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.
TFC Champion is Crowned
Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said on Wednesday that he expects Justin Tucker to be a great kicker for the team moving forward into the 2025 season. Tucker had the worst season of his career in 2024, but DeCosta mentioned that he finished the year strong. The 35-year-old finished the year going 22-for-30 on his field-goal attempts and 60-for-62 on his extra points in 17 regular-season games. He made just 73.3% of his field goals, with his previous low in conversion rate coming in at 82%. The seven-time Pro Bowler particularly struggled from deep, where he had been so money before, making just six of his 11 tries from 50-plus yards. While Tucker's leg might not be as strong as it was earlier in his elite career, he can still be a fantasy asset in 2025 in a strong Baltimore offense -- he just shouldn't be the first kicker off the board anymore.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Chargers nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack will return to play in 2025, according to a source. Mack said after the wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans that he needed time to decide on his future, but he has chosen to come back for at least one more season. However, the 33-year-old's contract with the Chargers is up and he will be an unrestricted free agent this March. Now that we know Mack wants to keep playing, the Bolts will probably do everything in their power to re-sign Mack, who had a down year in 2024 after posting a career-high 17 sacks in his second year in L.A. in 2023. The three-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year finished his third year with the Chargers with only six sacks in 16 regular-season starts. Wherever Mack lands in free agency, he could be more of a situational pass-rusher in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent tight end Cameron Latu to a Reserve/Futures deal on Tuesday and released wide receiver Elijah Cooks from their practice squad in a corresponding move. Latu was with the San Francisco 49ers during training camp but was cut before the start of the regular season. The 24-year-old then latched on with the Cleveland Browns and spent time on their practice squad in 2024, although he did not play in any games. He has never appeared in an NFL game and will merely be looking to stick around on Philly's active 53-man roster after training camp this summer. Latu was originally taken by the 49ers in the third round (101st overall) of the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end James Mitchell and outside linebacker Boogie Basham to Reserve/Futures deals. Mitchell was a former fifth-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. He was with the Lions on their practice squad in 2024 and will now try to make Carolina's active 53-man roster for the 2025 season. In 30 games over three seasons in the NFL, he has only recorded 13 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown in Detroit. Basham, meanwhile, was a second-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 out of Wake Forest. He'll reunite with general manager Dan Morgan, who was in Buffalo's front office when he was drafted. In 40 games over his four years in the NFL, Basham has 4.5 sacks. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday that they signed wide receivers David Sills, Phillip Dorsett II, Dylan Drummond, Jesse Matthews and Makai Polk, defensive tackles Junior Aho and LaCale London, offensive lineman Matthew Cindric, running back Elijah Dotson, offensive guards Joey Fisher and Jovaughn Gwyn, defensive backs Lamar Jackson and Benny Sapp III, quarterback Emory Jones, defensive end Khalid Kareem and offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to Reserve/Futures deals. Thirteen of the 16 players were on the Falcons' practice squad at some point in 2024, with Gwyn, Jackson and Kareem seeing time on the active roster. Sills was with the Denver Broncos this year and was elevated to the active roster in Week 17, although he didn't see any action. He has 13 career catches for 123 yards in 16 games (seven starts) since debuting in 2021.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham has signed a reserve/future deal to stay with the organization in 2025. Cunningham spent the entire 2024 campaign on the practice squad, but he'll get a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp. The Louisville product started his pro career as a quarterback, but has transitioned to a wideout with the Ravens. He played briefly with the New England Patriots before joining the Ravens roster. There is plenty of untapped potential here due to Cunningham's speed and the fact he played quarterback in college. Hopefully, the Ravens find a way to get him involved in their 2025 gameplan. In addition to Cunningham, the Ravens signed quarterback Devin Leary, receiver Dayton Wade, tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, offensive linemen Corey Bullock and Darrian Dalcourt, defensive linemen Adedayo Odeleye, Basil Okoye and C.J. Ravenell and linebacker William Kwenkeu.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have signed wide receiver Ronnie Bell to a reserve/future deal on Tuesday. Bell was waived by the San Francisco 49ers in late November, but he was quickly signed back to the practice squad. The 24-year-old finished the season with two reception for 22 yards in nine games with the 49ers. The former seventh-round pick failed to do much in his two seasons in San Francisco. He'll look to catch on as a depth option with the Lions next season.
From RotoBaller
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Daniel Jones could return to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2025 season. While Lewis noted that Jones is expected to test free agency, he could be a part of Minnesota's plans if Sam Darnold were to depart. This would present an opportunity for Jones to operate as the No.2 option behind J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season after he tore his meniscus during the preseason. Jones opened the 2024 campaign with the New York Giants but was released after Week 10. During this ten-game stint, Jones scored ten touchdowns, threw seven interceptions, and averaged a mere 207.5 passing yards per game. The 27-year-old operated as the No.3 QB while with the Minnesota Vikings. Given his struggles this season, Jones will likely operate as a backup throughout most of the 2025 campaign.
From RotoBaller
According to Colton Pouncy and Amos Morale III of The Athletic, Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis could depart in free agency. Pouncy and Morale also mentioned offensive guard Kevin Zeitler as another name who could depart in free agency. With the Lions already losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and also potentially defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the team could look quite different heading into the 2025 campaign. Davis sustained a fractured jaw during Week 15 and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. During the first 13 games of the campaign, the 28-year-old defensive back tallied 56 tackles (42 solos), 11 deflections, and two sacks while operating as a starter in the secondary. If he were to depart, Kindle Vildor would likely have an increased role next season.
From RotoBaller
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, linebacker Lavonte David is considering retirement. Stroud reported that the 34-year-old linebacker will take some time to discuss his future with his family before making a decision. However, given that David played on a one-year deal during the 2024 season, retirement seems likely. During his career, David has been named to three All-Pro teams and one Pro Bowl team. He also won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay during the 2020 NFL Season. The former second-round selection out of Nebraska has tallied 1,601 tackles, 39 sacks, 71 deflections, 13 interceptions, and 31 forced fumbles throughout his 13-year career. This past season, David tallied 130 tackles across 18 contests.
From RotoBaller
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the New England Patriots are hiring Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniels has had two prior tenures with the New England Patriots and will now be tasked to be a critical part of developing their new franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. McDaniels joined the Patriots for the first time in 2001 and eventually parted after the 2008 season to work for the Denver Broncos. He would then have a brief stint with the St. Louis Rams before returning to New England. He operated as the Offensive Coordinator for another ten seasons before becoming the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders for two seasons. During that short tenure, he held a disappointing 9-16 record. Now, he will return to where he spent 18 seasons, hoping to kickstart another dynasty with newly hired head coach Mike Vrabel. During his 18-year period with the Patriots, McDaniels won six Super Bowls. He was the offensive mind behind the record-breaking 2007 New England Patriots that went undefeated during the regular season. This is a positive sign for Drake Maye as he will have an experienced offensive coordinator with him who has had decades of professional winning experience.
From RotoBaller
According to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is considered a favorite for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coach opening, and he could possibly be offered the job as early as Wednesday when he has a second interview with the team. The Jags are looking for a new coach after firing Doug Pederson following a 4-13 record in 2024 in his second year with the team. In addition to Coen, Jacksonville has second interviews planned with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham on Thursday and former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Friday. Stroud writes there's a growing belief it's Coen's job to lose. The 39-year-old impressed the Jaguars in his virtual interview a week ago and is the most equipped to resurrect the career of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Under Coen, Baker Mayfield had a career year with the Bucs in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent DT Junior Aho, OL Matthew Cindric, WR Phillip Dorsett, RB Elijah Dotson, WR Dylan Drummond, OG Joey Fisher, OG Jovaughn Gwyn, DB Lamar X. Jackson, QB Emory Jones, DE Khalid Kareem, DT LaCale London, WR Jesse Matthews, WR Makai Polk, DB Benny Sapp III, WR David Sills and OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. were signed to Reserve/Future contracts by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 18 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old has been plagued by the injury bug through the first three seasons of his NFL career, missing 13 regular-season games since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His potential delayed start to next season comes as no surprise given the timing of the major injury, and the Packers could look to bring in more wide receiver options via free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. It won't be a surprise if Watson starts next season on the PUP list, meaning he'd be forced to sit out at least the first four games.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive consultant Tom Moore is returning to the team for a 49th season as an NFL coach in 2025, according to team reporter Rick Stroud. The 86-year-old has held several coaching positions, including offensive coordinator, wide receivers coach, running backs coach, assistant head coach, and offensive consultant. He is best known for his work with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2010. Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians brought him to Tampa Bay following a stint with the Arizona Cardinals, and new head coach Todd Bowles retained him when he took over the head job in 2022. Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is a potential head-coaching candidate this offseason, but Moore will remain in place and provide some stability for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys are interested in offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for their vacant head-coaching job, according to a person briefed on their opening. Dallas has only interviewed Robert Saleh, Kellen Moore and Leslie Frazier so far after parting ways with Mike McCarthy last week, but they will surely add a long list of candidates to interview. The 51-year-old Schottenheimer has been with Dallas since 2022 and has been their offensive coordinator the last two seasons. In addition to being the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, he has run offenses for the New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks while also serving as a quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts. The Cowboys value continuity for QB Dak Prescott, so Schottenheimer will be a favorite for the position.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Dan Pompei believes that new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson will likely empower quarterback Caleb Williams heading into his second year in the NFL after an up-and-down rookie campaign. Johnson gave QB Jared Goff authority with protection adjustments that not all signal-callers have while serving as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, in addition to eliminating plays that Goff didn't like. Johnson was also a big proponent of going for it on fourth down, so the Bears offense should be much more aggressive under Williams in 2025. It's the main reason why Johnson was Chicago's top pick to be their next head coach. Despite plenty of weapons on offense in 2024, Williams was one of the worst downfield passers in his rookie season and had a 62.5% completion percentage to finish as the QB16 in fantasy. The addition of Johnson will surely make Williams a popular breakout candidate in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, dealt with more injuries in his second NFL season in 2024 and did nothing to solidify himself as the long-term franchise QB in Indy. Richardson regressed as a passer, with his completion percentage dropping more than 11% points from his rookie year. In addition, his interceptions went up and there were questions about his off-field preparation, which led to a two-game benching in the middle of the year. The good news is that Richardson is healthy this offseason after missing the last two games of the year with a back injury, and he's already resumed throwing. His work this offseason with include refining his throws and throwing with more touch. Richardson will also be focusing on overall technique and plans to work with biometric expert Chris Hess. If Richardson can stay healthy and improves his footwork and throwing mechanics, he absolutely has QB1 upside in fantasy.
From RotoBaller