The Weekly Bender: Bizarro Football
Mon Sep 23 6:25pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer
Well, would you look at that. It only took three weeks of the NFL season to get all the way under my skin and send me into a spiraling mental breakdown. Usually at this time, I spend most of my day calming down the panicky owners who are ready to take a whiz on their draft plans and blow up their fantasy football teams, but after everything we just saw here in Week 3, I’m ready to join the masses on the ledge and might start begging some of you to give me a push.
You would think it would start with the Carolina Panthers, right? Nope. Not at all. I was relieved to see Dave Canales bench Bryce Young for veteran Andy Dalton as he was able to unlock everything I thought we would see from Diontae Johnson and Chuba Hubbard. I’m not saying we’re going to see these types of performances from them every week, but having someone like Dalton under center means defenses can’t sell out to stop the run and force a hapless, overmatched rookie to make mistakes through the air. Canales is a run-first guy as we saw from him in Tampa Bay last year and that offensive scheme is not ready to blossom in Carolina.
I am tilting from the other side of that game, however. I don’t want to say Zamir White is cooked, but after three weeks, it’s more than just reading the handwriting on the wall. Not only has White been disappointing through the first three weeks, but usage shows us that Alexander Mattison is not just a backup here. He’s scored a touchdown in each of the first three games, is clearly a favored passing option and he’s the one getting the goal-line carries. I’m not ready to give up on White, but depending on match-ups and further expectations, he’s being parked on my bench and I’m adding Mattison for some running back depth.
The guy I’m ready to give up on is Javonte Williams. What the fudge is going on here? OK, so I’m not dropping him, but what in the world did he do to piss off Sean Payton so much? Last, we heard during the preseason was Payton singing his praises, telling us he looks like a completely different player than he did the year before working his way back from the ACL injury. But after the first three games with some inefficient running and a fumble, it looks like he’s on his way out.
The Broncos were sitting on the Tampa Bay two-yard line and Williams couldn’t punch it in. Payton yanked him off the field and put in Jaleel McLaughlin who found the end zone on the very next play. Then, to make matters worse, Payton used third-stringer Tyler Badie to close out the game. Williams barely saw the field and I don’t think he even touched the ball after his fumble. If McLaughlin is available, he’s probably worth an add even if it’s just for a wait-and-see approach to the Denver backfield.
One running back item that did go my way, though still needs a little massaging is the Buccaneers situation. I was not shy with my criticisms of Rachaad White this offseason and for the third-straight game, I am being proven right. White is not a good running back and it’s just a matter of time before he loses his job to Bucky Irving. His yards-per-carry average stunk again and before you start making excuses for him with the groin issue, he was pulled off the injury report which means he was supposed to be fine. Far from it, right? I’ve got Irving stashed all over the place and you should too.
Who else can I lose my mind over? Is it Jauan Jennings? Only in the leagues in which I played against him. I can be mad at myself for not adding him via waivers, but I didn’t have a clear-cut drop. Until I saw how Demarcus Robinson fared in Sunday’s come-from-behind win against San Francisco. Tutu Atwell? Really? That’s the savior of Los Angeles? Come on. We spent all week trying to decide between Robinson, Tyler Johnson and Jordan Whittington only to be kicked in the huevos rancheros by Atwell getting the love from Matthew Stafford. Sorry. I just can’t. And I won’t. Maybe. I don’t know. Gross.
Where else did it all go wrong? Oh yeah, the tight end position. Sure, we all got that glimmer of hope when Kyle Pitts killed the under on his receiving yards prop with one long pass from Kirk Cousins, but the rest of the top tier? Trash. Hot, stinking trash. Mark Andrews was ghosted by Lamar Jackson, Travis Kelce was barely an afterthought for Patrick Mahomes and Sam LaPorta was carted off to the locker room, only to return for like three plays and was seen limping off to the sidelines. Oh, and for the record, Pitts didn’t do squat after that 50-yard catch. One grab for nine yards? Horrible. If Dalton Kincaid doesn’t go ham on the Jaguars Monday night, you might need to do a wellness check on me.
Anyone else? The 49ers defense? CJ Stroud and Nico Collins? Derek Carr and Rashid Shaheed? Anthony Richardson? Kyler Murray? Wow. Just wow. Somebody should get me a sedative before I start my research for Week 4. I’m gonna need it.
Bender out.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Bizarro Football
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 3
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Monday Night DFS Pickem Plays
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3
- Gardner Minshew to remain Raiders' QB1
- Coach: 'No need' to name Justin Fields Steelers’ long-term starter yet
- Panthers WR Adam Thielen headed to IR
- Saints C Erik McCoy (groin) expected to miss 6-8 weeks
- Lions coach: 'Stubborn' Frank Ragnow wants to play through pec injury
- Bengals RT Trent Brown (knee) out for season
- First NFL Coach Fired Odds: Jags' Doug Pederson vaults to favorite
- Brett Favre reveals Parkinson's diagnosis at congressional hearing
- WR Jalen Reagor signing with Chargers’ practice squad
- 49ers DT Javon Hargrave (triceps) could miss rest of season
- Bengals RT Trent Brown exits due to knee injury
- Lions' Marcus Davenport (triceps) likely to miss rest of season
- Raiders’ Pierce stands by ‘business decision’ comment; QB change possible
- Ravens add OLB Yannick Ngakoue to practice squad
- Chargers S Derwin James suspended 1 game for illegal hits
- Chargers RT Joe Alt (knee) likely out vs. Chiefs
- Davante Adams Next Team Odds: Jets open as strong favorite
- Raheem Morris reflects on Falcons' tough loss, OL injuries
- Week 3 MNF: Jaguars-Bills Preview, Props, Prediction
- Lions DE Marcus Davenport's season in jeopardy
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 4 | Bucky Irving is a Must Pickup
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Usage Report Week 3 | Snap Counts
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Waiver Wire Week 4 | Take Notice of Jonathan Greenard
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Drop Week 4 | Ezekiel Elliott Can Go
- Fantasy Life: The Dynasty Values of Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, and Daniel Jones
- Fantasy Life: Rest of Season Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 4 Updates
- Fantasy Life: Time To Buy In On The Packers' Upside?
- Fantasy Life: Guillotine League Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Guide for Week 4
- Fantasy Life: A Changing of the Guard in Tampa Bay?
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 4: Target Jauan Jennings, Bucky Irving
The Paur Report
Pittsburgh Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) has a chance to play in Week 4. He suffered his injury prior to the opening of the regular season and has yet to play in 2024. He is a huge piece of a much improved Steelers O-line. Should Seumalo return this week he would provide a massive boost for Steelers running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Additionally, Seumalo would help quarterback Justin Fields, and by extension, wide receiver George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth. If he is unable to play in Week 4, then fantasy managers can find comfort in the fact that Seumalo appears to be close to returning. This situation is worth monitoring for everyone rostering Steelers skill position players.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (hamstring) may be on his way to missing time. The rookie has contributed to the defensive turnaround that the Seahawks have displayed thus far in 2024. New head coach Mike Macdonald has this unit playing at a high level and Murphy has six total tackles and a half-sack. The Seahawks D/ST has been one of the better units in fantasy thus far. It is the No. 1 defense in passing yards allowed per game. Additionally, the defense has given the offense shorter fields which has increased the fantasy output of Seahawks skill players. The Seahawks indicated that Murphy may miss time by signing defensive tackle Matt Gotel to their practice squad. Hopefully Murphy's absence will be short in order to keep the Seahawks defense playing at as high a level as possible.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) is in the concussion protocol. Ekeler is also being treated for a laceration on his ear. Ekeler was having a productive night before his injury. He recorded three carries for 35 yards and a touchdown, and two receptions for 22 yards. Ekeler also returned a kick 62 yards to set up the Commanders in excellent field position which ultimately led to a touchdown. The news is a bummer for fantasy managers who were getting surprisingly good production out of Ekeler in all three games this season. He may not be the same player that he was with the Chargers, but he has had flex value. If Ekeler cannot play in Week 4, then Brian Robinson Jr. figures to see a boost in an already solid workload. The only other running back on the Commanders' active roster is Jeremy McNichols so it remains to be seen if they will bring anyone else in.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was signed to the active roster on Tuesday. Hunt was signed to the Chiefs' practice squad after the loss of Isiah Pacheco (fibula). While he was inactive in Week 3, he appears to be on track to play in Week 4. Hunt returns to Kansas City after a productive five seasons in Cleveland. At 29 years old, Hunt is a relatively inefficient running back at this stage in his career. However, he has a nose for the end zone. In 2023, Hunt rushed for 411 yards and nine touchdowns. He was primarily a short yardage option and only averaged 3.0 yards per carry. With Samaje Perine and Carson Steele in line ahead of Hunt, he does not figure to have a lot of fantasy value. However, should either of those two players get hurt, Hunt should still have enough juice to be a solid flex play in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) is in the concussion protocol, head coach Dan Quinn told reporters Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Fantasy Spin: If Ekeler has to miss time, Brian Robinson Jr. should get a nice bump in usage, making him a fringe RB1 against a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals defense.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) is in question to play against the Houston Texans in Week 4, head coach Doug Pederson told reporters Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Fantasy Spin: Considering the short week, there's a good chance managers will need to find a pivot option for Engram again.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt was signed to the active roster from the practice squad, and RB Keaontay Ingram was released Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Fantasy Spin: Hunt now joins the backfield with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine. It's likely to be a heavy rotation with Steele working on early downs and Perine on passing downs. Where Hunt fits in isn't yet clear so it's best to temper expectations until the splits are revealed. Steele is an RB3 while Perine and Hunt can be viewed as RB4 types.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions LB Derrick Barnes (knee) and DL Marcus Davenport (elbow) were placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The Lions also signed WR Tim Patrick off the practice squad and added him to the active roster.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, free-agent DE Yannick Ngakoue (Bears) was signed to the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants CB Adoree' Jackson (calf) and CB Andru Phillips (calf) did not practice on Tuesday, Sept. 24. DL Dexter Lawrence (foot), CB Nick McCloud (knee), LB Micah McFadden (back) and WR Darius Slayton (thumb) were limited. OL Jermaine Eluemunor (thumb) and C John Michael Schmitz (knee) practiced in full. The Giants held a walk-through on Tuesday, so the report is an estimation.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles WR Britain Covey (shoulder) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The Eagles also added TE Jack Stoll off their practice squad and signed WR John Ross to replace Stoll on the practice squad.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that he doesn't expect veteran running back Dalvin Cook to play in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival New York Giants. Cook will have to wait another week to make his Cowboys debut in 2024. The team will continue to roll with Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn in their backfield on a short week. Dowdle, Zeke and Vaughn have combined to average a weak 3.5 yards on 49 rushing attempts through the first three games in 2024. If that continues, the 29-year-old Cook will surely get his opportunity, but there's no guarantee he'll be much better after averaging 3.2 yards per carry on 67 rushing attempts last year with the Jets. For now, Cook will bide his time on the practice squad and can be left to the waiver wire in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he's seen some good progress from wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) and feels optimistic about Beckham when his practice window opens up, which would come after Week 4. Beckham has been dealing with an undisclosed injury that kept him out for all of training camp in the summer, and he opened the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots would be the earliest he could make his Dolphins debut. The fact that OBJ has yet to even practice with the team once all year, though, suggests it will still be a while before he's ready for game action. The 31-year-old veteran looked washed up last year in Baltimore and is well off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues in 2024, especially with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve and out indefinitely.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said it's "a possibility, for sure" that quarterback Tyler Huntley would be the team's starting quarterback on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve and Skylar Thompson (ribs) day-to-day after getting injured in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Miami signed Huntley off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad last week as QB insurance. The 26-year-old has had very little time to learn a new playbook, but he might give the Dolphins more upside with both his legs and arm than either of Thompson or Tim Boyle, who both struggled on Sunday in Seattle. For fantasy managers desperate at the QB position in two-QB superflex leagues, Huntley is worth a flier. Still, a move to Huntley isn't going to suddenly make receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle studs again in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to get wide receiver Mike Evans more involved after their Week 3 loss to the visiting Denver Broncos. "We've got to get him involved more," head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday. Evans has only 15 targets through the first three games of the 2024 season, which is a 38 percent drop from his target share a year ago. The 31-year-old pass-catcher has had at least 100 targets every year of his 10-year career in Tampa, but right now he's on pace to finish with 85 targets. The five-time Pro Bowler has also had 10 straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, so the pace is going to need to be picked up if he wants to make it 11 straight in 2024. Sunday's game against Denver was a bit different since the Broncos had lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain on Evans, and he caught two of three targets for 17 yards. Expect Evans to get the squeaky-wheel treatment in Week 4 against the Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Fantasy Spin: If there is good news, it is that Thielen is reportedly expected to be ready to play "sooner than later." It is unfortunate timing for Thielen in that Andy Dalton was dealing in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders and Thielen was one of the primary beneficiaries. Jonathan Mingo has played a few more snaps than rookie Xavier Legette so far and should make for a slightly better waiver wire pickup, although neither player should be started in most leagues for now.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (concussion) and cornerback Kendall Fuller (concussion) are both in the NFL's concussion protocol after both players exited the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks early. In just a few weeks, the Dolphins have been crippled by injuries, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), running back Raheem Mostert (chest), and now a Pro Bowl left tackle in Armstead and starting corner in Fuller. The explosive trio of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane was limited to just a combined 124 total yards in Week 3, and backup quarterback Skylar Thompson (rib) left the game early with a rib injury. Miami's offense is arguably the best in the league when healthy, but for now, fantasy managers can likely target its offense with opposing fantasy defenses.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles placed wide receiver/return specialist Britain Covey (shoulder) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team also signed tight end Jack Stoll to the active roster and wide receiver John Ross to the practice squad. Covey suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints, so his brief stint in an elevated role has been cut short. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (head) dinged up heading into a Week 4 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team's receiver room is thinning out quickly. Brown could return in Week 4, but like Smith, his status is unclear early in the week. If both star receivers can't suit up on Sunday, Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson will see more opportunities, but tight end Dallas Goedert, who just posted 170 receiving yards, will likely be quarterback Jalen Hurts' No. 1 target.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Kendall Fuller (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol as of Tuesday, Sept. 24.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (groin) suffered a groin injury during the Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and he is expected to miss six to eight weeks after he undergoes surgery. The good news is that his injury is not viewed as season-ending, but this development is obviously not ideal for the Saints offense that looked dominant in Week 1 and Week 2. McCoy, a 2019 second-round pick out of Texas, was named to his first Pro Bowl last season. His absence could create issues on the interior for quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara.
From RotoBaller
