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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb carried the ball 15 times for 39 yards and lost four yards on his lone reception in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. Chubb was quiet on an afternoon where the Browns fell behind early and had to pass the ball 46 times in comeback mode. The veteran tailback has struggled in his three games this season, posting just 113 yards and one touchdown on 42 carries. Settling in as an RB3 in fantasy, Chubb will be on bye in Week 10 before heading on the road to face off against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball twice for five yards while catching one of his three targets for two yards in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. Ford returned to the field after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury but was hardly used as Nick Chubb dominated the backfield work with 15 carries. Ford was an early-season value in fantasy but his lack of usage in the passing game in Week 9's lopsided loss is concerning as he operates as the team's third-down back when Chubb is active. He does not need to remain rostered in redraft leagues heading into a Week 10 bye.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson rushed 19 times for 86 yards and led his team in receptions for the second straight week after reeling in seven passes for 59 yards in Sunday's 27-21 victory over the Cowboys. The only thing missing was a touchdown, which was vultured by fellow back Tyler Allgeier who had just six carries on the day for 18 yards. The 22-year-old now has four consecutive games with over 100 total yards rushing and receiving, hovering right around the top five RBs for fantasy through the season's first nine weeks. Robinson's Week 10 opponent, the New Orleans Saints, just allowed two rushing touchdowns to Carolina's Chuba Hubbard on Sunday, totaling 10 rushing scores allowed on the season by New Orleans, which is tied for fourth-most in the NFL. With his continued involvement in the passing game, now with the second-most receptions (38) behind only Alvin Kamara (46), Robinson has a high weekly floor and is looking like an RB1 again next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman caught six of his 11 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. Tillman's touchdown came in garbage time as the Browns were down 27-3 when he hauled in a 17-yard score with 44 seconds left in the game. That being said, his performance against a lockdown Los Angeles secondary is encouraging moving forward. Tillman heads into his Week 10 bye with 24 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns, with most of that production coming over the past three games since Amari Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson posted his best fantasy performance of the season in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching three passes for 51 yards and a touchdown (the first of his career). Targeted six times, Johnson made his presence felt with a 35-yard grabthe longest play of the game for the Giantshighlighting his potential as a big-play option. Averaging a strong 17 yards per catch, he provided a downfield threat rarely seen from the tight end position on this roster. The rookie finished with 12.6 fantasy points, well above his previous season high of 7.3 in Week 5, Johnson may be earning more looks in the passing game as the Giants search for consistent playmakers.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have suspended Ezekiel Elliott one game. Dynasty Analysis: Elliott reportedly missed multiple team meetings this week, so the Cowboys had enough. Realistically, he's done next to nothing this season and is more of a luxury than a necessity at this point, and that luxury is more as a figurehead than anything else. Elliott has long since lost his burst and has turned into a bit of a roster clogger at this point.
Dynasty | Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton was a healthy scratch for the Bengals this week. Dynasty Analysis: The rookie wide receiver apparently missed Saturday's walkthough, so the Bengals decided he could miss Sunday's game as well. Burton has been a pretty big disappointment this season as the third round pick has just two catches for 88 yards on the season. He's still a decent hold in dynasty leagues, but any chance he had at contributing this season has long since evaporated and this won't help much.
Dynasty | Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was knocked out of Sunday's game with an apparent concussion. Dynasty Analysis: In what quickly turned into a scary scene, Olave was sandwiched by two defenders and crumpled quickly into the ground. Ironically, Olave went public with his consideration of wearing a guardian cap for today's game, but ultimately chose not to. He was taken to a local hospital but reportedly has movement in all of his extremities. It would be a surprise to see Olave back any time soon after this latest head injury.
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught seven of nine targets for 35 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. After catching just four passes over his last two games, Douglas bounced back with a high-volume showing against the Titans. The 23-year-old isn't a major threat for yardage, but his high target share gives him appeal as a solid WR3/FLEX option in PPR leagues. He's worthy of lineup consideration heading into Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton showcased his deep-threat ability again in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching all three of his targets for 49 yards with a solid 16.3 yards per reception. His longest catch went for 23 yards, giving the Giants a much-needed spark downfield, and he added 11 yards on a lone rushing attempt in the red zone. Slayton finished third on the team in receiving yards. Amid ongoing trade rumors, Slayton posted 7.5 fantasy points, potentially boosting his value to both the Giants and fantasy managers looking for a reliable flex option with big-play upside.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught seven of eight targets for 56 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The veteran pass-catcher has been impressive over the last four weeks, totaling 23 catches, 234 yards, one touchdown, and 52.4 fantasy points (PPR) during that span. He has built a strong rapport with Drake Maye and will rank as a solid low-end fantasy TE1 heading into his Week 10 battle versus the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson struggled to make an impact in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, recording just three receptions for 10 yards on four targets. Robinson's afternoon could have looked different if not for a penalty that wiped a touchdown off the board, leaving him without a score and frustrating fantasy managers. His 10-yard longest catch accounted for all his receiving yardage, with a disappointing 3.3 yards per reception otherwise. Finishing with just 2.5 fantasy points, Robinson's role remains limited, and he'll need more volume or a trip to the end zone to offer real fantasy value going forward.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins led his team to a 27-21 victory over the Cowboys on Sunday, completing 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. The interceptions were somewhat of a problem earlier in the season, throwing seven of them over the Falcons' first seven games, but now has a 7:0 TD:INT over the last two contests. Averaging 234 yards passing per game on the season, the 36-year-old will get another favorable matchup in Week 10 versus the Saints who have lost six in a row and allowed no less than 23 points in each of those contests. As such, Cousins figures to be a borderline QB1/2 next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne converted six targets into four catches for 41 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This was easily his best performance through four games this season. While the veteran helped contribute to a team effort, he might have also been boosting his stock on the trade market. Bourne's name has surfaced in trade rumors lately, and a four-catch, 41-yard showing might catch the attention of some rival teams prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. For now, Bourne lacks significant fantasy appeal, but a trade could change that.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries during Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. He also caught each of his three targets for an additional 26 yards through the air. Pollard essentially had the backfield to himself on Sunday, and despite missing all three practices this week, he was able to handle a very heavy workload against New England. The 27-year-old hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, but his impressive efficiency, volume, and receiving skills keep him in the fantasy RB2 range for next week's clash against the Los Angeles Chargers.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the team in carries once again in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, solidifying his role as the primary back over Devin Singletary. Tracy Jr. rushed for 66 yards on a steady 4.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 10 yards that showcased his ability to gain tough yards. Although he didn't find the end zone and caught only one pass for 3 yards, Tracy Jr.'s workload suggests he's entrenched as the starter. Finishing with 7.4 fantasy points, he may not have hit high-scoring numbers, but his consistent touches make him a solid option for fantasy managers seeking reliable volume.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 20 of 33 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. He also took one sack and rushed for 19 yards. Rudolph wasn't perfect, but he had his first game this year with multiple passing touchdowns and has also thrown for over 200 yards three weeks in a row. With that said, Rudolph may lose his starting job if Will Levis (right shoulder) is healthy enough to play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers provided a second-half spark in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, finishing with nine receptions for 59 yards on 11 targets. After being shut out with zero receiving yards in the first half, Nabers became a reliable target in the final two quarters, helping the Giants stay competitive down the stretch. Although he averaged a modest 6.6 yards per catch with a 16-yard longest reception, his volume was crucial as the Giants tried to close the gap. Nabers ended the day with 10.4 fantasy points, showing value as a high-floor option despite missing the end zone in this outing.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was highly inefficient on the ground Sunday, rushing for just 16 yards on 10 carries against the Tennessee Titans. However, he was able to salvage his fantasy performance with one rushing touchdown, one receiving touchdown, five catches, and 38 receiving yards. Stevenson was responsible for both of the Patriots' touchdowns Sunday, one of which was a score as time expired in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Stevenson now has seven touchdowns this year, including four over the last two weeks. If he can continue to catch passes and score points, the 26-year-old will be a respectable RB2 option in fantasy football. He faces the Chicago Bears next week.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz took the backseat in Week 9 as he brought in his lone target for five yards. This was his lowest output of the season, and snapped a three-game streak where he topped double-digit PPR points in each outing. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned, as the Commanders were in the lead the entire afternoon and did not need Jayden Daniels to push the ball downfield as often. The veteran tight end remains a low-end TE1 heading into Week 10 as he has averaged 7.3 targets in his past four games entering Week 9.
From RotoBaller