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Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 11

Player Notes
Justice Hill Nov 17 11:10am ET
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill has struggled to produce over the last few weeks. The 27-year-old had a couple big fantasy performances, but has mostly been quiet this season. Hill has been barely involved in the rushing game, so his best chance to do damage is in the receiving game. Fellow back Keaton Mitchell figures to be in the mix for the Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's hard to imagine Hill having a significant role in the offense with Derrick Henry healthy. Hill is still worth stashing in certain formats, but won't be a starting option for Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 17 11:00am ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Pacheco continues to work his way back from a broken leg he suffered in Week 2. He was limited in practice this week, so it sounds like he's trending in the right direction. The expectation is that Pacheco will return in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers. This would give the young back a plus matchup for his first game back on the field. It's uncertain if the team plans to put him on a snap count if he plays next week. Until then, Kareem Hunt will continue being the lead back in KC for at least one more week.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Nov 17 10:40am ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has taken a value hit after his hot start to the season given the current state of the offense without quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring). Aubrey's chances to score points are limited with the offense's recent struggles, and that should not change ahead of Monday night's matchup with the Houston Texans. He drilled two field goals last week against Philadelphia, scoring the Cowboys' only points in the game. Look elsewhere for a kicker in Week 11 given Aubrey's low ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Nov 17 10:40am ET
Nico Collins

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been one of the worst units in the league this season, even after getting linebacker Micah Parsons back last week. They surrendered 34 points to Philadelphia last week and are averaging 34.5 points given up per game in the previous four games. They play Houston on Monday night in what is a perfect get-right game for an offense that is getting healthy with receiver Nico Collins expected to return to action. Even after stuffing the stat sheet with five sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception last week, the Dallas defense should be avoided until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd Nov 17 10:40am ET
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (back) appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Boyd was a late addition to the injury report as he was added on Saturday due to a back issue. It sounds like the organization is hopeful that Boyd can play, but he hasn't done much on the field lately anyway. Boyd hasn't drawn a target since Week 8 and is barely on the fantasy radar for Week 11. If he sits, Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would see more involvement in the offense on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Rush Nov 17 10:30am ET
Cooper Rush

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush is entrenched as the starter for another week heading into Monday night's matchup with the Houston Texans. It is a mid-range matchup, as Houston ranks 19th against opposing quarterbacks, but Rush grades as a QB3 given how inefficient he has been this season and the potential of Trey Lance replacing him at any given moment. Rush was a full participant in practice all week with a neck injury. It is also worth noting that CeeDee Lamb (back) popped up on Saturday's injury report. While Mike McCarthy noted that Lamb's injury should not impact his game status, he still has a questionable tag which further downgrades Rush's outlook for Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Nov 17 10:30am ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has been a non-factor from a fantasy standpoint in 2024, and that should not change ahead of Monday night's matchup with the Houston Texans. Head coach Mike McCarthy stated earlier this week that the backfield is no longer a committee with Rico Dowdle operating as the main back. This should result in even less touches for Elliott, who was already averaging just 7.6 touches per game. In an inefficient Dallas offense, Elliott is not a fantasy option this week.

From RotoBaller

Doug Pederson Nov 17 10:30am ET
Doug Pederson

Head coach Doug Pederson appears to be on the hotseat after a horrendous start to the season. The Jaguars are 2-8 heading into a tough matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 11. It sounds like another loss on Sunday could mean Pederson is let go from his coaching duties. The Jaguars have a bye week after playing the Lions, so in theory that would be the best time to make a change if they were going to do it mid-season. Nothing seems to be going right in Jacksonville and they're a double digit underdog for Sunday's game against the Lions. To be fair, Mac Jones is under center for Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), but the team has played poorly no matter who is under center.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Mingo Nov 17 10:30am ET
Jonathan Mingo

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is set to make his debut on Monday night against the Houston Texans. The second-year receiver was acquired from Carolina at the trade deadline. With CeeDee Lamb (back) listed as questionable, Mingo could see a larger role than he would typically have this week. Houston's defense is susceptible to receivers, although with the uncanny situation in Dallas there are not many intriguing options from a fantasy standpoint. Mingo should not be on the fantasy radar, although his usage on Monday night should be monitored.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Nov 17 10:20am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (illness) was uncertain coming into this game, but appears ready to go after getting in a full practice session on Friday. Fantasy managers might be hesitant to start Ferguson during this Week 11 matchup against the Houston Texans. The entire Cowboys offense has taken a hit with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) being done for the season. Last week, Ferguson hauled in four of his five targets for 24 yards in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Cooper Rush hasn't looked good under center, so Ferguson shouldn't be considered anything more than a TE2.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Nov 17 10:10am ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw a season-high six targets during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Sadly, Austin was only able to haul in two of those six targets for 20 yards. It was nice to see Austin getting more targets in the offense, but that might not remain the case for long. Newly acquired wideout Mike Williams figures to have a bigger role in Week 11 after making his team debut last week. Austin has struggled throughout most of the season, so fantasy managers shouldn't take the risk and keep him on the bench until he gives reason to start him.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Nov 17 10:03am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) is facing an uphill battle to play in Week 11's game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. If he is held out of action this afternoon, Eric Saubert would likely be San Francisco's starting tight end but he would not be a recommended fantasy option in any format.

From TheHuddle

Jason Sanders Nov 17 9:50am ET
Jason Sanders

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is coming off his best performance of the season. Last week, Sanders knocked down all three field goal attempts, including a 50-yard kick in the win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also connected on both extra point attempts in what was a busy day for the veteran kicker. Sanders will once again have a plus matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. The Dolphins should have little issues moving the ball against the Raiders defense which should give Sanders plenty of chances. Fantasy managers in need of a kicker should take a look at Sanders this weekend.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Nov 17 9:50am ET
John Metchie III

Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III put together his best game of his career during last week's loss over the Detroit Lions. Metchie hauled in five of his six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in the three-point loss. The 23-year-old recorded a career-high in both receptions and receiving yards during this game. However, Metchie is likely to see a smaller role in the offense with Nico Collins (hamstring) returning for Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The return of Collins means that Metchie will fall to third in the pecking order. Metchie was barely involved all season until last week, so fantasy managers shouldn't count on another strong performance in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Nov 17 9:43am ET
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (personal, neck) is expected to travel to Los Angeles in order to play in Week 11's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to head coach Zac Taylor. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report because of a neck issue and a personal matter.

From TheHuddle

Davante Adams Nov 17 9:43am ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets WR Davante Adams (illness, wrist) is expected to play in Week 11's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Fantasy Spin: Adams had been listed as questionable on the injury report after missing two practice sessions during the week, although he was a full practice participant Friday, Nov. 15. He has been targeted 24 times over the last two games and should see a decent workload again this afternoon. Adams can be a starting option in all fantasy formats.

From TheHuddle

Jalen Tolbert Nov 17 9:40am ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert has been quiet on the field over the last few weeks. The loss of quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) has downgraded this entire offensive unit. Last week, Tolbert hauled in three of his five targets for 14 yards in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It's worth noting that Tolbert has seen five or more targets in four of his last five games. His involvement in the offense should remain steady especially with CeeDee Lamb (back) banged up heading into Monday's game against the Houston Texans. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from Tolbert with Cooper Rush under center for Dallas. Tolbert should be viewed as a low-end flex option for Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Eric Saubert Nov 17 8:40am ET
Eric Saubert

San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Saubert is on the fantasy radar for Week 11 after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that George Kittle (hamstring) is expected to be inactive Sunday. Kittle has only missed one other game this season, but in that contest, Saubert played 86 percent of the offensive snaps and caught two passes for 41 yards. While his production wasn't otherworldly, he clearly earned additional looks on offense, and that should remain true this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Saubert finds himself ranking as a low-end TE2 at best.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 17 8:30am ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) was a full participant in practice Friday and is expected to play versus the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Adams has 38 catches, 415 yards, and two touchdowns this year. This week, he ranks as a high-end fantasy WR2 tier against Indy.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Nov 17 8:30am ET
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (personal, neck) has traveled to Los Angeles and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old had been listed as questionable but is now trending in the right direction after the Bengals summoned him to travel separately and join them out west. Hendrickson has 28 tackles and 11 sacks so far this year, putting him near the must-start range in IDP formats.

From RotoBaller