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.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round
According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers sustained this knee injury during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The top wideout has been unable to practice each of the previous two weeks. Flowers was able to do a pre-game workout but was unable to turn the corner in time to suit up. Flowers has enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign as he eclipsed the century mark for the first time in his career and tallied four scores. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews to lead the passing attack this evening. Bateman is a solid WR2 in DFS formats, as he should continue to see an increase in targets operating as the top option on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (concussion) is officially active for Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Davis sustained this concussion during their wild-card victory over the Denver Broncos. Davis was able to log three straight limited practice sessions and was able to turn the corner in time for this contest. Throughout the season, Davis has been deployed as a change-of-pace option in the Buffalo backfield, averaging a mere 6.6 attempts per game. Fantasy managers should continue to expect James Cook to operate as the lead back, with Ty Johnson operating as the No.2 option and Davis operating as a change-of-pace option. He is a high-risk flex option in DFS competitions, given his limited role in the offense.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fiske, who registered a sack prior to exiting, left the game in the first half. He was initially listed as questionable before the Rams declared him unable to return. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. His absence is bad news for the Rams as they try to pull off an upset on the road in snowy Philadelphia. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps for the rest of this playoff contest.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) underwent a successful second ACL surgery last week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The operation was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is widely regarded as one of the country's top sports medicine specialists. Brooks missed the first half of his rookie season due to an ACL injury, so it was crushing to see him suffer another ACL tear just a few games into his NFL career. This latest tear is expected to sideline Brooks for the entire 2025 season, meaning he won't be fully healthy until the 2026 campaign. The Panthers are fortunate that Chuba Hubbard played so well during the 2024 season and is on track to remain their starting running back in 2025. Hubbard ranks as a high-end fantasy RB2 next year, but Brooks' eventual return in 2026 could add a wrinkle to the backfield dynamic.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) has officially been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable, and he was downgraded to out around halftime. Isaiah Rodgers stepped up as Mitchell's replacement for most of the first half, and he should continue to earn defensive snaps throughout the second half. The Eagles' defense faces significant adversity by losing Mitchell, who contributed 46 tackles through 16 regular-season contests.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) is questionable to return against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Fiske exited during the first half of the Divisional Round, but he registered a sack prior to his departure. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps until Fiske is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs playoff win over the Texans. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce now owns the NFL record for most 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs by any player, not just a tight end, breaking the mark set by Jerry Rice. It seems the Chiefs are just fine using him relatively modestly during the regular season, only to unleash him in the postseason at this point. While it's great for Kansas City, it has really affected his dynasty value over the past two years and made him more of a low-end TE1 than the elite difference maker he once was. If he continues playing after this season, that will likely continue.
Dynasty | Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins failed to record a catch in a playoff win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Hopkins honestly just looks done at this point and while he's offering some red zone appeal to the Chiefs, they seem much more happy looking for Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and even other before Hopkins. While he should still stay on roster, Hopkins' best days in dynasty leagues have clearly come to an end.
Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 23-of-40 passes for 313 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in Detroit's stunning playoff loss to the Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Goff shouldn't take all the blame in this one as the Lions defense got shredded, but he was hardly the solution either. It closes the chapter on a brilliant season but also raises some questions about just how high his ceiling really is. His value should hold this off-season, but this performance will certainly stop it from rising.
Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a playoff loss to Washington. Dynasty Analysis: He added six catches for 70 more yards. Detroit's loss was a shock, but Gibbs' performance really wasn't. The breakout star posted over 1,400 rushing yards, 50 catches and scored 20 times on the season, so nobody should be stunned at this. While David Montgomery will continue to eat into his workload a bit, it's clear he's the 1A in this offense moving forward and will be valued as one of the top running backs in dynasty leagues this off-season.
Dynasty | Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 22-of-31 passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 51 rushing yards in a signature playoff road win over Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Can he really be considered a rookie at this point? Daniels was again brilliant in what may be the win that really puts him on the map as one of the elite players in the NFL. Washington looks like a team of destiny and that tends to go with the territory when you have a breakout star like this. Daniels is a top tier QB1 in dynasty leagues and an easy player to build your franchise around moving forward as the best may still be yet to come.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) completed a pre-game workout ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers remains listed as doubtful, which means that he faces an uphill battle to play. However, the fact that he was able to test his injury and go through a workout is noteworthy, at the very least. If Flowers defies the odds and does end up playing, it would be a surprising development, and the young receiver could still have a reduced snap count. Fantasy managers and bettors should expect confirmation on his status when the Ravens' list of inactives is revealed at 5 p.m. EST. Regardless of Flowers' availability, Rashod Bateman should take on an increased workload Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is officially questionable to return after exiting during the first quarter of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable. Isaiah Rodgers will earn more defensive snaps at cornerback until Mitchell is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi (knee) has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will not return during the playoffs, head coach Dan Quinn announced Sunday. Cosmi suffered the injury during Saturday's Divisional Round victory over the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old was an anchor on the offensive line this season, playing essentially every snap while providing impressive protection and leadership. When confirming Cosmi's injury, Quinn noted, "That's a big deal, the ballplayer and the man." Trent Scott is expected to operate as the Commanders' primary right guard going forward.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Texas A&M product was also a healthy scratch during the wild-card round when the Eagles faced the Green Bay Packers. During the regular season, Smith caught just seven passes for 41 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson to lead the passing attack on Sunday afternoon.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson (coach's decision) will not suit up on Sunday afternoon to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. The 26-year-old also sat out during the wild-card round. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson to lead the passing attack in Philadelphia. Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will operate as rotational pieces. During Week 18, when several starters rested, Johnson brought in four of his seven targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. Nacua carries an elite WR1 upside on this slate, whereas Kupp and Robinson carry flex value.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) and defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) are both active for Sunday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown could not practice all week and is expected to return to his rotational role on the defensive line. Last week against the Vikings, Brown tallied one tackle on 13 defensive snaps. Witherspoon ended the week with a limited practice session and will return to his starting role in the secondary. Over his past five games, he has tallied 21 tackles, seven deflections, and one interception. He will be a key part of the defensive game plan to limit the potent Philadelphia offense.
From RotoBaller
According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the Chicago Bears are scheduled to interview former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George for their head-coaching job on Sunday. George has been the head coach at Tennessee State for the last four years and was named the Coach Of The Year for the Big South in 2024-25 while leading his team to a co-championship. Before starting his coaching career, George won a Heisman Trophy in college. In his time at Tennessee State, he's gone 24-22, including 9-3 during the regular season this year. The Bears fired Matt Eberflus after their Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, with Thomas Brown finishing out the year as the interim head coach. The Bears are casting a wide net for their next head coach and are hoping whoever they choose will be able to get more out of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons hired former New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator on Saturday night, according to sources. In addition to finishing the 2024 campaign as the Jets' interim head coach after the team fired Robert Saleh after just five games, Ulbrich played linebacker in the NFL. He will be reuniting with head coach Raheem Morris in Atlanta after coaching with him from 2015-20. It will be Ulbrich's second stint with the Falcons after Morris named him the defensive coordinator in 2020 when Morris became the interim head coach. Ulbrich will be replacing Jimmy Lake, who was fired after just one year in the role. The 47-year-old went 3-9 to close out the year with the Jets. Before that, he had been New York's defensive coordinator since 2021. The Jets defense was in the top five in defensive EPA in 2022 and 2023 under Ulbrich.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles LB Oren Burks was fined $8,333 by the National Football League for committing an act of unnecessary roughness in the team's Wild Card Game versus the Green Bay Packers. On the opening kickoff of the game, Burks used his helmet on a hit against KR Keisean Nixon, which caused a fumble. No flag was thrown on the play.
From TheHuddle