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FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 16

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
Cole Kmet Dec 24 1:00am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet has failed to prove himself as a dependable option within the team's offense. As a result, he ranks outside the top 18 tight ends and should be benched in most fantasy leagues ahead of Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. Although Kmet did catch a touchdown last week, he has just three receptions for 23 yards over his last three games. The 25-year-old ranks 14th among fantasy tight ends in 2024, but most of his production has come from outlier games. Through 15 contests, he has posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR) just thrice. Fantasy managers can justify benching or even dropping the 25-year-old as fantasy championships arrive and Kmet remains a non-factor.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Dec 24 1:00am ET
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson should be avoided in all fantasy leagues ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. While Johnson did vulture numerous touchdowns from D'Andre Swift earlier in the year, that hasn't happened as much lately due to his reduced snap counts, as well as the fact that he missed multiple weeks due to a concussion. In fact, while the 23-year-old scored six touchdowns over eight games from Week 4 through Week 12, he has not found the end zone since then. He mustered just one carry against the Detroit Lions last week and should not be viewed as a legitimate fantasy option as long as Swift stays healthy.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Dec 24 12:50am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore continues to impress with his large target share, and he should remain a must-start fantasy option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Moore has been one of Caleb Williams' favorite targets, averaging 7.2 catches per game over the last six weeks. He has scored double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in each of those six games, ranking as the overall WR12 in fantasy football during that window. While he loses a significant amount of his touchdown opportunities to Keenan Allen, Moore has shown that he can sustain high-end WR2 production even if he's not finding the end zone on a routine basis. This week, Moore continues to rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver against the Seahawks, who have allowed the fourth-most touchdowns and 12th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Dec 24 12:50am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze remains a volume-dependent fantasy option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Odunze has commanded solid target shares lately, but he has caught more than four passes in just two of his last seven games. Furthermore, he has just three touchdowns through 15 games this season, losing key opportunities to DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. All in all, the rookie pass-catcher should be viewed as a low-end WR3/FLEX option. Seattle ranks near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, but on a positive note, they've surrendered the fourth-most touchdowns to the position.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 24 12:40am ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was a sizable part of the Packers' 34-0 rout over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Reed caught 3-of-4 targets for 76 yards on the evening, including a 37-yard strike early in the fourth quarter and then a 34-yard catch that boosted Reed's night later in the fourth quarter from backup quarterback Malik Willis. Also adding a rushing attempt for five-yard rush, Reed was a big factor for the Packers, but ultimately, the huge lead curbed a lot of the passing work in the second half. With the Packers heading to Minnesota for a divisional showdown against the Vikings in Week 17, Reed is a low-end flex option for fantasy managers due to his boom-or-bust nature over the second half of the season.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Dec 24 12:40am ET
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has not been a dependable fantasy option lately, struggling to rack up points as he deals with reduced volume, efficiency, and scoring opportunities. The veteran running back mustered just 22 rushing yards on nine carries against the Detroit Lions last week, and he hasn't finished with double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues since Week 11. In fact, over his last five games, Swift ranks 30th among running backs in total points and 40th in average points per contest. These numbers suggest that he should be benched in most leagues, but the reality is that he checks in closer to the RB3/FLEX range. When Swift gets the perfect storm of high volume, pass-catching usage, and scoring opportunities, he can be one of the best running backs in fantasy football. However, that trifecta has been hard to come by in Chicago's offense, leading to some frustration for his fantasy managers. He'll have a chance to get back on track this Thursday night against the Seahawks, who have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards, 10th-most receiving yards, and 16th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. He's a solid RB3/FLEX option as the fantasy playoffs continue in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Dec 24 12:40am ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is the top fantasy scorer at his position this season and will look to finish the fantasy campaign on a high note against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. Pittsburgh's top wide receiver, George Pickens (hamstring), is expected to return from a three-week absence on Wednesday, which should only benefit the offense and improve Boswell's chances of seeing the field. While the Chiefs have been stout defensively and have limited opposing kickers to the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game, Boswell has been far too consistent to bench in favor of a streaming candidate. Fantasy managers should continue to roll with Boswell as a high-end option this week.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 24 12:40am ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was a background player in the Packers' 34-0 rout over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. After coming off a two-touchdown game against the Seattle Seahawks in his return from two games missed while on concussion protocol, Doubs blended into the background as the run game was the star of the Packers' win. Doubs caught 2-of-3 targets for 20 yards in the victory as 10 different Packers earned a target, and the blowout nature led Green Bay to run the ball to salt away the victory. With the Packers headed to Minnesota to face the Vikings in a divisional showdown in Week 17, Doubs is a desperation flex option for fantasy managers with a low floor and capped ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 24 12:40am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen has been a touchdown machine lately, and he has a good chance to return to the end zone during Thursday night's contest against the Seattle Seahawks. Allen has five touchdowns over his last five games, ranking as the overall WR6 in PPR leagues during that span. He has just 3.2 fewer fantasy points than Ja'Marr Chase during that window, and he ranks ahead of stars like Mike Evans, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, A.J. Brown, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. While most of Allen's productivity can be attributed to his sudden spurt of touchdowns, we can't ignore that he has been a high-volume option for Caleb Williams, racking up nine receptions and 141 yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. As it stands, Allen may be the most dependable fantasy option in Chicago. He should continue to be deployed as a mid-to-low WR2 option for Week 17, especially as he faces a Seahawks defense allowing the fourth-most touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Dec 24 12:30am ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks caught his first touchdown since Week 7 in the Packers' 34-0 blanking of the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Wicks kicked off the proceedings with a two-yard score from quarterback Jordan Love and ended up as the target leader for the Packers with seven. Catching 3-of-7 targets for just 13 yards, Wicks was inefficient but still was targeted heavily in comparison to the rest of the pass-catchers for the Packers. On deck for the Packers is a date with a divisional foe in the 13-2 Minnesota Vikings, where Wicks will be a flex option if Christian Watson misses that game as he left Week 16 with a knee injury.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 24 12:30am ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has led the team's pass-catchers in each of his last two games and should get plenty of run against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. The Chiefs have shut down the running game while giving up a fair amount of fantasy points to receivers this season. Although Austin has seemingly established himself as a trusted target of quarterback Russell Wilson, he will likely have to compete for opportunities with George Pickens (hamstring) for the first time since Week 13. If Pickens is surprisingly inactive, Austin can be viewed as a desperation flex play, but he shouldn't be started in fantasy lineups otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Dec 24 12:30am ET
Mike Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams played on over 35% of offensive snaps for the first time in black and gold last week and will look for continued utilization in a Week 17 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City has been middle-of-the-road against opposing wideouts in 2024, surrendering the 16th-most fantasy points per contest to the position. Williams may see yet another uptick in his playing time on Wednesday, but it is difficult to project him for many opportunities with George Pickens (hamstring) pushing to make his return from a three-week absence. Williams was unable to make an impact for fantasy purposes with Pickens sidelined, so there is no reason to consider him in starting lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Dec 24 12:30am ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is coming off a high-scoring fantasy performance and will look to remain a fringe QB1 option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Williams benefitted from some garbage-time production on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, finishing Week 16 with 334 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one turnover, as well as 34 rushing yards. The No. 1 overall pick has boasted impressive decision-making without a single interception since Week 6, but his ball security has started to come into question as he has a lost fumble in each of his last three games. Nevertheless, Williams ranks just outside the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks this season, and he could be due for another strong showing in this week's potential shootout against a mid-tier Seahawks defense. Seattle has allowed the 11th-most passing touchdowns and 14th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, but the sixth-fewest rushing yards.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Dec 24 12:30am ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was underwhelming for fantasy purposes last week and will look to get back on track in Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs. While it is nearly impossible to beat the Chiefs on the ground, Kansas City has been vulnerable to the pass and especially to opposing tight ends. The Chiefs, who gave up a big performance to Houston's Dalton Schultz last week, have allowed the third-most fantasy points per contest to tight ends this season. With George Pickens (hamstring) expected to rejoin the Steelers on Wednesday, Freiermuth doesn't offer much in the way of guaranteed volume, but he certainly has some upside in this matchup and can be started as a low-end TE1.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Dec 24 12:20am ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has been the QB20 in fantasy since Week 14 and faces a tough challenge on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City has surrendered the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks over the past eight weeks. On a positive note for Wilson, Pittsburgh's top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) reportedly has a good chance to return from a three-week absence on Wednesday. Wilson has seen a significant dip in his fantasy output without Pickens as the Steelers' offense has struggled to push the ball downfield. If Pickens is indeed active, Wilson will have some upside in this contest, but he is still best viewed as a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Dec 24 12:20am ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been quiet as of late and will have to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 to provide value in fantasy championships. The Chiefs have been shutting down the run all season, giving up the fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs as well as the fourth-fewest yards per carry. With George Pickens (hamstring) likely returning to the lineup on Wednesday, Pittsburgh's offense should look much better than it has for the past three weeks, which will put Harris in more favorable situations. Still, he can't be trusted in this matchup. Fantasy managers with other options would be wise to bench Harris or deploy him as a low-end flex option this week.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Dec 24 12:10am ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was plenty involved in the Packers' victory over the New Orleans 34-0 in Week 16. Kraft caught 3-of-4 targets for 63 yards, highlighted by a 30-yard catch in the second quarter to get the ball deep into Saints' territory which set up the Packers third touchdown of evening. Kraft's 63 yards and four targets were second on the team for the evening and Kraft also chipped in with a direct snap that went for two yards rushing. With Kraft as involved in the offense as he is, he's become a solid low-end TE1 for fantasy managers this season. He'll remain in the starting conversation for Week 17 as well when the Packers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in a divisional showdown.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 24 12:00am ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) had an eventful Week 16 as the Packers steamrolled the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Watson only recorded one target and did not record a reception in the game. After a 14-yard rush by Watson to help set up a Chris Brooks one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, Watson hurt his knee and went into the blue tent to get it checked out by medical staff. Watson was considered questionable to return, but he did not return to the game. Watson also added a nine-yard rush for his final stat line of 23 yards rushing on the evening. The Packers will face division-rival Minnesota in Week 17, where if Watson is available for fantasy managers, he will be a boom-or-bust flex option.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 23 11:50pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs kept his touchdown streak intact with a second-quarter touchdown as the Packers routed the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Jacobs scored on a two-yard touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, making that the sixth consecutive game that Jacobs has scored a touchdown. With an economical 69 yards on 13 carries, Jacobs was efficient on the ground while also catching a perfect 4-of-4 targets for 38 yards on the evening. Bowing out a bit early was Jacobs as with a massive lead and the Packers well on their way to a win, he gave way for the backups later in the second half. With a divisional matchup set for Sunday afternoon when the Packers face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Dec 23 11:40pm ET
Spencer Rattler

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit was dominant in their Week 16 home win over the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were outmatched from the opening kick as the Packers held the Saints to 220 yards of total offense. The Packers sacked Spencer Rattler three times while also forcing a fumble and interception as Green Bay is the first team to hold an opponent scoreless this season. The Packers will head west to the neighboring state of Minnesota for a late afternoon date with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. For fantasy managers, the Packers D/ST will be a borderline startable unit in that matchup based on how well the Packers have played on defense as of late.

From RotoBaller