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Fantasy Championship 3/22 9:30pm ET #1
Championship $300 - 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
CeeDee Lamb Oct 4 11:40am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remains one of the top fantasy options at the position going into Sunday night's matchup with Pittsburgh. Despite a road matchup in a tough nighttime environment against the eighth-best secondary against opposing receivers, Lamb remains a no-brainer start due to his high volume share and unlimited fantasy ceiling. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for the game and Rico Dowdle (wrist) banged up, even more work should go Lamb's way in prime time. The 25-year-old is one of the few matchup-proof players in fantasy and should be started in all formats this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 11:40am CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was seen at Friday's practice, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Standig noted that the portion of practice that was open to the media was very brief and did not provide much clarity on his status heading into Sunday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later on Friday afternoon as the Alabama product will likely carry a designation into the weekend as he did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season as he has found the end zone in all but one game and eclipsed 100 yards in two of them. If Robinson suits up, he should be viewed as a high-end RB2. If he is unable to play, fantasy managers should lock Austin Ekeler into their lineup, as he should be expected to see a significant uptick in opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Tolbert Oct 4 11:40am CT
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert should see an expanded role on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brandin Cooks (knee) has been ruled out, opening up an every-down role for the 25-year-old. Tolbert has 13 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown through four games. He recorded a season-high nine targets and 82 yards against Baltimore in Week 3. While Pittsburgh's secondary (8th against opposing receivers) is no easy matchup, Dallas has gotten little production out of their rushing attack this season and has been forced to lean on the pass. Tolbert should see targets on Sunday, making him a flex candidate with many bye weeks and injuries limiting available options.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Oct 4 11:40am CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was officially cleared to play on Sunday, according to JP Finlay of 1067 The Fan. Ekeler logged a full practice on Thursday and will now return to game action this weekend. The former Charger suffered a concussion in Week 3 and was unable to suit up last weekend. Through his first three games as a Commander, Ekeler has taken the backseat to Brian Robinson Jr. as he has typically been deployed in passing situations. The 29-year-old has tallied at least 22 receiving yards in every game, with a high of 52 in Week 1. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Brian Robinson Jr.'s status heading into the weekend, as he has been dealing with a knee injury throughout the week. If Robinson were to miss Sunday's game, Ekeler should see an uptick in work and be viewed as a solid RB2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Jaelan Phillips Oct 4 11:30am CT
Jaelan Phillips

The Miami Dolphins defense/special teams is one of the more intriguing plays in Week 5 when they face the New England Patriots on the road. Miami's defensive unit has allowed the seventh-most points per game in the league this year (25.8) but is averaging just the sixth-fewest yards per game to opposing offenses (282.0). Conversely, New England's offense ranks at the bottom of the league in total offense per contest (238.8) and second-to-last in scoring (13.0 PPG). The Dolphins will be missing linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) for the rest of the season and could be down safety Jordan Poyer (shin) after he was forced from their 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans. However, the Fins have recorded an interception in back-to-back outings and three sacks in 2-of-4 contests thus far. They're RotoBaller's DST8 for this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Oct 4 11:30am CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has strung together back-to-back QB1 fantasy performances, but the same should not be expected from the veteran heading into Sunday night's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh has the sixth-best defense against opposing quarterbacks through the season's first month, creating a tough matchup for the Cowboys' signal caller. Brandin Cooks (knee) has also been ruled out, leaving Prescott with fewer options in the passing game than usual. Prescott is still playable, but beware that both his ceiling and floor will be more limited than usual. Consider sitting the 31-year-old in one quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Oct 4 11:20am CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz enters Week 5 against Buffalo coming off his most productive game of the season, albeit for just three catches and 34 receiving yards. The veteran tight end is still playing a ton of snaps for Houston nearly 84% but he hasn't been the pass-catching option fantasy managers had hoped thus far. However, Buffalo blitzes less than any team in the league and Houston's backfield has been impacted by injuries, possibly opening the door for a higher volume of short-yardage throws that could benefit a tight end. Still, Schultz has been tough to trust in a Texans offense with many mouths to feed.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 4 11:20am CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) is "good to go" for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Dani Sureck of the Arizona Cardinals. McBride suffered a concussion during their Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and was held out of last weekend's game. During the first three weeks of the campaign, McBride has seen at least six targets his way in every game, with a high of nine in the opening week. The tight end has caught at least five passes in two games and averaged 40.7 yards in each game. Fantasy managers should confidently lock the 24-year-old into their lineup this weekend as a high-end TE1 despite facing a tough San Francisco defense.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 4 11:20am CT
Stefon Diggs

With his former Buffalo Bills teammates visiting this week, Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs continues to be a solid WR2 play. The 30-year-old has allayed concerns about his usage on a new team by playing 81% of snaps, drawing more than eight targets per game, and putting up three top-20 finishes in four weeks. The Bills' pass defense ranks first against fantasy wide receivers thus far, but Diggs and fellow wideout Nico Collins are drawing so much volume each week that they still belong in starting lineups. And if you're a believer in revenge games, the former Bill is definitely looking for a big performance on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Oct 4 11:20am CT
Nico Collins

The Buffalo Bills have been awfully tough on pass catchers in 2024, but Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins remains in elite territory as the two sides prepare to clash in Week 5. The 25-year-old receiver looks to be entering his prime with a capable supporting cast, and the early returns have been excellent. Collins leads the NFL in receiving yardage and is drawing 10.8 targets per game. Buffalo has allowed the third-fewest air yards in the NFL and ranks No. 1 against fantasy wide receivers, though Collins has produced against everybody he has played in 2024. Until that changes, the Michigan product should be valued as a WR1 in any format.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Oct 4 11:20am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud faces a marquee game on Sunday with the Buffalo Bills in town. The quarterback's sophomore campaign is off to a solid start: he already has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, he has a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and the Texans are 3-1. Next up is a steady Bills defense that has blitzed less than any team in the NFL and allowed the third-fewest air yards. Stroud and the Texans can expect to see a lot of coverage-heavy looks against the Bills, especially with running back Joe Mixon (ankle) unlikely to see the field. Even so, the second-year quarterback is at the helm of a dangerous offense, making him a safe QB1 play in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 4 11:20am CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) will practice on Friday, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. This is a great sign as Singletary did not practice earlier this week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it should provide clarity on his availability for Sunday's game. Through his first four games as a New York Giant, the 27-year-old has logged at least 40 snaps in every game and has been deployed as a three-down back. He has seen double-digit rushing attempts in every game and received at least four targets in two out of the four games. If the former Buffalo Bill is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a low-end RB2. If not, rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. is worth considering as an upside flex option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Oct 4 11:10am CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) could play this weekend, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Wolfe noted that this will be determined following Friday's practice session. Mostert has been sidelined since Week 1 with a chest injury he suffered in the season opener. In that game, the veteran running back saw six carries and two targets. During this week, Mostert was able to log two consecutive limited practice sessions, which suggests he could be nearing a return. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. If Mostert is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a flex option facing the New England Patriots, who have allowed the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

From RotoBaller

Jason Sanders Oct 4 11:10am CT
Jason Sanders

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders will not be a recommended fantasy option in Week 5 when his team takes on the New England Patriots in Foxborough. Sanders has missed just two field goals on the season and has yet to miss an extra point attempt in four contests. However, scoring opportunities have been challenging to come by, with Miami punching in just three touchdowns through the first month of games. This offense continues to trend negatively until quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returns. Despite the 28-year-old's trademark accuracy, fantasy managers may want to aim elsewhere for a more consistent kicking option that garners a higher floor and ceiling regarding weekly output. The former seventh-round pick is RotoBaller's K28 in this Week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Oct 4 11:10am CT
Josh Allen

The Houston Texans enter Week 5 in the middle of the pack among fantasy defenses on the season, making them a highly risky play against the Buffalo Bills. Behind quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo has been excellent through four weeks. The Bills are one of three teams averaging more than 30 points, their 73.3% red zone touchdown percentage ranks third in the NFL, and they are scoring on nearly 49% of their drives overall, which is fifth-best in the league. Further, Buffalo is turning over the ball on fewer than 5% of drives and they have allowed the fourth-fewest sacks. Chances are good fantasy managers can find a better streaming option than Houston this week.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Oct 4 11:10am CT
Ka'imi Fairbairn

As one of two kickers in the NFL to have made six field goals from 50 or more yards, Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn remains an easy starting lineup decision with the Buffalo Bills visiting in Week 5. The UCLA product is 8-for-9 overall on field goals, perfect on extra points, and attached to one of the league's better offenses. Additionally, Buffalo's defense has allowed touchdowns on only half of its opponents' trips to the red zone so far this season. Playing indoors for a fifth straight game, Fairbairn is a top-five option among fantasy kickers this week.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Oct 4 11:00am CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright may again be the primary backup in his team's backfield when they square off against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The rookie saw his highest snap share of the season in Miami's Week 4 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans, participating in 28 of 60 snaps (47%). In turn, Wright saw his most work on the year, handling nine carries for 32 yards and failing to bring in his sole target. Backfield mate Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) returned to full practice on Thursday; however, the last time both were healthy in Week 3, the rookie saw one less snap and one less carry than Wilson but out-gained him by three yards and more than doubled the veteran's yards per carry (8.5). The former Volunteer will not be recommended in Week 5, particularly against a stout New England ground defense. Still, he'll be an asset to monitor over the coming weeks and would be an intriguing handcuff if he could hold onto his increased volume.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 4 10:50am CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This doesn't come as much of a surprise given Nabers hasn't been able to practice this week. He continues to work his way back from a head injury he suffered in Week 4. The loss of Nabers is a significant hit to this Giants offense considering he has 35 receptions on 52 targets this season. Wan'Dale Robinson will likely gain the most value out of anyone on this offense with Nabers out. Robinson finished with 11 receptions on 14 targets with 71 yards last week. He figures to be a focal point in the passing game, especially with Nabers out.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 4 10:40am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield continued his effective play during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Mayfield looked solid as he completed 19-of-24 passing attempts for 180 yards and three touchdowns in the overtime loss. Mayfield was accurate in this one as he only had a handful of incompletions with zero turnovers. He also added 42 yards on the ground on six carries as Mayfield looked good with his legs. Mayfield will now head into a tougher challenge against the New Orleans Saints defense in Week 6. Despite that, Mayfield has done enough to put himself in the QB1 conversation for that game.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Oct 4 10:40am CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith will not be a viable fantasy option in Week 5 when his team lines up for a road tilt against their division-rival New England Patriots. The 29-year-old had a productive outing -- for a TE, anyway -- in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills when he reeled in 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards but has seen his production decline since then. Most recently, posting a goose egg on one target in the team's 31-12 loss against the Tennessee Titans. The Dolphins' offensive woes aside, it's unclear whether or not Smith is still the TE1 on this team, as teammate Julian Hill has out-snapped him each of the last two weeks and 125-to-100 on the season. The former still leads Hill in every statistical category. Still, the veteran tight end can't be a trusted source of consistent production as the fourth option at best in Miami's passing attack. He's RotoBaller's PPR TE26 ahead of Week 5.

From RotoBaller