Best Ball Scout Championship
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.
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The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. The wideout was under the weather entering the contest, so he wasn't on the field long before requiring oxygen on the sidelines. If he doesn't return, he'll finish without making any statistical contributions for fantasy managers. With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) ruled out, the 49ers may need to rely more on George Kittle, Jacob Cowing, and Ricky Pearsall for the rest of Week 7.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) won't return to Sunday's meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. The wideout didn't feel well heading into Week 7, and it didn't take long before he was on the sidelines because of his condition. He'll finish the day without appearing in the box score. With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) also ruled out, the 49ers will look to George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Jacob Cowing to fill the void for the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) was carted to the locker room after the first half of Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. He won't return. The wideout took a shot to his right leg in the first half, and it was apparent immediately that he was hurt. He'll finish the day with two catches for 23 yards. With Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) under the weather and Jauan Jennings (hip) ruled out before the contest, the 49ers may need to rely on George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Jacob Cowing for the remainder of Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was a limited factor in the Packers' 24-22 victory against the Houston Texans in Week 7. Reed, who has been one of the most volatile wide receivers in the league from a fantasy perspective, didn't help his cause today as he caught just 2-of-4 targets for 10 yards. He also added a carry for no gain on the afternoon, as the offensive flowed through a host of other targets on the Packers' offense. Despite Reed's disappointing Week 7, that doesn't diminish the fact that he's a key part of the Packers' passing attack. In Week 8, the Packers will travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. Reed should be a mid-range fantasy WR2 for that matchup with a fantasy-points floor is a bit lower than we'd like to admit, but sizeable fantasy upside.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold went 22-for-27 for 259 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He also rushed for 39 yards on four carries during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold has slowed down a bit after an outstanding start to the season but threw for at least 250 yards for the third time this season. He will be on a short week against the Los Angeles Rams and probably should only be an option in two-quarterback leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed for 93 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries against the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He also caught three passes for 23 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Jones has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but it did not limit him against the Lions. He should be weekly starting option in fantasy leagues as long as he is able to play.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns RB D'Onta Foreman had just two runs for five yards in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and he had no receptions or targets.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was a solid contributor to the Packers' 24-22 win over the Houston Texans in Week 7. Wicks (shoulder) was a game-time decision for the Packers after leaving in Week 6 with a shoulder injury. After three limited practices during the week, Wicks was good to go for Week 7 as he caught 3-of-6 targets for 48 yards and a 30-yard touchdown on a beautiful throw by Jordan Love. Wicks was second on the Packers in targets (6) and his touchdown was one of three touchdown scores on the day for Love. With the many pass-catchers on the Packers, it can be hard to find consistent footing each week, but the Packers continue to involve Wicks in the offense despite some issues with drops this season. The Packers will head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in Week 8, where for fantasy, Wicks should be a low-end flex play with upside in that contest.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) won't return to Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He'll finish the day by throwing for six yards off 2-for-2 passing, adding 50 yards off three carries. There wasn't much information surrounding his condition after he exited. However, the signal-caller returned to the sidelines in the second half with a smile. Considering the Commanders built a decisive lead, it's unknown if Daniels could have returned. With that in mind, his condition will be monitored closely for the Week 8 meeting with the Chicago Bears. If he can't suit up for that one, Marcus Mariota will presumably be under center.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is believed to have suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a non-contact injury in the second quarter. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday, Oct. 20, that Watson would go for further testing just to make sure. To make matters worse, QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a finger injury, so QB Jameis Winston finished up.
Fantasy Spin: With Watson all but done, it appears that Winston might be the starting signal caller in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, although the situation is certainly fluid. Either way, the Cleveland offense is sure to be a mess, even more so than it has been to date.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. He was carted to the locker room, so things didn't look promising. However, head coach Mike Macdonald downplayed the condition, stating the wideout "banged his knee a little bit," adding, "it doesn't look too bad." Metcalf will likely need more tests to determine the severity of the injury. He might also miss some practices heading into the Week 8 clash with the Buffalo Bills. If Metcalf can't go for that one, it will likely mean more attention for Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery rushed for 31 yards on nine carries against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7 but also lost a fumble during the game. He also caught three passes for 39 yards against the Vikings.
Fantasy Spin: Montgomery missed some time during the game because of an injury but returned to post 70 total yards. He will be involved in the running and passing game next week and can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 112 yards and one touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: St. Brown posted his second 100-yard game of the season and has a touchdown in each of the last four games. He is a weekly starting option in all leagues as long as he is healthy.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) exited Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The signal-caller didn't last long in Week 7 and will finish the contest by throwing for 52 yards off 6-for-10 passing. Unfortunately, there is concern that O'Connell suffered a broken thumb, which would presumably put him on the shelf for a while. But fantasy managers will need to wait for the results of impending tests on Monday. If the worst is confirmed, Gardner Minshew II will likely be back under center, although his track record this season won't make him a viable fantasy asset in any format.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was excellent in his second-consecutive game for the Packers as the team edged the Houston Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Doubs led the Packers with 10 targets, eight receptions, and 94 receiving yards as he was a key component of Jordan Love's passing attack. While Dontayvion Wicks, Tucker Kraft, and Josh Jacobs scored the touchdowns through the air for the Packers, Doubs was very efficient and was the only consistent target-earning for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers on the afternoon. With so many quality pass-catchers for Love in this excellent Packers' passing attack, Doubs has an emphasis for the Packers following a one-game suspension a couple of weeks ago. With this emphasis on Doubs being a focal point of the offense, consider Doubs a low-end WR3 for the Packers' Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff went 22-for-25 for 280 yards and two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7.
Fantasy Spin: Goff has thrown at least two touchdowns in each of the last four games and at least 280 yards in each of the last three games. He will be facing a good Tennessee Titans defense next week but could be a possible starting option in some deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 22-for-27 passing in Sunday's narrow loss to the Lions. He added four carries for 39 yards. The signal-caller was coming off a horrid performance in the Week 5 overseas loss to the New York Jets. While he played better on Sunday, it still wasn't enough, resulting in the Vikings first loss of the 2024-25 campaign. Minnesota won't have much time to sulk, as the team will meet the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Granted, Darnold was more productive earlier in the year. Still, he's worth starting in most fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 1-of-2 targets in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The numbers are all season-low marks for the fourth-year wideout, and the first time in his young career he registered fewer than four targets. No Dolphins pass-catcher recorded more than three targets or two receptions in the contest aside from tight end Jonnu Smith, who led the team with seven catches and 96 yards on seven targets. It's a significant disappointment for Waddle's managers in an excellent matchup. It's anticipated that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will practice ahead of the team's Week 8 outing and might make his return when the Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday. If not, it could be another week of Tim Boyle calling signals with Tyler Huntley (shoulder) forced from Sunday's loss in the second half.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 1-of-2 targets for eight yards in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He added five rushing yards on his only attempt. Ouch. It's an enormous letdown in a promising matchup for Hill, with Miami coming off a bye in Week 6. The 30-year-old had quarterback troubles again on Sunday when Tyler Huntley (shoulder) left the game and was ruled out in the second half. Tim Boyle entered in relief, but the Dolphins went with a run-heavy game script, attempting just 26 passes to 40 rushes. The ground game was working in their defense, but Hill and wideout Jaylen Waddle combined for just four targets, two catches, and 19 yards. With QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) set to practice ahead of Week 8, the team could see its arrow pointing up in anticipation of a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solidly effective for the Packers as he capped off his afternoon in Week 7 with a touchdown reception in the Packers' 24-22 victory. Jacobs averaged over 6.0 yards per carry, totaling 72 rushing yards on just 12 carries. Jacobs also caught 5-of-5 targets for 16 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love in the third quarter. That touchdown grab was the first of his career and ended his streak of 211 receptions without a receiving touchdown; the longest in NFL history. While the passing game was on display for the Packers for much of the game, Jacobs was plenty involved and had a quality day for fantasy purposes. He'll look to continue that momentum as the Packers head south to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, where Jacobs should be considered a low-end RB1 for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
