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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
Jeff Wilson Sep 30 6:40pm CT
Jeff Wilson

Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) suffered a knee injury during pre-game warmups on Monday night and is questionable to play against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Raheem Mostert (chest) was already ruled out for this game for the third straight week, so if Wilson doesn't play, rookie Jaylen Wright could see a healthy amount of touches as the change-of-pace back behind starter De'Von Achane. Among Miami's four running backs, the 28-year-old Wilson is the least intriguing fantasy option, especially after this injury. In the first four games of 2024, Wilson has only eight carries for 40 yards and has caught two passes for 12 yards. Wright rushed only twice for 17 yards in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks and doesn't have as much upside now in single-year formats with the Dolphins down to quarterback Tyler Huntley. However, his explosive abilities and intriguing upside still make him worth stashing in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 30 6:20pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs), linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and fullback Kyle Juszczyk (shoulder) are all considered day-to-day as of Monday after their victory over the New England Patriots in Week 4 on Sunday. Kittle injured his hamstring and was unable to play in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams before suiting up against the Pats. The 30-year-old caught all four of his targets for 45 yards, including a touchdown for his second straight game. However, he also injured his ribs in the first half and was questionable to return before rejoining the team after halftime. Kittle had a full workload on Sunday and should be able to play in Week 5 versus the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. We'll keep an eye on his practice later this week, but plan on starting Kittle in fantasy lineups against a shaky Arizona defense, especially if receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) misses another contest.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 30 6:10pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that tight end Trey McBride (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol but that it's looking good after McBride sat out of the Week 4 blowout loss to the Washington Commanders. McBride suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and was not cleared for Sunday's game. We'll have a better idea whether the 24-year-old has a shot to return in Week 5 versus the division-rival San Francisco 49ers once the Cardinals resume practicing on Wednesday. If McBride returns to practice and is cleared to face the Niners, he'll be a must-start TE1 in fantasy after catching 14 of his 21 targets for 122 yards in the first three games of the season. With McBride sidelined this past weekend, Elijah Higgins caught just two of three targets for 12 yards for the Cardinals in a game that featured plenty of good game script.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Beathard Sep 30 6:00pm CT
C.J. Beathard

The New York Giants worked out veteran free-agent quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) on Monday. Beathard is on the free-agent market after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in August with an injury settlement after he lost the competition for the backup job to Mac Jones. The 30-year-old injured his groin in Jacksonville's second preseason game, but he figures to be healthy now as he looks to land a backup job with another club. The Giants currently have Daniel Jones as their starter under center, with Drew Lock backing him up and Tommy Devito as the QB3. None of New York's QBs are currently injured, so the G-Men are likely just doing their due diligence to potentially add more depth at the position heading into a Week 5 tilt on the road at Lumen Field against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 30 5:50pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) is day-to-day after tweaking his ankle in the blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night in Week 4. Shakir had his ankle examined on Sunday night but went back in the game, and he came out of that contest with ankle soreness heading into a Week 5 tilt this weekend against the Houston Texans on the road. It doesn't sound like the 24-year-old's injury is very serious, but we'll keep an eye on his practice statuses later this week. Shakir is blossoming into quarterback Josh Allen's go-to target in the passing game in 2024, so losing him for any amount of time would be a big blow to this offense. Shakir checks in as the WR18 in half-PPR scoring through the first four weeks with 18 catches on 19 targets for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel would see increased roles if Shakir is out or limited at all in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 30 5:40pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that tight end David Njoku (ankle) is expected to practice again this week, and the team will determine later this week if he'll be able to return in Week 5 to face the Washington Commanders. Njoku injured his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and hasn't played since. However, the fact that the 28-year-old is returning to practice is a good sign as he tries to get back on the field. If he is able to avoid any setbacks at practice later this week and play on Sunday, Njoku will be a low-end TE1, at best, in his return to a Browns offense that has been lackluster under quarterback Deshaun Watson. In the last three games with Njoku sidelined, Jordan Akins hasn't been fantasy relevant with a combined six receptions on 10 targets for 49 yards and no touchdowns. Check back later this week on Njoku's practice statuses.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Sep 30 5:30pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that running back Nick Chubb (knee) will return to practice on Wednesday. Stefanski also said he expects running back/kick returner Nyheim Hines (knee) to practice this week after tearing his ACL in July of last year. Chubb tore multiple ligaments in his left knee in Week 2 of last year and also is on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but the Browns will open both Chubb's and Hines' 21-day practice window this week. Cleveland is likely to bring both Chubb and Hines along slowly, so nobody stashing Chubb in fantasy leagues should expect him to be available to suit up in Week 5 versus the Washington Commanders. When the 28-year-old Chubb officially returns, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he's eased back into the backfield alongside Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman, either. Chubb could spend the rest of the 2024 just trying to get his feet under him after a gruesome injury early last year.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 30 5:20pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) is officially inactive for Monday night's contest against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mostert will miss his third straight game after suffering a chest injury in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 32-year-old veteran came into the Week 4 contest listed as questionable after three limited practices. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback in next week's practice sessions, Mostert will have a much better shot to return for a Week 5 matchup against the division-rival New England Patriots. De'Von Achane is Miami's clear lead back, especially with Mostert out again, but his fantasy upside took a big hit when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) landed on Injured Reserve. Behind Achane, expect the Dolphins to continue sprinkling in Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 30 5:20pm CT
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) is officially inactive for Monday night's contest at Hard Rock Stadium against the visiting Tennessee Titans and will serve as the team's emergency third QB behind starter Tyler Huntley and backup Tim Boyle. There was some uncertainty as to who would start under center for Miami on Monday night after Thompson injured his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Boyle replaced Thompson in that game, but the Dolphins have decided to pivot to the recently signed Huntley, who will be making the 10th start of his career since entering the league in 2020. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve and is out indefinitely. If Huntley handles himself well and gives the team a chance to win on Monday against the Titans, he could be in play to make a second straight start in Week 5 against the division-rival Patriots, regardless of Thompson's health.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 30 5:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) is considered day-to-day with oblique and abdominal strains that he suffered in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and has a shot to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, according to sources. Richardson underwent tests on Monday and it appears he dodged a bullet. We'll have a better idea of the 22-year-old's status once the Colts resume practicing on Wednesday. The former fourth overall pick in 2023 has been a disappointment through four weeks, completing just 50.6% of his passes for 654 yards, three touchdowns and a league-high six interceptions. He's added 21 carries for 141 yards and a score on the ground. Richardson will have a chance to rebound against the winless Jags if he's cleared to play. If he cannot play, veteran Joe Flacco, who took over for Richardson on Sunday, would get the starting nod.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 30 5:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that the status of wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) for the Week 5 game against the division-rival Denver Broncos will depend on practice this week. Tight end Michael Mayer, who also missed the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, is still dealing with a personal issue. Adams was considered week-to-week last week after he was injured in the loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, and he did not suit up on Sunday against Cleveland. We'll keep a close eye on the 31-year-old's practice status later this week. If he's back on the practice field and is cleared to play this weekend, he'll draw a tough matchup against Broncos stud cornerback Patrick Surtain. If Adams misses a second straight game, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker will once again operate as Vegas' top two pass-catchers.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Sep 30 5:00pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) is expected to play in Week 5 versus the Buffalo Bills, barring a setback this week, according to a source. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that Dell will be "day-to-day" this week. "We'll see this week with a week of practice," Ryans said. Dell suffered a chest injury late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was held out of the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, mostly as a precaution. The 24-year-old second-year wideout also suffered a hand/wrist injury, but it's believed to be minor. We'll have a better idea of Dell's status later this week after a few practices, but fantasy managers should be getting him back this Sunday. Dell had a season-best 62 receiving yards before getting hurt in Week 3, but he has been the clear No. 3 so far behind both Nico Collins and newcomer Stefon Diggs in 2024. In Weeks 1 and 2, he had four catches for 37 yards.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 30 4:50pm CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that running back Joe Mixon (ankle) will be "day-to-day" this week. "We'll see this week with a week of practice," Ryans said. Mixon injured his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears and has missed the last two games as a result. Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has missed the last three games, so it has forced Cam Akers into a starting role of late for the Texans' backfield. The Texans continue to say that Pierce is getting closer to a return, so it seems probable that Houston will at least have one of Mixon or Pierce available in Week 5 versus the Buffalo Bills. The 28-year-old Mixon looked good in his first two games with Houston before getting hurt, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with 184 yards on 39 attempts while also scoring a TD. We won't have a better idea about what the Texans' backfield will look like against Buffalo until later this week when we see if Mixon and Pierce have returned to practice.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Sep 30 4:40pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) will be out "at least a week or so" after suffering what is believed to be a high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. The oft-injured 25-year-old could be a candidate for Injured Reserve, depending on how he progresses in the coming days. If Green Bay were to place Watson on IR, he'd miss at least four games. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of North Dakota State can't seem to avoid the injury bug, as he also missed 10 games in 2023 due to hamstring issues. With Watson set to miss Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams at the very least, Dontayvion Wicks, who had two touchdowns on Sunday, will be a very popular waiver-wire pickup. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and tight end Tucker Kraft should also benefit from more targets from quarterback Jordan Love for however long Watson is sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Sep 30 4:30pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that the team is not considering placing running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) on short-term Injured Reserve after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. High-ankle sprains can keep players out for up to a month, but Taylor apparently suffered a "mild" high-ankle sprain on Sunday. If the 25-year-old went on IR, he'd have to miss at least four games. It's good news overall for the Colts and JT's fantasy managers, but it doesn't mean he won't miss time, starting with the Week 5 contest this weekend against the winless Jacksonville Jaguars. We'll have a better idea about his status later this week, but fantasy managers should be formulating backup plans now in case he cannot play in Week 5. Trey Sermon would become the starter in the backfield if Taylor misses any time, with Tyler Goodson also seeing an elevated role for Indy.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 30 4:30pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) will not play in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers. The Rams aren't going to take any chances with Kupp with their bye looming in Week 6. If Kupp recovers nicely over the next two weeks, he could be back for the Rams to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7 on Oct. 20. With Kupp out again this week and Puka Nacua (knee) still on Injured Reserve, it will be another week of elevated playing time for receivers Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington. In the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, Atwell led the Rams in receiving with 82 yards on four receptions, while Whittington had a team-high eight targets and caught six passes for 62 yards. Kupp had 14 receptions on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 loss to the Lions and looked more like his 2021 Pro Bowl self. Fantasy managers can only hope he'll pick up where he left off whenever he's able to return.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 30 4:20pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) has been dealing with bi-lateral Achilles tendinitis, meaning he has the tendinitis in both of his legs. McCaffrey recently traveled to Germany to meet with specialists and get treatment done on his legs. The 28-year-old could attempt to run this week to test out his injuries, but the fact is that he remains on Injured Reserve and doesn't have a clear timetable to return. If everything goes as planned and CMC doesn't have any further setbacks, he should be ready to return at some point in early November. It's been tough for fantasy managers that took McCaffrey with the first overall pick in drafts, but all they can do is remain patient and keep him stashed with hopes he return in the second half. Until then, Jordan Mason, who went over 100 yards rushing for the third time in four games in Week 4, will be a must-start RB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Rashaan Evans Sep 30 2:10pm CT
Rashaan Evans

The Atlanta Falcons have signed linebacker Rashaan Evans to their practice squad, per Adam Schefter. The former first-round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft recently spent time in Dallas last season when he started nine games for the Cowboys but played a full 17 for Atlanta the year prior -- totaling 159 tackles. With linebacker Nate Landman (quad/calf) on injured reserve and Troy Andersen (knee) forced from the team's 26-24 divisional victory over the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta has sought veteran help. Landman is expected back "sooner than later." Still, there is uncertainty around whether Andersen will be able to suit up for the team's Thursday night matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he can't, Evans will likely be signed to the active roster and soak up some snaps in the contest. The Falcons have other options at the position, but as of now -- Andersen and Landman are the only right-inside-linebackers on the active depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Sep 30 2:00pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (ACL) is still in the final stages of his return from an ACL injury and will not have his 21-day practice window opened this week, per Sheena Quick. It was initially anticipated that Brooks could return to the team in Week 5 before his NFL debut. However, he evidently still has "a couple of hurdles to clear." He'll now have to wait at least one more week. The Panthers may be playing it slow with their rookie second-round pick -- heeding more of a cautious approach with the 21-year-old coming off a severe knee injury. Additionally, the breakout of Chuba Hubbard over the last two weeks could play a part in this, too. With Brooks still sidelined, Hubbard will continue to see the majority of backfield touches, with Miles Sanders mixing in when he needs a breather. The former will look to continue to build on his back-to-back standout performances in Week 5 when the team visits Soldier Field and the Chicago Bears. Hubbard will be an RB2 with upside, while Sanders presents as just his handcuff for the contest.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Sep 30 1:40pm CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is due to receive a larger share of the team's backfield touches moving forward, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "He's deserved more reps," Pierce said, "and he'll get them." Mattison has been involved in the offense, but primarily as the "third-down" back and a change of pace behind backfield mate Zamir White. White has out-carried the former 49-to-17 through the season's first four weeks, but the former Viking has been more effective with his work -- sporting 5.1 YPC while White averages a whole two yards less. Mattison has looked like the better back, and now he'll get the opportunity to prove it. Fantasy managers may want to exhibit caution before slotting him into their lineup, as he's racked up just two double-digit fantasy point outings thus far. Still, the increased usage and his work in the passing game could keep him in the conversation of a weekly FLEX option moving forward. Las Vegas will gear up for a divisional road matchup when they head to Denver to take on the Broncos in Week 5.

From RotoBaller