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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Championship

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
A.J. Brown Jan 22 6:30pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee/rest) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Brown has been consistently receiving rest for several weeks so his limited participation on Wednesday comes as no surprise. Despite the rest, Brown has been quiet throughout the playoffs. In two games played, Brown has only recorded three receptions for 24 yards. The Eagles have consistently ridden running back Saquon Barkley to victory. With the high-powered offense of the Washington Commanders coming to town for the NFC Championship, Brown may be needed to take a larger role in the offense. Brown is absolutely capable of carrying a big load. He recorded 1,079 receiving yards in 13 games this season. That came after recording at least 1,456 yards in each of his first two seasons in Philadelphia. Look for Brown to ramp up his practice participation throughout the week ahead of the NFC Championship on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Bobby Wagner Jan 22 6:30pm ET
Bobby Wagner

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Wagner was limited in practice last week with an ankle injury and ultimately played in the Divisional Round. As a 13-year veteran, Wagner does not necessarily need practice reps to be able to play. His injury also did not seem to limit him against the Detroit Lions last week as he recorded eight total tackles. The 13-year veteran should be monitored by Commanders fans to see if he records any practice time and is able to enter the weekend without an injury designation. While the Commanders have been excellent during their current playoff run, they will need Wagner in a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and their seemingly unstoppable running game.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 22 6:20pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough. Hurts injured his knee during the second half of the Eagles' Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts remained in the game through the conclusion. His status for this week has not been in doubt to this point, and his participation in practice this early in the week confirms that. However, the question is whether Hurts will be anything close to full strength this weekend. He was visibly bothered by the injury last week and the Eagles' passing game had already not exactly lit up the scoreboard recently. Additionally, Hurts' ability as a runner opens lanes for excellent running back Saquon Barkley. If Hurts is limited to some capacity, the Washington Commanders should be able to more easily key on Barkley defensively. Hurts is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the NFL. Hopefully, for the sake of the Eagles, he will be able to bounce back this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Zac Taylor Jan 22 5:30pm ET
Zac Taylor

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that the Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to become the team's next defensive coordinator. Golden will arrive at the Bengals' facility to sign his deal on Thursday. Before joining the Fighting Irish at the collegiate level, Golden spent two seasons as Cincy's linebackers coach, so it will be a reunion with head coach Zac Taylor. The 55-year-old spent the last three seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator. He'll be replacing Lou Anarumo, who served as the Bengals' defensive coordinator for the last six seasons before being fired following the 2024 season. When Golden was the team's linebackers coach, he played an integral role in helping the team reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Jan 22 5:20pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is on this week's injury report but was a full participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain late in the regular season but didn't miss any time other than being held out of the Week 18 regular-season finale for rest purposes with the No. 1 seed in the AFC already locked up. He's apparently still receiving treatment on his ankle, but it shouldn't be a factor at all in the AFC Championship game this Sunday against the visiting Buffalo Bills. The two-time MVP went 16-for-25 for 177 yards and only one touchdown in last week's victory over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round and will now face a Bills defense that he went 23-for-33 against with 196 yards, three TDs and two interceptions in a loss back on Nov. 17.

From RotoBaller

Nick Muse Jan 22 4:10pm ET
Nick Muse

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent tight end Nick Muse and offensive lineman Cameron Erving to their practice squad on Wednesday and released defensive end KJ Henry from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Muse, a former seventh-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, appeared in four regular-season games in Minnesota but spent most of his time on special teams and was not targeted on offense. In his three years with the Vikings, he appeared in 16 games (zero starts) and caught his only target for a pickup of 22 yards. The 26-year-old will provide tight end depth for the Eagles for the rest of the postseason. Erving, 32, did not appear in the NFL at all in 2024 and last played three games with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. He's a nine-year NFL veteran who was originally a first-round selection (19th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2015 out of Florida State.

From RotoBaller

Doug Pederson Jan 22 3:20pm ET
Doug Pederson

The Jacksonville Jaguars fired general manager Trent Baalke on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. This move comes just hours after Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen reached a new deal to remain in Tampa Bay. Coen was thought to be the lead head-coaching candidate in Jacksonville. Baalke served as Jacksonville's GM from 2021 to 2024 and was responsible for hiring Urban Meyer and Doug Pederson, who have both been let go. Many believed Baalke would be fired immediately following the 2024 campaign, but Jaguars owner Shahid Khan must have been disappointed with the way the team's head-coaching search was headed under Baakle's direction and waited until now to make the move.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Jan 22 3:10pm ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) missed Wednesday's practice with an illness, according to the team's X account. The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the most important pieces of the Buffalo offense, so missing an early-week practice session is not ideal. However, the 30-year-old has plenty of time to recover and be ready for the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. It would be a shocker if he did not play, but his status should be monitored throughout the rest of the week. Assuming he's ready to go, he'll be tasked with protecting Josh Allen's blindside against a fierce Kansas City front-seven.

From RotoBaller

Tom Brady Jan 22 2:40pm ET
Tom Brady

The Las Vegas Raiders are hiring Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek to be the next general manager of the organization. The 44-year-old was in Tampa Bay's front office when Raiders minority owner Tom Brady played there, so there is a preexisting relationship that likely helped this hire come to fruition. Spytek entered the NFL in 2004 as an operations intern for the Detroit Lions and has held roles as a college scouting assistant, director of college scouting, director of player personnel, and more during his time with several pro organizations. Skytek will now assist in hiring the team's next head coach and finding a solution at the quarterback position.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Jan 22 2:40pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars head-coaching search is still ongoing after rumored lead candidate Liam Coen signed a contract extension to remain the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is "a name to watch," according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. Brady began to get recognition after he was the passing-game coordinator for the 2019 LSU team that won a national championship with quarterback Joe Burrow and wideouts Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. Brady served as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021 before joining Buffalo's staff. He took over the play-calling duties in the Josh Allen-led offense in the middle of the 2023 campaign, and the Bills became the first team in NFL history to score at least 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns in 2024. The Jaguars are surely interested in bringing someone in who can take quarterback Trevor Lawrence to the next level, and they might view Brady as a potential fit in Duval County.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Jan 22 2:40pm ET
Britain Covey

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) is having his practice window opened on Wednesday ahead of the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old was placed on Injured Reserve for the second time this season after suffering a neck injury in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. Covey's injuries have limited him to just five games this season. In those five games, he's hauled in seven receptions for 34 yards and returned five punts for 46 yards. It's unclear if the team is looking to activate him ahead of Sunday's game, but he could potentially return for the Super Bowl if Philadelphia advances.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Jan 22 2:20pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets are hiring Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to be the organization's next head coach, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The 52-year-old has been rumored to be the lead candidate for much of the offseason, and he lands with New York less than a week after the Lions were knocked out of the playoffs in the NFC Divisional Round. Glenn led the No. 7 scoring defense and No. 5 rushing defense in 2024 despite Detroit dealing with a significant number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Glenn will be tasked with setting New York on the right path and breaking a 14-year postseason drought, which is the longest active streak in the NFL. Glenn will have plenty of defensive talent to work with right away, but the team will need to address the offense and the future of four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Jan 22 2:20pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is widely regarded as one of the best place-kickers in NFL history, but he is coming off the worst season of his career in 2024. The eight-time All-Pro connected on a career-low 73.3% of his field goal tries and missed two extra points for the first time since 2019. Tucker rebounded late in the season and made all five of his attempts in the final five games of the campaign. The team has a potential out in his contract this offseason, but Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said he expects Tucker to be kicking for the organization again in 2025. That said, the 35-year-old's 2024 season could be a sign of regression to come, and if he struggles to begin the 2025 season, things could change. For now, he remains in place and will be on the fantasy football radar on a team with an elite offense and plenty of scoring opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Jan 22 1:20pm ET
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) will remain on Injured Reserve, which means he won't play again this season, even if the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship this Sunday to advance to a third straight Super Bowl appearance. The Chiefs opened Hardman's 21-day practice window to return from IR before the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, but the team never felt comfortable putting him out there on game day. The 26-year-old will now begin his offseason early and make sure that his knee is fully ready for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. Hardman was mostly valuable to the Chiefs this year before his knee injury as a return man on special teams, as he caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games played in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 22 1:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) will take part in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, as will rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder). Hurts injured his left knee in the second half of the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and was examined in the medical tent before eventually returning to the field. Although Hurts finished out the game under center, his mobility was compromised and he appeared to be walking with a significant limp after the contest. The Eagles were non-committal on Hurts' status for the NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders earlier this week, but he did say he fully expects to be out there this Sunday. The 26-year-old had 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Rams, but fantasy managers might want to temper expectations for Hurts' rushing contributions this weekend if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Matt Milano Jan 22 12:50pm ET
Matt Milano

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that safety Taylor Rapp (hip) will not practice on Wednesday and listed him as day-to-day with a hip injury. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Benford (concussion) will be limited as he works his way through the league's concussion protocol, and linebacker Matt Milano (hamstring) will also be limited. Rapp was limited to 33 percent of the team's defensive snaps last Sunday in the Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens and is now in danger of missing the AFC Championship this Sunday in Kansas City against the Chiefs. However, the 27-year-old could have a chance at suiting up if he's able to return to practice on Thursday or Friday. Not having Rapp in the secondary would be a notable downgrade for Buffalo's secondary. Cole Bishop would be the likely replacement if Rapp is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 22 12:40pm ET
Robert Saleh

With Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now out of the running, many around the NFL view former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as the potential favorite to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Saleh is scheduled to fly to Jacksonville on Thursday for a Friday meeting with Jaguars owner Shad Khan, general manager Trent Baalke and others. While Saleh could have the leg up for the job, Jacksonville could also expand their head-coaching search. The other name that could still be in the running for the head-coach job is Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, but the Jaguars can't interview him again until the Bills season is over. Jacksonville will interview Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for a second time on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Christian Gonzalez Jan 22 12:30pm ET
Christian Gonzalez

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports on Wednesday that Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams will become the New England Patriots' new defensive coordinator, according to sources. Williams worked with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23, and Vrabel thought so highly of Williams that he had him serve as the Titans' head coach during the 2023 preseason opener. The move to hire Williams comes a day after Josh McDaniels was hired to return to New England to run the team's offense under Vrabel. Williams will have plenty of work to do in his new location in Boston after the Patriots' entire defense struggled in 2024. His biggest building block on that side of the ball is cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Look for the Patriots to try and add talent to the defensive side of the ball this offseason through the draft and free agency.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Jan 22 12:30pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said on Wednesday that the team will be looking at a possible contract extension for running back Derrick Henry this offseason. Despite being on the wrong side of 30 (31), King Henry proved that he still has plenty left in the tank, rushing for 1,921 yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns on 325 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season starts in his first year in Baltimore. He also added 19 receptions for 193 yards and two more TDs while averaging a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Henry finished the regular season as the RB3 in half-PPR scoring. He'll be heading into the last year of the two-year, $16 million deal he signed last offseason, but the Ravens want him around longer. Showing no signs of slowing down and being in one of the best offenses in football, Henry should be a high-end RB1 again this fall.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Jan 22 12:20pm ET
Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a contract extension with offensive coordinator Liam Coen on Wednesday that will put him amongst the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes after it was reported on Tuesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coaching job was essentially Coen's to lose. It's a huge win for Tampa's offense in 2025 and beyond, especially for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had been making a huge push for the team to retain Coen after he had a career year in 2024. Mayfield had career-highs in passing yards (4,500), touchdown passes (41) and completion percentage (71.4%) in his first year working with the 39-year-old Coen. If Coen had departed for Jacksonville, the Bucs would have been searching for a new offensive coordinator for the second straight offseason after Dave Canales became the Panthers head coach last offseason.

From RotoBaller