:13pm ET
Dak Prescott

Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The extension keeps Prescott in Dallas for the long haul and pays him $240 million, making him the highest paid player in NFL history. While Prescott hasn't been able to get Dallas to the promised land, he's certainly solved what was a revolving door at the position for years after Troy Aikman retired. Prescott will remain a solid lower-end QB1 in dynasty leagues for what looks like years to come.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 8 12:13pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is active for Week 1's game against the Chicago Bears.

Fantasy Spin: Hopkins had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited practice participant throughout the week. He makes a risky WR3 or flex option this afternoon because he may not see his normal workload since he is attempting to play through an MCL tear.

From TheHuddle

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 8 12:10pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is officially active in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability for the season opener had been in question all week, mainly because he hadn't resolved a contract dispute with the team. Then Chase came down with an illness late in the week. Even though the two sides haven't worked out a long-term contract extension, Chase will suit up to begin the regular season, which is good news for the Bengals, who will be without receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring). Although Chase is expected to be on somewhat of a pitch count after not practicing much at all during training camp, fantasy managers that took him in the first round of drafts need to keep him in their starting lineups

From RotoBaller

Tip Reiman Sep 8 12:10pm ET
Tip Reiman

Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's season opener against the Buffalo Bills. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday, but in the end, he's suiting up for his NFL debut. The rookie third-round pick remains behind Trey McBride on the depth chart, which means he can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues this week.

From RotoBaller