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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Najee Harris Sep 13 11:30pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris dominated touches out of the backfield in Week 1 and should be primed for another heavy workload against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Broncos surrendered the third-most fantasy points to running backs in 2023 and the fourth-most to the position just last week. Because Pittsburgh has very few proven weapons in the passing game, it makes sense for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to lean on the run, especially in this matchup. Jaylen Warren is likely to be given more opportunities as he continues to work his way back from injury, but Harris can be counted on as a volume-based RB2 with some touchdown upside against Denver.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 13 11:10pm ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk is better left on benches for Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Kirk struggled in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, as did the entire offense, producing just one catch for 30 yards. A dud like that will make it hard for fantasy managers to feel good inserting the Jaguars receiver into lineups, even as a flex. Kirk did tie for the team lead in targets with four, but needs to show more efficiency with his opportunities to be considered a reliable fantasy asset. It's too early to consider dropping the 27-year-old, as the Jaguars wide receiver room has no clear top option, but more underwhelming performances could leave fantasy managers with no choice. A good game against the Browns could boost Kirk back to being the top fantasy receiver on the Jaguars, but for now, he is best left out of starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 13 11:00pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is an okay flex play in Week 2 given his big play ability. However, the Cleveland Browns are a tough matchup for passing offenses going back to last year and held Dak Prescott to just 179 passing yards in Week 1. BTJ put up four catches, 47 yards, and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins last week, making the most of his four targets. That tied for the team lead with Evan Engram and Christian Kirk, but all three trailed Gabe Davis in receiving yards, who had 62. Trevor Lawrence only managed 162 passing yards in Week 1, meaning there is plenty of room for improvement for the offense as a whole. The rookie receiver seems like the top fantasy receiver for the Jaguars for now, but that could easily change after this week. Fantasy managers who are looking for upside are fine to put BTJ in their flex spot, but don't be surprised if he struggles given the tough matchup and the natural volatility of rookie receivers.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 13 11:00pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is set to make a second consecutive start in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Fields was not asked to do much in last week's season opener but looked solid, completing nearly 74% of his passes. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finished as the QB7 in Week 1 against the Broncos, who were decimated by Fields in 2023. The former Bear posted arguably the best passing performance of his NFL career when he faced Denver last season, throwing for 335 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. That said, Sunday's contest is projected to be incredibly low-scoring, so fantasy managers would be wise to temper their expectations for Fields and Pittsburgh's offense. Although his rushing ability puts him on the map as a streaming candidate in any format, Fields should be considered a high-end QB2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Sep 13 10:30pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Friday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has begun working out again. It's excellent news for the rookie -- who traveled with the team to Minnesota -- as he can now shift his focus to returning to the field for his NFL debut. "He started working out again," said Shanahan. "I think it was a weight room workout yesterday. He's back to conditioning, getting back into football shape, and getting back to healthy." Pearsall is just 13 days removed from narrowly escaping with his life after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. The bullet exited his back, near his armpit -- miraculously missing bones and vital organs alike. The former first-round pick will presumably need time to get back up to speed, considering that he saw no preseason action due to a shoulder subluxation that has nagged him since the spring. San Francisco will square off against the Vikings this Sunday in their first road matchup of the season.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein was quiet in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, attempting just one extra point in the Monday night game. He will look to get it going in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense was generous to fantasy kickers in 2023, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position. That trend continued in Week 1 this season as they gave up three field goals to Cairo Santos, including a 50-yarder. Thanks to his plus matchup, Zuerlein can be trusted as a top-10 fantasy kicker against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin surprisingly out-touched Javonte Williams 15 to nine in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but his 15 touches (10 carries, five receptions), only led to 28 total yards in a day where the Denver offense was stuck in the mud under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in his first career start. McLaughlin also played only 35% of the offensive snaps. The Broncos could look to stick with the running game longer in a Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would favor both McLaughlin and Williams, but it sets up as another difficult day for the Broncos' offense after the Steelers D shut down the Falcons in Week 1. While McLaughlin isn't a recommended fantasy starter this weekend, his touch total in the season opener bodes well for his continued involvement in what looked more like a committee to begin the year.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Will Levis

The New York Jets defense struggled to slow down the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 1 loss, coughing up 32 points while notching three sacks. They should play better in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee turned the ball over three times while allowing Will Levis to get sacked three times in a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Jets have talented players throughout their defense and should have a productive fantasy day against Tennessee in Week 2. Treat them as a top-10 option on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker hasn't put up the big fantasy numbers that managers have grown accustomed to in recent seasons. Especially when it comes to 50-yard field goals, Tucker has missed five of his last six dating back to the 2023 season. The Ravens offense should be able to move the ball against the Raiders and Tucker returns to home field where he's made 88.8% of his field goals throughout his career. He should see plenty of opportunities for both field goals and extra points in this contest. The worry about Tucker falling from fantasy grace shouldn't kick in unless he strings together multiple bust weeks in a row. So, for now, managers can consider him a mid-to-high-level kicking option in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had a pretty lackluster showing in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, playing just over half the offensive snaps while carrying the ball eight times for 23 yards (2.9 yards per carry) and catching one of his two targets for no gain. Williams was out-touched by backup Jaleel McLaughlin 15-9, which was perhaps most concerning, on a day in which the Broncos couldn't really get anything going on offense in a hostile environment with rookie quarterback Bo Nix making his NFL debut. McLaughlin really did nothing to stand out, either, and Williams should be Denver's primary back heading into Week 2 against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old Williams faces a below-average matchup and should be considered a low-upside RB3/flex in another tough matchup in which Denver's offense could struggle to move the ball consistently.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard turned in one of the more unexpected fantasy outings in Week 1, catching six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Lazard will look for an encore performance in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans on the road. The Titans represent a plus matchup for Lazard as they allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2023. It is unclear whether Lazard will remain a major piece of the Jets passing offense moving forward but he was a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers a few years back when both played for the Green Bay Packers. That puts Lazard on the map as a solid flex option heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Roquan Smith Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Roquan Smith

The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams went from taking on one of the best offenses in the league to one in the lower half. Against Patrick Mahomes and company, they produced two sacks and an interception while giving up 353 total yards (only 72 on the ground). The Las Vegas Raiders could only muster 10 points against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Ravens' pass-rush gets a matchup with Gardner Minshew II. Combine that with a knack for creating turnovers with two of the best at their respective positions in Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, and you get a recipe for a big defensive outing. The Ravens should be a top-10 option in Week 2, especially at home.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin was quiet in Week 1, catching just one of two targets for six yards in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Conklin will look to carve out a larger role in the offense in Week 2's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough on tight ends in 2023, allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin will need to post a big game for the Jets before fantasy managers can feel confident with him in their starting lineups. Treat him as a low-end TE2 in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Weaver Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Xavier Weaver

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) is officially questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The undrafted rookie wideout is still looking to make his NFL debut, and he has a chance to do so this week after logging three straight limited practice sessions. Weaver performed well in Arizona's preseason finale, reeling in 2-of-4 targets for 56 yards. He also handled two punt and kickoff returns for an additional 81 yards. The Colorado product projects to have difficulty finding consistent playing time in the starting WR rotation behind Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch -- even when healthy. However, he is someone to monitor regarding his usage on kick returns. If Weaver can gain consistency there, he could be helpful for fantasy managers. Otherwise, he can be safely avoided sans deep dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 167 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran signal-caller will look for more in a Week 2 road showdown against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense allowed the 19th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and held Caleb Williams to 93 passing yards without a touchdown in Week 1 this year. That being said, the Titans defense should be a bit more forgiving opponent than the 49ers were, making Rodgers a reasonable fantasy option as a QB2.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall turned in a big performance in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, running for 54 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches for 39 yards. He will look to find the end zone again in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough against the run in 2023 and held D'Andre Swift to 30 yards on 10 carries in Week 1 but Hall's extensive usage in the passing game makes him a safe fantasy play even in tough matchups. Fantasy gamers can confidently start Hall as a top-three fantasy running back in fantasy heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran wide receiver will look to keep it going in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee struggled to slow fantasy receivers in 2023, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Wilson paced the Jets in targets in Week 1 and should continue to operate as Aaron Rodgers' first read moving forward. That puts Wilson on the map as a top-10 fantasy receiver heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made a 51-yard field goal, his lone attempt, in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Hopkins will now head on the road to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Jacksonville gave up three field-goal attempts to Jason Sanders when they faced the Miami Dolphins back in the season opener. The Cleveland offense didn't show much to evoke optimism in Week 1, so Hopkins might not hear his number called much this weekend if the struggles continue. That leaves him as a low-end fantasy kicker heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely became the waiver addition of the week after a huge performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. While Mark Andrews helped with the lack of blocking from the offensive line, Likely was finding plenty of separation to the tune of a 100-yard game. Now, the Ravens have a committee at tight end with both of them playing a bigger part in the passing game than a lot of wide receivers. If Andrews has to help out blocking again, Likely could be in line for another big game. The Raiders tight end coverage isn't the best, but they do have Maxx Crosby to worry about. The ultimate decider between Likely and Andrews comes down to the game script, but Likely should be a high-end TE2 even if he doesn't garner 30% of the target share as he did in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

The Cleveland Browns defense turned in a rough showing in Week 1's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing 33 points while notching three sacks. They will look to tighten it up in a Week 2 road matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lawrence got sacked three times in Week 1's loss to the Miami Dolphins, but Cleveland could be without star pass rusher Myles Garrett (foot) who missed practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday. A Garrett absence would be a big hole for the Browns to fill this weekend. If Garrett ends up playing, Cleveland's defense can be trusted as a fringe top-12 unit in Week 2.

From RotoBaller