The Weekly Bender: You Can Always Come Home
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!
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Five Late-Round Gambles
- Steelers P Cameron Johnston sustains 'serious injury' vs. Falcons
- Falcons drop opener; Kirk Cousins, Raheem Morris turn page to Philly
- Frustration peaks for Daniel Jones, Giants in another rough opener
- Bills QB Josh Allen to have X-rays on left hand
- Giants WR/returner Gunner Olszewski injured in warmups
- Kendrick Lamar to headline Super Bowl LIX halftime show
- Despite contract impasse, Ja'Marr Chase active for Bengals
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott signing 4-year, $240M contract
- Justin Fields to start for Steelers as Russell Wilson ailing
- Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill detained by cops, expected to play
- Bill Belichick wants to coach in 2025
- Packers QB Jordan Love to miss 'a few weeks'
- Chargers place WR DJ Chark (hip) on injured reserve
- Broncos elevate Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Michael Burton for Seahawks game
- Commanders put QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve
- Panthers place TE Ian Thomas (calf) on IR
- Patriots add S Jabrill Peppers (hip) to injury report
- Colts elevate K Spencer Shrader with Matt Gay iffy
- Jets coach: 'Fair' to say Haason Reddick won't play in opener
- Packers QB Jordan Love (leg) scheduled for MRI
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL DFS Cash Game Cheat Sheet
- Fantasy Life: Huge Week 1 Question Marks
- Fantasy Life: These Receivers Deserve Some Props
- Fantasy Life: Sunday morning sharp money update: The Carolina Panthers
- Fantasy Life: NFL Futures Market: Big Week 1 Bet on Bijan Robinson
The Paur Report
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns and was deemed questionable to return. If Ferguson doesn't make it back in Week 1, he'll finish the day by catching three balls for 15 yards. With that said, there should be an update on his left knee soon, although further testing is likely on the horizon. Dallas has been up big for most of this game and haven't really need to go to the air often. If Ferguson needs to miss time beyond Week 1, Luke Schoonmaker would likely step in as the team's TE1.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 156 yards and added 57 rushing yards on 14 carries in an 18-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers were conservative in their play calling on Sunday, but Fields delivered when asked to push the ball downfield. He completed passes of 33 and 40 yards to receiver George Pickens, who was clearly his favorite target. His statistics were underwhelming from a fantasy perspective this week but Fields will continue to offer high upside as a fantasy QB1 option any time he starts. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of Russell Wilson (calf) in the coming days ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 20 carries for 70 yards and hauled in one of his two targets for nine yards in a Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Harris operated in a workhorse role on Sunday but should expect to lose some touches to Jaylen Warren, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, as the season progresses. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old Harris looked solid, especially on a powerful run that picked up 20 yards in the fourth quarter. However, Pittsburgh's offense will need to find a way to get the ball in the end zone for Harris to become a worthwhile fantasy option, making it difficult to trust him as anything more than a flex play heading into a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have declared OT Colby Sorsdal, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, DL D.J. Reader, DB Loren Strickland, DL James Houston, OT Giovanni Manu and LB Trevor Nowaske inactive for Week 1.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer was ejected from Sunday's matchup with the Raiders. Both teams were involved in a scuffle during the fourth quarter. However, Palmer and Jack Jones were the players who got the boot. Palmer finished the game by catching two of his four targets for 15 yards. While he'll likely be disciplined, his availability for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers isn't expected to be a concern for many fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara looked good in Sunday's decisive win over the Panthers. The veteran ran the ball 15 times, accumulating 83 yards and a touchdown. He also got involved on the receiving end, catching all five targets for 27 yards. Kamara and the Saints had contract discussions over the last few months. However, a deal didn't get done, meaning further talks will likely wait until after the 2024-25 campaign. Despite not getting a new deal, Kamara remains focused on his play. "I'm not worried about it," said Kamara when asked about the unsuccessful negotiations. "I'm here to play. I'm gonna play. I'm gonna perform." It appears the 29-year-old is more focused than ever, which is great news for fantasy managers. Keep him starting in all formats when the Saints meet the Cowboys in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) exited Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. He's questionable to return. However, considering he needed assistance to the locker room, fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if he doesn't make it back for the remainder of Week 1. If that's the case, he'll finish with four catches for 44 yards. Hopefully, it isn't anything serious. But Njoku may appear on the injury report ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Braxton Berrios and TE Durham Smythe were each held without a catch in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Berrios was targeted twice, while Smythe had three targets.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the Week 1 game and is considered questionable to return.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku is one of the better tight ends in the NFL, so fantasy players should keep an eye out for an update on his status. He is a weekly starting option when healthy, but fantasy players will need a backup plan if he misses time.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold completed 19-of-24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed 14 times for a game-high 94 yards and a touchdown in his team debut in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Jones also converted his two targets into two receptions for 15 yards.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill finished with seven receptions for 130 yards and an 80-yard touchdown in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, bouncing back after being detained due to a minor traffic violation prior to the opener.
Fantasy Spin: Hill got off to a slow start, and fantasy managers were wringing their hands until Cheetah shook free for an 80-yard touchdown with 2:08 to go in the third quarter. The long scoring reception obviously turned a terrible start and day into another strong fantasy line. He'll look to keep it going in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills on a short week Thursday. Hill had seven grabs for 82 yards and a TD on 13 targets at home against Buffalo Jan. 7, 2024 in the most recent meeting.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith posted a lone 7-yard reception on his two targets in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in his team debut.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk hauled in his lone target for a gain of six yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans and fantasy managers alike were curious to see where Polk would rank in the pecking order, and now we have our answer. At best, he's the No. 3 receiver behind Demario Douglas and K.J. Osborn. It's worth noting that Tyquan Thornton saw more volume than him, too. Polk is avoidable in redraft leagues and nothing more than a bench stash in deeper dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert rushed six times for only nine yards in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while totaling two receptions for only 10 yards on his three targets.
Fantasy Spin: Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns, while tying for the NFL lead with 21 total scores, but that's last season. He is expected to share the load with De'Von Achane, and the latter was much more productive for fantasy managers, especially in the pass game. Even Jeff Wilson Jr. had a handful of touches, actually leading the team in rushing yards. It's not what Mostert's fantasy managers wanted to see. He remains a low-end RB2 or flex play in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, but expect him to share the wealth.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore caught five passes for 36 yards on eight targets against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. He also rushed for 14 yards on one carry during the game.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen caught four passes for 29 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. He was targeted 11 times during the game.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton caught two of three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His 17-yard reception tied the Patriots' longest gain from scrimmage. Although it was a promising performance from the young receiver, he can't be trusted in fantasy football going forward. For starters, he remains behind Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, and possibly Ja'Lynn Polk in the pecking order. Furthermore, the Patriots aren't expected to throw enough this season to support meaningful fantasy production from a depth receiver like Thornton. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn led the team with three receptions on six targets during Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished the game with a total of 21 receiving yards. The former Viking operated as the Patriots' No. 2 receiver, putting to bed any speculation that rookie Ja'Lynn Polk may open the year in that role. Even with solid volume, Osborn will be tough to trust going forward. We don't have enough confidence in this run-heavy Patriots offense yet, meaning Osborn can't be depended on for consistent production going forward.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas caught two of his three targets for just 12 yards during Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Douglas finished fifth on the team in terms of receiving yards and tied for third in targets. It's an interesting and noteworthy outcome given that Douglas was expected to be Jacoby Brissett's top target this year. One game is too small of a sample size to rule that out, but it likely means that Douglas can be benched in fantasy football for Week 2. For Douglas to get back on the fantasy radar, he'd likely need at least four or five catches per game given that he's not a major YAC guy.
From RotoBaller
