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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

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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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Puka Nacua Sep 8 10:30pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) was officially ruled out in the third quarter of Sunday night's game against the Detroit Lions. He'll end his night having caught all four targets for 35 yards. Nacua went down -- without contact -- after catching a Matthew Stafford pass halfway through the second quarter. He was initially ruled questionable to return and made his way back to the field in the waning seconds of the first half before being carted to the locker room and deemed out. It is certainly concerning to see him hit the turf without effort from a defender, especially considering he missed several weeks during training camp after hurting his knee at a joint practice. Expect an update from Sean McVay -- presumptively after some diagnostic imaging -- in the coming hours.

From RotoBaller

Sean Payton Sep 8 10:20pm ET
Sean Payton

Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles (ankle) exited Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter and did not return. Bolles took a trip to the locker room to undergo an MRI, but the results did not find any significant damage. Denver's offense combined for 231 yards in the loss and would be dealt a massive blow if Bolles were to miss extended time. His head coach, Sean Payton, seemingly does not believe that to be the case. "I think he's going to be fine," said Payton. "He had an MRI and I think the evaluation was fine. He has a bruise." The 32-year-old veteran is the Bronco's longest-tenured player and has never graded poorer than 72.8 per Pro Football Focus. Expect an update on his status over the coming days as the Broncos prepare for their home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 8 9:50pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was spotted with a walking boot on his right foot after the team's 33-17 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. Before his exit, Njoku amassed 44 yards on 4-of-5 receiving. Not many things went right for Cleveland on Sunday, and just when it looked like they were turning it around, disaster struck. In the middle of the third quarter, the eighth-year TE took a Deshaun Watson pass for a 29-yard catch and run but came up hobbling after the play and was escorted to the blue medical tent on the sideline. The severity of his injury is unclear at this time, but his reportedly being in a walking boot is not a positive development for his outlook. With any luck, Njoku might have avoided a high-ankle sprain, but he'll be someone to monitor over the coming days. Veteran Jordan Akins is the only healthy tight end on Cleveland's roster. He'll receive all the work he can handle in Week 2 when the Browns take on the Jacksonville Jaguars if Njoku is unable to suit up.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 8 9:40pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a nice outing on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Myers connected on both of his field goals and both of his extra points on Sunday en route to 10 fantasy points. The Seahawks offense started off slow and was forced into two early field goals which was beneficial for Myers. As the season wears on, the offense should continue to improve and put Myers in more positions to secure points in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Mike Macdonald Sep 8 9:40pm ET
Mike Macdonald

The Seattle Seahawks D/ST was a significant contributor in fantasy in Week 1. The unit constantly harassed rookie quarterback Bo Nix on Sunday. Nix threw two interceptions and was sacked twice and running back Jaleel McLaughlin lost a fumble. The Seahawks D/ST kept the team in the game until the offense was able to get going in the second half. While this unit will not get a rookie quarterback every week, new head coach Mike Macdonald may be coaxing something out of these personnel. The Seahawks D/ST get a Patriots offense in Week 2 devoid of high-end playmakers.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Sep 8 9:40pm ET
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught three of his six targets for nine yards in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Moore barely made a dent in the yardage department but his six targets were good for the fourth-most on the team. Unfortunately his lack of downfield usage issue continued over from the 2023 season as the Browns have tended to keep him close to the line of scrimmage since he joined them before last season. Moore also has to contend with newcomer Jerry Jeudy, who finished second on the team with eight targets. Moore does not need to be rostered in redraft leagues moving forward as his ceiling won't be very high as the No. 4 option in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 8 9:40pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is slated to undergo an MRI on Monday when the team returns to Dallas. Ferguson left the team's 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter after he landed awkwardly attempting to go over the top of a Cleveland defender. Before his exit, he caught 3-of-5 targets for 15 yards. The third-year TE was seen with his left knee wrapped in ice after leaving the team's locker room post-game, and we expect to get an update on him after his imaging tomorrow. For what it's worth, Ferguson was quoted as hoping "it's just hyper-extended" and said that he felt he could have played through it. It's always alarming when a player crops up with a knee issue, but his sentiment towards the injury is at least encouraging. He'll be a player to monitor over the next 24 hours. The Cowboys will square off against the New Orleans Saints in their home opener next Sunday in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Sep 8 9:40pm ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field-goal attempt and added two extra points in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Hopkins knocked down a 51-yard field goal for the Browns in the first quarter but was held without another field-goal attempt for the remainder of the game. The veteran has shown a big leg since joining the Browns in 2023, having now hit all nine of his attempts from 50+ yards. The Cowboys have a tough defense, so Hopkins should see more chances to score points moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 8 9:40pm ET
Myles Garrett

The Cleveland Browns defense played well but it wasn't enough in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Cleveland notched three sacks while holding the Cowboys to just 265 yards of total offense in the loss. The Browns got sacks from Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, and Dalvin Tomlinson but the unit could not force any turnovers against Dak Prescott and company. Cleveland will look to bounce back in a more favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 8 9:30pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf had a quiet outing in Week 1. The Denver Broncos limited Metcalf to three receptions for 29 yards on Sunday. The Seahawks offense had a difficult time getting much going until the third quarter. Additionally, Patrick Surtain II blanketed Metcalf for much of the day. Better days are ahead for Metcalf who drew a tough matchup with Surtain to kick off the season. If the Seahawks offense can play like they did in the second half consistently, then Metcalf will be just fine in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 8 9:30pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett was excellent against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. Lockett led the team with six receptions for 77 yards on seven targets. Lockett showed a consistent chemistry with Geno Smith that was constantly on display during the 2022 season when Lockett had 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns. Lockett entered the game after nursing a thigh injury for several weeks. However, the injury did not appear to hamper him at all. If Lockett keeps up this production, then he will prove to have been a steal in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 8 9:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a disappointing outing in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. Smith-Njigba started hot with two receptions for 19 yards in the first quarter. However, Smith-Njigba only earned one more target for the rest of the game. The Seahawks offense as a whole was quiet for the first two quarters and a half. Once the offense got going, it was the Tyler Lockett show in the passing game. Smith-Njigba has a lot of promise in 2024. If the Seahawks offense can play like it did in the second half of Sunday's game, then Smith-Njigba should begin to display solid flex value.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Sep 8 9:30pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan made his NFL debut against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The rookie wideout won the No. 3 spot behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to start the season. He was the clear third receiver on this offense during Sunday's game. McMillan hauled in one of his three targets for 32 yards and a touchdown in the win. It appears Evans, Godwin, and even running back Rachaad White are above McMillan on the pecking order for passing. McMillan is worth stashing in deep leagues, but he isn't a viable option on a weekly basis right now.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Sep 8 9:30pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had a solid outing in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. He finished the game with eight carries for 12 yards and two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. Charbonnet squarely played second fiddle to starting running back Kenneth Walker III (abdominal) until Walker went down with an injury. The Seahawks did not get going on offense until the second half. Charbonnet contributed to the Seahawks' barrage of scoring in the fourth quarter on a 30-yard reception where he was left wide open. Charbonnet's lack of contribution prior to Walker's injury demonstrates his entrenchment as the backup. However, if Walker were to miss any time, then Charbonnet would be a must-start.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 8 9:30pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for 171 yards and one touchdown along with one interception in his season debut. Smith added 30 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His 34-yard run for a touchdown was his best highlight of the day. Smith started the game slow and threw an interception on his second pass of the game. However, Smith rebounded nicely and finished with a 72% completion rate. His rushing baseline carried him to 18.84 fantasy points on Sunday. Smith's fantasy output was similar to his games during his breakout 2022 campaign two years ago. The Seahawks offense clicked in the second half of Sunday's game and Smith capitalized. He will look to carry that momentum into New England in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Sep 8 9:30pm ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught three of his eight targets for 25 yards and a touchdown in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Jeudy made a decent debut with his new team, catching a six-yard pass for Deshaun Watson's only TD toss of the afternoon. The veteran finished second on the team in targets as he instantly slotted in as the team's WR2 behind Amari Cooper in his first game as a Cleveland Brown. The Cleveland offense struggled greatly against a tough Dallas defense in the loss but Jeudy's early role in the offense is encouraging. He should be treated as a solid WR3/flex option moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 8 9:20pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin did everything he could during Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. The Bucs moved Godwin back to the slot and it paid off for them in Week 1. The veteran wideout hauled in all eight of his targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in the win. Godwin got out of the gate slowly last season and he made sure that didn't happen again. Both Godwin and Mike Evans should have no problem getting the ball in this pass-heavy offense on a weekly basis. Godwin should be a solid WR2 in PPR formats going forward.

From RotoBaller

Foster Moreau Sep 8 9:20pm ET
Foster Moreau

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (concussion) is officially in the league's concussion protocol, per head coach Dennis Allen. Moreau picked up the injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 47-10 thrashing of the Carolina Panthers. He hauled in all four of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown on a day where everything fell the Saints' way. The veteran tight end racked up the second-most yards, targets, and receptions on his team and finished the day with just one less target than Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson combined. Quarterback Derek Carr looked very comfortable in a new Saints' offense, and Moreau will now need to progress through the league's protocol before he is cleared to suit up for New Orleans' Week 2 road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. If he is not ready to roll, expect Johnson to take on the bulk of the more traditional tight-end duties for the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 8 9:10pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving put together a fairly nice NFL debut during Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. The rookie back won the No. 2 job behind Rachaad White during training camp. Irving made the most of his chances during Sunday's game. He rushed nine times for 62 yards in the blowout win. To be fair, Irving saw most of his yardage come on a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter. However, the rookie back did look solid as he was finding holes and making smart decisions as a runner. White remains the workhorse back in Tampa Bay, but Irving could start stealing away some of those touches. Irving is still a shaky option for Week 2, but he should be stashed in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 8 9:00pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was targeted five times in a Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. He made three catches and gained 15 yards before having to be helped off the field after a catch in the third quarter. After the game, head coach Mike McCarthy said Ferguson was "in good spirits and moving around well." More information will certainly come out soon, but for now it does not seem like Ferguson will need to miss any significant time. Just in case, Luke Schoonmaker is next up on the Cowboys tight end depth chart.

From RotoBaller