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.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25 of his 44 pass attempts for 298 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The interception was a double whammy in that it set up a Seahawks touchdown just before halftime and also inadvertently led to the disqualification of Puka Nacua, who was ejected for throwing a punch at the end of the play. Stafford recovered, though, connecting with Demarcus Robinson for a touchdown once in the third quarter and again in overtime to secure the Rams' victory. Stafford faced heavy pressure throughout the game which affected his accuracy, though he was never sacked. Stafford is back in play as a streaming option in fantasy and will face the Miami Dolphins on Monday night in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams gained 69 rushing yards on 22 carries and had another 26 yards on his lone reception (on three targets) in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seahawks. Williams also committed a fumble but was fortunate that Cooper Kupp fell on the ball to recover. It was the first game since Week 14 of the 2023 season that he did not record a touchdown. It was tough sledding for Williams against an aggressive Seattle front seven. He did break a few big gains but half of his carries went for two yards or fewer. One of the few bell cows in the league, Williams was on the field for 76 of the Rams' 77 offensive snaps in a game that went to overtime. He is a must-start in Week 10 when Los Angeles takes on a Miami Dolphins defense that has been especially vulnerable against the run this year.
From RotoBaller
It is safe to say that the high ankle sprain that kept Cooper Kupp sidelined for five weeks (including a bye) is no longer an issue. In the Rams' 26-20 win over the Seahawks on Sunday the wide receiver had 11 catches on 14 targets for 104 yards, leading the team in each category. Kupp was heavily favored by quarterback Matthew Stafford even before Puka Nacua's ejection just before halftime, collecting nine targets in the first half alone. Also encouraging was seeing his snap share leap up another week removed from his injury. After participating in just over half of the Rams' plays last week against the Vikings, Kupp was on the field for 63 of 77 offensive snaps in the Rams' overtime victory. Los Angeles gets Miami in Week 10 and even though the Dolphins have been more susceptible to the run than the pass this year, Kupp's rapport with Stafford keeps him in must-start territory.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson secured six of his nine targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks. His first touchdown came in the third quarter and brought the Rams' within three points of their division rivals. The second score came in overtime and won the game for Los Angeles. The play, which ended up as the Rams' longest of the game, was a 39-yard bomb that Robinson brought in with his right arm while he was fending off a defender with his left. Robinson's increased role was likely the result of the ejection of Puka Nacua just before halftime. Sunday's effort marks the second consecutive game in which Robinson has had two touchdowns. Despite the deluge of scoring, he will be hard to depend on in fantasy as he will revert to his status as the Rams' third wide receiver when Nacua returns in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau had just one catch in Week 9 but it was good for a 17-yard touchdown. His only other target was another shot in the end zone that came in too low for Moreau to secure. Moreau's effort on his score in the fourth quarter was impressive. The 250-lb tight end turned in stride and made a leaping catch while twisting in midair then kept his feet and legs in bounds as he fell to the ground near the side of the end zone. When Moreau rose from the turf he held the ball aloft with both hands, demonstrating he never lost possession despite his defender's best efforts to pull it loose as they collided. The grab was Moreau's third score of the year but just his twelfth reception overall. Primarily used as an extra blocker, Moreau shouldn't be depended on in fantasy in Week 10 when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Jack of all trades Taysom Hill was again involved as a rusher, receiver, and passer in the Saints' 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. In Week 9, Hill gained 19 yards and scored a touchdown on five carries, caught four of his five targets for 41 yards, and threw one pass attempt that fell incomplete. The touchdown was his third of the season and his 60 scrimmage yards represented a new season-high. Five of his touches resulted in first-down conversions. The Saints came into the game with an offense depleted by injury and then lost Chris Olave (concussion) in the first quarter, setting Hill up for increased usage. That trend will likely hold for the Saints' upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as New Orleans will still be short on skill players. Kendre Miller (hamstring) and Bub Means (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve earlier this week and Olave's concussion is his second in the last four weeks, leaving his status for Week 10 in doubt.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a whopping 29 carries and ran for 155 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Kamara also led the Saints in receiving in their 23-22 loss, catching six of his nine targets for 60 yards. Already the league leader in touches entering Week 9, it was expected that Kamara would see a heavy workload. Jamaal Williams (groin) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) were both inactive and the Saints' already thin receiving corps lost Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter, increasing the Saints' reliance on Kamara further. Kamara has been held out of the end zone since Week 6 but now has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on the season. He will face off against the Falcons in Week 10, against whom he gained 119 total yards and scored a touchdown in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr returned to action on Sunday for the first time since exiting Week 5 with an oblique injury. He went 18-for-31 for 236 yards and a touchdown in the 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Carr lost the services of Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter after the receiver was hit hard going up for a pass that left him defenseless. Most of Carr's passes were on short and intermediate routes, perhaps to avoid any further stress as he continues healing. Curiously, one of Carr's few deep shots came on the Saints' last play of the game when he lofted a ball up for a well-covered Cedrick Wilson Jr. when New Orleans needed just four yards to convert on fourth down with 64 seconds left on the game clock. Carr was 1-for-5 on red zone pass attempts with the lone completion being his touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau. With a depleted pass-catching corps, Carr will be hard to trust in Week 10 when the Saints host the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle's loss to the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed monster game from last year's first round pick. Smith-Njigba has been quiet playing behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf over the past year and a half, but took advantage of Metcalf being out today to post a career game. While this may very well be the best game of his year, he's very much lineup worthy again. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have a bye and it's unlikely Metcalf misses more time. Still, Smith-Njigba's dynasty value dip should end after today's performance.
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected from Sunday's win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: Nacua posted one catch for 11 yards before being tossed after throwing a punch at a defender. It was a disaster for dynasty managers, but certainly not something that's going to linger. Nacua could be fined for the incident, but it's hard to see him being suspended over this. In the end, Nacua should return to his WR1/2 spot when the Rams take the field again.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught five of 10 targets for 45 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With Christian Kirk (collarbone) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) sidelined, there were extra opportunities available for Jacksonville's pass-catchers. Engram ended up being the biggest benefactor, commanding double-digit targets for the second time in the last four weeks. He'll rank as a mid-to-low TE1 in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed just 16 of 31 passes for 169 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also took two sacks and rushed for eight yards. The 25-year-old has been a high-end fantasy QB2 this season, totaling 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He should be avoided in single-quarterback leagues ahead of next week's matchup against a difficult Minnesota Vikings defense.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 3-of-4 targets for 27 yards in the team's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It was the former Iowa Hawkeye's first taste of action since tearing his ACL and MCL late last season. The three receptions are slightly disappointing; still, it is excellent to see him escape the outing, seemingly still healthy. As the season progresses. Hockenson's snap count and opportunity share will likely continue rising, and he'll get eased in with another softer matchup his next time out in Week 10. The Vikings will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday in what projects to be an easier go against a subpar Jags secondary.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders hired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy following Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was in his first season with the franchise following an underwhelming stint with the Chicago Bears. The Raiders also fired offensive line coach James Cregg and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello. Evidently, Las Vegas ownership felt it was time to make a move after their team lost to the Bengals by a score of 41-24 on Sunday. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II was benched for Desmond Ridder during the contest while Alexander Mattison was held to just 36 rushing yards. If the Raiders, currently 2-7, don't turn things around soon, we could see an even larger coaching staff shakeup. Head coach Antonio Pierce figures to be on the hot seat heading into November.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver caught all five of his targets for 58 yards and scored in Minnesota's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Oliver put together his best performance of the season in this one, as his yards, receptions, and targets were all season-high figures. Sunday marked back-to-back weeks for the sixth-year tight end with a touchdown. It was a solid outing for the 27-year-old, albeit out of nowhere, particularly with teammate T.J. Hockenson back in the fold from his near-year-long hiatus. With Hockenson's snap counts undoubtedly set to rise and his involvement likely to follow, this kind of performance out of the former third-round pick isn't prescriptive moving forward. Minnesota will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday in another enticing matchup.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison reeled in all five of his targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in his team's 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. It was a strange game for Minnesota as they moved the ball at will against a hapless Colts defense. However, they saw multiple drives stall in the red zone during the first half. It was the first touchdown for the second-year wideout since Week 4, and the five receptions were a new season high. Addison may never garner such lofty target totals on a Vikings offense that presents as one of the more run-centric teams in the league, especially playing across the field from one of the NFL greats in his teammate, Justin Jefferson. Still, he's a solid WR2 for an NFL squad. Minnesota again gets a tempting matchup next Sunday when they face a soft Jacksonville Jaguars defense in a road matchup.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) entered concussion protocol following Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old had caught all three of his targets for 49 yards in the divisional contest. This news is particularly relevant given that Slayton has been a popular name in trade rumors. It's unclear whether Sunday's injury takes Slayton off the trade market or if teams will still be interested in acquiring him. To his credit, he's played quite well in a subpar Giants offense this year, tallying 32 catches, 469 yards, and one touchdown so far. He ranks as a high-end WR4 in fantasy football for Week 10, but only if he remains with the Giants and clears concussion protocol prior to kickoff.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in 7-of-9 targets for 137 yards in Sunday night's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It's the second straight 100-yard outing for the superstar wideout and his third straight contest with at least seven receptions. While he didn't score a touchdown, Jefferson tormented the Colts' secondary all evening, racking up five receptions of at least 20 yards -- three of such in the first half. The 25-year-old phenom entered Week 9 averaging 92.3 receiving yards per game and only helped further cement his case as the most complete wide receiver in football. Week 10 presents another outstanding matchup for the former LSU Tiger when he lines up against a sieve-like Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Pencil him in as an elite WR1.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin did very little in the 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, carrying the ball five times for only 10 yards and catching all three of his targets for another 10 yards through the air. It was a disappointing showing after scoring his third touchdown of the year in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers. Rookie Audric Estime had just as many carries as McLaughlin on the day and was more productive with 35 yards (seven yards per carry), while lead back Javonte Williams finished with 14 touches for 84 yards total. Between rookie QB Bo Nix and Estime, McLaughlin is unlikely to see much rushing volume unless Williams misses time with an injury. The 24-year-old is hard to recommend as a flex play, even in deep fantasy leagues, heading into a Week 10 matchup against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones rushed 21 times for 64 yards in the team's 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. He added another 18 yards through the air on 4-of-4 receiving. Jones wasn't his usual efficient self in Week 9, rushing for just 3.0 yards per clip. It was an excellent matchup on paper, but he didn't come through against a porous Colts defense. Over the last two weeks, the 29-year-old's efficiency has dipped as opposed to his other outings. Still, his involvement in the passing game should continue to keep his fantasy floor high. The former Green Bay Packer will get a chance to rebound in Week 10 when the Vikings square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Jacksonville has been stout against the run this season, having allowed just 4.2 yards per carry to their opponents heading into Week 9. However, they let up the most receptions to opposing running backs (51) and the third-most receiving yards out of the backfield (400).
From RotoBaller