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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
Alec Pierce Oct 20 1:00am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) is expected to suit up against the Dolphins. The wideout is listed as questionable for this one. However, he logged a full practice session on Friday, which was a positive indication he would be on the field in Week 7. From a yardage standpoint, Pierce is the team's most productive receiver so far in 2024-25. But outside of a few strong fantasy showings, he's been irrelevant in most of the Colts' games this season. Still, Pierce has a proven upside, giving him credibility as a flex option, at the very least, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) also in line to play.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 20 12:50am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is slated to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. He is currently listed as questionable, just like he was ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Titans. However, the wideout was on the field for that one, finishing with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, so the latest update isn't surprising. Downs has 24 catches in his last three games. With that in mind, he's at least a flex option for fantasy managers, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) also expected to play.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 20 12:40am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is anticipated to play in Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. His back issue isn't anything new, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon. However, as long as the wideout's condition doesn't take a turn for the worse, he should continue to play moving forward. Pittman has scored in each of his last two games. Unfortunately, he's only caught more than four passes twice this season. Still, Pittman should always be considered a starting fantasy option, even with Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) in line to suit up.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 20 12:30am ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is anticipated to play in Sunday's game versus the 49ers. Head coach Andy Reid implied the wideout was on the right track toward suiting up in Week 7, so his expected availability isn't surprising. He is coming off a monster performance, amassing seven catches (eight targets) for 130 yards in the Monday night victory over the Saints. While that type of showing makes Smith-Schuster at least a Flex option, he's still hard to trust, considering he had only two receptions entering Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 20 12:20am ET
Diontae Johnson

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle, rib) is expected to play in Sunday's meeting with the Commanders. The wideout has battled a few injuries of late, keeping him off the practice field on Wednesday and Thursday before logging a limited session on Friday. But his anticipated return is certainly good news for a Carolina team that has struggled all season. With that in mind, Johnson, scoring a touchdown in three of his last four games, is a must-start for the favorable matchup against Washington, assuming he officially gets the green light. However, his presence could result in fewer opportunities for Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo on the receiving end.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 20 12:10am ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is expected to suit up for the Week 7 meeting with the Carolina Panthers. Robinson has been battling a knee injury, keeping him off the field for the Week 6 loss to the Ravens. As a result, Austin Ekeler was the No. 1 option out of the backfield, finishing with 21 yards off nine carries and four receptions for 47 yards. Of course, Ekeler's fantasy outlook isn't as favorable with Robinson's anticipated return. On the other hand, Robinson is a must-start in any fantasy format for a favorable matchup with Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 19 11:20pm ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is a must-start when the Cardinals host the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. McBride is currently the fourth-ranked tight end of the season and is a lock in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. He hauled in all eight targets for 96 yards in last week's loss to the Packers. McBride has been a security blanket for the Cardinals and is often targeted on pivotal third downs. With the Cardinals' wide receivers battling injuries, McBride should be relied upon even more. Fantasy managers would like to see him utilized more in the red zone. However, his high target share compensates for it. McBride remains a must-start in Week 7 and for the foreseeable future.

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Chad Ryland Oct 19 11:20pm ET
Chad Ryland

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland would be a risky play in their Week 7 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Ryland will fill in for the injured Matt Prater (knee) for the next few weeks, as Prater was placed on injured reserve. Ryland has been solid in relief, going five for six on his field goal attempts and making both of his extra-point attempts over the past two weeks. While he has performed well until the Cardinals' offense finds more consistency, he is not a reliable play in fantasy and would be a risky streaming option at best.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Oct 19 10:20pm ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is a low-end RB2 in the Cardinals' Monday night showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals have been committed to running the offense through Conner during the first six weeks of the season, and that plan is unlikely to change. Conner is in the top 10 in the NFL in carries, and the Cardinals also like to involve him in the screen game. The Chargers tend to drain the clock and limit their opponents' possessions, which could also reduce Conner's touches. However, Conner's workload should still be high enough to make him fantasy-relevant, albeit in a RB2 capacity.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Oct 19 10:20pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has returned to his usual form over the past couple of weeks. In Week 6, he made all three of his extra point attempts and made all three field goals from 45, 32, and 39 yards. He's now averaging 9.3 fantasy points per game and is headed into a week that should have plenty of offensive fireworks. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers allow 9.5 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, and the Ravens offense is more than likely to move the ball against a defense that allows 365.7 yards per contest. Fantasy managers can be confident in starting Tucker again in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Goodson Oct 19 10:10pm ET
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson saw eight carries for 51 yards in the team's Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He also caught four of his five targets for 14 yards through the air. Goodson has seen a huge influx of opportunities in Jonathan Taylor's (ankle) absence but has played a secondary role to running back Trey Sermon during that span. Despite being out-touched by Sermon, Goodson has been the much more efficient back, averaging 5.9 yards per carry over the last two games. Goodson may see an increased role given his recent success, but the split with Sermon heavily limits his ceiling. Both backs will have a favorable matchup against Miami's defense allowing the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Goodson can be viewed as an RB3 in Sunday's matchup.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Oct 19 10:10pm ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has finally picked up some steam after posting a finish in TE2 territory in Week 5, then a TE1-level finish in Week 6. Andrews received nine targets over the last two games and turned them into seven receptions, 121 yards, and one touchdown. The difficult part of starting Andrews in fantasy lineups is that there's no way to tell which tight end on the Ravens will get targets, if any. On top of that, Tampa Bay is right in the middle of the pack against tight ends, giving up 8.0 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. Andrews could be started in a pinch, but it will be a risky decision.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Oct 19 10:00pm ET
Khalil Herbert

Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert was included in Ian Rapport's list of "players whose names are generating interest in trade discussions." The 26-year-old has spent his entire career in Chicago, where he has had some solid showings. However, he's having the worst season of his career, amassing only eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. The Bears currently deploy D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson out of the backfield, leaving little room for Herbert to get involved. While he's not worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues, his stock could rise significantly moving ahead if he gets moved, so the situation is worth monitoring.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 19 9:50pm ET
Miles Sanders

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders has drawn interest from teams throughout the National Football League. While Rapoport didn't specify who inquired about the availability of the 27-year-old, he included him in a list of "names generating interest in trade discussions." Sanders signed with Carolina in the offseason but hasn't done much to benefit fantasy managers, amassing 98 yards and a touchdown off 30 carries, adding 11 catches for 71 yards. With Chuba Hubbard playing better than expected, along with the impending debut of Jonathon Brooks (knee), Sanders' days in Carolina may be coming to an end. For now, he's not worth starting in any fantasy format moving ahead.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 19 9:50pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has picked up some serious momentum over the past couple of weeks. In the last two games, Flowers has 21 targets, 16 receptions, and 243 yards. He's only found the end zone once so far this year but he has a big chance to score again in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing receiver groups with 31.0 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. With how dynamic the Buccaneers' offense has been, this game could be primed for a shootout, and Flowers should be Lamar Jackson's number-one target again.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Oct 19 9:50pm ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell grabbed just two passes for nine yards in the team's Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Mitchell has moved out of a full-time role in the offense since the return of Josh Downs, but he has still seen production in his limited snaps. That being said, every Colts starting WR is questionable for their Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, which would likely put Mitchell into a starting role should any of them miss tomorrow's game. If either Michael Pittman Jr. (back), Josh Downs (toe), or Alec Pierce (shoulder) are a no-go on Sunday, Mitchell does become a viable option. He will face a tougher Miami secondary that's allowed the second most fantasy points to receivers but can be viewed as a WR4 option if any previously listed starters are inactive.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Oct 19 9:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remains at RB1 this season in half-PPR and standard formats. The veteran has returned to his dominant ways this year as he leads the league in rushing yards, 20+ yard runs, and rushing touchdowns. In Week 7, the Ravens take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have scored points with ease for most of this season. This game may turn into a shootout, but Henry should still see plenty of opportunities at the beginning of the game at least. Enough to keep him at RB1 level this week and make him a must-start.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Oct 19 9:30pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end fantasy quarterback start for Week 7. The Cardinals will host the Los Angeles Chargers in a pivotal game on Monday night. The Cardinals' offense is coming off a sloppy outing in Green Bay. However, Murray still had a decent game, completing 22-of-32 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals' offense has been streaky this season, and if they can find some consistency, they could have real fantasy upside. Cardinals wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson (ankle) appear to be playing, so the Cardinals' playmakers should be at full strength. The Chargers' defense ranks sixth against quarterbacks in fantasy, presenting a tough matchup. Murray's rushing upside still makes him a likely starter and a low-end QB1 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 19 9:30pm ET
Mike Williams

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, "several teams," specifically the Steelers and Chargers, have inquired about the availability of New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal). The wideout spent his entire career with the Chargers before signing with the Jets this offseason. However, he's struggled in 2024-25, accumulating only 10 catches for 145 yards. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams in a blockbuster deal, there's a good chance Williams could be moved elsewhere ahead of the trade deadline. If that happens, he may benefit from a change of scenery, so fantasy managers should contemplate holding on to him for now, considering brighter days may be on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 19 9:30pm ET
Garrett Wilson

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "a select group of NFL teams" have contacted the Jets regarding the availability of wide receiver Garrett Wilson. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams, there are many who believe Wilson's days with the Jets are over. However, there hasn't been any indication suggesting the team would make a move, considering he's one of the league's most promising young receivers. Although Wilson was expected to have a breakout year in 2024-25, that hasn't happened. But in all fairness, he hasn't been horrible, amassing 41 catches for 399 yards and three touchdowns. It remains to be seen if Wilson and Adams can co-exist, so the situation is worth monitoring moving ahead. For now, the 24-year-old remains a must-start for Sunday Night's meeting with the Steelers.

From RotoBaller