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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
Mike Williams Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams has slowly ramped up his production in each game this season and turned in his best effort last week, finishing with four catches for 67 yards in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos. Williams will look to continue his upward ascent in Week 5's London game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have struggled to contain opposing receivers this season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position through four weeks. Williams should continue to earn a larger role in the offense as he gets further and further removed from a torn ACL that ended his 2023 season early. Williams is on the fantasy radar as a flex option heading into a prime matchup against the Vikings. Fantasy managers relying on Jets and Vikings players will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is expected to miss some games, according to Clarence Hill Jr. Hill reported that Cowboys VP Steven Jones expressed that the No.2 wideout will miss some games due to his knee infection on 1053 The Fan. Cooks underwent an operation following their Week 4 victory over the New York Giants but faced a setback due to an infection caused by the procedure. Fantasy managers should monitor the veteran's status over the next few weeks but should find an alternative option for the foreseeable future. Jalen Tolbert is a strong candidate to serve as the No.2 pass receiver opposite of CeeDee Lamb and has performed well this season, catching at least three passes in three games. Tight Jake Ferguson should also see an uptick in targets during Cooks' absence.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin has been productive over his past two games, catching nine passes for 110 yards over that span. The veteran tight end will look to stay involved in the New York offense in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Vikings have been a plus matchup for opposing tight ends this season, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position through four weeks. The team also has an excellent run defense, so the Jets could look to lean on Conklin a bit more than usual on Sunday. Conklin settles in as a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 worth a look in starting lineups heading into Week 5. Fantasy gamers relying on Jets and Vikings players will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Tim Boyle Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Tim Boyle

Quarterback Tim Boyle was released by the Miami Dolphins on Friday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 30-year-old operated as the No.3 QB through the early part of the season. However, the Dolphins recently brought in Tyler Huntley, which pushes Boyle to the No.4 spot on the depth chart. This move also suggests that Skylar Thompson (ribs) could be cleared to return this weekend and serve as Huntley's backup. Boyle made a brief appearance this season in Week 3 against Seattle and went 7-for-13 with 79 yards and no scores. Last season with the New York Jets, Boyle went 48-for-77 with 360 yards and a 1:4 TD:INT ratio. Fantasy managers in superflex leagues should drop Boyle from their roster and instead look to stash Thompson, as he should operate as the No.2 QB for the time being in Miami.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Oct 4 4:10pm CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is likely not a viable fantasy option in Week 5 as the team travels to San Francisco to face the 49ers. However, he is starting to show some promise in the fantasy landscape, having received 16 targets over the last two weeks and emerging as the team's third option behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride (concussion). The 49ers defense ranks 13th against opposing fantasy receivers, though they have shown some signs of vulnerability. As underdogs, the Cardinals may need to shift to a pass-heavy attack if they fall behind. If that happens, it could create an opportunity for Wilson as a risky streaming option, but this would likely be a last resort for fantasy managers. While Wilson is a name to monitor moving forward, he's not someone to consider outside of deep leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 4 4:10pm CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is off to a slow start in 2024, with just 20 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown through four games. He will look to bounce back in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Vikings represent a plus matchup for Wilson as they are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts thus far. The Vikings also have a tough run defense, which should encourage the Jets to skew more pass-heavy as they look to bounce back from a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos last week. Until he shows a higher ceiling, Wilson is more of a WR2 in fantasy than a WR1 but he should still be in starting lineups in what is a great matchup for him. Fantasy gamers relying on Jets and Vikings players will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Oct 4 4:10pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has been productive through the first four weeks of the season, catching 16 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns while outproducing Garrett Wilson in the process. Lazard will look to keep it going in Week 5's London game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have struggled against enemy receivers this season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Lazard is a bit of a risky play as the No. 2 receiver for the Jets but he has produced at least 10.8 PPR points in three of his four games this season and is worth a look as a potential flex option on Sunday, especially with several NFL teams on bye this week. Fantasy managers relying on Jets and Vikings players will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday morning.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 4 4:10pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Kittle did not practice earlier in the week but was seen at Friday's practice, which is a good sign. Fantasy managers should monitor the star tight end's status over the weekend. Kittle was sidelined during Week 3 with a hamstring injury and is now in danger of missing his second game of the young season. Through the three games he has played in, the 30-year-old has caught at least four passes in each of them and found the end zone in two. If Kittle suits up, he should be viewed as a high-end TE1. If not, fantasy managers should expect Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk to see an increase in targets.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch should remain on the waiver wire as the team travels to San Francisco to face the 49ers in Week 5. Dortch is rostered in just 3% of fantasy leagues, marking a season-low in ownership as many managers have dropped him. While he had a solid performance in Week 1 against the Bills, which gave some hope for the season, he has primarily been used in the slot as a check-down option and occasionally works the middle of the field on intermediate routes. With Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) back in the lineup, Dortch's target share will likely decrease further. He's not a viable fantasy option outside of deep leagues until he takes on a more significant role in the passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Najee Harris

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) will not play on Sunday evening due to an ankle injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The star edge rusher was removed from last week's game due to a high ankle sprain. The Penn State product was unable to participate in any practice sessions this week and will set his sights on returning in Week 6. This is another tough blow to a Dallas defense that will be without DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) for at least the next four games, as he was placed on the IR on Tuesday. As a result, Chauncey Golston and KJ Henry will lead the Dallas pass rush against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Running back Najee Harris should have an easier time facing the Dallas defense this week and be viewed as a solid RB2.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen will head to London to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Allen ran for 34 yards on eight carries in Week 4, outproducing Breece Hall in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos. The rookie running back will have his work cut out for him in Week 5 as the Vikings are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season with only Jordan Mason notching double-digit fantasy points. Allen's workload as the change-of-pace back will fluctuate week-to-week and the matchup is a daunting one, but a case can still be made for him in starting lineups as a low-end flex option with several NFL teams on bye this week. Fantasy gamers relying on Jets and Vikings players will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Engram suffered a hamstring injury during warmups prior to their Week 2 matchup and has been sidelined since. He was able to participate in limited practice sessions this week, which is a promising sign for his status heading into the weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 30-year-old's status over the weekend. If Engram were to miss his third-straight game, Brenton Strange should be expected to serve as the No. 1 tight end. Strange has done well filling in for Engram, as he has seen at least five targets in two of the past three games and could be a solid replacement option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Oct 4 3:50pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has caused fantasy managers everywhere to cringe at the sound of his name. The 29-year-old was once one of the easiest set-it-and-forget-it type of players over the last few seasons. Now, he's coming off two games in a row with zero receptions and two total targets. Even though the coaching staff still trusts him, he's going up against the Cincinnati Bengals who are giving up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends. On top of that, the game plan between him and Isaiah Likely is always hard to predict. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for tight end contributions in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Oct 4 3:50pm CT
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running backs Kareem Hunt (shoulder) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) both practiced in a limited capacity on Friday afternoon. Both running backs were also limited participants during Thursday's session. Hunt made his 2024 season debut last weekend and operated as the lead runner in the Kansas City backfield, as he saw 14 carries. Edwards-Helaire has been on the reserve list through the early part of the season and logged his first practice of the season earlier this week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during Saturday's practice as it should provide clarity on their status heading into Monday's game. If Hunt can suit up, he should see the majority of attempts. However, if not, fantasy managers should expect Samaje Perine and Carson Steele to split the workload.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Oct 4 3:50pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is coming off his worst game of the season as he ran for just four yards on 10 carries in a loss to the Denver Broncos. Hall had found the end zone in his three previous games, so he will look to get back to the end zone in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Vikings will be a tough test for Hall as they are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs with only Jordan Mason managing double-digit fantasy points against them this season. Hall should see enough work in the passing game to insulate him against having a bad game but he is more of a mid to low-range RB1 heading into Week 5. Fantasy gamers relying on Vikings and Jets players this weekend will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 4 3:40pm CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers put up two duds in back-to-back weeks when he registered finishes of WR81 and WR69 in half-PPR leagues. Coming into the season, his ceiling seemed to be closer to the WR1 level, but right now it seems to be low-end WR2. Lamar Jackson hasn't consistently proven that he can feed more than one pass-catcher per game, so Flowers will need to be efficient with the touches he receives. It may be a bit tough as the Cincinnati Bengals rank 22nd in points allowed to opposing receiving groups with 25.6 fantasy points per game. Since his potential is so game-script dependent, Flowers comes in as more of a low-level WR2 again for this AFC North matchup.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 4 3:30pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Wilson has been sidelined all season with a calf injury but has begun to ramp up his activity during practice this week. Through the early part of the season, Wilson has served as the emergency QB, while Kyle Allen has operated as the true backup to Justin Fields. However, seeing his progression during practice, the 35-year-old could be on his way to making his Steeler debut. Fantasy managers should expect Justin Fields to continue operating as the QB1 for now. Wilson is worth stashing in deeper superflex formats, as he could get an opportunity later in the season.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Oct 4 3:30pm CT
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is fresh off of a 199-yard game on the ground against the Buffalo Bills and will experience his first AFC North divisional game. Over the last three weeks, Henry has finished as the RB1, RB3, and RB9 in half-PPR formats. The game plan has finally shifted to feeding Henry, and then finding openings after the defense tries to stop the run. The Bengals allow the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing backfields with 21.5 fantasy points per game. The King will continue to see a steady diet of carries unless this somehow turns into a lopsided game in Cincinnati's favor. Fantasy managers can consider Henry an RB1 heading into this matchup and will remain a must-start until further notice.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Oct 4 3:30pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Doubs missed Thursday and Friday's practice due to a personal issue and Watson left last weekend's game early with a high ankle sprain and did not practice once this week. Fantasy managers should monitor their status over the weekend in case they are able to suit up. If not, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks should serve as the No.1 and 2 pass catchers for Jordan Love in a favorable matchup against a weak Los Angeles secondary. Tight end Tucker Kraft should also see an uptick in targets if both Doubs and Watson are unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 4 3:20pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is heading into a Week 5 matchup against a familiar foe in the Cincinnati Bengals. He's now led the team to two straight wins after two close losses to start the season, and he's put himself into the top fantasy quarterback conversation yet again. Currently, he's the QB3 on the season, and a matchup against the Bengals is exactly what could put him into the number-one spot. Last season, Jackson was 2-0 against the Bengals with 501 yards and four touchdowns through the air while throwing 40-for-59. He added 108 more yards on 21 carries but didn't score on the ground. This year's Bengals have a healthier Joe Burrow, but their defense has given up 24 or more points over the last three games. They also allow an average of 16.9 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and Jackson shouldn't have a problem breaking that number this week while continuing to be a must-start.

From RotoBaller