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.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) is expected to play in Sunday's divisional showdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. However, linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) will not be available and is considered week-to-week after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. Herbig has missed the last four games after injuring his hamstring in the Week 5 win over the Dallas Cowboys but should return this weekend to help replace Highsmith, who could very well miss multiple weeks with what looked like a serious ankle injury. The 22-year-old Herbig was looking good in the first five games in just his second NFL season before his injury, recording 2.5 sacks, eight tackles (six solo) and a forced fumble.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs designated defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee) to return to practice this week, according to a source, which means he could be activated from Injured Reserve and make his 2024 season debut in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills after tearing his ACL in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens last year. The Chiefs will have 21 days to officially activate Omenihu, otherwise he will not be able to play the rest of the season. The 27-year-old pass-rusher picked up seven sacks in 11 games in his first year with the Chiefs in 2023 and would give KC another pass-rushing option alongside Chris Jones, George Karlaftis and the recently acquired Joshua Uche. Whether Omenihu is able to return this weekend against Buffalo will likely depend on how much he does in practices from Wednesday through Friday.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers officially activated wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) from Injured Reserve on Tuesday at the end of his 21-day practice window. Thielen has missed the team's last seven games after injuring his right hamstring while scoring a touchdown in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders back in Week 3. The Panthers are on their bye in Week 11, so we won't see Thielen back in game action until Week 12 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The 34-year-old should be heavily involved in Carolina's passing attack when he returns, especially with Diontae Johnson now in Pittsburgh. Before his injury in Week 3, the two-time Pro Bowler caught eight of his 12 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown in his three games. played. Thielen is worth a waiver-wire pickup if he's available in your league for receiver depth with just three weeks until the fantasy playoffs start in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ankle) is dealing with an ankle issue but should be good to play in the Week 11 divisional showdown against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if Harris is held out of a practice or two or is limited all week, but all signs point to him being available as Pittsburgh's lead back this weekend. The 26-year-old apparently picked up the ankle injury in the one-point win over the Washington Commanders in Week 10, where he had a season-high 21 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown. If his ankle is still bothering him on Sunday, Jaylen Warren could see a bigger workload as the change-of-pace back. Harris has averaged a career-high-tying 4.1 yards per carry and is averaging 11.8 half-PPR points per game in 2024, which ranks 28th among all RBs through 10 weeks.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 12 times for 37 yards and caught all five of his targets for 15 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was disappointing from his two best performances of the season in Weeks 8 and 9. The Rams' defensive line was constantly in the backfield and allowed little to no room to run. The run blocking could be a concern as the Miami offensive line is dealing with a multitude of injuries. The latest was tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR before the game. One positive was that he out-touched all other Miami running backs 17 to 7. It looks as though Raheem Mostert's fumbling troubles are starting to affect his snaps and touches. Achane will look to return to RB1 form next week at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Kansas City Chiefs are designating running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday, opening his 21-day window to officially activate him from IR. Pacheco fractured his right fibula on Sept. 15 and has been on IR ever since, but he's eligible to return whenever the Chiefs feel he's ready. While the 25-year-old can now return to practice, the Chiefs aren't going to rush him and he's unlikely to return for the Week 11 game this Sunday on the road against the Buffalo Bills. In a best-case scenario, the Chiefs are hoping to get Pacheco back toward the end of November, so they could use his entire 21-day practice window before activating him. Pacheco will be a must-start RB1 in fantasy when he returns, but until then, Kareem Hunt will continue to serve as the Chiefs' lead back. Hunt has been money with Pacheco out, averaging 15.6 half-PPR fantasy points in his six games.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears fired offensive coordinator Shale Waldron on Tuesday after just nine games into his first season with the team, according to sources. Passing-game coordinator Thomas Brown is expected to take over as the team's interim offensive coordinator. The move comes following three straight losses with mounting concerns on offense. The Bears have scored a combined 27 points in the last three games and they have not scored a touchdown in 23 possessions. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams threw for 120 yards and was sacked nine times -- an NFL-high for any game this season -- in the 19-3 loss to the Patriots in Week 10. Chicago has also allowed six or more sacks in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 1993. Williams has been sacked 38 times, the most for a rookie in his first 10 weeks since David Carr was sacked 49 times in 2002.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former All-Pro wide receiver/kick returner Jamal Agnew to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to a source. Agnew had a tryout for the Steelers on Monday, and apparently they liked what they saw and added him as depth for the receiving corps and return group on special teams. The 29-year-old Agnew suffered a season-ending leg injury last year while playing in his third season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and finished with 14 catches on 21 targets for 225 yards and a touchdown in 11 games (one start). He also returned 14 punts for 144 yards and 15 kickoffs for 391 total yards. Agnew was a Pro Bowler for Jacksonville in 2023 and is expected to compete for return duties on special teams in Pittsburgh. He can remain on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues, though.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Jamal Agnew (Jaguars) is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad Tuesday, Nov. 12.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) is scheduled to have season-ending surgery on his injured hamstring on Wednesday, according to owner Jerry Jones. Even if Prescott didn't have surgery, it was unlikely that he was going to be able to make it back this season after suffering an avulsion hamstring tear in the Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. For now, the Cowboys will move forward with Cooper Rush under center, but if he continues to play as bad as he did in the Week 10 blowout loss to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, third-stringer Trey Lance could make some starts down the stretch as well. Prescott will now rest and rehab in hopes of returning for the 2025 season. The 31-year-old three-time Pro Bowler finishes his 2024 season with 1,978 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 286 pass attempts in eight games.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) will undergo surgery Wednesday, Nov. 13, on the partial avulsion of his hamstring, and he will miss the rest of the season.
Fantasy Spin: Cooper Rush or Trey Lance could take over, but neither provides as much upside as a healthy Prescott. Lance could get the nod so the team can see what they have in the former No. 2 overall pick. Both are QB2s in fantasy.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) caught three of four targets for 16 yards and one touchdown in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He added two carries for 11 yards. Since training camp, the 30-year-old has been dealing with a torn ligament in his wrist but has been playing through it, as reported by ESPN's Lisa Salters. It was not a great performance in terms of receptions and yards, but Jaylen Waddle led the team with only three catches for 57 yards. The emphasis for Miami in recent weeks has been to run the football, and the wide receivers have been asked to help with run blocking considerably more. The one-yard touchdown in the third quarter helped Miami extend to a two-score lead. The Rams young front seven was in the backfield all night, making it difficult for the Dolphins offense to develop plays down the field. Hill will look to have a better game in Week 11 when he and the Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert caught two of three targets for 34 yards but did not log a rushing attempt in Monday's 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. His best play came on a 3rd and 19 when Mostert caught a short pass and ran it for 25 yards to move the chains. One can only assume his carries are starting to take a hit due to his recent fumble troubles. Miami has little room for error due to their (3-6) record, and head coach Mike McDaniels has made it clear he's not afraid to make changes. The offense could only muster 67 rushing yards as the offensive line struggled in run blocking for most of the night. That could be a trend with the amount of injuries the Miami offensive line is dealing with. Mostert will look to bounce back against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught three of four targets for 45 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He finished second on the team in yards and tied for the lead in receptions with Jaylen Waddle. Smith has now recorded at least 45 receiving yards in three of his last four contests. His best play of the night came on a 33-yard reception where he broke multiple tackles and set the Dolphins offense up at the one-yard line, which resulted in a one-yard Tyreek Hill touchdown. None of the Miami pass catchers have had any spectacular games lately, but seeing the 29-year-old continue to receive a solid target share is encouraging. Next week presents a great matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, who struggle mightily against tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown in their 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble. After an impressive five-play 70-yard first drive, the Dolphin's offense struggled for most of the game. The young Rams defensive line constantly pressured Tagovailoa and sacked him three times. Two of the sacks were due to him holding the ball too long instead of throwing it away. This was not a good showing for the offensive line, and with the news of tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR, it doesn't look to get any better. Tagovailoa and the Miami offense will look to get back on track in Week 11 when they host the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught three of six targets for 57 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He held the team lead in targets, receptions, and yards. Waddle continues to struggle to get on the same page as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The offense struggled overall to get anything going after their first drive ended in a touchdown. He had yet another drop in this game on a crucial third-down play that would've easily moved the chains. Nonetheless, the Dolphins got a much-needed win to climb back into the AFC playoff picture. It will be hard to trust Waddle down the stretch into the playoffs, with Miami throwing the ball much less than in previous years. He will look to bounce back in Week 11 when he returns to Miami to take on the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is close to returning to the practice field, along with two others. 'They're all close. JuJu closer than the other two. I'd tell you, we might have them out there (at practice),' head coach Andy Reid said Monday, Nov. 11.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster is close to returning, but he now finds DeAndre Hopkins at the top of the depth chart since he was last on the field. He might be able to return as soon as Week 11, but he is likely to be behind Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt for targets, limiting his fantasy appeal severely.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (shoulder) started in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but he did not record any receptions or targets.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd has been a fantasy staple for years, but he has gone without any offensive stats or targets in the past two games even after the team traded DeAndre Hopkins away. He no longer can be trusted outside of the deepest fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams WR Demarcus Robinson posted a lone 23-yard reception on four targets in Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins.
Fantasy Spin: With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both back healthy, Robinson is back as the third receiver, and his fantasy value will be rather limited. In fantasy leagues of 12 or fewer teams, he should remain rostered, but only as a reserve.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen converted six targets into five catches for 34 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has taken on a larger role lately, playing 55 percent of snaps last week. That rate jumped to 87 percent this week. While it's too early to run to the waiver wire and spill FAAB on Allen, he's a name worth monitoring as bye weeks and injuries continue to hit the tight end position.
From RotoBaller