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
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option as he prepares to take on the Green Bay Packers. After a tough outing in Week 10 against the New England Patriots, where Williams completed just 16 of 30 passes for a meager 120 yards and failed to throw any touchdowns, he's looking to redeem himself and showcase his potential. Adding to the drama, the Bears made a significant move this week by firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was just nine games into his tenure with the rookie quarterback. Waldron's struggles to establish an effective offensive game plan prompted the change, and now the Bears are hoping a new direction will help unlock Williams' playmaking ability. The team promoted passing game coordinator Thomas Brown to replace Waldron, which signals a shift in offensive philosophy. However, it's important to note that the Bears' offensive line is still banged up and likely won't be at full strength on Sunday, following a dismal performance where they allowed nine sacks in their previous game. Given the uncertainty surrounding the offense and the ongoing issues with the offensive line, starting Williams this week carries significant risk. Proceed with caution, especially in leagues where you need a more reliable QB option.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is positioned to be a solid RB2 option in fantasy this Sunday as the Bears face off against the Green Bay Packers. After an average Week 10 performance, in which Swift rushed for 59 yards on 16 carries, he's primed for another productive outing. This week, however, there's a major shake-up in Chicago's offensive strategy. The Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday, just nine games into his tenure, hoping to revitalize the struggling offense. With Waldron out, passing game coordinator Thomas Brown has been promoted to offensive coordinator, and the hope is that his fresh perspective will lead to more balanced play-calling and, ultimately, better overall production. This could help take some of the load off Swift's shoulders and open up more opportunities for him in the red zone. That said, the Bears' offensive line is still dealing with significant injuries and is unlikely to be at full strength, which could limit the team's overall offensive effectiveness. Despite these challenges, Swift should remain a reliable option in all fantasy formats, with the potential for positive regression as the offense adjusts under new leadership.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints jack of all trades Taysom Hill should have another week of modest usage with running back Jamaal Williams (groin) listed as out for the upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns. Hill has operated as the primary backup to Alvin Kamara with both Williams and Kendre Miller (hamstring) sidelined by injuries recently. Over the last three games, Hill has eight receptions for 98 yards and 13 rushing attempts for 53 yards and a touchdown. Last week, Hill was a holding penalty away from adding an 88-yard touchdown reception to his resume. The Browns have not been particularly generous to opposing tight ends this season but Hill does not fit the typical mold for the position. His consistent use out of the backfield (4.5 carries per game) elevates his floor and his touchdown potential keeps him in the running for a top-12 finish week-to-week. Hill makes for a solid play in Week 11 with so much of the Saints' offense ailing.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 10, converting both of his field goal attempts and both extra point tries. He scored the first points of the game against the Falcons with a 38-yard field goal in the second quarter and hit another from 26 yards out in the third quarter. On the season he has missed just one of his 19 field goal attempts and is now 21-for-23 on extra points. Grupe offers a solid floor, rarely straying far from his average 7.5 fantasy points per game. In Week 11, the Saints face the Browns, who have offered little to opposing kickers this season, though that may be because they are allowing teams to reach the end zone more often than they are stopping them short, particularly in close range. Cleveland has only seen five field goals attempted at a distance of 39 yards or fewer. They have also had the good fortune of opponents going 8-for-14 from 40 yards out or more, with just one block to their credit. Grupe is 8-for-9 from that range. Grupe isn't an option to get excited about but a top-12 finish isn't out of the question. He is worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a kicker in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Injuries to the New Orleans Saints wide receiver room cleared a path up the depth chart for rookie Mason Tipton. With Chris Olave (concussion), Rashid Shaheed (knee), and Bub Means (ankle) on injured reserve, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) out for Week 10, there seemed to be ample opportunity for Tipton to soak up some targets. Sadly, that wasn't the case as Tipton did not draw a single target in last week's game against the Falcons. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was the main beneficiary of the Saints' lack of receiving talent, catching three balls for 109 yards and two scores against Atlanta, while running back Alvin Kamara was the preferred option on short routes. In Week 11, MVS can be expected to remain the team's deep option and if Wilson shakes his questionable tag, Tipton will have a hard time commanding targets against him or Kamara. He can safely be left on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have been rocked by injuries over the last several weeks. Wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion), Rashid Shaheed (knee), and Bub Means (ankle) are all on injured reserve, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) has missed two of the team's last three games and has a questionable tag for Sunday. With so many pass catchers ailing, one would expect that it would provide others ample opportunity for a bump in production. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for tight end Juwan Johnson. Over the last three weeks he has seven catches for 111 yards on nine targets. His last trip to the end zone came in Week 1 and his odds to change that against the Browns on Sunday are slim. In 2024, Cleveland has allowed just one touchdown to opposing tight ends and the third-fewest receptions to the position. Johnson can stay on the wire in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is in line for another week of heavy usage in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns. As injuries have chipped away at the Saints' depth at both wide receiver and running back, the team's reliance on Kamara has only grown stronger. Over the last three weeks he has been targeted on 41.9% of routes run and has 18.7 carries per game, compared to 25.3% and 15.9 over the first seven weeks of the season. The Browns have allowed the fewest receptions to opposing running backs this season but, given the lack of other options, the Saints will try to extend Kamara's streak of at least five receptions which goes back to Week 4. Kamara has not made it into the end zone since Week 6 but that could change against the Browns, who have allowed nine touchdowns on the ground in 2024, including three in the two games prior to their Week 10 bye. As usual, Kamara is a must-start in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is still a starting-caliber option in fantasy lineups, but with Mac Jones at quarterback, his upside is limited against the Detroit Lions. After six catches for 40 yards in Week 10 against the Vikings, unless Engram scores a touchdown, it is hard to imagine the veteran tight end having a big day. After just seven points against the Vikings, it is hard to imagine the Jaguars offense as a whole performing well. The Lions are better against the pass against the run, but it is likely the defensive line causes problems for Jones just as the Vikings line did. Engram should still be started in fantasy lineups, but he is a bit more touchdown-reliant in fantasy than usual this week against the Lions.
From RotoBaller
One of the biggest surprises of Week 10 was Marquez Valdes-Scantling. In his second game with the New Orleans Saints, the speedy veteran caught three passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. MVS has pushed up the depth chart thanks to the glut of injuries dealt to the Saints' wide receiver room. Of the five wide receivers that started the season on the team's active roster only rookie Mason Tipton was left standing last week. The situation might remain the same in the upcoming matchup against the Browns, with Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) tagged as questionable. Tipton was not targeted at all last week as quarterback Derek Carr focused most of his attention on running back Alvin Kamara and utilized MVS as his field stretcher. The 30-year-old journeyman has a chance for a repeat performance against the Browns, as they have struggled against the deep ball and have given up 11 touchdowns to opposing wideouts in 2024. MVS is worth a look in deeper leagues with 14 or more teams.
From RotoBaller
In his second game back following a multi-week absence due to an oblique injury, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr passed for a season high 269 yards against the Atlanta Falcons. Carr found success going deep, hitting wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for gains of 40 yards (and a touchdown) and 67 yards. The duo also connected for a two-yard touchdown pass. The performance was reminiscent of Carr's work earlier this season with deep threat Rashid Shaheed (knee). In Week 11, Carr is going against the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled against the deep ball in 2024, allowing the fifth-most receptions of 20 air yards or more. It is hard to trust Carr as a starter in standard leagues but he should be a solid option in two-quarterback or superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has a chance for a work-horse role in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. Tank Bigsby is out with an ankle injury after not practicing all week. Etienne Jr.'s only competition for touches this week is D'Ernest Johnson, who also happened to be limited at practice all week with a hamstring injury. The Lions are much weaker against the pass than the run, so the Clemson product may have an inefficient day on the ground, but he can salvage his fantasy day if he can get involved in the passing game. With Mac Jones at the helm, the box will be stacked more than usual, and Jones will likely need to rely on the short passing game. Etienne Jr. has a wide range of outcomes given his potential volume in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is difficult to trust as a fantasy option in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. After a tough performance last week against the Minnesota Vikings, Jones shouldn't be on the fantasy radar. The Lions are a plus matchup, but after putting up just seven points last week, it's hard to fathom Jones as a good fantasy option in his second start of the season. The good news is that Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram are good to go, while Travis Etienne Jr. should be the primary back with Tank Bigsby out. Jones has decent weapons at his disposal, but until he shows he can lead a competent offense, he shouldn't be considered in fantasy lineups. Leave Jones on the bench in Week 11 against the Lions.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is having arguably his best season to date. The wideout has been on a roll and is coming off a potent Week 10 showing against the Ravens, when he caught 11 of his 17 targets for 254 yards and three touchdowns. While Tee Higgins (quadriceps) is cleared to return for Sunday's meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers, Chase's ceiling is higher than ever, despite a difficult game on the horizon. Keep him starting, obviously.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has had an MVP-caliber season. While the Bengals are sitting at a disappointing 4-6, the signal-caller has shined, leading the league in completions (246), yards (2,672), and touchdowns (24). Cincinnati can still make waves in the AFC, but the team will need a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. Fortunately for Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase has also thrived during the 2024-25 campaign. The same can be said for Chase Brown. Even better, Tee Higgins (quadriceps) will be back on the field in Week 11. With nine touchdown throws in the last two games, Burrow remains a must-start, despite a challenging matchup on tap.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a tough matchup in a Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. McConkey is in the middle of a very solid rookie season, as he is currently the overall fantasy WR31 in points per game despite playing on an offense that only recently decided to start throwing the ball. McConkey is tied for the team lead in end zone targets and leads the team overall with a 21.8% target share. This week could be tough on McConkey, though. The Bengals defense has been top-10 against slot receivers this season in both receiving yards per game and total fantasy points per game. McConkey is shaping up to be more of a floor FLEX option than a true WR2 this time.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is set for a strong performance in a Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnston has been the overall WR37 in fantasy this season, but he has scored a touchdown in two straight games and matches up well with the Bengals defense. "QJ" ranks first on the Chargers yards per route run against defenses similar to Cincinnati's. They've allowed the third-most receiving yards and fantasy points per game to outside wide receivers since Week 5. While the running game might struggle against a solid Bengals front, the pass game could thrive, making Johnston a WR3 with clear WR2 upside this week.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer is not worth using in a starting spot in most fantasy formats in Week 11 when the Chargers take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer has been playing well in his "real life" role on the Chargers offense, but it absolutely has not translated to much fantasy value. He's been targeted just 28 times since the season began, making 18 catches. He's had a few deep balls thrown his way and that could always become a huge play that can win a fantasy week, but he's a boom-or-bust option with a lot less boom than others in similar roles. He can be left on the bench in deeper fantasy leagues and on the waiver wire in standard ones.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly has an outstanding matchup in a Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dissly has seen at least five targets in four of the past five games, and has totaled 32 targets and 24 catches in that span. He's become a key part of the short passing game, and against defenses like Cincinnati's, Dissly leads the team in first-read share and is second in yards per route run. The Bengals defense has allowed opposing tight ends to thrive, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to the position. It should be a high floor game for Dissly at worst, with one of his higher possible ceilings of the season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a solid option as usual for Week 11 fantasy lineups. The Chargers will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football in what could be a high-scoring game, giving Dicker multiple chances to put up points. He's been a top-15 fantasy kicker six times this season and has remained consistent and reliable while adding a little distance to his arsenal. He's a safe top-10 option for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers defense will face their first real challenge in a few weeks in a Week 11 Sunday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chargers had a stretch of opponents with limited offenses, and they put up strong games against them. They were the overall DST3 in Week 8 against New Orleans, the DST2 in Week 9 against Cleveland, and the DST12 in Week 10 against Tennessee. The Bengals pose a much bigger threat than any of those three teams, but this Chargers defense has certainly shown the ability to slow down almost any opponent. Khalil Mack (groin) is questionable after not practicing all week, making the Bolts defense a bit riskier as a fantasy starter this week, but they are still likely to end up as a top-12 option at the position.
From RotoBaller