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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Curtis Samuel Oct 12 9:30am ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) remained a limited participant in Friday's practice. Samuel was limited during Thursday's initial session with a toe injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Saturday's practice as it should provide clarity on his availability for Monday's game. However, seeing him participate in a limited capacity earlier in the week is a promising sign that he might be able to suit up. No.1 wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) and No.1 running back James Cook (toe) have not participated in a practice session this week which could open the door for Samuel to see more opportunities. If Samuel sees an increase in playing time due to the other injuries, he could be worth a look as a flex option in deeper formats on Monday evening.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 12 9:30am ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson turned in his best game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5, catching 13 of his 23 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown. He will look for another big performance in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo's secondary should provide more resistance for Wilson than Minnesota's as they have been tough against wide receivers, allowing the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Tough matchup aside, Wilson reinforced last week that he is still the top target in New York despite Aaron Rodgers' strong rapport with Allen Lazard. Fantasy gamers should temper expectations for the entire Jets passing game in Week 6 but Wilson can still be started as a mid-range WR2.

From RotoBaller

Chauncey Golston Oct 12 9:20am ET
Chauncey Golston

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) will not suit up this weekend when the Cowboys face the Detroit Lions. Parsons suffered a high-ankle sprain in their Week 4 victory over the New York Giants and will now miss his second consecutive game. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues should continue to monitor his status as the star edge rusher could be eligible to return in Week 8 as the Cowboys are off on a bye in Week 7. This weekend, DeMarvion Overshown and Erik Kendricks should see most of the linebacker snaps while Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat will be deployed on the line. With both DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Parsons not playing, the Detroit offense should have much easier time moving down the field.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Oct 12 9:20am ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall has struggled greatly over the past two weeks, rushing for just 27 yards on 19 carries over that span. He will look to turn things around against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game. The Bills have been average against running backs this season, allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to the position through five games. Buffalo is also very tough against the pass, which could lead to a more run-heavy game plan for the Jets heading into Monday night. Hall hasn't been great for fantasy of late but he's still an explosive player who does plenty of damage in the passing game. That keeps him in the conversation as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Oct 12 9:10am ET
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Prater was kept sidelined during last weekend's game with a knee injury. However, he was able to log three consecutive limited practice sessions this week which is a promising sign for his status as he was only able to log one heading into Week 5. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead of kickoff. If Prater is able to suit he should be started in all formats given his offensive situation. If Prater is unable to play, Chad Ryland will likely be activated from the practice squad and is a worth a look as a deep league streamer.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Oct 12 9:00am ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) has been upgraded from his questionable status and no longer carries an injury designation for Sunday's game. Warren was dealing with a knee injury and had to miss the past two games. Warren was able to log three consecutive limited sessions during this week's practice and will now make his return on Sunday afternoon. The 25-year-old is coming off a career year where he ran for 784 yards and added 370 yards through the air with four total scores. Even though the 25-year-old has battled injuries this season, he remains a high-upside flex option in PPR formats given his skills as a pass catcher.

From RotoBaller

Audric Estime Oct 12 8:20am ET
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime (ankle) practiced in full all week but is questionable to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Estime must be activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday if he is going to be active for just his second NFL game this weekend. The 21-year-old made his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and had two carries for 14 yards before hurting his ankle and being placed on IR. If the fifth-rounder out of Notre Dame does return, he'll merely be the third wheel in a lackluster offense behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, so he won't be on the fantasy radar at all. However, it doesn't mean that Estime can't eventually be a factor in this backfield in 2024, perhaps in a goal-line role as a power back up the middle. It's not as if Williams and McLaughlin have looked great through five weeks. For now, Estime is mainly a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Oct 12 8:00am ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers that have used him as a streamer at the position -- he's currently tied with Chris Boswell for the sixth-most fantasy points at kicker through five weeks -- but he won't be a recommended streamer in Week 6 versus the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Sunday's game figures to be a low-scoring, ground-and-pound battle on both sides, with the Chargers defense allowing a league-low 12.5 points per game and Denver's D right behind at 14.6 points allowed per game. The Bolts also allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the kicking position. Combine that with a Denver offense that is scoring fewer than 20 points per game through five contests, and it doesn't seem likely that Lutz will have many kicking opportunities to capitalize on. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Oct 12 7:50am ET
Troy Franklin

With Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) sidelined in Week 6 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, rookie wideout Troy Franklin should see additional opportunities in the passing attack, albeit in a less-than-favorable matchup. The fourth-rounder from Oregon hasn't played more than 31% of the offensive snaps in any of the first four NFL games he's played in, but that could change this Sunday. He also has only five catches on 12 targets for 29 yards and dropped what would have been his first career touchdown in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Even though Franklin could serve as the team's WR3 against the Chargers, he won't be a realistic starting option in fantasy in what has been a low-volume, inefficient offense. The Chargers defense has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to pass-catchers through five weeks as well.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Oct 12 7:40am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a borderline starter this week, benefiting from a favorable matchup against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Last week, Kmet had a decent outing for a tight end, recording three catches for 57 yards. While his snap rate has increased, his production has declined since his Week 3 breakout. With only seven targets over his last two games, it's tough to feel confident about Kmet's upside. However, given the ongoing challenges at the tight end position in 2024, he can still be a viable spot starter in this favorable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Oct 12 7:40am ET
Trevor Lawrence

The Chicago Bears defense and special teams want to continue their strong early-season performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. The Bears come into the game with a defense on track to finish in the top five in scoring for the first time since 2019. They'll face former No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, who has struggled in 2024 compared to his usual standards. In Week 5, Lawrence completed 82.4% of his passes for 371 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, but his overall season has been lackluster. Start the Bears' defense with confidence this week, as they will likely create turnovers against Lawrence and the underperforming Jaguars offense.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Oct 12 7:40am ET
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a reliable fantasy option for Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had a mixed performance in his Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, successfully converting his only field goal attempt from 30 yards but missing one of four extra-point attempts. Santos will likely see plenty of action again this week in London, as the Bears are expected to move the ball effectively against a struggling Jaguars defense.

From RotoBaller

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Oct 12 7:40am ET
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) has been ruled out for Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, which will lead to more involvement for receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey. In the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, he played the second-most snaps of Denver's receivers and caught both of his targets for 48 yards. Despite the opportunity, we aren't recommending Humphrey to fantasy managers against a Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts this year. The 26-year-old does have impressive yards-after-the-catch abilities with the ball in his hands, but he's just not very exciting in what has been a low-scoring offense led by a rookie quarterback, especially in a tough matchup. Humphrey has 12 catches for 135 yards and no scores through five games in 2024 and should be left on the waiver wire in standard-sized, 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Oct 12 7:30am ET
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is poised to capitalize on his increased workload from last week as he faces the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Last week, he enjoyed his best fantasy performance of the season, rushing ten times for 25 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Since Week 4, Johnson has found the end zone three times, having taken over the goal-line rushing duties for the Bears. If the Bears can establish a lead, Johnson could see additional goal-line opportunities against a struggling Jaguars defense, similar to his performance against the Panthers. Johnson is a worthwhile dart throw for those in need, given his secure role in the Bears' offense.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Oct 12 7:30am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a solid WR2 choice this week against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Coming off his best game of the season in Week 5, where he recorded five catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, Moore looks poised for another strong performance. The Jaguars surrendered 291 total yards and two touchdowns to the Indianapolis Colts' receivers in Week 5, and they have allowed the second-most receiving yards to wideouts this season. Given his recent breakout, Moore is a must-start in this favorable matchup. Add him to your lineup and hope for another standout showing.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 12 7:30am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is looking to rebound this Sunday in Chicago against a notably weak Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. After a quiet performance last week, where he recorded just three receptions for 33 yards, Allen is hoping for a more impactful outing in Week 6. The Jaguars recently allowed 291 total yards and two touchdowns to the Colts' wide receivers, and they have given up the second-most receiving yards to opponents this season. Allen has been anticipating his breakout game with the Bears, and this matchup presents a great opportunity. While it's reasonable to start Allen if needed, it would be preferable to see him deliver a standout performance before fully committing him to your lineup.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 12 7:30am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton will have a low fantasy ceiling and floor for a Week 6 matchup against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. After going for three catches, 60 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 4 win over the New York Jets, Sutton had a quiet two catches for 32 yards in last week's win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. He's currently the WR53 in half-PPR scoring and has gone into double-digit fantasy points (half PPR) just twice in five contests. On top of it, the Chargers defense has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game (19.0) to the receiver position through five weeks (four games). The only thing good Sutton has going for him is his 26.3% target share; he currently ranks tied for 12th among wideouts with 41 total targets. But he's caught only 17 of those targets for 224 yards and a touchdown and should be considered a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in lineups this Sunday against what has been a lockdown defense so far.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Oct 12 7:30am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze is poised for a bounce-back performance this Sunday against a vulnerable Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Last week, he had a quieter outing by his standards, catching five passes for 40 yards against the Carolina Panthers. However, he has a great opportunity to rebound against the Jaguars, who recently allowed 291 total yards and two touchdowns to the Colts' wide receivers in Week 5. The Jaguars have also given up the second-most receiving yards to opposing wideouts this season. Although it's a high-risk play, Odunze has the potential to deliver big numbers against a weak secondary, as he demonstrated against the Colts. If you're dealing with injuries or bye weeks, consider starting Odunze as a borderline flex option in this favorable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 12 7:20am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has very little fantasy upside heading into a Week 6 matchup against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, a defense that has been stingy against the run in 2024. McLaughlin enters Sunday's game in Denver as the RB45 in half-PPR scoring as the backup to Javonte Williams in one of the lower-scoring offenses in the NFL. The 24-year-old has managed to find the end zone twice (one rushing, one receiving) in five games while averaging a weak 3.3 yards per carry on 33 rushing attempts. The potential addition of rookie Audric Estime (ankle) to the backfield this weekend is also bad news for McLaughlin moving forward. He's just not getting enough weekly touches to matter much in fantasy and hasn't been efficient at all with the touches he's been afforded. McLaughlin is only rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues is an RB4/flex, at best, in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Oct 12 7:20am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option as he goes up against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 5, Williams completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns, managing to avoid turnovers. This performance marks the second time he has surpassed 300 passing yards in three weeks, and it was his third straight week without an interception. After his standout game, he now faces the Jaguars, who allow an NFL-high 287.7 passing yards per game, providing Williams with an enticing opportunity. However, he'll have to contend with talented pass rushers like Travon Walker, who leads the team with five sacksincluding three in Week 5and Josh Hines-Allen, who has two sacks so far this season. The Jaguars have struggled to generate a pass rush and have yet to record an interception this year. This matchup sets the stage for Williams to excel, making him a strong candidate as a borderline QB1 in London.

From RotoBaller