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Best Ball SCOUT 242
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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Jayden Daniels Oct 4 6:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Through four games in 2024, the Cleveland Browns defense has failed to live up to the high standard they set last year. They will look to change that in a Week 5 road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Thanks to record-setting rookie QB Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have been a problem for fantasy defenses in 2024, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position through four games. Due to the tough matchup and their own underachieving ways this season, the Browns defense should not be in starting lineups for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Oct 4 6:30pm CT
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe (hip) practiced in full on Friday after he was given an DNP tag on Thursday. Grupe was looking iffy for Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football after popping up on the initial injury report, but a return to a full practice a day later on Friday should put him in the clear to be available to close out Week 5 action. The 25-year-old has been a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first four weeks of the season, and there's no reason why fantasy managers should be going away from him this week as long as he's active. Grupe is currently the No. 7 kicker in terms of fantasy points this year. He's made all eight of his field-goal attempts and has missed just one of his 14 extra-point tries. The Chiefs defense has allowed 7.5 fantasy points per game to kickers through four games, which ranks 20th in the league.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 4 6:30pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (forearm) was able to put in a full practice on Friday after he had a limited showing in Thursday's session. Johnson is on track to be available to play on Monday Night Football in Week 5 on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fellow TE Taysom Hill (ribs) is dealing with fractured ribs and is looking doubtful to play, which will open up some more pass-catching opportunities for Johnson this week. Foster Moreau will continue to be a road block in terms of playing time and targets for Johnson, though, so fantasy managers should continue to ignore him. Through the first four games in 2024, Johnson has only caught four of six targets for 39 yards and one touchdown. There should be better TE2 sleeper options available in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 4 6:20pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper has mostly struggled in 2024 as he has hit double-digit PPR points just once in four games. He will look to rectify that in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders could be just what a struggling Browns offense ordered as they have struggled to slow down passing attacks in 2024. Washington is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts while allowing at least one touchdown catch to go to a wide receiver in all four of their games. The Cooper-Deshaun Watson connection should be able to take advantage of the soft matchup and can be treated as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Oct 4 6:20pm CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins has been solid this season, hitting five of his six field goals and adding five extra points on six attempts. He will look to add a few more field goals to his tally in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Washington has mostly struggled on defense this season but they have been solid against fantasy kickers, allowing just the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. This is at least partially a result of all the touchdowns they have allowed, but nonetheless, it doesn't help Hopkins' case to be considered as a fantasy starter. He settles in outside of the top 15 options at the position for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 4 6:20pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Friday. Fellow RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) was upgraded to full-go in practice after being limited on Wednesday. Kamara was listed with the same injuries last week before suiting up and touching the ball 26 times for 119 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old will most likely be cleared on Saturday to play on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kamara should continue to have high volume in the Saints' backfield, especially with Taysom Hill (ribs) looking doubtful to play after fracturing his ribs last weekend. Through four weeks in 2024, Kamara is the RB1 in fantasy in half-PPR scoring with 362 rushing yards and five touchdowns, adding 17 catches for 174 yards and another TD. He's a must-start against KC.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Oct 4 6:10pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford has been active in the passing game this season, catching 17 passes for 85 yards through four games. The veteran tailback will look to keep it up in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have struggled on defense this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to running backs thus far. After a hiccup in Week 2, Ford has reclaimed the majority share of the Cleveland backfield and has reached at least 10.0 PPR points in three of his four contests. Fantasy gamers can treat him as a high-end RB2 heading into a prime matchup against Washington in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Oct 4 6:10pm CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) practiced in full all week but remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and is questionable to make his 2024 debut in Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots. Meanwhile, receivers Malik Washington (quadriceps) and Braxton Berrios (ankle) were removed from the final injury report and will play on Sunday in Foxborough. We'll know by Saturday whether Beckham will come off the PUP list and be active for Sunday's contest. If the 31-year-old does make his debut with the Dolphins, head coach Mike McDaniel already hinted that OBJ will be on a pitch count. Beckham might be interesting as a bench stash in deeper leagues if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) makes a return, but right now, Beckham can be left on the waiver wire in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Oct 4 6:10pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) will head into Week 5's matchup against the Washington Commanders without an injury designation after practicing fully all week despite being listed with a knee issue. Jeudy draws a fantastic matchup against a Washington defense that is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers through four games. Jeudy has been a solid contributor for the Browns this season, going for at least 72 receiving yards or a touchdown in three of his four games. Fantasy gamers should feel confident starting Jeudy as a fantasy WR3 heading into Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Oct 4 6:10pm CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) missed practice all week and is considered questionable to suit up in Week 5 on the road at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday. The fact that Musgrave didn't practice all week would seem to suggest he's on the wrong side of questionable for this week. It's notable because of the fact that receivers Christian Watson (ankle) and Romeo Doubs (personal) are doubtful to play, so Green Bay could be down several pass-catchers in a great matchup. Even if Musgrave is active, he'll likely continue to take a back seat to Tucker Kraft, who had his best game in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, catching six of nine targets for 53 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Even if Musgrave is active, Kraft is setting up as an interesting streamer at the position with TE1 upside against the Rams.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running backs Raheem Mostert (chest) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) have both been cleared to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. Mostert has been out of action since the season-opening win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being taken off the final injury report after a full practice on Friday. Fantasy managers should be hesitant to use Mostert as a flex play unless they are desperate, though, as head coach Mike McDaniel said that the 32-year-old veteran would likely have his snaps scaled back in his first game back. On top of the expected limited workload, Miami's offense will have far less upside altogether for as long as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) remains sidelined. Miami will likely mix in Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright behind starter De'Von Achane against New England.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has struggled for a good portion of the 2024 season, throwing for just 727 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions through four games. He has a good chance to bounce back, however, in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Washington's defense has struggled against quarterbacks this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Watson's play has been up-and-down this year but he has a shot at posting his best fantasy outing of the season in Week 5 thanks to his opponent. Fantasy gamers can treat him as a high-end QB2 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is set to start for the team as they head west to Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium to take on the Rams in Week 5. Wicks smashed last week in the Packers' rally that fell short against the Vikings, with five receptions, 78 yards and two touchdowns. After finishing as the overall WR3 last week, Wicks is looking for an encore and he'll have a clearer runway to do just that. Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful on the final injury report for the Packers, so Wicks will need to be relied upon by Jordan Love as a key component in the passing game. With the Rams allowing the second-most receiving yards per game to outside wide receivers, this matchup is a great one for Wicks. Slot him into your fantasy lineups as a low-end WR2 with clear WR1 upside in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 4 5:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has a solid matchup on tap as the Packers head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. While Jacobs has been solid this season, he hasn't put up a top-20 fantasy finish in any of the four games he's played this season despite plenty of opportunity. Jacobs is also looking to get into the scoring column, as he hasn't scored a touchdown this season either. Despite the Packers' willingness to give fellow running back Emanuel Wilson more and more opportunity, Jacobs has a great matchup as the Rams are one of the worst defenses in football stopping the run, as they're 31st in DVOA against the run. Positive regression is on Jacobs' side here, so fire up Jacobs as a low-end fantasy RB1 in this excellent matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Oct 4 5:50pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has a beautiful matchup on tap as the Packers travel west to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Last week, Reed put up a WR2 overall week with 139 receiving on seven receptions, adding a touchdown grab in the Packers' comeback bid that fell short to the Vikings. In fact, in the two games Reed has played with quarterback Jordan Love, he's been overall WR1 in Week 1 and WR2 last week. The Packers may also be down a couple of receivers as Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful on the injury report, leaving Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Tucker Kraft as the primary pass-catchers for Love and the Packers. Lock in Reed as a fantasy WR1 in an exploitable matchup against the Rams this week.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is trending upwards for the Packers and with Luke Musgrave (ankle) not having logged any practice time this week, Kraft should be in line for a massive workload as the Packers face the Rams in Week 5. Last week, Kraft ran more routes per dropback (86%) than he has all season and came away with his best fantasy performance of the season, finishing overall TE1 on the week. After a 6-53-1 line against the Vikings, Kraft should be ready to go against the Rams, a defense that allows the highest catch rate to the tight end position. Not to mention that Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both doubtful, and the target tree is likely condensed even further. Kraft is a TE1 this week and a worthy fantasy start in the majority of leagues.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. In addition to Hines-Allen, linebackers Yasir Abdullah and Devin Lloyd and safeties Darnell Savage (quadriceps) and Daniel Thomas (hamstring) are questionable. Hines-Allen missed practice on Wednesday but was listed as limited on Thursday and Friday, so he's at least progressing through the league's concussion protocol. He still needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play on Sunday. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues need to have a backup plan in place in case the 27-year-old pass-rusher doesn't get the green light. The Jags defense/special teams unit hasn't moved the needle in fantasy in 2024, but they could be a streaming option in deeper leagues with running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) out and quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) questionable.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein will head to London to take on the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Zuerlein has been a bit erratic of late, having missed two of his six attempts over the past two games. He will look to get back on track but he may have a hard time against a Vikings defense that is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this season. To make matters worse, the Jets offense plays slow and hasn't been very high-scoring this season, which has limited Zuerlein's attempts. He settles in outside the top-20 fantasy kickers this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 5:30pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was officially listed as questionable for the Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Robinson popped up on the injury report this week and was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he returned to the field with a limited practice on Friday to give himself a chance to play this weekend. He's expected to be a game-time decision, but the good news is he's "trending in the right direction" to be active, and we'll know whether he's active or not before the first slate of games kicks off on Sunday. Austin Ekeler is returning after a one-game absence due to a concussion, so if Robinson is active against Cleveland, he'll definitely have more competition for touches, making him more of an RB3/flex in fantasy. If B-Rob is inactive, expect Jeremy McNichols, who scored two rushing touchdowns last week, to split the backfield with Ekeler.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Oct 4 5:30pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) and Tank Bigsby (shoulder) were both limited in practice all week and have been removed from the final injury report for Week 5 on Friday. They will both be active on Sunday to take on the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Even though Bigsby is coming off his best game of the year in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans, Etienne should be considered a strong RB2 choice for fantasy lineups with Etienne cleared to play. Etienne has averaged 4.6 yards per carry for 214 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 47 carries through the first four weeks, also catching 10 of his 15 targets for 48 yards in the air. He will continue to be Jacksonville's primary RB, but Bigsby may be a thorn in his side all year long as the Jaguars look to give Bigsby a bigger role.

From RotoBaller