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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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
Jordan Mason Sep 29 10:40pm CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason pulled his weight for fantasy players in a 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. He finished with 24 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown, plus two catches on three targets for 37 yards receiving. He also had a 38-yard touchdown catch-and-run nullified by a questionable holding call in the second quarter. Fantasy managers using Mason as an RB1 have to be happy that rookie running back Isaac Guerendo only took one carry on Sunday after cutting slightly into Mason's workload for five carries in Week 4. In retrospect, it seems Guerendo's increased involvement in Week 3 was a function of receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.'s absence. Mason's been one of the great values for shrewd fantasy players in 2024 who took him late in drafts as a stash or snapped him up on waivers after Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was ruled out before Week 1. Mason will once again be a bell-cow RB1 in CMC's extended absence next Sunday at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 29 10:00pm CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a decent fantasy day in a 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Santa Clara. He finished with 15 completions of 27 attempts for 288 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He added 11 yards on five scrambles and fumbled twice, but lost neither. Purdy's touchdown came on a gutsy back corner throw to tight end George Kittle who had two defenders draped on him but high-pointed the catch. His interception was a long pass thrown into double coverage to receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the endzone. Sunday's game script limited Purdy's fantasy day, leading to a season-low 27 pass attempts. San Francisco tallied the first points, jumped to a 20-0 lead, and maintained control of the scoreboard throughout the game. In Week 5, Purdy and the 49ers will look to climb above .500 when they host the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 29 9:43pm CT
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice may have a torn ACL. Dynasty Analysis: This would be a significant blow to the title hopes of the Cheifs as Rice hasn't just been the best receiver on their team, but one of the best in the league. With 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns, Rice had been electric though three games. Unfortunately, it looks like a freak collision with Patrick Mahomes is going to end his season. We'll wait to see the diagnosis tomorrow but it seems clear his knee injury is significant. Stay tuned.

Kareem Hunt Sep 29 9:43pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Dynasty | Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 69 rushing yards on 14 carries in a win against the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: He added two catches for 16 yards. Hunt surprisingly led the Kansas City running backs with 16 touches, while Carson Steele (three touches and a lost fumble), and Samaje Perine (five carries) were afterthoughts. This could be a big development in Kansas City after the Chiefs potentially lost Rashee Rice for the season. Hunt will need to show more next week to be trusted in lineups but he should be on dynasty rosters everywhere after today's surprise workload.

Budda Baker Sep 29 9:43pm CT
Budda Baker

Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker finished with 14 tackles, including 10 solo stops, in a 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 4.

From TheHuddle

Travis Kelce Sep 29 9:42pm CT
Travis Kelce

Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches for 89 yards in a win against the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce had been famously quiet over the first three weeks but Kansas City got him much more involved today. Unfortunately for the Chiefs (but fortunately for dynasty managers), Kelce is likely going to be much more of a necessity than a luxury moving forward if Rashee Rice has indeed suffered a season-ending injury. Kelce remains a solid option and possible buy low candidate for contending teams.

Jordan Mason Sep 29 9:42pm CT
Jordan Mason

Dynasty | 49ers running back Jordan Mason had 123 rushing yards, two catches, 37 receiving yards and a touchdown in a win against New England. Dynasty Analysis: Mason has been fantastic each and every week as he continues to keep the seat warm for Christian McCaffrey. While his short-term value is great, his long-term value is going to be in question when McCaffrey comes back. Still, Mason managers won't complain too much as he looks like the easy starter for at least another month. Mason is a locked and loaded RB1 until CMC makes his return.

Jauan Jennings Sep 29 9:42pm CT
Jauan Jennings

Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings had three catches for 88 yards in a win against New England. Dynasty Analysis: Another week, another solid game for Jennings. While this was a far cry from his 11/175/3 blow-up last game, he still led the 49ers in receiving yards for a second straight week and his six targets led the team. At this point, it's clear the 49ers don't really have an alpha receiver and Brock Purdy may just be good enough to keep Jennings, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk all valuable this season.

James Conner Sep 29 9:23pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner rushed 18 times for 104 yards and a touchdown and caught a nine-yard pass in a 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 4.

Fantasy Spin: Outside of his dud against Detroit, Conner has been a reliable option for the Arizona offense and for fantasy owners. He has scored in three of the four games, topping 100 yards twice.

From TheHuddle

Jacoby Brissett Sep 29 9:23pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett completed 19-of-32 passes for 168 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers, and he added two runs for three yards while fumbling three times with one lost.

Fantasy Spin: Brissett's passing yardage total was actually a season high, so that tells you a little about his fantasy appeal. He has just two passing scores and the one pick. Brissett isn't doing much, except for keeping the starting job warm for rookie Drake Maye. For fantasy purposes, Brissett should be avoided until absolutely desperate in 2QB leagues when the byes kick in.

From TheHuddle

Ladd McConkey Sep 29 9:13pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Dynasty | Chargers rookie receiver Ladd McConkey had five catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: While McConkey has yet to have a monster "blow-up" game, he's been about as consistent as a rookie can get with 24 targets, 176 receiving yards and a couple of scores through the first month of the year. He'll remain a decent high floor option moving forward and seems to have justified his late first round rookie pedigree thus far.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jayden Daniels Sep 29 9:13pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 26-of-30 passes for 233 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 47 rushing yards and another score in a blowout win against the Cardinals. Dynasty Analysis: Daniels has now completed 82.1% (87-of-106) of his passes over first four games of his career.Not only is that an NFL record for a quarterback's first four career starts, it's highest completion percentage by a quarterback in any four game span since 1950. Let that soak in for a second as you re-evaluate his dynasty value, which is clearly that of an elite QB1 moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 29 9:13pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Dynasty | Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr had five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown in a loss against Washington. Dynasty Analysis: After a one-catch, four-yard performance in week one, Harrison has now scored in three straight games and four times overall. He's quickly establishing himself as Arizona's best pass catcher and has simply been "as advertised" thus far. Harrison should be locked in as a WR1/2 moving forward and looks the part of a top ten dynasty receiver already.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Bobby Wagner Sep 29 9:13pm CT
Bobby Wagner

Washington Commanders LB Bobby Wagner finished with 11 tackles, including seven solo stops, and 0.5 sacks in a 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.

From TheHuddle

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 29 9:10pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Despite the Arizona Cardinals' struggles to score in Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. found the end zone for the fourth time this season. In addition to the touchdown, Harrison Jr. caught five passes for 45 yards, securing all but one of his targets. He has emerged as a reliable playmaker for the Cardinals, someone they can depend on in tough situations. Harrison Jr. will likely remain a focal point in their game plan as the offense regains its scoring rhythm. Fantasy managers should continue to keep him in their starting lineups, even with a tough Week 5 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 29 9:10pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson hauled in 4-of-7 targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 24-18 loss to the Chicago Bears. His long gain of the day went for just 11 yards. Parkinson and the rest of the Rams' passing attack couldn't get much going on a day where their only touchdown came on the back of a three-yard score on the ground by Kyren Williams. Since the loss of superstar wideout Cooper Kupp (ankle), quarterback Matthew Stafford has not thrown for more than 224 yards or more than one touchdown in a single outing. The 25-year-old tight end has seen his volume tick up each of the past three weeks, but he's yet to have a standout game despite the lack of quality options in LA's aerial assault. His seven targets were a season-high, but 7.3 total fantasy points are only good enough for the current TE14 on the week. Unless circumstances drastically change around him, the former fourth-round pick will not be a recommended fantasy option in Week 5 when the team hosts the visiting Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Sep 29 9:03pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz caught all three of his targets for 22 yards in a 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz has a steady role in the offense, but he is limited to short, underneath routes. Despite his lack of upside, the tight end position is thin enough to give Ertz some streaming potential as bye weeks begin.

From TheHuddle

Jonathan Mingo Sep 29 9:00pm CT
Jonathan Mingo

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo racked up three catches and 24 yards on five targets in the team's 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The second-year wideout finished with the third-most yards and targets on the team but finished one reception shy of Chuba Hubbard for the same honor. The Panthers didn't get back into the win column in this one, but they at least made it a game against a Bengals squad starving for a win. After two weeks of an Andy Dalton-led offense, it is evident that the team is in much better hands with him under center. Mingo's five targets matched the previous season-high he accrued back in Week 1, but veteran WR Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette each accumulated double-digit targets in this one. The former second-round pick will be tough to trust moving forward as more than a dart throw option on a weekly basis until his usage ticks up in Carolina's passing attack. The Panthers will take on the 2-2 Chicago Bears on the road in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jeremy McNichols Sep 29 8:53pm CT
Jeremy McNichols

Washington Commanders RB Jeremy McNichols rushed eight times for 68 yards and two touchdowns and caugt a six-yard pass in a 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.

Fantasy Spin: McNichols served as a the backup to Brian Robinson Jr. with Austin Ekeler sidelined, and McNichols certainly made the most of the opportunity. Despite the strong showing, McNichols is unlikely to have a role once Ekeler is ready to return.

From TheHuddle

James Conner Sep 29 8:50pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner delivered another solid performance in Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders, rushing 18 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. After managing just 17 rushing yards in the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions, Conner quickly put those concerns to rest with a strong bounce-back effort. He ran the ball effectively, showing power to break through tacklers and displaying impressive bursts. Conner should remain a fixture in fantasy lineups, as the Cardinals' offense will likely continue to lean on him while trying to snap their scoring slump. The veteran running back will look to build on Sunday's performance in a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.

From RotoBaller