Guest of the League
TBL2 Est. 2008
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Best Ball Scout Championship

Wed Apr 17 9:26am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

This Week in the TFC (8-1)

Player Notes
Keon Coleman Aug 4 3:20pm ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has had a promising training camp. More importantly, he continues to build chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen. With that said, Coleman continues to shine, with the Bills posting a video showing the rookie making an impressive catch during Sunday's session. Buffalo took Coleman with the No. 33 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft after amassing 115 catches for 1,506 yards and 19 touchdowns across three collegiate seasons. While the Bills have Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir, among others, fighting for the right to be the No. 1 option for Josh Allen, it appears Coleman is already at the top of the depth chart heading into Week 1.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Aug 4 3:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

According to Philadelphia Eagles receivers coach Aaron Moorehead, wideout DeVonta Smith has been solid during training camp. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him," said Moorehead recently. "His confidence is through the roof and he's continuing just to master his craft. He's getting in that good part of his career that as long as he's doing the things he's doing, he's going to be hard to cover." The 25-year-old inked a three-year, $75 million contract extension this offseason after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and finding the end zone 14 times during that span. While the arrival of Saquon Barkley could jeopardize Smith's volume, there's no reason fantasy managers can't get another 1,000-yard campaign out of him in 2024-25.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Aug 4 2:50pm ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (leg) left practice on Sunday due to injury. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, X-rays on the rookie's lower leg were negative. However, he's not out of the woods just yet, with Rapoport adding an MRI is on the horizon to determine the extent of the injury. The 2024 No. 32 overall pick is coming off a hamstring issue, which kept him from participating in offseason workouts ahead of training camp. While he appeared healthy in a video released shortly after, the latest news from Panthers' practice on Sunday isn't a promising sign regarding his durability. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen will see targets regardless. Yet, players like Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. could see more attention from Bryce Young if Legette is sidelined for an extended period.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Aug 4 2:13pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will start the team's preseason opener on Saturday. Dynasty Analysis: One of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory, Daniels will attempt to stake his claim to the mantle of "franchise savior" starting this week. His last college season was dominant but there are real questions about how his game translates to the next level. At this point, he's a top three 2QB / Superflex rookie and dynasty managers who drafted him are looking forward to his debut.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jayden Daniels Aug 4 12:10pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to play in the team's first preseason game against the New York Jets. This isn't shocking news after Daniels was taken as the No. 2 overall selection in this year's draft. He will get his first taste of NFL action next weekend as the organization is hopeful Daniels is their quarterback of the future. It's worth noting that the Commanders haven't revealed their starter for Week 1. Both Marcus Mariota and Daniels have been given first-team reps in camp. The assumption is Daniels will start the season opener, but we'll wait and see how Daniels looks in the preseason opener.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Aug 4 12:00pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) was back on the practice field this weekend. This is good news after Jacobs missed practice on Thursday due to a minor groin issue. The injury appears to be behind him as Jacobs is back on the practice field. The Packers haven't tipped their hand to which back is going to be the starter heading into Week 1. The assumption is that Jacobs would lead the charge after signing almost a $50 million multi-year deal over the offseason. Possibly, Jacobs and AJ Dillon will split up the workload which would hinder the value of both players. Nonetheless, Jacobs is back on the field so fantasy managers don't have to worry about this injury lingering into the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Aug 4 11:50am ET
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright has impressed the coaching staff early in training camp. Wright has been doing all the right things and is putting himself in good position heading into the season. The fourth-round rookie appears ready to make an impact on the field, but will have to battle for snaps. Both Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane are ahead of Wright on the depth chart. However, head coach Mike McDaniel has shown he's not scared to use his rookies after seeing what Achane did last season. The Dolphins should be able to find a way to get the speedy back involved, but it probably won't be enough snaps to carry every week fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 4 11:30am ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has reportedly been impressing the organization early in training camp. The fifth-round rookie appears to be taking the lead in the competition for the second string job in the backfield. Tracy's ability in the short yardage passing game appears to be giving him the advantage over Eric Gray and Dante Miller. It's worth noting that Tracy spent a majority of his career as a wide receiver in college before switching to running back last season. That being said, Tracy certainly has the skillset to get the job done as a receiver in the backfield. However, it's uncertain how much of a usage Tracy could have behind Devin Singletary. Regardless, Tracy is someone to keep an eye on during training camp and in the preseason.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Aug 4 11:20am ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton could be utilized differently under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. This new system is reportedly going to have a bunch of shifts and motions to bait defenses. It's structured to give playmakers space and create advantages in matchups. Otton praised this scheme and said it allows players to do what they do best. It sounds like this new system gives players some freedom which could be a good thing for the Bucs offense. Otton has 89 receptions for 846 yards and six touchdowns through his first two seasons in Tampa Bay. Possibly, this new scheme will help Otton improve his game and find new ways of getting open and making plays.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Aug 3 10:30pm ET
Joe Burrow

Newly-acquired Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has shown early chemistry in camp with quarterback Joe Burrow. Gesicki, who is 28 years old, has even racked up a few impressive one-hand catches during drills with Burrow. The seasoned tight end will be on his third team in three years after a one-year stint in New England and projects to lead a TE room with veterans Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson and rookies Erick All Jr. and Tanner McLachlan. Gesicki is the TE29 (ADP No. 243) in NFFC drafts. The former Dolphin still has some juice and will play with the best quarterback he's ever had. He'll be a target in best ball formats and can be picked up off the waiver wire in others with a chance to be a sneaky sleeper. In 2021, Gesicki amassed a career-high 73 receptions for 780 yards on 112 targets but has been limited to 61 catches for 606 yards over 34 games in the last two seasons with the Dolphins and Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Aug 3 10:30pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is believed to be "all the way back," as per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. According to Fowler, the Rams' offense evidently "runs through Kupp." The 31-year-old wideout finished 2023 as the fantasy WR24 on a PPG basis after a season where he was never truly healthy, suffering injuries during the regular season and pre-season. However, three years ago, Kupp finished as the overall WR1 on the back of a historic Triple-Crown winning season and then began 2022 at an equally historic pace through nine games before going down with an ankle sprain. Whether Kupp is actually back is yet to be determined, but if his disappointing 2023 is more a product of health than a regression of skill, he could have an excellent bounce-back season. Kupp is the 39th player off the board in NFFC drafts (WR21) and has Puka Nacua to compete with for quarterback Matthew Stafford's targets. It's unclear exactly how those targets will shake out, but a fully healthy Kupp and Nacua are certain to terrorize opposing defenses all season.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Aug 3 10:20pm ET
Geno Smith

After missing several practices, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee, hip) is expected to return to practice early next week. His testing came back clean, not revealing "anything significant," and the Seahawks can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The 33-year-old gives Seattle's offense its best chance of success, which accounts for his loaded wide receiver corps. This is still a situation to monitor, as we've yet to see him return to practice in full, but if Smith is healthy, there is a lot to be excited about with Ryan Grubb's new offensive scheme in Seattle. The 11-year veteran is RotoBaller's QB22 in superflex rankings and is an attractive sleeper target at his ADP (No. 101 on Sleeper). Geno is just two years removed from a 30-touchdown, 4,282-yard season while completing nearly 70% (69.8) of his passes.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Aug 3 10:20pm ET
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. had a hot-and-cold practice on Saturday but showed off his explosive play prowess nonetheless. During the early portion of practice, Jarrett Stidham placed a beautiful ball just out of reach of the fingertips of Mims, who couldn't complete the diving grab. The second-year wideout then caught a ball during Bo Nix's go, but he saved his biggest play of the day for last. In an end-of-game, win-or-go-home hypothetical situation, the Broncos' offense was down to 4th-and-18, and Stidham completed his pass to Mims this time for 23 yards, keeping the drive alive. He also flashed his explosiveness in stints during his rookie season, and Denver's WR room is wide open behind Courtland Sutton. He'll be vying for targets with fellow wideouts Josh Reynolds and rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin. Mims is a late-round choice in fantasy drafts right now at WR72 with an NFFC ADP 185, making him worth a flier in best ball and deep leagues as a big play threat.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Aug 3 10:13pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | The Dolphins and Tyreek Hill have agreed to a restructured contract. Dynasty Analysis: The contract includes $65 million in guarantees, bringing his four-year total in guaranteed money to $106.5 million, tops in history for a wide receiver. This should ensure Hill stays in Miami for at least the next three years and that's music to the ears of any dynasty manager as he posted another great season in 2023 with 119 catches for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hill could easily be the WR1 in any season and is an easy target for any contending dynasty team. This contract locks him in to elite status for the foreseeable future.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Luke Schoonmaker Aug 3 7:00pm ET
Luke Schoonmaker

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (groin) was unable to practice on Saturday. It sounds like the second-year tight end is dealing with a minor groin issue. For now, Schoonmaker is considered as day-to-day. The Cowboys might hold him out of practice for a few days until he's back to full health. The expectation is Schoonmaker will be the No. 2 tight end behind Jake Ferguson this season. He finished with eight receptions for 65 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games last season. There probably won't be a ton of fantasy value for Schoonmaker with Ferguson ahead of him on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Aug 3 7:00pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) is back to participating in practice on Saturday. This comes a day after Jennings was limited to side work due to a minor ankle issue. Luckily, Jennings is back and hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy during Saturday's practice. Jennings figures to compete for the No. 3 wideout role in training camp. He has seen less than 40 targets in two of his first three seasons in the league. However, an increased role to the No. 3 spot could give him more fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Aug 3 6:40pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hamstring) is a little banged up after Saturday's practice session. Head coach Dennis Allen said Shaheed is dealing with hamstring tightness and will be evaluated on Sunday. This is not good news for an already thin wide receiver group in New Orleans. Shaheed figures to have a decently sized role in the offense this upcoming season. He hauled in 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns through 15 games last season. There should be more information on the severity of the injury later in the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Brown Aug 3 6:40pm ET
Anthony Brown

The Carolina Panthers have signed defensive back Anthony Brown on Saturday. The organization has reportedly signed Brown after having the veteran defensive back do a workout for the team this weekend. The 30-year-old has spent a majority of his career as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded three interceptions and 59 tackles in 16 games. He should provide solid depth for the Panthers defense heading into the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Aug 3 6:30pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) has reportedly looked impressive early in camp. The veteran quarterback has gone through nine practices in camp and did a 90-min scrimmage on Saturday. Head coach Robert Saleh said it looks like Rodgers hasn't missed any time. The 40-year-old is less than a year removed from a torn Achilles. Despite that, Rodgers says he was 95 percent healthy heading into training camp. The first chance for Rodgers to get back into game action would be Saturday in the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. It remains to been see if Rodgers is ready for that next step.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Aug 3 3:40pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is still in a competitive battle with Justin Fields for the starting job. While the team waits for Wilson's return, Fields has made a strong impression during practice. This situation could disrupt the Steelers' initial plans, as they acquired Wilson to bring stability and experience to their quarterback position. Coach Mike Tomlin has repeatedly stated that Wilson is in "pole position" to secure the starting role. Despite Wilson's less athletic profile than Fields, he is expected to showcase his superiority and reaffirm his status as the preferred starter once he's back. For fantasy managers, Wilson's potential to win the job could positively impact the Steelers' skill players, as he has a proven track record as a facilitator. With Wilson at the helm, expect a significant boost for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who would likely see increased rushing attempts and dump-off opportunities. Wilson's presence would also benefit George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and rookie Roman Wilson in the passing game.

From RotoBaller