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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

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
Brandin Cooks Oct 5 12:20pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is going on Injured Reserve on Saturday, which means he will miss at least the next four games. In a corresponding move, the Cowboys moved linebacker Nick Vigil to the active 53-man. Amani Oruwariye and Carl Lawson are also being elevated from the practice squad. Cooks had already been ruled out for Week 5's Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but now he won't be eligible to return until Week 10 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys have their bye in Week 7. This news certainly makes Jalen Tolbert more attractive as a waiver-wire pickup if he's still available in your league, as he's expected to see a substantial role increase as the WR2 in Dallas behind CeeDee Lamb with Cooks sidelined. Cooks caught nine of 19 targets for 91 yards and one touchdown in the first four weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Oct 5 12:10pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown was quiet through the first three contests of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he finally got it together in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing 80 yards off 15 carries and adding two touchdowns. Naturally, expectations are higher than usual for Brown entering the AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Still, Zack Moss remains atop the depth chart, and he'll likely continue to see more snaps and rushing opportunities. With that in mind, Brown is still in the flex conversation, although he's a risky option.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 5 12:10pm CT
Amari Cooper

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler speculates that the Cleveland Browns could receive a lot of interest from other teams in wide receiver Amari Cooper as the trade deadline nearly in early November. The Browns aren't believed to be shopping Cooper right now, but he's attractive from a salary standpoint after the Browns reworked his contract. Fowler also lists Carolina Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson as a name to watch at the deadline if the Panthers continue to lose. The Tennessee Titans' DeAndre Hopkins may be another name to keep an eye on. Outside of his seven-catch, 86-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 3 against the New York Giants, Cooper has left fantasy managers wanting more in 2024 in what has been an ugly looking Browns offense. Perhaps a change of scenery is best for Cooper moving forward. In his other three games, he has a combined nine catches for 62 yards.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Oct 5 11:50am CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has three touchdowns this season, one fewer than the four he had through 16 games as a rookie. While Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut after missing the Bengals' first two contests, Iosivas still played more snaps in the Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers. Granted, the 24-year-old had just one reception in that one. However, Iosivas is still second on the team in red zone targets, keeping him a flex option for Week 5 versus the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should be mindful that his presence in any lineup has its risks, although the upside remains.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 5 11:50am CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss has played well this season. While Chase Brown finally got involved in the Week 4 win over the Panthers after not doing much all year, scoring twice, Moss also found the end zone. The 26-year-old also played more snaps than Brown and remains the top runner out of the backfield. With a touchdown in three of the Bengals' four games this season, Moss remains a starting fantasy option in any format. However, his pass-catching prowess gives him even more value in PPR formats.

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Tee Higgins Oct 5 11:40am CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut versus the Commanders by catching three passes for 39 yards. Fantasy managers were still expecting more despite the wideout missing the first two games because of a hamstring injury. However, he played better in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing six grabs (10 targets) for 60 yards. Cincinnati will meet Baltimore in Week 5 for an AFC North showdown. While Higgins remains a risky option for managers, his upside makes him worthy of a start in any format.

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Ja'Marr Chase Oct 5 11:20am CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a rough start to the 2024-25 campaign. The former LSU Tiger had only 10 grabs through the first two weeks. Even worse, he didn't find the end zone. Yet, with Tee Higgins suiting up for the Week 3 clash with the Commanders after sitting out the Bengals' first two contests because of a hamstring injury, Chase finally got some breathing room, finishing with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. While he wasn't as productive in Sunday's win over the Panthers, he still found the end zone for the third time this year. With that in mind, Chase is one of the NFL's top wideouts, so there's no way to justify keeping him out of any fantasy lineup for Week 5 versus the Ravens.

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Joe Burrow Oct 5 11:10am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) appeared on the injury report throughout the week. However, he's logged full practice sessions and doesn't carry a designation heading into Sunday's AFC North clash with the Ravens. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick has looked good this season, throwing seven touchdowns, one pick, and 978 yards off an efficient 95-for-134 passing (70.9%). With the Bengals coming off their first win of the 2024-25 campaign, Burrow will look to lead his team to another victory in Week 5. He last met the Ravens in November of last season. Unfortunately, the signal-caller would suffer a wrist injury that put him on the shelf for the remainder of the year. Without question, Burrow will have that on his mind on Sunday, which could give him even more motivation to produce. Regardless, he has played too well this season, so he should be featured in all fantasy lineups versus Baltimore.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Oct 5 10:20am CT
Gardner Minshew II

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams was an afterthought in fantasy entering the 2024 season, but through four weeks, they have proven to be one of the stingier units and are now a must-start heading into their Week 5 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders will be without both receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and running back Zamir White (groin). Denver's D ranks sixth in fantasy points through four weeks with 16 sacks, five takeaways and two safeties. Meanwhile, the Raiders have been a top-10 matchup for opposing defenses and are tied for third with six giveaways. The Broncos defense also ranks third in points allowed per game (13.8), second in total yards allowed per game (256.5), third in passing yards allowed per game (146), and 12th in rushing yards allowed per game (110.5). Raiders QB Gardner Minshew II has been sacked 13 times this year, tied for sixth-most in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dulcich Oct 5 9:40am CT
Greg Dulcich

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich hasn't been anywhere near the fantasy radar so far in 2024, and that doesn't figure to change in Week 5 as the team takes on the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Dulcich enters this weekend outside of the top-50 tight ends in half-PPR scoring, having caught five of his 12 targets for 28 yards and no touchdowns through four weeks. All of his production came in the first two weeks of the season against the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers. In the last two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets, the team's two wins, Dulcich has no catches on just one target. Denver's low-scoring offense has not had nearly enough passing volume with rookie quarterback Bo Nix to support more than one fantasy relevant pass-catcher. The 24-year-old Dulcich belongs on the waiver wire in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Oct 5 9:40am CT
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz has a good opportunity for a bounce-back performance in the Week 5 divisional tilt at home in the thin air of Denver against the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to kickers per game so far in 2024. Lutz is coming off his worst performance of the year, missing his first kick of the season. He made just one field goal and one extra point in the 10-9, Week 4 upset over the New York Jets in rainy and wet conditions last weekend. Denver's offense has been among the worst in the NFL so far this year, but Lutz surprisingly ranks as the No. 10 kicker heading into Week 5, thanks to 10 successful field goals and four extra points. The floor will continue to be low for Lutz with quarterback Bo Nix running the show, but Denver's offense should be able to move the ball better this weekend against a Raiders defense that could be without All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle). Lutz is in the streaming conversation at kicker.

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Josh Reynolds Oct 5 9:30am CT
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (foot) is rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues and shouldn't be anywhere near starting fantasy lineups for the team's Week 5 matchup at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Reynolds surprisingly entered the Week 4 tilt against the New York Jets leading the team in receiving yards after three weeks, but he proceeded to put up a donut last Sunday with no catches on only two targets in the 10-9 upset win. Conditions should be more favorable against a softer Raiders defense this weekend, but Reynolds belongs on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues as the WR2 in one of the weakest offenses in the NFL. At best, he's a volatile WR4/flex for those desperate in deeper formats. Reynolds has 11 catches on 17 targets for 174 yards and no touchdowns through four games, placing him outside the top-50 wideouts in half-PPR scoring.

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Anthony Richardson Oct 5 9:00am CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is expected to be a game-time decision for Week 5 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. He was limited this week and is officially listed as questionable to play on Sunday. Fowler notes that Richardson can't necessarily worsen his current injury, so his Week 5 status primarily hinges on pain tolerance and functionality. The 22-year-old has been an underwhelming fantasy option over the last three weeks, but he'd have a real chance to turn things around this weekend against a Jaguars defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. If healthy, he'd rank as a low-end QB1. Otherwise, Joe Flacco would earn the start.

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Marquis Haynes Oct 5 8:53am CT
Marquis Haynes

The Carolina Panthers promoted LB Marquis Haynes from their practice squad to the active roster Friday, Oct. 4. In another move, CB Justin Hardee was released from the practice squad.

From TheHuddle

Demarcus Robinson Oct 5 8:50am CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is still searching for his first game of the season with double-digit fantasy points. The veteran has been an upside-based, big-play threat so far, playing at least 85 percent of snaps in all four weeks but failing to catch more than two passes in any of his last three games. Robinson has been utilized as an option deeper downfield, which naturally leads to more contested passes and fewer receptions. Still, every game, he's one big gain away from having WR3/FLEX relevance, especially in his increased role with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) still sidelined. This week, he's facing a Green Bay Packers defense that has allowed the eighth-most touchdowns and ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Fantasy managers can evaluate him as a low-end WR4 for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Oct 5 8:40am CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has streaming appeal as a fringe top-12 player at the position heading into Week 5 versus the Green Bay Packers. Parkinson has delivered modest production through four games so far, catching 12 passes for 113 yards. His usage has been impressive as he played 100 percent of snaps in Week 3 and commanded a season-high seven targets in Week 4. This week, Parkinson has a favorable matchup against the Packers, who have allowed the most touchdowns and the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year. With Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puca Nakua (knee) still sidelined, there are extra targets available for Parkinson. He's a matchup-based fringe TE1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Oct 5 8:20am CT
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday. This was an improvement after he missed two consecutive practices, but it still leaves some uncertainty about his availability. The Cardinals are officially listing him as questionable for Week 5 versus the San Francisco 49ers. Prater has remained quite effective in his age-40 season, converting all 10 of his extra points attempts and all six of his field goal attempts. Fantasy managers can continue to start Prater in leagues with 12 teams or fewer.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Oct 5 8:20am CT
Cam Akers

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers is trending toward drawing his third consecutive start in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Akers has seized an increased role in the Houston backfield with both Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (sidelined). Mixon has already been ruled out for this week's contest, and while the Texans are leaving the door open for Pierce, he missed two of three practices this week and faces an uphill battle to play. Therefore, it's looking like Akers will draw the start for the third week in a row. He has posted limited results on reduced opportunities during that span, registering just 74 rushing yards, eight receiving yards, and one touchdown. On a promising note, Akers could fare better this week against a porous Bills run defense. Buffalo has allowed the second-most fantasy points and the second-most receptions to opposing running backs this year, positioning Akers in the low-end RB2 tier for Sunday's clash.

From RotoBaller

Carl Granderson Oct 5 6:30am CT
Carl Granderson

The New Orleans Saints defense has held opposing offenses to 20 points or fewer through the first four weeks of the season. The team is averaging two takeaways and 2.5 sacks per game as well. In Week 5, the Saints hit the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs are usually a threat to put up points but injuries have ravaged Kansas City's offense, leaving them short of personnel. Additionally, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been shaky so far, tossing about five interceptions against his six touchdown passes. The Chief's o-line has done well at limiting pressure on Mahomes, at least, and will make it hard for Carl Granderson and the rest of the Saints' front line to add to their sack total. The Saints are viable in deeper leagues and not a bad bet based on their performance through the first four weeks of 2024.

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Derek Carr Oct 5 5:50am CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr started the season by posting more than 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games. However, in Weeks 3 and 4 the signal-caller couldn't crack double digits. Carr went 28-for-36 last week, setting new highs in completions and pass attempts in the young season, but he failed to reach 250 passing yards for the fourth straight game. In Week 5, the Saints head to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs permitted Justin Herbert to throw for just 179 yards in Week 4 and they have given up just 13.5 fantasy points per game over their last three. Carr faces the additional challenge of playing behind an offensive line missing three starters that is facing an aggressive defensive front led by lineman Chris Jones. Unless you are managing a two-QB league team dealing with bye week complications, then Carr should be left on the wire in Week 5.

From RotoBaller