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.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) is trending toward suiting up in Week 1, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. The second-year wideout has been dealing with an ankle issue since being carted off the practice field in mid-August. O'Connell says they "feel good" about Addison playing against the New York Giants. The 22-year-old is a clear second fiddle to All-Pro Justin Jefferson in the Minnesota passing offense. Despite a strong rookie season, Addison's value took a tumble when the Vikings switched from Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold at quarterback. Addison will be a WR4/5 on Sunday if he is active.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. The backup to Josh Allen suffered a knee injury during a preseason game against the Steelers in mid-August. Sean McDermott notes that he's unsure if Trubisky will be healthy enough to play in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Allen and Trubisky are the only two quarterbacks listed on the active roster. If the latter is unable to suit up, the Bills will likely promote veteran Mike White from the practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix was named one of the team captains for the upcoming season. He's the first Denver rookie to be selected as a captain since 1967. The 12th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft won the starting quarterback job over Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in training camp. Receiver Courtland Sutton, guard Quinn Meinerz, cornerback Pat Surtain II, linebacker Alex Singleton, and kicker Wil Lutz will also sport captain patches on their jerseys this fall. Nix is RotoBaller's 27th-ranked quarterback for fantasy football this season and only needs to be rostered as a QB3 in Dynasty and Superflex formats while he adjusts to the NFL game. The Broncos travel to Seattle for a matchup against the Seahawks in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was named a starter for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He'll line up alongside Taylor Rapp in the Buffalo secondary. It's the first start for Hamlin since he collapsed on the field in January 2023. His heartbeat was restored on the field by the team's medical staff. The 26-year-old was medically cleared for football activities in August of last year but played sparingly in his five active games. Head coach Sean McDermott pointed to Hamlin's consistency as a reason he won the starting job.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (neck) is doubtful to suit up on Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie fifth-round pick suffered a stinger early in the preseason and has been a limited participant in practices leading up to the regular season opener. The team officially lists Ali as doubtful. As expected, Derrick Henry and Justice Hill will handle the touches out of the backfield for the Ravens. Baltimore could call up John Kelly or Chris Collier from the practice squad to serve as depth. Ali is more likely to make his NFL debut when the Ravens host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was spotted in uniform walking into Wednesday's practice as his high-profile contract extension discussions continue. The multi-time Pro Bowler has been at the team facility but not participating in practices while he searches for a new deal. According to reports, Chase was part of the team meeting to prepare for the New England Patriots. These are important steps toward his availability on Sunday, but it's worth monitoring Chase's involvement during practice today and the rest of the week. Chase is a must-start WR1 for fantasy football if he's active on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (hand) put in a second straight limited practice session on Wednesday. The Packers didn't actually practice on Wednesday, so Doubs' practice status was an estimation with the team flying to Brazil ahead of Friday night's regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Unless Doubs is unable to practice on Thursday, he should be fine to suit up this week for fantasy managers while working through a minor hand contusion. When healthy, the 24-year-old will be a WR4/flex with upside for fantasy managers in a crowded Green Bay receiving corps that also includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. The former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Nevada showcased his playmaking ability in 2023 in 17 regular-season games by finding the end zone eight times on 59 receptions and 674 yards.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (back) was added to the Week 1 injury report on Wednesday after he put in a limited practice. Kraft has apparently recovered from a torn pectoral muscle that he was rehabbing in the offseason, but now a back injury has cropped up right before the team's Week 1 regular-season opener in Brazil on Friday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. It doesn't mean the 23-year-old won't suit up on Friday, but it's something to watch for with Green Bay's tight end depth in the season opener. Luke Musgrave should operate as the team's top pass-catching TE, but if Kraft's back injury keeps him out or limits his snaps, it could create more playing time for third-stringer Ben Sims. Fantasy managers can ignore Kraft in starting lineups in Week 1 in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running backs MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) and Emanuel Wilson (hip) were both listed as limited at practice on Wednesday. The Packers held Lloyd out as part of their plan in the first practice of the week on Tuesday, and the fact he's back in the fold on a limited basis on Wednesday means he's on track to suit up for his first regular-season NFL game in Brazil on Friday night versus the Philadelphia Eagles. The 23-year-old missed valuable development time in training camp and the preseason due to his hamstring injury, but with AJ Dillon (neck) done for the year, he should take over RB2 duties from Wilson sooner than later behind starter Josh Jacobs. Lloyd is the better bench stash in Green Bay's backfield than Wilson, although he shouldn't be trusted in starting fantasy lineups in Week 1 against Philly.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday, and his status for Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans is up in the air. Downs is trending in the wrong direction to be ready for the start of the regular season after suffering a high-ankle sprain on Aug. 7, but that could change if he's able to get back on the practice field on either Thursday or Friday. As of right now, though, fantasy managers should be planning to be without the 23-year-old in Week 1. If Downs is inactive on Sunday, it will mean that rookie Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will start next to Michael Pittman Jr. in three-wide sets on Sunday against Houston. Downs should be set in a bench spot for now as Week 1 approaches.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) said he underwent surgery for a sports hernia, which is why he's not taking part in the team's first official practice on Wednesday. Gay had something flare up after the team's preseason contest against the Cincinnati Bengals and could be trending toward missing Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday versus the division-rival Houston Texans. Fantasy managers that were banking on using Gay as their starting kicker to open the year may already have to pivot and go in another direction. If he cannot kick this Sunday, rookie Spencer Shrader would be added to the active roster to make his NFL debut. It's best to just avoid Indy's kicking situation altogether in fantasy if Gay ends up being inactive against the Texans, which is the way this appears to be trending.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will travel to Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers in the regular season opener on Friday night. The 29-year-old suffered an oblique injury a few weeks ago, but returned to the practice field Tuesday and is slated to suit up on Friday. Goedert had a down year in 2023, finishing with his lowest fantasy point total since 2020 when he played in just 11 games. Goedert is no stranger to target competition and has been able to deliver for fantasy managers at times, but he has been an inconsistent option. After the acquisition of former Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson a few weeks ago and the addition of running back Saquon Barkley this past offseason, Goedert is in the most crowded receiver room of his career. The veteran is a threat to score a touchdown every week as apart of the Eagles offense, but he is going to be tough to trust on a weekly basis. Fantasy managers should consider him a fringe TE1 in Week 1 against the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will travel to Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers in the team's regular season opener on Friday night. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $24 million extension this past offseason, making him tied for the highest paid kicker annually with Baltimore's Justin Tucker. Elliott deserved every bit of the extension, hitting 30 of his 32 field goal attempts and converting 45 of 46 extra points. After attempting only 23 field goals in 2022 (the second-lowest amount of his career) the veteran proved to be one of the most valuable fantasy assets at the position last season and heads into Week 1 as a top five option.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) will be a full participant in the team's first official practice on Wednesday. Samuel should be ready to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals as long as he doesn't have a setback with his turf-toe issue later this week. The 28-year-old has an opportunity to step up as a trusted weapon for quarterback Josh Allen in 2024 with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer around, but he'll also be competing for targets among a group of wideouts that include Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Samuel has gone over 800 receiving yards just once in his seven years in the NFL and is coming off a 62-613-4 line in 16 games with the Commanders. To begin the year, consider Samuel a WR5/flex best left on benches until we see how involved he'll be in Buffalo.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) should be at the team's first official practice on Wednesday, but it remains to be seen how much he'll do. It sounds like Hopkins will most likely be listed as limited on the first injury report of 2024 as the team prepares for their Week 1 matchup in Chicago against the Bears this Sunday. The 32-year-old veteran suffered a strained knee early in training camp but was always expected to be ready for the start of the 2024 season this week. Still, there's a chance he could be limited if he's active this weekend, which would mean more targets for Calvin Ridley as he makes his Titans debut. Hopkins should be active on Sunday to kick off the year, but he figures to be a little more risky for fantasy managers as more of a WR4/flex play in lineups.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Boston Scott (undisclosed) was placed on the practice squad injured list on Wednesday, Sept. 4. In addition, the team signed free-agent RB Aaron Shampklin to the practice squad.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will face off against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 in the first international game of the season, being held in Brazil. The 26-year-old did not see a single snap in the preseason but has plenty of hope surrounding him after last year's late season collapse in Philadelphia. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore should help solve some of the issues the offense had with being bland and mundane, and the addition of Saquon Barkley at running back makes the offense nearly impossible to gameplan against. The Packers defense ranked top 10 in passing defense by the end of last season but struggled against the run and defending rushing quarterbacks. In what should be a tightly contested game between two playoff hopefuls, Hurts should be considered a top three option during the opening week of the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will head to Brazil in Week 1 to take on the Green Bay Packers on Friday night. The former New York Giants back did not play a single snap in the preseason and should be a full strength after missing some practice time a few weeks ago due to a back injury. The Eagles offensive line is the best Barkley has ever had in his career by a wide margin and his first matchup against the Packers is on he can make a strong statement in to open the regular season. Green Bay gave up the fifth-most rushing yards in 2023 and did much better at defending the pass. Philadelphia is ready to unleash their highly paid free agent acquisition and fantasy managers should consider him a solid RB1 heading into Friday night.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will face off against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil on Friday for the team's regular season opener. The 27-year-old signed a three-year contract worth $96 million this past offseason and heads into the regular season as a fringe top five fantasy WR. While Brown shares the field with standout WR2 DeVonta Smith and now has even more competition with the acquisition of former Washington wide receiver Jahan Dotson, there is no doubt that the dominant top receiver for Philadelphia is a fantasy force and will have plenty of big games in 2024. He should see a heavy dose of Jaire Alexander in Week 1, but fantasy managers should still consider Brown a WR1 even with a tough matchup Friday night.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury and will be limited at practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Raheem Morris. It's not what fantasy managers that drafted Pitts want to see, but it would still be somewhat of a surprise if he's unable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 23-year-old has an opportunity to break out in 2024 as a high-end TE1 this year in fantasy with quarterback Kirk Cousins now leading the offense, but he's going to need to stay healthy to do so. If for some reason Pitts is limited in Week 1, it's unlikely that either Charlie Woerner or Ross Dwelley would be worth a look as a streaming option to kick off the season. Check back on Pitts' status later this week, but unless something changes, he should be in starting lineups in fantasy in Week 1.
From RotoBaller