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Best Ball Scout Championship

Wed Apr 17 9:26am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Get in the Scout Championship


RealTime Fantasy Sports is once again very excited to bring you the Best Ball Scout Championship this season. This contest is a little different from our normal Best Ball Championship. All these drafts take place before the NFL Draft, so you don’t know where any of the rookies are going this year. You are taking them blindly. This makes for even more strategy come draft day. Should you load up on rookies? Should you just avoid rookies? What is the winning strategy? We are here to help.

First of all, the winner of the Best Ball Scout Championship takes home $10,000. You also win money for finishing first or second in your 10-team league. The cost to enter the contest is just $20. There are a maximum of 10,000 teams in this contest. Rosters are 20 deep with starters consisting of a QB, two RBs, two WRs, one TE and two FLEX spots. There are no kickers and defenses. Remember, this is a best ball contest, so there is no roster management. Your roster is set once the draft is complete.

With that said, we thought it would be a good idea to look at the championship roster from last year to see what won it all. Here it is:

Round 1: Ja’Marr Chase, WR
Round 2: Davante Adams, WR
Round 3: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
Round 4: DeVonta Smith, WR
Round 5: Deebo Samuel, WR
Round 6: George Kittle, TE
Round 7: Keenan Allen, WR
Round 8: Joe Mixon, RB
Round 9: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
Round 10: Dak Prescott, QB
Round 11: Khalil Herbert, RB
Round 12: Jared Goff, QB
Round 13: Raheem Mostert, RB
Round 14: Ezekiel Elliott, RB
Round 15: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
Round 16: Leonard Fournette, RB
Round 17: Tyler Boyd, WR
Round 18: Taysom Hill, TE
Round 19: Zach Ertz, TE
Round 20: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB

The big thing to notice on this roster is just one rookie was taken. Obviously, this owner hit big with that one rookie, taking Jahmyr Gibbs in Round 9. Gibbs was the 10th rated fantasy back last season. But the championship team from last year took just one rookie. This owner did not load up on rookies and waited until the middle rounds to take his one rookie target. This could be a good lesson learned for owners this season. Maybe going early on rookies or taking several is a losing strategy. Just something to keep in mind this year.

And like with many best ball owners, this roster had three quarterbacks and three tight ends. This owner did not take a quarterback early, waiting to take a quarterback until Round 10. But the owner did got a little early on a tight end, getting George Kittle in Round 6.

The other winning strategy for this owner was loading up on receivers early while waiting to get his running backs until later. This was a very interesting strategy that worked. The owner took five straight receivers to start the draft and didn’t get a running back until Joe Mixon was picked in Round 8. This is a little riskier but another strategy that can obviously worked. Take those sure thing receivers first and get a bunch of question mark running backs in the mid- to later rounds and hope some hit. The big hits for this owner was his pick of Gibbs and getting Raheem Mostert in Round 13. The Mostert pick likely was the big one that put him over the top, getting the fifth rated fantasy back in the back half of the draft. The owners also had some misses at running back with Leonard Fournette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire but that didn’t impact his team too much, hitting on some of those other backs. 

So overall, the winning strategy of last year’s Best Ball Scout championship team was going early on receivers, loading up on running backs with question marks in the middle to later rounds, take few rookies and wait on the quarterback spot.

There are numerous strategies to use but this was the winning one from last year. Just something to think about when drafting your team in this year’s Best Ball Scout Championship. Start drafting here.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Sep 29 4:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after being diagnosed with a hip pointer. The signal-caller "was in good spirits" following the contest, and there's hope he won't miss any time. However, he will be re-evaluated during the week to determine his availability for the Week 5 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he can't suit up for that one, Joe Flacco, ending Week 4 by throwing for 168 yards and two touchdowns, will presumably remain under center, giving him value in multi-quarterback formats.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Sep 29 4:40pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was all over the field in the Packers' comeback bid against the Minnesota Vikings, where they fell short 31-29. The former Virginia product Wicks led the Packers in targets with 13 but was relatively inefficient with those opportunities as he hauled in just five receptions for 78 yards. Wicks also found paydirt twice with touchdowns from six yards out and a 17-yard strike from the returning Jordan Love to bring the game within two points in the fourth quarter. The Packers will head west as they will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. For fantasy managers, Wicks would be a flex option if the first-quarter injury that knocked Christian Watson (ankle) out of the game causes him to miss time.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 29 4:30pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ribs) finished Sunday's loss to the Falcons by totaling 77 yards and a touchdown off 19 carries. He added seven catches for 42 yards. The veteran had an injury designation heading into the contest, so his status for Week 4 was a cause of concern for fantasy managers. Interestingly enough, Kamara revealed he played with broken ribs, although not getting on the field versus the Falcons "was never a consideration." He has been one of the top fantasy backs during the 2024-25 campaign so far. However, fantasy managers should consider adding Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill (where available) in case Kamara's condition takes a turn in the wrong direction ahead of the Week 5 matchup in Kansas City.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 29 4:30pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was the Packers' most consistent yardage producer in Green Bay's comeback attempt against the Minnesota Vikings, falling short 31-29. On the afternoon, Reed led the Packers in receptions (7) and receiving yards (139) as the returning Jordan Love led the Packers with the passing game as he had a whopping 54 pass attempts in Week 4. Reed also found the end zone with the 15-yard strike from Love to kick off the scoring for the Packers. With only one rushing attempt on the afternoon, Reed earned just two yards. The Green Bay Packers head west in Week 5 as they head to Los Angeles for a late-afternoon matchup with the Rams. Reed should be considered a mid-range WR2 for fantasy purposes in that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 29 4:30pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Chargers. The wideout has been a potent fantasy option all season. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury early in Week 4, so he'll finish without showing up in the box score. Rice was carted off the field, which is never good. But now fantasy managers will anxiously await an update on his health. If Rice misses time, Skyy Moore and Xavier Worthy may see more looks from Patrick Mahomes. Of course, Travis Kelce, who has struggled, could be the one who benefits the most.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 29 4:20pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was a solid producer in the Packers' narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Jacobs only received nine carries but made the most of them with 51 yards rushing as the Packers needed to employ the passing game for most of the second half. On six targets from the returning Jordan Love, Jacobs added four receptions for 27 yards on the afternoon. Jacobs' lack of rushing involvement can easily be attributed to the game script as the Packers were down 28-7 at halftime before putting up a furious comeback attempt. With the Packers heading to the Pacific Time Zone to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, fire up Jacobs as a low-end fantasy RB1 who should have much more involvement.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 29 4:10pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was carted to the locker room during the first quarter of Week 4 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Rice suffered the injury after taking friendly fire from quarterback Patrick Mahomes during a Chargers interception return. At the time of his departure, Rice had not been targeted. Mahomes still has plenty of pass-catchers at his disposal amidst Rice's absence, including tight end Travis Kelce. Wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, and JuJu Smith-Schuster are all candidates to earn extra opportunities in the passing game, too. From a big-picture perspective, fantasy managers should stay tuned for postgame updates on Rice's status, including information on the severity of the injury and a timetable for Rice's return.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Sep 29 4:00pm CT
Stefon Diggs

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs finished with a solidly productive five catches for 69 yards and a rushing touchdown in a 24-20 victory against Jacksonville on Sunday. The veteran receiver drew nine targets, but found the end zone in the first quarter on a trick play that went awry. Houston handed the ball to Diggs with the intention of having him throw a pass, but he bailed on the idea and weaved his way through the Jags' defense for a six-yard touchdown run instead. The former Buffalo Bill now has three total touchdowns on the season. He'll play his former squad in Week 5 when Buffalo visits Houston.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 29 4:00pm CT
Nico Collins

Another week, another impressive stat line from Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, who compiled 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 victory against Jacksonville. The NFL's receiving yards leader was productive from the outset. Once again the target leader for Houston with a whopping 15, the former Michigan Wolverine caught a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first half for the Texans' second touchdown. Collins will look for yet another big performance when the Texans play host to the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Sep 29 4:00pm CT
Cam Akers

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers had the backfield mostly to himself on Sunday in a 24-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 53 yards on 13 carries without a touchdown or a catch. For the second straight week, the Texans were without starting running back Joe Mixon, thrusting the former L.A. Ram into spot duty. With the game on the line, however, running back Dare Ogunbowale drew the key target from quarterback C.J. Stroud, a one-yard touchdown inside the final minute. Akers likely will return to a backup role if Mixon returns in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Sep 29 4:00pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led his team to a dramatic 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, finishing 27-of-40 for 345 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. The second-year quarterback completed a productive day with a one-yard touchdown connection to Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds to play. Houston had a scoreless second half until the nine-play, 64-yard touchdown drive that secured the win, though Stroud remained mistake-free throughout. The Houston quarterback will look for a second straight win next week against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 29 3:50pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) exited during the first quarter of Week 4 versus the San Francisco 49ers. He was taken to the locker room and is officially questionable to return. The Patriots already have one of the weakest, most inexperienced offensive lines in football, so losing Andrews, a 10-year veteran, is far from ideal. His injury is bad news for New England's playmakers, including quarterback Jacoby Brissett and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Nick Leverett, who played just two offensive snaps through the first three weeks, will now take over at center for the duration of Andrews' absence.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 29 3:50pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz hauled in three passes for 34 yards on five targets in his team's 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Frustratingly, Schultz was close to scoring the game-winning touchdown, but was brought down at the two-yard line before the Texans eventually scored. The former Dallas Cowboy has been the odd man out next to a talented receiving corps, sitting in fourth place on the team in targets. The tight end will look for better when Houston plays host to Buffalo in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 29 3:33pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert caught seven passes for 62 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He was targeted eight times during the game.

Fantasy Spin: Goedert was the main option in the passing game since A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were unavailable and had a solid performance. He will still see a decent amount of targets when the receivers return to the lineup and can be a No. 1 tight end most weeks.

From TheHuddle

Trey Hendrickson Sep 29 3:30pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (neck) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered two tackles and one pass defended. Hendrickson is a key piece of the Bengals' defense, so losing him for any amount of time is bad news. In all likelihood, the Bengals' coaching staff will provide an update on his status in the aftermath of Sunday's game. In the event that he misses additional time, Joseph Ossai would be in line to earn more snaps.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 29 3:23pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed 19 times for 77 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, while adding seven receptions for 42 yards on nine targets.

Fantasy Spin: The 29-year-old has totaled 110 or more total scrimmage yards in each of his first four games, while totaling six scores (five rushing, one receiving). He has returned to RB1 fantasy status in all leagues this season. He'll look to keep up the good work in Week 5 at Kansas City on Monday night.

From TheHuddle

Taysom Hill Sep 29 3:23pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (abdomen) had six runs for 24 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving with an abdominal injury. He was not targeted in the pass game. Hill was unable to return after departing early.

Fantasy Spin: Hill was on his way to a pretty decent fantasy stat line due to the touchdowns. The extent of his injury is not certain. When more details become available, we'll pass along to try and help determine his status for Week 5 in Kansas City on Monday.

From TheHuddle

Jamaal Williams Sep 29 3:23pm CT
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams rushed three times for 11 yards while adding two receptions for eight yards on two targets in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons

From TheHuddle

Saquon Barkley Sep 29 3:23pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 84 yards on 10 carries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He also caught two passes for 32 yards during the game.

Fantasy Spin: Barkley did not receive a lot of touches this week because the team was trailing for most of the game but was still productive in his limited work. He will continue to be a big part of the offense for the Eagles and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Derek Carr Sep 29 3:13pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr completed 28-of-36 passes for 239 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, while adding five rushing yards on three attempts.

Fantasy Spin: After a red-hot start to the season, posting at least three total touchdowns (five passing, one rushing) in the first two games, Carr has regressed to the mean. He has just one touchdown pass, two picks and just 381 passing yards across the past two games. After putting up QB1-type numbers in the first couple of weeks, Carr is back in QB2 fantasy territory. He'll look to get back on track in Week 5 at Kansas City on Monday Night Football.

From TheHuddle