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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3

Player Notes
Justin Herbert Sep 18 3:00pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday leading up to the Week 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, but X-rays on his ankle came back negative. It's unclear whether or not Herbert is at real risk of missing Sunday's game in a battle between two undefeated teams, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. That said, Herbert is the QB26 on the year so far, and the Steelers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. He should be benched in single-QB formats whether he plays or not. If he's out, Easton Stick will get the start, and wide receivers Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Ladd McConkey will have reduced fantasy ceilings and floors.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 18 3:00pm ET
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns start pass-rusher Myles Garrett (foot) put in a limited practice on Wednesday leading up to the Week 3 contest against the New York Giants. Garrett missed practice on Thursday last week and was limited on Friday, but he was active against the Jacksonville Jaguars and played 41 defensive snaps. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues should monitor his status throughout the week, but if he plays, he could have a field day against New York, who has given up six sacks through its first two games of the 2024 campaign. Even if he is surprisingly out on Sunday, Cleveland's fantasy defense/special teams is a top-notch option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 18 2:50pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is back at practice on Wednesday following his Week 2 absence against the New Orleans Saints due to a knee injury. The third-year pro suffered the injury in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns and did not practice at all last week. Backup tight end Luke Schoonmaker impressed in his spot-start, catching all six of his targets for 43 yards. However, Ferguson should regain his status as the lead tight end when he's back in action, which could be this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends so far this season, so Ferguson will have clear TE1 upside if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 18 2:50pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) took part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, and head coach Kevin O'Connell said the plan is to get him more work later in the week. Jefferson suffered what seems to be a minor quad injury in the win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, and it doesn't sound like he's at much risk of missing the Week 3 game against the Houston Texans. By no surprise, Jefferson is the WR4 on the season and is averaging 17.6 half-PPR points per game through two weeks. Quarterback Sam Darnold has looked like a solid start thus far, and there is no scenario where Jefferson should be benched in leagues of all shapes and sizes. As demonstrated by his 97-yard receiving touchdown last week, he's a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

From RotoBaller

Keaontay Ingram Sep 18 2:40pm ET
Keaontay Ingram

The Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Keaontay Ingram to the active roster and Kareem Hunt to the practice squad on Wednesday, according to the team's official X account. These moves come after Isiah Pacheco (leg) suffered a fractured fibula and was placed on Injured Reserve. With Pacheco sidelined, rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine are expected to split touches in the backfield, but Hunt could become a contributor. The former third-round pick by Kansas City in 2017 spent his final season with the Cleveland Browns last year and rushed for 411 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 15 receptions for 84 yards. Hunt appears to be well beyond his prime, but he could become a deep-league flex option if he gets integrated soon and earns a role in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 18 2:40pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) is practicing on Wednesday after missing last week's Thursday Night Football contest against the Buffalo Bills with a chest injury. The 32-year-old had a poor showing in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, totaling just 19 yards on seven touches. Miami's backfield is already becoming tricky to navigate, and the fantasy ceiling of all the Miami backs could take a hit while Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is sidelined. Sophomore running back De'Von Achane remains a must-start option, but Mostert is likely to see fewer red-zone and goal-line opportunities over the next handful of games after he scored 21 touchdowns in 2023. If Mostert is active this week, consider him a shaky flex play for the Week 3 contest against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 18 2:30pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The third-year back out of Rutgers suffered a fractured fibula that requires surgery, and he will miss at least the next four games. However, his timeline was originally set at a six- to eight-week absence, but now it sounds like Kansas City doesn't know if he will play again this season. "I can't give you a timetable for his return," head coach Andy Reid said. "We'll just see whether it's this season or next season." Needless to say, this is a rough development for Pacheco and his fantasy managers, and this is a "wait and see" situation. In his absence, rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine are expected to split touches. Kareem Hunt, who just signed to the practice squad, is likely to take a few weeks to get in shape and start contributing.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 18 2:20pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is back at practice on Wednesday, marking the first time he's practiced since suffering a knee injury in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Love suffered a sprained MCL in that Friday night game, but his return means he has a chance to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. However, fantasy managers should monitor his practice participation throughout the week. The Titans have allowed the fewest passing yards (269) in the NFL through two weeks, and its revamped secondary featuring L'Jarius Sneed looks much improved. That said, Love should be downgraded to a QB2 fantasy option if he plays, especially since his mobility could be limited. If he can't play, Malik Willis will start against his former team on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 18 2:20pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is not practicing on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. The former Cincinnati Bengal had a fantastic Week 1 performance against the Indianapolis Colts, posting 178 total yards and a touchdown on 33 touches. In Week 2, he only racked up 50 total yards on 12 touches. Backup running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed Week 2 and is also not practicing on Wednesday. If Mixon plays, he's still likely a strong starting option against the Minnesota Vikings, but if he and Pierce miss Sunday's game, Cam Akers will enter the fantasy radar as a flex consideration. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Mixon's status throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Brevin Jordan Sep 18 2:00pm ET
Brevin Jordan

The Houston Texans placed tight end Brevin Jordan (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, meaning Jordan will now have to miss at least the team's next four games. Jordan will be eligible to return to play in Week 7 on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. It helps explain why the Texans signed former Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith to their practice squad on Tuesday. In the first two games of the season, Jordan caught only two passes on three targets for seven yards while working behind starter Dalton Schultz. With Jordan now out for the foreseeable future, the Texans will roll with rookie Cade Stover, Chris Myarick and Smith as depth behind Schultz at the position. Schultz has also been a disappointment for fantasy managers as a TE1 option through the first two weeks in 2024, catching five of six targets for only 37 yards.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 18 1:50pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said he plans to make his season debut in Week 3 at home at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday against the visiting Chicago Bears. Downs suffered a right high-ankle sprain at training camp in August and was forced to miss the first two games of the regular season as a result. However, the 23-year-old was 50-50 to play in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field and could get the green light if he's able to do more in practices this week. The third-round selection last year was set to enter the 2024 season as the No. 2 wideout behind Michael Pittman Jr., so Downs' return will be bad news for anyone that plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire recently. Downs, himself, is worth a pickup off the waiver wire now that he's nearing his return. The former Tar Heel caught 68 of 98 targets for 771 yards and two scores in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 18 1:40pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a first-rounder in 2023, had a rocky first year in the NFL marred by drops. But through the first two weeks of his second season in the NFL, Johnston has flipped the script and led the Chargers with five catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. He had two TDs all of last year, but he currently leads the Bolts in catches, receiving yards and yards per target. The 23-year-old's route-running this year is tighter and more deceptive, and his hands have improved markedly. Johnston ran post or go routes 35.5% of the time last year, but that rate has dropped to 21.4% this year, which has increased his chances to run after the catch on crossing routes. He has become a popular waiver-wire pickup after the first two weeks, especially with DJ Chark (hip) on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 18 1:30pm ET
Justin Herbert

The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) will be listed on Wednesday's injury report with an ankle injury. Herbert's practice status right now is to be determined, so fantasy managers will want to check back later for his official status. The 26-year-old signal-caller wasn't spotted at the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday. His ankle injury is on the same side that he dealt with plantar fasciitis during training camp, although it doesn't appear to be related. Herbert injured his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers but eventually returned to the game. He is apparently feeling a lot better, but we won't know his status for Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers until later this week. Easton Stick would likely fill in for the Bolts under center if Herbert isn't cleared, which would obviously be a big downgrade for LA's offense.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 18 1:20pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) will not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to head coach Matt Eberflus. Before sitting out the team's Week 2 loss on Sunday night to the Houston Texans, Allen missed all three of the team's practices last week. In addition to his injury, he disappointed in his Bears debut in the Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans, catching four passes on 11 targets for just 29 yards. The 32-year-old veteran still has a couple more days to get back on the practice field, but as of right now, things aren't looking great for his status in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. If he misses another game this weekend, look for DeAndre Carter to once again have an elevated role as the No. 3 wideout behind DJ Moore and rookie Rome Odunze. Carter caught three of his four targets on Sunday night for 32 yards.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 18 1:20pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) was at the team's practice on Wednesday, but FOX Sports' Greg Auman said that it was hard to measure his participation level, although he seemed to be OK. White suffered a groin injury in the Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions but did go back into the game, which would seem to indicate that the injury isn't very serious. As long as White doesn't have any setbacks in practice this week, fantasy managers should feel pretty comfortable that he will suit up for a good matchup at home in Week 3 this Sunday against the 0-2 Denver Broncos. The 25-year-old couldn't get anything going against Detroit, carrying the ball only 10 times for 18 yards while catching one pass for five yards. If he plays this Sunday, White will be hoping to turn things around after averaging a measly 2.0 yards per carry through the first two weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 18 1:10pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that tight end David Njoku (ankle) is unlikely to play in the Week 3 contest this Sunday against the New York Giants due to the ankle injury he suffered in the season-opening loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku was inactive in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and is now set to miss a second straight game. In his absence last Sunday, Jordan Akins saw a role increase at the tight end position, but it led to only one catch on one target for a 10-yard gain. Akins had better production (three catches for 27 yards) with Njoku active in Week 1. The 28-year-old Njoku should remain stashed in most fantasy formats while he heals. We'll have a better idea early next week as to whether Njoku will have a chance to return for Cleveland's Week 4 contest on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 18 1:10pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that newly signed running back Kareem Hunt has a chance to play in Week 3 on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Starting RB Isiah Pacheco (leg) fractured his fibula in the Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and is now sidelined for up to six to eight weeks. As a result, the Chiefs have reunited with Hunt, who had 453 carries for 2,151 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns while also catching 79 of 98 targets for 833 yards and 10 touchdowns as a pass-catcher in KC in his first two NFL seasons back in 2017-18. The 29-year-old is currently on the team's practice squad, but he could be elevated to the active roster by this Saturday to serve as more backfield depth alongside rookie Carson Steele and Samaje Perine as the Chiefs move forward without Pacheco. Because of his familiarity with the Chiefs, Hunt is worth a waiver-wire pickup for those hurting at the RB position early on in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Sep 18 10:20am ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has impressed head coach Kevin O'Connell so far this season with Jordan Addison (ankle) missing time and allowing Nailor to see more time on the field. O'Connell specifically was pleased with the speed Nailor has shown and the separation he has been able to get on his routes against man coverage. Nailor was targeted four times and caught three passes for 54 yards in Week 2 against the 49ers. Justin Jefferson (quad) is also a little banged up so there is an opportunity for Nailor to continue to see targets in this offense. He is a sneaky speculative waiver-wire pickup this week as the Vikings' injury situation at wide receiver continues to play out.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Tannehill Sep 18 10:10am ET
Ryan Tannehill

Free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill's name has come up as a potential replacement for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) with the Dolphins. But NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes that Tannehill is looking for a situation where he can come in and be the starter for the rest of the season. With Tagovailoa recently going on IR and expressing a desire to return to competition, that might not be the case in Miami. Because of that Rapoport says the Dolphins don't appear to be the right fit for the former Tennessee Titans quarterback as he evaluates whether to return to an NFL field this season.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Mims Sep 18 9:50am ET
Denzel Mims

Free agent wide receivers Miles Boykin and Denzel Mims worked out for the Seattle Seahawks, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The Ravens drafted Boykin in the third round of the 2019 draft and he also spent time with the Steelers. The Jets drafted Mims as a second-rounder in 2020 and he has since spent time with the Lions, Jaguars, and Steelers. With the trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle is pretty set at the top of its wide receiver depth chart but either Boykin or Mims could add to the wide receiver room if given a chance with the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller