Guest of the League
TBL2 Est. 2008
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!

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10

Player Notes
Brian Daboll Nov 11 3:20pm ET
Brian Daboll

According to Pat Leonard of the team, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll would not commit to quarterback Daniel Jones as the team's starter coming out of their Week 10 bye. Per Leonard, Daboll and the coaching staff are "evaluating everything" during the bye week. Despite the Giants scoring 17 points in the final two frames to tie the game and send it into overtime in Week 10, a costly fumble by rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. on New York's ensuing possession would lead to an Eddy Pineiro field goal. That would ultimately sink the G-Men, handing them their fifth straight loss as they fell to 2-8 on the year. Jones has completed 63.3% of his pass attempts in 2024, totaling ten touchdowns while racking up nine turnovers. New York has averaged the eighth-fewest pass yards per game this season. Stay tuned.

From RotoBaller

Jeff Ulbrich Nov 11 3:00pm ET
Jeff Ulbrich

Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, New York Jets offensive tackle Tyron Smith (neck) will have an MRI exam early this week, according to interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. Smith picked up a neck injury in the Jets' 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday. As reported by Cimini, the 33-year-old had played every snap for the Jets this season before picking up the injury. The severity of the veteran's ailment is unknown at this time, but if he were forced to miss more action, it'd be a massive blow to New York's offensive line. Rookie offensive tackle Olu Fashanu took over for Smith when he went down, and the first-round pick projects to stand in for the eight-time Pro Bowler again if he cannot suit up for the team's Week 11 home tilt against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Hicks Nov 11 2:40pm ET
Jordan Hicks

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski expects linebacker Jordan Hicks (triceps, elbow) to return to action in Week 11, as reported by Fred Greetham of the NFL. The 32-year-old has already missed four contests this year as he's worked through multiple injuries and hasn't been active since Week 7, with his most recent tricep/elbow ailment. However, it appears he's turned a corner in his recovery coming out of the team's Week 10 bye. His practice participation this week will be telling of his potential status on Sunday when the team visits the Caesars Superdome to square off against the New Orleans Saints. The veteran linebacker has recorded 24 tackles and one quarterback sack in five appearances this season.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Nov 11 2:30pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier received 11 carries for 59 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints. That includes a 24-yard scamper and was good for a 5.4 YPC. The 24-year-old nearly had an even better day, with the Falcons giving him three consecutive chances to punch it in from the 1-yard line in the second quarter, finally acquiescing and giving Bijan Robinson the final (successful) try on fourth down. It was the third time in the last five games that the BYU product has received double-digit carries, but his involvement still seems to be erratic and not necessarily game-script dependent. With zero targets in the passing game for the third consecutive week, Allgeier will again be a risky RB3/Flex play in Week 11 against the Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 11 2:20pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

According to head coach Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is "very close" to returning. Matt McMullen of the team reported the news. Pacheco has been on the shelf since fracturing his fibula back in Kansas City's Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It's unclear exactly when he may again be active, but the third-year back has yet to resume practicing, so one figures he will not be active this upcoming weekend. Kareem Hunt has filled in well for the 25-year-old since the team acquired him back in Week 3, and he'll continue to lead the Chiefs' backfield in Pacheco's stead. While this weekend's matchup against the Buffalo Bills would be a long shot for the Rutgers product to suit up, fantasy managers who have held onto him should be rewarded in short order.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Goodson Nov 11 2:20pm ET
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts backup running back Tyler Goodson did not receive a single carry in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills, but found the end zone through the air on one of his two catches for a total of nine yards. It certainly perturbed Jonathan Taylor managers, as Taylor was one of the lone bright spots on offense for most of the day for the Colts, but alas, it was Goodson who found paydirt. Nevertheless, without an injury to Jonathan Taylor, the 23-year-old is not usable in most fantasy formats, especially not in Week 11 against a strong Jets run defense. The second-year pro did a decent job filling in for Taylor in Week 7 with 14 rushes for 51 yards and a score, so he could be considered a low-end handcuff.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Nov 11 2:20pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Matt McMullen reports that Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid noted that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is "very close" to a return to the lineup. Smith-Schuster had a breakout game in Week 5 when he caught 7-of-8 targets for 130 yards in Kansas City's 26-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints. However, following the team's bye in Week 6, he participated in just seven snaps before injuring his hamstring. He then missed the next three contests, but it appears he'll return to the lineup over the next few weeks at the latest. It will be interesting to see how the 27-year-old is worked into the team's scheme with the acquisition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Additionally, tight end Travis Kelce's reemergence could put a damper on the veteran's work in the passing game. Fantasy managers will want to continue to monitor his status.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Nov 11 2:10pm ET
Kyle Pitts

After recording just one catch in Week 9, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts got back on track in Week 10, hauling in four of six targets for 55 yards in a 20-17 loss to the Saints. There have been more productive and consistent options at tight end, but Pitts is still top 10 at the position in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, so while he can be a bit volatile, the 24-year-old remains a TE1 in a solid Falcons offense. He may even be in a better spot than his fellow receivers next week against the Broncos, who have been good against WRs but not as great against TEs, with Brock Bowers, Cade Otton, and Travis Kelce each catching at least seven balls against them. As such, Pitts will again be a volatile TE1 in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Nov 11 1:50pm ET
Younghoe Koo

Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo's recent struggles proved costly in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints. The 30-year-old missed three of four field goals in Week 10, and after starting the season 13-for-15 over the first six games, he's now 2-for-7 over the last four. Thankfully he is a perfect 23-for-23 on extra-point attempts, but it may not matter if missed field goals will cost Atlanta games. For now, his job seems to be safe, but fantasy managers should monitor in the event something unexpected happens. The Falcons travel to Denver on Sunday in a game that has a fairly low expected total at this point (43.5), so opportunities may be limited and managers may want to consider pivoting to a more reliable option anyway in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 11 1:30pm ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said on Monday that the team isn't benching rookie quarterback Caleb Williams following another disappointing loss to the New England Patriots in Week 10 on Sunday. "Caleb is our starter," Eberflus said. The first overall pick was sacked nine times and went 16-for-30 for 120 yards in the 19-3 loss on Sunday. Since the team's bye in Week 7, the Bears' offense has managed just one touchdown (in Week 8), and Williams has been sacked 18 times behind a banged-up and ineffective offensive line. While the 22-year-old will remain the starter, Chicago is considering taking play-calling duties away from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron heading into a Week 11 divisional clash against the Green Bay Packers. It could be more tough sledding for Williams against a Packers defense that has been stingy against opposing QBs of late.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Nov 11 1:00pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson paced the team in receiving in the 34-6 blowout loss against Philadelphia on Sunday. Ferguson caught four passes for a team-high 24 yards in what was an abysmal showing from the Dallas offense. His fantasy ceiling has taken a hit with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) likely done for the season. The 25-year-old is no longer a must-start entering Monday's matchup with Houston.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Tolbert Nov 11 1:00pm ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert struggled along with the rest of the offense in the 34-6 loss to Philadelphia. The third-year receiver was targeted five times, catching three receptions for 14 yards. Tolbert has fallen off of the fantasy radar with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) likely done for the year, as Cooper Rush and Trey Lance have not proven to be capable of supporting multiple pass catchers from a fantasy perspective.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Nov 11 12:50pm ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was the clear-cut lead back on Sunday in what was an abysmal offensive showing. Dowdle carried the ball 12 times for 53 yards and caught all three targets for just three yards. He ripped off a 19-yard run, good for the longest Dallas offensive play of the game. Dowdle appears entrenched as the top running back in the offense, although his value has taken a clear hit without quarterback Dak Prescott. He should be a matchup-dependent flex option moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Nov 11 12:50pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott only touched the ball six times in the blowout loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. Elliott was returning from a one-game internal suspension related to team conduct. He gained 22 yards on the ground and was not targeted in the passing game. Elliott remains off the fantasy radar as a handcuff to Rico Dowdle in what is now a defunct Dallas offense without quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring).

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Nov 11 12:50pm ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb saw a team-high 10 targets on Sunday in the 34-6 loss to Philadelphia. Lamb caught six of those passes, but only gained 21 yards. He also rushed once for a three yard gain. The Cowboys' star receiver's fantasy stock has taken a clear hit with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) likely done for the season. He will look to bounce back next Monday night against Houston.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 11 12:50pm ET
Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears offense has been stagnant ever since the team's bye in Week 7, which has the team considering making a change at offensive play-caller entering Week 11 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Head coach Matt Eberflus said on Monday that the team was "in the middle of that process of that evaluation" about a possible switch away from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron calling the plays. Chicago's offense has produced just 27 points in their last three games combined after scoring 36 and 35 points, respectively, in Weeks 5 and 6. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams hasn't thrown a TD pass since Week 6, and the Bears offense hasn't scored a TD since Week 8. Nine games into the season, Chicago's offense ranks 31st in yards per play, 30th in yards per game, 30th in yards per pass, 28th in yards per carry, 32nd in sacks allowed per pass and 31st on third down.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Rush Nov 11 12:40pm ET
Cooper Rush

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush had a poor outing in his first 2024 start as the Cowboys fell 34-6 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Rush completed 13-of-23 passes for just 45 yards, losing two fumbles in the game. He scrambled twice for two yards as well. Rush was pulled late in the game for Trey Lance, who did not look much better. It remains to be seen if Rush will maintain the starting job going into next week's Monday night game against Houston, but even if he does he is off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 11 12:40pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain after undergoing an MRI exam and is expected to miss a couple of weeks, according to a source. Although it's bad news that Wirfs will have to miss time, it's a sign of relief for the Bucs that the injury wasn't worse. The 25-year-old was injured in the 23-20 loss to the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 10. With Wirfs now out for a couple of weeks, the expectation is that Justin Skule become a starter for a Tampa defense that continues to be hurt by injuries. It's more bad news for the blind-side protection for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who continues to make the most of what has become a very thin receiving corps with both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) injured.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Nov 11 12:40pm ET
Trey Lance

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance stepped into the game late on Sunday, replacing a struggling Cooper Rush in what turned out to be a 34-6 blowout. The former third-overall pick struggled to get the offense going but did provide a bit more of a pop than Rush. Lance completed 4-of-6 passes for 21 yards and an interception while scrambling three times for 17 yards. Mike McCarthy has not named a starter for next Monday's matchup with Houston, but with how poorly Rush played there is a shot that Lance could draw his first start.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Nov 11 12:40pm ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) is heading to New York on Monday to visit with a hamstring specialist, where he ultimately will make the decision on whether to have season-ending surgery for a hamstring avulsion that he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Prescott's hamstring partially tore off his bone and will require six to eight weeks of recovery if he decides to avoid the surgical route. Either way, Prescott is unlikely to play again this year, but if he undergoes surgery, he'll be facing a three-month recovery period. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that Prescott is leaning towards having surgery. Fantasy managers can drop Prescott in single-year fantasy leagues at this point. Cooper Rush looked awful in his first start in Week 10 against the Eagles and could eventually give way to Trey Lance if things continue to go south in Week 11 versus the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller