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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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Player Notes
Diontae Johnson Oct 7 11:36am CT
Diontae Johnson

Dynasty | Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson had three catches for 23 yards, adding six rushing yards in a loss against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: This was a major buzzkill after Johnson had posted two monster games with Andy Dalton at the helm. Chicago took control of the game rather early and made life miserable for Dalton and the offense most of the day. Johnson should be much better moving forward, but this could open up a quick window to buy in dynasty leagues if you believe he's truly turning the corner.

Caleb Williams Oct 7 11:35am CT
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams completed 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 34 rushing yards in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: Here we go. After Jayden Daniels had really outshined Williams over the first month of the season, we finally saw what the Bears could have in Williams today. Sure, it was against Carolina. However, Williams was poised, controlled and accurate all day today. While we need to see him string together a few solid performances before anointing him as the next big thing, this was a huge step in the right direction today. Williams remains a solid hold in dynasty leagues.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 7 11:35am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

ynasty | Giants running back Tyrone Tracy had 129 rushing yards, one catch and one receiving yard in a win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: With Devin Singletary inactive, Tracy stepped up in a huge way. After posting just 29 rushing yards over the first month, Tracy finally showed what dynasty managers hoped to see after a solid off-season - a player who simply looks like a possible starter in fantasy and reality. While Singletary's job isn't in jeopardy, this performance is likely going to create a bit of a timeshare in New York moving forward. The chance to acquire Tracy on the cheap in dynasty leagues is now long gone.

Tucker Kraft Oct 7 11:35am CT
Tucker Kraft

Dynasty | Packers tight end Tucker Kraft had four catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Jordan Love is beginning to develop a reputation of spreading the ball around and Kraft was the beneficiary today as he made the most of his five targets. While this was by far his best game of the season, it also can't be ignored as it seems he's becoming a bigger part of the offense each and every week. He'll be a TE1/2 moving forward, though his floor remains pretty low.

Jake Ferguson Oct 7 10:30am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson strung together another solid fantasy day on Sunday night in the win over Pittsburgh. The third-year tight end corralled six of seven targets for 70 yards serving as quarterback Dak Prescott's security blanket. Both Brevyn Spann-Ford (three targets) and Luke Schoonmaker (two targets) mixed into the offense, but Ferguson's usage remained strong. The 25-year-old has not scored a touchdown yet this season but remains a no-brainer start at a shallow tight end position. He should be played in all lineups as a TE1 heading into next week's matchup with the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Jabrill Peppers Oct 7 10:23am CT
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New England Patriots S Jabrill Peppers was arrested Saturday, Oct. 5, on assault and cocaine possession charges. Peppers will be charged with assault and battery; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; strangulation; and possession of a Class 'B' substance believed to be cocaine, police said.

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CeeDee Lamb Oct 7 10:20am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb only touched the ball six times in Sunday night's 20-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lamb was targeted nine times, accounting for 22% of the team's targets, but only hauled in five receptions for 62 yards. He also rushed once for a two-yard gain. Without a touchdown, it was a disappointing fantasy outing for Lamb. The Cowboys' star receiver will look to bounce back next week against a pass-funnel Detroit defense. He now ranks ninth in the league in receiving yards (378) through the first five weeks of the season.

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KaVontae Turpin Oct 7 10:20am CT
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin was involved in the offensive game plan in the Sunday night win over Pittsburgh. Turpin was targeted five times, catching four passes for 50 yards. He also rushed once for a six-yard loss. The 28-year-old is not on the fantasy radar at this time even with Brandin Cooks (knee) currently on the shelf. With Jalen Tolbert's breakout Sunday night game, Turpin is no higher than the fourth option in Dallas' passing attack even without Cooks in the lineup. His offensive usage is encouraging as an added dimension to Dallas' offense, but he has not seen consistent enough week-to-week work to be considered a fantasy option.

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Rico Dowdle Oct 7 10:10am CT
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle carried the load on the ground on Sunday night in the last-minute 20-17 win over Pittsburgh. Dowdle rushed 20 times for 87 yards while also securing both targets for 27 yards and a touchdown. The 26-year-old has emerged as the lead running back in Dallas over the past two weeks and is now safely in the RB2 discussion solely based on workload. Dowdle should be rostered in all leagues going forward and is an RB2/Flex play weekly depending on the matchup. Next week could be a setback against a stout Detroit run defense, but Dowdle appears to have taken the backfield over from Ezekiel Elliott.

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Ezekiel Elliott Oct 7 10:10am CT
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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott continued to see his workload decline on Sunday night. The veteran rushed just six times for 17 yards as opposed to Rico Dowdle's 22 touches. Elliott has been phased out of the running game over the past two weeks and is now firmly off of the fantasy radar. The 29-year-old is valuable in pass protection, but cannot be counted on in fantasy due to his lack of volume. He does not need to be rostered in most formats, as he would only be startable should Dowdle miss time. Feel free to cut ties prior to a tough Week 6 matchup with the Detroit Lions.

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Jalen Tolbert Oct 7 10:10am CT
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Dallas Cowboys third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert had the best game of his young career on Sunday night in the win over Pittsburgh. Tolbert led the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. He caught seven of 10 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown. The 25-year-old's touchdown came at the most opportune time, as he hauled in a four-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dak Prescott with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock to take a 20-17 lead. Playing in a full-time role with Brandin Cooks (knee) sidelined, Tolbert showed that he is capable of high-end production as Dallas' number two receiver. He should be rostered as a depth option in most formats heading into Week 6's matchup with the Detroit Lions.

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Dak Prescott Oct 7 10:00am CT
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott overcame an up-and-down game by marching down the field on a 15-play, 70-yard drive in 4:36 to topple the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17 on Sunday night. Prescott found wide receiver Jalen Tolbert in the end zone from four yards out, connecting with just twenty seconds on the clock to win the game. The veteran quarterback completed 29-of-42 passes for 352 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also scrambled once for a gain of three yards. Despite the tough matchup and the stormy weather conditions, Prescott had a solid fantasy day. He will remain in QB1 territory heading into next week's matchup with the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Oct 7 9:40am CT
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey got involved in Week 5 in the 34-18 blowout win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Humphrey was only targeted twice by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but he made the most of his limited opportunities by catching both of his targets for 48 yards, which led all Denver receivers on the day. The yardage was just two yards shy of his season-high back in Week 2 in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he caught four of five targets for 50 yards. Humphrey has 12 receptions for 135 yards and no touchdowns on 17 targets through five games in his second year with the Broncos and remains well off the fantasy radar in most leagues. He will continue to fight for limited targets with Josh Reynolds, rookie Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. in what has mostly been an inconsistent offense in Denver.

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Wil Lutz Oct 7 9:40am CT
Wil Lutz

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Josh Reynolds Oct 7 9:30am CT
Josh Reynolds

For the second straight week, Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds saw just two targets from rookie quarterback Bo Nix in the 38-14 blowout win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Reynolds caught one of those two targets for a nine-yard touchdown reception, his first score of the 2024 season. The 29-year-old pass-catcher entered the Week 4 upset win over the New York Jets leading the team in receiving yards, but he's caught just one pass on four targets for the nine-yard touchdown the last two games. It was especially disappointing that he didn't do much as the team scored a season-high 34 points. Courtland Sutton will continue to be the unquestioned top target for Nix, and Denver's offense to this point hasn't been explosive enough to sustain more than one wideout for fantasy purposes. Reynolds belongs on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues heading into Week 6 against the Chargers.

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Colby Parkinson Oct 7 9:10am CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson was heavily involved in the passing game throughout the 24-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The former Seattle Seahawk saw more targets in this game than his first two seasons combined and he's already two targets shy of tying his career-high in a single season. Parkinson registered 52 yards and seven receptions on 13 targets against the Packers but couldn't find the end zone. His yardage totals haven't been eye-popping, but he's seen five or more targets in four of the team's five games. The Rams head into their bye week next with a game against the Las Vegas Raiders on deck for Week 7.

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Drake Maye Oct 7 9:10am CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has yet to make his first NFL start, but that could change in Week 6 according to Adam Schefter. Head coach Jerod Mayo had a noticeable tone change when it came to answering questions about the team's quarterback situation, and another game where the offense was barely able to move the ball could set the change in motion faster than previously expected. The Patriots are dead last in passing yards per game, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage while coming in at third-to-last in passer rating. While they sit at 1-4 in the middle of a four-game losing streak, Maye could finally get his first start against the Houston Texans in Week 6.

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Demarcus Robinson Oct 7 9:00am CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was the lone pass-catcher to find the end zone in the 24-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. He finished the game with three receptions for 28 yards and a score on five targets. In terms of target share, Robinson was fourth in line after Colby Parkinson, Jordan Whittington, and Tutu Atwell all saw double-digit targets. Robinson at least salvaged a bit of fantasy scoring with his touchdown for any of the fantasy managers who needed his services. The Rams move into their bye week next, which may be enough time for Cooper Kupp (ankle) to return in Week 7, which would lower Robinson's fantasy ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Whittington Oct 7 8:50am CT
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) was very busy on Sunday during the team's 24-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The rookie wideout received 10 targets and turned it into seven receptions for 89 yards which was enough to be the top receiver on the team. He was also the only one to average double-digit yards per reception in this contest. Unfortunately, Whittington was seen in a sling when he left the locker room after the game and it looks to be a shoulder injury. There hasn't been any news about it just yet, but the team moves into a bye week, so he'll likely receive some tests and get some rest as the week moves on.

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Matthew Stafford Oct 7 8:30am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford came up short in a comeback attempt against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday as they dropped to 1-4 on the season. The former Detroit Lion posted 260 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 29-for-45 throwing. He was sacked three times in this game but made the best of his situation with so many injuries decimating the receiving corps. While Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) remain sidelined, Stafford's ceiling has quite a low cap on it. Fortunately, they head into their bye week in Week 6 to allow some rest ahead of Week 7.

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