Guest of the League
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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Championship

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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Player Notes
Cameron Latu Jan 21 10:20pm ET
Cameron Latu

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent tight end Cameron Latu to a Reserve/Futures deal on Tuesday and released wide receiver Elijah Cooks from their practice squad in a corresponding move. Latu was with the San Francisco 49ers during training camp but was cut before the start of the regular season. The 24-year-old then latched on with the Cleveland Browns and spent time on their practice squad in 2024, although he did not play in any games. He has never appeared in an NFL game and will merely be looking to stick around on Philly's active 53-man roster after training camp this summer. Latu was originally taken by the 49ers in the third round (101st overall) of the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama.

From RotoBaller

James Mitchell Jan 21 10:20pm ET
James Mitchell

The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end James Mitchell and outside linebacker Boogie Basham to Reserve/Futures deals. Mitchell was a former fifth-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. He was with the Lions on their practice squad in 2024 and will now try to make Carolina's active 53-man roster for the 2025 season. In 30 games over three seasons in the NFL, he has only recorded 13 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown in Detroit. Basham, meanwhile, was a second-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 out of Wake Forest. He'll reunite with general manager Dan Morgan, who was in Buffalo's front office when he was drafted. In 40 games over his four years in the NFL, Basham has 4.5 sacks. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2023.

From RotoBaller

David Sills Jan 21 10:10pm ET
David Sills

The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday that they signed wide receivers David Sills, Phillip Dorsett II, Dylan Drummond, Jesse Matthews and Makai Polk, defensive tackles Junior Aho and LaCale London, offensive lineman Matthew Cindric, running back Elijah Dotson, offensive guards Joey Fisher and Jovaughn Gwyn, defensive backs Lamar Jackson and Benny Sapp III, quarterback Emory Jones, defensive end Khalid Kareem and offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to Reserve/Futures deals. Thirteen of the 16 players were on the Falcons' practice squad at some point in 2024, with Gwyn, Jackson and Kareem seeing time on the active roster. Sills was with the Denver Broncos this year and was elevated to the active roster in Week 17, although he didn't see any action. He has 13 career catches for 123 yards in 16 games (seven starts) since debuting in 2021.

From RotoBaller

Malik Cunningham Jan 21 10:00pm ET
Malik Cunningham

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham has signed a reserve/future deal to stay with the organization in 2025. Cunningham spent the entire 2024 campaign on the practice squad, but he'll get a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp. The Louisville product started his pro career as a quarterback, but has transitioned to a wideout with the Ravens. He played briefly with the New England Patriots before joining the Ravens roster. There is plenty of untapped potential here due to Cunningham's speed and the fact he played quarterback in college. Hopefully, the Ravens find a way to get him involved in their 2025 gameplan. In addition to Cunningham, the Ravens signed quarterback Devin Leary, receiver Dayton Wade, tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, offensive linemen Corey Bullock and Darrian Dalcourt, defensive linemen Adedayo Odeleye, Basil Okoye and C.J. Ravenell and linebacker William Kwenkeu.

From RotoBaller

Ronnie Bell Jan 21 9:20pm ET
Ronnie Bell

The Detroit Lions have signed wide receiver Ronnie Bell to a reserve/future deal on Tuesday. Bell was waived by the San Francisco 49ers in late November, but he was quickly signed back to the practice squad. The 24-year-old finished the season with two reception for 22 yards in nine games with the 49ers. The former seventh-round pick failed to do much in his two seasons in San Francisco. He'll look to catch on as a depth option with the Lions next season.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Jan 21 6:50pm ET
Daniel Jones

According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Daniel Jones could return to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2025 season. While Lewis noted that Jones is expected to test free agency, he could be a part of Minnesota's plans if Sam Darnold were to depart. This would present an opportunity for Jones to operate as the No.2 option behind J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season after he tore his meniscus during the preseason. Jones opened the 2024 campaign with the New York Giants but was released after Week 10. During this ten-game stint, Jones scored ten touchdowns, threw seven interceptions, and averaged a mere 207.5 passing yards per game. The 27-year-old operated as the No.3 QB while with the Minnesota Vikings. Given his struggles this season, Jones will likely operate as a backup throughout most of the 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Kindle Vildor Jan 21 6:40pm ET
Kindle Vildor

According to Colton Pouncy and Amos Morale III of The Athletic, Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis could depart in free agency. Pouncy and Morale also mentioned offensive guard Kevin Zeitler as another name who could depart in free agency. With the Lions already losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and also potentially defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the team could look quite different heading into the 2025 campaign. Davis sustained a fractured jaw during Week 15 and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. During the first 13 games of the campaign, the 28-year-old defensive back tallied 56 tackles (42 solos), 11 deflections, and two sacks while operating as a starter in the secondary. If he were to depart, Kindle Vildor would likely have an increased role next season.

From RotoBaller

Lavonte David Jan 21 6:20pm ET
Lavonte David

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, linebacker Lavonte David is considering retirement. Stroud reported that the 34-year-old linebacker will take some time to discuss his future with his family before making a decision. However, given that David played on a one-year deal during the 2024 season, retirement seems likely. During his career, David has been named to three All-Pro teams and one Pro Bowl team. He also won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay during the 2020 NFL Season. The former second-round selection out of Nebraska has tallied 1,601 tackles, 39 sacks, 71 deflections, 13 interceptions, and 31 forced fumbles throughout his 13-year career. This past season, David tallied 130 tackles across 18 contests.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Jan 21 6:00pm ET
Drake Maye

According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the New England Patriots are hiring Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniels has had two prior tenures with the New England Patriots and will now be tasked to be a critical part of developing their new franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. McDaniels joined the Patriots for the first time in 2001 and eventually parted after the 2008 season to work for the Denver Broncos. He would then have a brief stint with the St. Louis Rams before returning to New England. He operated as the Offensive Coordinator for another ten seasons before becoming the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders for two seasons. During that short tenure, he held a disappointing 9-16 record. Now, he will return to where he spent 18 seasons, hoping to kickstart another dynasty with newly hired head coach Mike Vrabel. During his 18-year period with the Patriots, McDaniels won six Super Bowls. He was the offensive mind behind the record-breaking 2007 New England Patriots that went undefeated during the regular season. This is a positive sign for Drake Maye as he will have an experienced offensive coordinator with him who has had decades of professional winning experience.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Jan 21 4:40pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

According to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is considered a favorite for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coach opening, and he could possibly be offered the job as early as Wednesday when he has a second interview with the team. The Jags are looking for a new coach after firing Doug Pederson following a 4-13 record in 2024 in his second year with the team. In addition to Coen, Jacksonville has second interviews planned with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham on Thursday and former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Friday. Stroud writes there's a growing belief it's Coen's job to lose. The 39-year-old impressed the Jaguars in his virtual interview a week ago and is the most equipped to resurrect the career of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Under Coen, Baker Mayfield had a career year with the Bucs in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Phillip Dorsett Jan 21 4:13pm ET
Phillip Dorsett

Free-agent DT Junior Aho, OL Matthew Cindric, WR Phillip Dorsett, RB Elijah Dotson, WR Dylan Drummond, OG Joey Fisher, OG Jovaughn Gwyn, DB Lamar X. Jackson, QB Emory Jones, DE Khalid Kareem, DT LaCale London, WR Jesse Matthews, WR Makai Polk, DB Benny Sapp III, WR David Sills and OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. were signed to Reserve/Future contracts by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

From TheHuddle

Christian Watson Jan 21 2:50pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 18 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old has been plagued by the injury bug through the first three seasons of his NFL career, missing 13 regular-season games since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His potential delayed start to next season comes as no surprise given the timing of the major injury, and the Packers could look to bring in more wide receiver options via free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. It won't be a surprise if Watson starts next season on the PUP list, meaning he'd be forced to sit out at least the first four games.

From RotoBaller

Todd Bowles Jan 21 2:40pm ET
Todd Bowles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive consultant Tom Moore is returning to the team for a 49th season as an NFL coach in 2025, according to team reporter Rick Stroud. The 86-year-old has held several coaching positions, including offensive coordinator, wide receivers coach, running backs coach, assistant head coach, and offensive consultant. He is best known for his work with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2010. Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians brought him to Tampa Bay following a stint with the Arizona Cardinals, and new head coach Todd Bowles retained him when he took over the head job in 2022. Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is a potential head-coaching candidate this offseason, but Moore will remain in place and provide some stability for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Jan 21 1:30pm ET
Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys are interested in offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for their vacant head-coaching job, according to a person briefed on their opening. Dallas has only interviewed Robert Saleh, Kellen Moore and Leslie Frazier so far after parting ways with Mike McCarthy last week, but they will surely add a long list of candidates to interview. The 51-year-old Schottenheimer has been with Dallas since 2022 and has been their offensive coordinator the last two seasons. In addition to being the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, he has run offenses for the New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks while also serving as a quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts. The Cowboys value continuity for QB Dak Prescott, so Schottenheimer will be a favorite for the position.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Jan 21 1:30pm ET
Caleb Williams

The Athletic's Dan Pompei believes that new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson will likely empower quarterback Caleb Williams heading into his second year in the NFL after an up-and-down rookie campaign. Johnson gave QB Jared Goff authority with protection adjustments that not all signal-callers have while serving as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, in addition to eliminating plays that Goff didn't like. Johnson was also a big proponent of going for it on fourth down, so the Bears offense should be much more aggressive under Williams in 2025. It's the main reason why Johnson was Chicago's top pick to be their next head coach. Despite plenty of weapons on offense in 2024, Williams was one of the worst downfield passers in his rookie season and had a 62.5% completion percentage to finish as the QB16 in fantasy. The addition of Johnson will surely make Williams a popular breakout candidate in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jan 21 1:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, dealt with more injuries in his second NFL season in 2024 and did nothing to solidify himself as the long-term franchise QB in Indy. Richardson regressed as a passer, with his completion percentage dropping more than 11% points from his rookie year. In addition, his interceptions went up and there were questions about his off-field preparation, which led to a two-game benching in the middle of the year. The good news is that Richardson is healthy this offseason after missing the last two games of the year with a back injury, and he's already resumed throwing. His work this offseason with include refining his throws and throwing with more touch. Richardson will also be focusing on overall technique and plans to work with biometric expert Chris Hess. If Richardson can stay healthy and improves his footwork and throwing mechanics, he absolutely has QB1 upside in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Jan 20 11:41pm ET
Justin Fields

Dynasty | The Colts have been linked to Justin Fields in free agency. Dynasty Analysis: Fields played relatively well for the Steelers before being replaced by Russell Wilson this off-season. With the Colts still not entirely sold on Anthony Richardson, this could be more than just off-season smoke. Regardless, Fields will look to latch on to a team where he could compete to start and his dynasty value may rise this off-season if he gets that chance.