Wed Apr 17 9:26am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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.
Free-agent cornerback J.C. Jackson has been suspended by the NFL for the first game of the 2024 regular season for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Jackson is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities. His suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players. The 28-year-old defensive back is still on the open market, and this won't exactly help his cause. The former New England Patriots cornerback played in only five games in 2022 with the Los Angeles Chargers due to injury and spent last year with the Chargers and Patriots, collecting 28 tackles (25 solo), an interception and nine pass breakups in only 10 games played (eight starts). Although Jackson has been a disappointment since making his first Pro Bowl with the Patriots in 2021, he should eventually land with a team and provide veteran secondary depth.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told the Buccaneers Radio Network that wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David will not play in the preseason finale on Friday night against the visiting Miami Dolphins. It's not injury-related at all, with the Bucs just giving them the night off, similar to a veteran's day in practice. Many NFL teams around the league are resting their starters this weekend in their final preseason contests. The 31-year-old Evans will work again with quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2024 after the two showed plenty of chemistry in 2023. Evans saw his most targets (136), catches (79) and yards (1,255) since 2018 and found the end zone a league-leading 13 times. Fantasy managers should expect TD regression, but other than that, Evans should see heavy volume yet again, making him a solid low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix won't play in the team's preseason finale on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Backup Jarrett Stidham will make the start against Arizona before third-stringer Zach Wilson replaces him. "I'd like to see (Stidham) get 8 to 12 plays, and then we'll get a lot of work with Zach (beginning) at some point in that first or early second quarter," said head coach Sean Payton. Nix not starting doesn't come as a surprise after Payton named him the starting QB following the second preseason game last Sunday versus the Green Bay Packers. The 24-year-old will make his regular-season debut on Sept. 8 against the Seahawks on the road in Seattle. The former Oregon signal-caller could be a nice fit in Payton's offense, but expect growing pains. In fantasy, treat him as more of a QB3 in superflex leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals have begun their roster cuts, releasing 11 players, including offensive tackle Jackson Carman -- a second-round pick from 2021. Carman's release marks the end of what has been a disappointing tenure with the team. His demotion to the fourth team during the last two preseason games signaled his likely departure. Despite opportunities to play both offensive tackle and guard, Carman struggled to make a significant impact. The Bengals might consider adding him to the practice squad, but it seems both parties are ready to part ways. Carman's reduced playing time over the past two seasons made him a likely cut candidate. He will enter the waiver wire and could attract interest from teams seeking to bolster their interior offensive line. The Bengals also included receiver Hakeem Butler in the cutdowns.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears have acquired Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, releasing defensive end Khalid Kareem to make room for him. Taylor, a second-round pick in 2020, missed his rookie season due to a leg fracture but has since made an impact as an edge rusher. Over the past three seasons, he has recorded 21.5 sacks in 49 games, with 13 starts. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Taylor is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024 season. Last year, he played all 17 games with five starts, totaling 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits while participating in 44 percent of the defensive snaps. The Bears, who struggled with pass rushing last seasonfinishing with the lowest sack percentage (4.64%) and the second-fewest sacks (30)are looking to boost their ability to pressure quarterbacks. Taylor and Montez Sweat are expected to play a significant role in addressing this need.
From RotoBaller
The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones for the first five games of the season due to violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension follows a misdemeanor domestic battery charge from his time with the Jaguars last season, which the Florida state attorney's office eventually dropped. Despite this, the NFL conducted its investigation and imposed a five-game suspension. Last year, Jones recorded 34 receptions for 321 yards and two touchdowns with Jacksonville. He will be eligible for reinstatement on October 7, following the Cardinals' Week 5 game against the 49ers, meaning his earliest return to regular-season action would be October 13 against the Packers. In his absence, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch are expected to lead the team's wide receiver corps for the season opener on September 8 against the Buffalo Bills. While this impacts Kyler Murray somewhat, Trey McBride and Harrison Jr. will likely receive even more targets.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (toe/foot) was still not spotted practicing on Friday. Shaheed hasn't been seen at practice due to a toe/foot injury since the middle of last week, likely ruling him out for Sunday's preseason finale against the visiting Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome. There's optimism he'll be ready in time for the start of the regular season, though. The 25-year-old deep threat is primed to occupy a significant role in New Orleans' passing game as a volatile WR4/5 bet for fantasy managers this season, considering the Saints' receiving corps is very thin beyond star wideout Chris Olave. Last year, Shaheed put up a strong 9.6 yards per target over 75 targets and 15.6 yards per catch across 46 receptions.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) was still not spotted practicing on Friday. Fantasy managers haven't seen Miller on the field for the Saints since the early stages of training camp due to his hamstring injury, which has proven to be a multi-week setback up to this point. Miller is highly unlikely to be available for Sunday's preseason finale against the visiting Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome, and there have been rumors he could end up being a surprise roster cut before the regular season begins if New Orleans doesn't want to put him on Injured Reserve. Veteran power back Jamaal Williams makes the most sense as lead back Alvin Kamara's handcuff until Miller finally gets healthy again.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has confirmed the team's starters will play in Friday's preseason finale against the visiting Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium, so running back Rachaad White will take the field on Friday. Throughout the preseason, rookie fourth-rounder Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker took the majority of reps with White on the sideline. White was a workhorse for the Bucs in 2023, finishing the year with 1,539 scrimmage yards on 272 carries for 990 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and 3.6 yards per attempt. In addition, he showcased his pass-catching ability out of the backfield with 549 receiving yards on 70 catches for an average of 8.6 yards per reception. The 25-year-old's inefficiency on the ground puts him in dead-zone fantasy territory among RBs this summer, but White is certainly a solid RB2 option to begin the year as Tampa Bay's lead back.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods (toe) underwent successful surgery for turf toe on Friday and is expected to miss around four months, according to sources. The Colts are hopeful that Woods can return around Christmas in time for a playoff push. We already knew Woods was going to miss significant time, but now his timeline is a bit more clear. It means that fantasy managers can ignore the 25-year-old in redraft leagues, while his injury will open up more opportunities for the rest of Indy's TE committee that includes Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory. Granson, 26, figures to be the Colts' top pass-catching tight end, as evidenced by the fact that he played all five possessions with the starting offense in the preseason finale on Thursday night. Even with Woods out, Granson can be ignored in standard-sized fantasy leagues. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 43 TE in half-PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie third-round wide receiver Luke McCaffrey has not emerged as an obvious top-four wideout to open his first year in the NFL. However, McCaffrey showed the ability to play physical and even helped as a gunner in the second preseason game against the New York Jets, and he can help on underneath routes as he develops. It should come as a huge surprise, as he has played the receiver position for only two seasons. It's disappointing news for fantasy managers that took a flier on the 23-year-old from Rice, especially after the Commanders dealt Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Washington's top four receivers appear to be Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus and veteran Jamison Crowder. McCaffrey still has a lot to learn and can be avoided in redraft fantasy leagues for now.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play in the preseason finale on Sunday night against the New England Patriots. It doesn't come as much of a surprise after the Commanders named the second overall pick as their starting QB on Aug. 19. Daniels ended up going 12-for-15 for 123 yards while carrying the ball three times for 16 yards and a touchdown in the two preseason games he appeared in. The 23-year-old signal-caller has done nothing but impress on and off the field this summer, which made the team's decision to name him the starter pretty easy. Washington's receiving depth is very thin beyond WR1 Terry McLaurin, which could be an issue for Daniels in his first NFL season, but his high-upside dual-threat abilities still put him on the QB1/2 borderline. Ideally, fantasy managers will be able to roster him as a high-end backup.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's John Keim writes that it's hard to overstate how much Washington Commanders rookie first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels has impressed his new teammates, thanks to both his on-field play and his off-the-field work ethic. Daniels' ball placement, accuracy and decision-making have all been praised this offseason. He completed 12 of his 15 passes for 122 yards and rushed for a touchdown in his first two preseason contests and was officially named the team's starting QB on Aug. 19. "I've played with a lot of first-time quarterbacks," receiver Terry McLaurin said, "and he plays like this is not going to be his first time playing in this league." It's no secret that the 23-year-old from LSU has all the tools to exceed in the NFL sooner than later, but it remains to be seen if he'll have enough help through the air to be a weekly QB1 option for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's John Keim says that Washington Commanders rookie second-round tight end Ben Sinnott will be one of the team's top-three tight ends this year. Sinnott's versatility is noticeable, as he's been used as a tight end and as a fullback in training camp. He hasn't exactly stood out with an ability to create separation from defenders, but he does excel at running after the catch -- a trait he showed in college at Washington. The 22-year-old caught all three of his targets for 57 yards in last week's preseason game against the New York Jets, but his work came with backup quarterbacks Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman. Sinnott has plenty to like in dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers in single-year formats can ignore him for now while he tries to stand out behind starter Zach Ertz and John Bates in his first year in the NFL.
From RotoBaller
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is our biggest positive mover this past week, seeing his ADP climb 11 spots. As the days continue to pass without a suspension, his ADP continues to climb. See where Rice goes in your next draft at RTSports, taking advantage of our happy hour. Get $25 back in bonus funds if you enter into a TFC between 1-6 PM ET. Sign up here: https://www.fantasychampionship.com/draft-lobby.
Chicago Bears rookie first-round quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in this year's draft, has made things look effortless at times in the preseason and during training camp. However, there have also been times when Williams shows he's still a rookie while processing how to dissect coverages he's seeing for the first time. Beyond the splashy plays, the ability to navigate pressure and pull things off that can't be taught, what has impressed coaches and teammates the most has been seeing Williams find the answers to what's stumping him in real time. "In terms of what I learned from him is what I've said all along: He always rises to the challenge," head coach Matt Eberflus said. The 22-year-old was the most pro-ready QB prospect in the draft and has all the weapons he needs in Chicago to make a serious rookie-year impact for the Bears and fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze has found ways to stand out in a crowded receivers room during training camp and the preseason while building a connection with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. "He's polished," wide receiver Keenan Allen said. "You don't have to teach him how to play receiver." He's still experienced learning moments this summer, like when his feet were out of bounds upon catching a pass in the end zone in last week's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he's also shown he's not an average rookie. Odunze has highlighted the explosive element he brings to Chicago, but he's likely to struggle for consistency in his first year in the NFL as the No. 3 behind Allen and DJ Moore. Even then, fantasy managers will want to target him as a WR4/flex in standard-sized leagues because of his immense upside and polish.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, and all four of the team's QBs will play, including rookie first-rounder Drake Maye. The Patriots will keep things the same after the veteran Brissett started the first two preseason games. The 31-year-old has so far gone 3-for-10 for just 17 yards and an interception in four drives played in the preseason, and he's going to need to do better this Sunday if he wants to hold off Maye for the starting gig entering the 2024 regular season. Brissett's inconsistency in the preseason and in training camp has opened the door for Maye, who got his first reps with the starting unit in practice this week. Brissett probably still has the slight edge in the competition because of his experience in the NFL, but he probably won't be able to hold Maye off long in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett will start the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Aug. 25.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans wide receiver Ben Skowronek (leg) returned to practice this week after being out for around a week with a leg injury. The former Ram was impressing in the early goings of training camp according to reports, but he was unable to play in their latest preseason game due to the leg issue. Now that he's back in practice, he'll continue to compete to be a part of one of the deepest receiver corps in the league. Just to make the team as a depth option, he'll be battling with Robert Woods, John Metchie III, and Noah Brown. If Skowronek does make the team, he's not likely to be a viable fantasy option any time soon.
From RotoBaller