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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 5

Player Notes
Emanuel Wilson Oct 6 9:50am CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson wasn't able to do much damage against the Minnesota Vikings last week. The 25-year-old rushed eight times for 27 yards as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs. This was a disappointing outing for Wilson after a 50-yard performance in Week 3. The assumption is that Wilson should continue to remain involved during the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Wilson will have a limited ceiling as the backup to Jacobs, so fantasy managers should be able to find a more viable option elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 6 9:50am CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) is questionable to return for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets. The veteran back suffered a hip injury during the second quarter of their matchup in London. The assumption is that Jones will be held out until halftime to be further evaluated. In the meantime, Ty Chandler figures to take over as the primary back with Myles Gaskin getting mixed in as well. Jones rushed seven times for 29 yards with one reception for 24 yards before exiting the contest.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Oct 6 9:30am CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange figures to draw another start ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Fellow tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is likely to miss his fourth game in a row on Sunday. Strange has eight receptions on 14 targets for 96 yards over the last three games. He has been seeing nearly 70 percent of the snap count since the absence of Engram. The 23-year-old should see a handful of targets which could give him some TE2 appeal for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Yannick Ngakoue Oct 6 9:23am CT
Yannick Ngakoue

Baltimore Ravens DE Yannick Ngakoue was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 5's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Goodson Oct 6 9:20am CT
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson is expected to see more involvement during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts are going to be without Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for at least one game. Head coach Shane Steichen said that the team plans to use a committee approach at running back. Trey Sermon figures to lead the charge with Goodson and Evan Hull being mixed in behind him. Goodson hasn't seen much of the field this season, but could serve as change-of-pace option or receiving back for Week 5. The Colts could use a run-heavy approach with quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) considered doubtful. Goodson should find a way to get involved, but remains a desperation option in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 6 9:19am CT
Baker Mayfield

Dynasty | Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 19-of-24 passes for 180 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: With 11 touchdowns, two interceptions, and 1,164 passing yards through four weeks, it's clear Mayfield's resurgence last year was no fluke. He's in complete control of the offense and is a QB1 option moving forward. While his age (29) dampens his dynasty value, he's turning into more than just a streaming option. You simply have to wonder just how much the Browns regret moving on from Mayfield in favor of an expensive and ineffective Deshaun Watson.

Drake London Oct 6 9:18am CT
Drake London

Dynasty | Falcons receiver Drake London had 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons come-from-behind overtime win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Kirk Cousins struggled mightily the first month of the season, but London was somehow able to salvage some decent value in the short-term. Tonight was different as Cousins unleashed 58 pass attempts and targeted London 13 times on the night. While we need to see more before locking in London as a true WR1, he's certainly good enough to be a solid weekly starter moving forward.

Kyle Pitts Oct 6 9:18am CT
Kyle Pitts

Dynasty | Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had seven catches for 88 yards in a win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: It only took Kirk Cousins throwing the ball 58 times (and posting the 15th highest single-game passing yardage total in league history) to unlock the potential of Pitts. Even with all that, Drake London and Darnell Mooney still had 29 targets combined to lead the way, compared to the eight for Pitts. While this was a good bounce-back, he still seems to be a secondary option in an offense seemingly determined to fail to get two of their best players (Pitts and Bijan Robinson) the football. Pitts is still a TE1 in dynasty leagues, but that's more because of the inconsistency of the position than his own usage rate.

Bo Melton Oct 6 9:10am CT
Bo Melton

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton could see a larger role in the offense during the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Melton has mainly served as depth through the first four games of the season. He has one reception on three targets for 28 yards through four games. However, the Packers are without Romeo Doubs (suspension) and Christian Watson (ankle) is considered doubtful for Week 5. That being said, Melton could work his way into the third wideout role behind Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. The assumption is that the move up the depth chart will mean more targets for Melton. However, Melton shouldn't be considered anything more than a desperation option in deep leagues given he doesn't have much of a track record of success.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 6 9:03am CT
Cooper Kupp

The Los Angeles Rams are hopeful that WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) will be able to return to action for their Week 7 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, as long as there are no setbacks in practice, according to multiple sources.

Fantasy Spin: Kupp will miss his third consecutive game this week because of a high ankle sprain but could be back on the field following the Rams' Week 6 bye. WR Tutu Atwell has been the team's top receiver in Kupp's absence and can be at least a flex option in most fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Terrel Bernard Oct 6 9:00am CT
Terrel Bernard

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is expected to play during the Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans. This is great news after Bernard went down during the Week 2 matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens. He returned to practice last week and has slowly been working his way back. This is great news for the Bills defense considering Bernard had 143 combined tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. His return is going to be a major lift for this defense.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 6 8:53am CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (rib) is expected to play in Week 5's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to a source.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle was listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in just one of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. If he is declared active, he should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Evan Engram Oct 6 8:43am CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) is considered to be a long-shot to play in Week 5's game versus the Chicago Bears, according to multiple sources.

Fantasy Spin: Engram, who is in danger of missing his fourth consecutive game, had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging three limited practice sessions during the week. He can be a starting option in fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play but owners should have alternate options available in case he's ruled out.

From TheHuddle

Fred Warner Oct 6 8:43am CT
Fred Warner

San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner (ankle) is expected to play in Week 5's game versus the Arizona Cardinals, according to a source. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after only participating in one of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis.

From TheHuddle

Robert Woods Oct 6 8:40am CT
Robert Woods

Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is expected to suit up for the Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran wideout landed on the injury report this week with a foot issue. He sat out of Thursday's practice before getting in a limited session on Friday. Woods hasn't made much of an impact on the field this season. He has three receptions on five targets for 28 yards through four games. There aren't a ton of chances for Woods behind Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell in the receiving game. He won't be a viable fantasy option while the other three wideouts are healthy.

From RotoBaller

Malachi Corley Oct 6 8:20am CT
Malachi Corley

New York Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley has been declared inactive ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie wideout hasn't seen any action in the passing game since Week 2. The Jets have a Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Mike Williams, and Xavier Gibson, so Corley isn't needed right now. It seems a bit odd that the Jets wouldn't want to involve their third-round rookie in some way. Fantasy managers can continue to ignore Corley in redraft formats, but he's worth stashing in most dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaelan Phillips Oct 6 7:50am CT
Jaelan Phillips

Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips (knee), who was placed on injured reserve last week, was diagnosed with a partially torn ACL, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. We did not know Phillips' specific injury when he announced his season was over, but now we have a confirmed diagnosis. Phillips will require full ACL reconstruction surgery and could still be ready for the 2025 season. Nevertheless, this is a major blow for both Miami and its talented defender. Injuries have been a burden on Phillips' promising, young career; he tore his Achilles on the MetLife Stadium turf in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Fred Warner Oct 6 7:50am CT
Fred Warner

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Warner suffered the injury during last week's win over the New England Patriots, but it shouldn't impact his availability for this week against the Cardinals, an NFC West foe. The 27-year-old remains one of the NFL's best defenders, registering 27 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown through just four games so far. He's a top option in all IDP fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Oct 6 7:40am CT
Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (ankle), who had been listed as questionable, is expected to be active for Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Although Diggs missed practice on Friday, he evidently has progressed enough to play since then. The 26-year-old has 18 tackles through four games but is still looking to force his first turnover of the 2024 season. This week, he'll be tasked with slowing down a Steelers passing attack that features Justin Fields and George Pickens.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 6 7:30am CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (ribs) is expected to play in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. McBride missed last Sunday's game with a concussion and cleared concussion protocol earlier this week, but then he was added back to the injury report with a ribs issue. In the end, though, the injury won't be serious enough to keep him sidelined for additional games. He'll suit up against the 49ers, giving Arizona an extra boost on offense as they take on a talented NFC West foe. McBride, who has 14 catches and 122 yards through three games, should be treated as a mid-range TE1 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller