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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Superbowl

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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Player Notes
Kareem Hunt Feb 8 4:30am ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will be the preferred back for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hunt has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to compete at a higher level than Isiah Pacheco. In the team's crucial AFC Championship win over the Buffalo Bills, Hunt rushed 17 times for 64 yards and a touchdown compared to five rushes and 12 yards for Pacheco. The 29-year-old will be leaned on again in the Super Bowl as Kansas City will do their best to manage the clock throughout the contest. Hunt will have to face one of the most formidable defenses in the league this weekend, but he will likely get enough opportunities to make something happen. Hunt's role as the primary back in the red zone makes him an interesting play in DFS and playoff leagues. The Chiefs will need to rely on the run game to prolong drives and Hunt should be the back they turn to.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Feb 8 4:30am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy has blossomed into the top receiver for the team in his rookie season. The Chiefs will rely on Worthy to make plays in his first Super Bowl appearance against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. The 21-year-old caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Worthy received nearly twice as many targets as Travis Kelce in the biggest game of the year to that point. All signs point to the Chiefs relying on Worthy again on Sunday against one of the most formidable defenses in the league. The record-breaking speedster has demonstrated tremendous growth down the stretch and has even hauled in some highlight catches in recent weeks. Worthy is an easy play in both DFS and playoff leagues for the last game of the NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Feb 8 4:30am ET
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl this weekend. Butker will be making his fifth Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, and he performed well in his previous outings. The Chiefs kicker has attempted 10 field goals in the last game of the season and nailed nine. Butker has also made all 10 extra-point attempts in the Super Bowl. Regardless of the pace of play, the Chiefs kicker should make his mark on this contest. The 29-year-old has been a clutch performer in Super Bowls for Kansas City, notably nailing a kick in the final seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. The opportunity to impact the game will be offered to Butker and it will be up to him to deliver. Butker is a good pick in DFS and playoff leagues, especially given his consistency compared to Jake Elliot.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Feb 8 4:30am ET
Saquon Barkley

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has been a solid unit this season, but they will face their toughest test this weekend. The Chiefs defense must slow down the vaunted Philadelphia Eagles offense to win their third straight Super Bowl. One obstacle between Kansas City and history is the newly crowned Offensive Player of the Year, Saquon Barkley. Barkley just put up one of the most impressive offensive seasons in NFL history and has been nearly unstoppable all year. If the Chiefs hope to win, they must find a way to cap Barkley's production out of the backfield. Even if Kansas City can hinder Barkley's production, they must contend with one of the best wide receiver duos in the league and a top quarterback at the helm. It will be no small feat to slow down Philadelphia, but the Chiefs have the players and coaching staff to pull it off. Trusting the Chiefs defense in DFS and playoff leagues could be advisable given how well they perform in the biggest moments.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Feb 8 4:20am ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was listed on the injury report with an ankle injury, but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation heading into the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mahomes is looking to make history as a win on Sunday would make him the only quarterback in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. The 29-year-old already has an accolade-filled resume, but another Super Bowl win at this stage of his career could solidify him as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. Mahomes certainly has enough incentive to pull out a win, but he has a wide range of outcomes regarding his production. Kansas City plays a style of football conducive to winning, but their methods don't always translate to ceiling performances. The Chiefs could win because of strong defensive performances and lengthy offensive drives. The pursuit of history is more than enough reason to believe that Mahomes will do everything in his power to win. The path will not be easy since the Eagles had arguably the best defense in the league during the regular season. That said, Mahomes has the experience and ability to overcome difficult situations. Mahomes should be considered a safe pick for DFS and playoff leagues, but he does have a lower floor than in years past.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Feb 8 4:20am ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will have multiple incentives to perform in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. By his standards, the 35-year-old had a down regular season but has turned it on in the playoffs as the team attempts to complete the first three-peat in NFL history. Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans, before nearly disappearing against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills defense held Kelce to just two catches for 19 yards in the AFC Championship game, but there is still reason to be optimistic. The veteran tight end sits two touchdowns behind Jerry Rice for the most playoff receiving touchdowns in NFL history. The Eagles defense was one of the best units in the league during the regular season, so it could be tough sledding for Kelce. Kelce's floor is low, as shown by his performance against the Bills, but his ceiling could be the highest of any player in this game. Kelce is not a sure thing in DFS or playoff leagues, but relying on him could pay off in a big way.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Feb 7 10:20pm ET
Jordan Addison

Per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders have signed former Chicago Bears interim offensive coordinator Chris Beatty as their wide receivers coach. Beatty spent just one season with Chicago, initially hired as the team's wide receiver coach before garnering the title of interim offensive coordinator upon the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus. He spent the previous three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers in the same position. While the Kansas native bolsters just four years of NFL experience, he's worn many hats during his time at the collegiate level and most notably led Landstown High School in Virginia Beach to a 40-2 record from 2003-05. This included three-straight state championship appearances and a 14-0 2004 season in which they won it all. Additionally, Beatty is known for his work with former NFL wideout Percy Harvin and current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison.

From RotoBaller

Pete Carroll Feb 7 10:00pm ET
Pete Carroll

Per Coral Smith of NFL.com, Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is elated to work under recently acquired head coach Pete Carroll. "I've got great respect from when I coached against him my first year in the Pac-10," said Kelly. "I think... if you get a chance to work with Pete Carroll, you're pretty excited about it." The 61-year-old spent four seasons as a head coach in the NFL after making a name for himself as the orchestrator of Oregon's fast-paced offensive attack. However, three seasons with Philadelphia and a 2-14 stint in San Francisco during the 2016 campaign spelled a temporary end to his NFL coaching career. Kelly would take a year off before becoming the head coach of the UCLA Bruins for six seasons and, most recently, led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship as their offensive coordinator. He'll now team up with Carroll in an attempt to turn around a Raiders franchise with one winning season since 2017.

From RotoBaller

Arik Armstead Feb 7 9:40pm ET
Arik Armstead

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead was presented with the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award at Thursday night's 2025 NFL Honors. Regarded as the highest honor in the league, the NFL Man of the Year award recognizes an athlete for his distinction on the field and exemplary community service off it. This was Armstead's fifth nomination for the award and first with the Jaguars. Additionally, he became the franchise's second recipient of the honor (Calais Campbell, 2019). The 31-year-old hasn't been the same force on the field that he was in years past. However, Thursday's stage provided an excellent platform to shine a light on his cause. He'll be back with the Jags' defensive unit for at least one more season

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Feb 7 9:20pm ET
Robert Saleh

The San Francisco 49ers have hired ex-Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to their defensive staff. He'll reunite with San Francisco's defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, whom he worked with on the Seattle Seahawks (2011-12) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-16). It's a smart hire for San Fran, whose defense ranked seventh in yards allowed per game (317.4) but let up the fourth-most points per contest in the league (25.6). Bradley is a solid addition to aid Saleh in his day-to-day operations and runs the same scheme as the former Jets head coach, leaving a natural contingency plan in case Saleh opts for a head coaching gig in 2026. While his official role with the team has yet to be confirmed, it's reported that head coach Kyle Shanahan attempted to hire Bradley back in 2017, so this has been a long time coming.

From RotoBaller

Zack Baun Feb 7 6:30pm ET
Zack Baun

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (groin) practiced in full all week and was removed from Friday's final injury report for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. Baun was listed on this week's injury report with what apparently was a minor groin injury. It's something to watch in Sunday's big game, but the 28-year-old should be just fine to play his usual amount of snaps in the middle of Philly's top-ranked defense as they look to prevent the Chiefs from becoming the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. Baun, a former third-rounder, was a beast in his first year with the Eagles, being named a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro after recording 151 tackles (93 solo), 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, one pick, five forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season games.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Uzomah Feb 7 6:20pm ET
C.J. Uzomah

Philadelphia Eagles tight end C.J. Uzomah (abdomen) practiced in full all week but is listed as questionable for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Uzomah had his practice window opened last week and has been practicing in full, but it doesn't necessarily mean the Eagles will activate him from Injured Reserve for the Super Bowl this weekend. Even if the 32-year-old veteran tight end is activated on Saturday and is active on Sunday against the Chiefs, he won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar as depth behind both Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. In seven games in his first year in Philly, Uzomah made only three starts and was not targeted at all in the passing game. He really hasn't been fantasy relevant since he had a career-high 493 receiving yards and a career-high five touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Feb 7 6:20pm ET
Britain Covey

Despite practicing in full all week, the Philadelphia Eagles have ruled out wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. Covey will stay on Injured Reserve this weekend and won't help the Eagles in the passing attack or on special teams. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Utah was only active for five games in his second NFL season in 2024 and caught seven of his eight targets for 34 yards and no touchdowns. He also returned six punts on special teams for a total of 46 yards. Covey last suited up for the Eagles in their Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens and was unable to haul in his only target.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Carter Feb 7 6:10pm ET
Jalen Carter

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (illness) put in another full practice on Friday and was removed from the final injury report for Super Bowl LIX this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Carter was feeling under the weather earlier this week and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, and he also missed several of the Super Bowl media sessions. However, the 23-year-old former ninth overall pick out of Georgia appears to be just fine now and will be ready to go for Sunday's big game against KC. It's good news for the Eagles interior defensive line, as Carter has been a key player for the top-ranked Philly defense in his second year in the NFL. He had 4.5 sacks and 25 solo tackles in 16 regular-season games and has added two sacks, three solo tackles, two tackles for loss, five QB hits, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in three playoff games.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Feb 7 5:50pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has gone back on comments that he made after the team's Week 18 loss to the division-rival New York Jets in which he said, "I'm out," and "it was great playing here but at the end of the day, I have to do what's best for my career." "I'm taking full accountability for what I said. I'm gonna come back next year. I wanna stay with the Dolphins," Hill said on NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk during Super Bowl week. General manager Chris Grier said Hill never asked for a trade. The 30-year-old burner was clearly upset in the moment over a disappointing season in which the Dolphins missed the playoffs and he fell shy of 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since 2019. Hill has two years left on his current deal and should be back in South Beach in 2025 as he looks to bounce back after dealing with a nagging wrist injury pretty much all year.

From RotoBaller

Andrew Beck Feb 7 5:50pm ET
Andrew Beck

The New York Jets signed former Houston Texans and Denver Broncos fullback/tight end Andrew Beck to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday, according to a league source. Beck has never been a fantasy asset, and that won't change in 2025 in his first year with the Jets as he looks to open up holes for running back Breece Hall. The 28-year-old appeared in four games with the Green Bay Packers and Texans during the 2024 campaign and didn't see a single rushing attempt while failing to haul in either of his two targets through the air. Beck has only eight carries for six yards and a touchdown in his six years in the NFL and has caught 25 of 38 targets for 214 yards and three touchdowns as a pass-catcher. He was originally an undrafted free agent out of the University of Texas and spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Graham Feb 7 5:00pm ET
Brandon Graham

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (triceps) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Graham has been out since suffering a torn triceps against the Los Angeles Rams in late-November. He was limited in the first two practices of the week, but a full practice session on Friday gives some hope he'll be able to play on Sunday. Before going down, Graham recorded 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 11 games. He figures to play a part-time role if he's active for Sunday's big game.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Feb 7 4:50pm ET
Kenneth Gainwell

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (knee, concussion) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Gainwell was limited to begin the week, but two straight full practice sessions has given Gainwell the all clear for Sunday's big game. Gainwell is the primary backup to running back Saquon Barkley in the Eagles backfield. That being said, Gainwell usually has a minimal role in the backfield, but at least the Eagles have him available if needed for Sunday's game.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Feb 7 4:40pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith missed practice all last week and was limited through three sessions this week. The Eagles are likely just being cautious with Smith because they know he's dealing with a lingering hamstring issue. Smith has been an important piece to this offense with 68 receptions for 833 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns through 13 games. Smith hasn't made a huge splash this postseason, but has finished with four receptions in all three postseason games heading into Sunday's Super Bowl.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Feb 7 4:40pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. As expected, Goedert is ready to go after getting through three straight full practice sessions this week. This is good news for the Eagles offense with wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) still banged up heading into this game. That being said, Goedert might be asked to play a bigger role on offense if Smith is somewhat limited. Goedert is coming off a seven-catch performance for 85 yards during the NFL title game against the Washington Commanders. He figures to play a significant role during the upcoming Super Bowl.

From RotoBaller