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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
C.J. Stroud Oct 6 3:40pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a mostly productive day on Sunday against Buffalo, finishing 28-for-38 for 331 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and one fumble in a 23-20 win. Stroud completed passes to eight different receivers and helped set up kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn's 59-yard field goal as time expired with a late completion to backup running back Dare Ogunbowale. The Ohio State product completed his first 10 passes of the game, which included a 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nico Collins in the first quarter. The 23-year-old quarterback has helped Houston to a 4-1 record through five weeks with a trip to New England on the horizon in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Dare Ogunbowale Oct 6 3:30pm CT
Dare Ogunbowale

Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale saved an inefficient running day against the Buffalo Bills with regular involvement in the passing game, hauling in six of seven targets for 57 yards in Houston's 23-20 win. The journeyman running back had a team-high 15 carries, but turned them into just 30 rushing yards. The former Wisconsin Badger saw a higher-than-normal volume of carries due to an injury to starter Joe Mixon (ankle), but his receiving productivity offered some hope he could continue to be involved when Mixon returns. Houston's distribution of carries likely will depend on the injury report prior to a Week 6 game at New England.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Oct 6 3:30pm CT
Cam Akers

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers scored his second touchdown of the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, capping a day in which he had 42 rushing yards on nine carries and caught two of three targets for five yards. The fifth-year back scored on a 15-yard run in the first quarter, his first touchdown of longer than 10 yards since September, 2022. The Florida State product's fantasy relevance going forward, however, will be tied directly to Houston's injury report. Once starting running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is healthy enough to play, Akers' role surely will decrease. Houston travels to New England in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Oct 6 3:30pm CT
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley completed 18-of-31 passes for 194 yards and one interception in Sunday's 15-10 win over the New England Patriots. He also rushed three times for seven yards. The 26-year-old performed better in this one than during a tumultuous Week 4 outing, leading his team to their second victory on the season. A lot was working against Miami on Sunday, particularly on special teams, where a blocked punt and botched snap on a field goal highlighted the unit's miscues. Huntley also had a snap launched over his head in the second half on a play when the entire offense wasn't ready sans the center. Despite this, the former undrafted free agent did enough to get the win and even led his team on a touchdown drive -- just the second TD for Miami since losing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) in Week 2. It was an encouraging outing for the Dolphins' offense, especially their ground attack, which totaled 193 yards and punched in the lone score. New England's D posed as one of the better matchups the team has faced thus far, but at least the offense has something to build on heading into their Week 6 bye.

From RotoBaller

Eric Murray Oct 6 3:20pm CT
Eric Murray

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Ward exited in the first half after re-aggravating a groin injury that had caused him to appear on the injury report earlier this week. He finished Sunday's contest with two tackles, bringing his season total to 17 (through four games). Eric Murray and Calen Bullock will handle extra opportunities in the defensive secondary until Ward is healthy enough to play.

From RotoBaller

DJ Johnson Oct 6 3:00pm CT
DJ Johnson

Carolina Panthers defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. At the time of his departure, he had contributed three tackles, bringing his season total up to 12. The 31-year-old has played slightly less than half of the Panthers' defensive snaps this year but provided a steady, veteran presence on the defensive line. DJ Johnson is expected to earn additional pass-rushing opportunities until Clowney is healthy enough to return.

From RotoBaller

Fred Warner Oct 6 3:00pm CT
Fred Warner

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. However, the expectation entering gameday was that Warner would be able to play. Indeed, he'll suit up ahead of a divisional battle at home. Warner has been phenomenal as always, contributing 27 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown through four games. He remains a top option in IDP fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 6 2:40pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. He practiced in a limited capacity on Friday but ultimately entered this weekend listed as doubtful. The 27-year-old had produced 221 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and two touchdowns through four games this season. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. projects to be the Giants' top running back on Sunday, ranking as an RB3/FLEX in fantasy football. Eric Gray should also see increased opportunities out of the backfield, but he's only a relevant fantasy option in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as doubtful after missing practice on Friday. Injuries have been an issue for the talented 25-year-old, who has now missed nine of his last 22 games. Green Bay suddenly finds itself shorthanded at wide receiver with both Watson and Romeo Doubs (suspension) sidelined for Week 5. Look for the Packers to lean on Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Tucker Kraft in the passing game on Sunday. Of that group, Reed has the most fantasy appeal. Watson will look to get healthy in time for Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) is officially active for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable and was a true game-time decision. In the end, Musgrave will suit up, but it's worth noting that previous reports suggest he'll have a limited role on Sunday. As a result, we can expect to see a larger dose of Tucker Kraft than usual. Fresh off a big Week 4 with six catches, 53 yards, and a touchdown, Kraft finds himself in the low-end TE1 tier. On the other hand, Musgrave is droppable in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Bo Nix

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) is officially active for Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Indeed, Crosby will suit up after missing just one game due to injury. He has 14 tackles and three sacks through three contests this year. The 27-year-old is a game-wrecker who will look to disrupt Bo Nix and the Denver offense on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Josh Newton Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Josh Newton

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Hill exited in the first half and was ruled out very quickly, suggesting his injury could be serious. At the time of his departure, the 24-year-old had logged one tackle. The Bengals were already without Mike Hilton (knee) heading into this game, so the departure of Hill figures to create more opportunities for depth defenders Jalen Davis and Josh Newton.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Oct 6 2:20pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) exited during the first half of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Legette had caught his only target for an eight-yard gain through the air. Carolina is already short-staffed in the passing game with Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Tommy Tremble (concussion) sidelined, so losing Legette is far from ideal. Jonathan Mingo projects to earn more opportunities until Legette can return to the mix.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Oct 6 2:20pm CT
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) has officially been tagged as inactive for the team's Week 5 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. Chad Ryland will step in and take on the place-kicking duties. Kickers haven't had a great time against the 49ers so far this season as they rank 22nd in fantasy points allowed to the position. Kickers are averaging just 8.0 fantasy points per game against them. While the offense has been sputtering, it's probably better to go a different direction for a kicker this week.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Oct 6 2:10pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) has been ruled out of the rest of their game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Collins hauled in a huge 67-yard touchdown pass before exiting in the first half. The star wide receiver finishes the game with two receptions for 78 yards and one score on two targets. Since hamstring injuries are always tricky, his status is something to monitor closely as this week goes on. Xavier Hutchinson has been the one to come into the game and receive targets while Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs should see an uptick in opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dulcich Oct 6 2:10pm CT
Greg Dulcich

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dulcich impressed early in the season but hasn't caught a pass over the last two weeks. He saw his snap share drop to 25 percent in Week 3, and that number only increased slightly to 39 percent last Sunday. Adam Trautman, who has just one reception this year, figures to lead the Broncos' tight end unit against Las Vegas. Trautman, Dulcich, and all other Denver tight ends remain off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Oct 6 2:10pm CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) took a huge helmet-to-helmet hit in the second quarter which knocked him unconscious for a while. It was a scary scene as the team's medical staff checked him out on the field and later ruled him out for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, that was Tremble's only catch on the day as well. The rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders has taken his place and currently has two receptions for three yards on three targets.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 6 2:00pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) is active for the Week 5 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. It looks like the rib injury isn't bad enough to keep him out of this one, so the TE2 on the season has the green light to go up against a defense that hasn't looked too great lately. While they've only given up an average of 5.8 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, the 49ers have all of their pass-catchers available which should create room for Kittle to find open space. Kittle remains a must-start that has TE1 potential every time he's on the field.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Oct 6 1:50pm CT
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein made his lone field-goal attempt and added two extra points in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Zuerlein drilled a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter but wasn't asked to do much else in the close loss in London. The veteran kicker has now made six of his eight field goals while hitting all nine of his extra points through five games. Zuerlein will now gear up to kick against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.

From RotoBaller

Will McDonald IV Oct 6 1:50pm CT
Will McDonald IV

The New York Jets defense was productive in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. The Jets forced two turnovers while notching four sacks while holding the Vikings' offense to just one touchdown in the close loss. New York got sacks from Isaiah Oliver, Michael Clemons, and Will McDonald IV, who now has seven sacks on the season. The Jets will look to turn in another solid outing in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller