Best Ball Scout Championship
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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 11
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 11
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Lessons Learned
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 10
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: Home burglary 'frustrating'
- Dolphins claim TE Jack Stoll, waive LB David Long Jr.
- Eagles activate LT Jordan Mailata from injured reserve
- Swelling sends QB J.J. McCarthy into second knee surgery
- Raiders ride with QB Gardner Minshew despite offensive changes
- Bears coach Matt Eberflus outlines decision to fire OC
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson to start vs. Jets, rest of season
- Bears release G Nate Davis
- Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence out, Mac Jones in vs. Lions
- 49ers' Deommodore Lenoir lands 5-year, $92M extension
- Giants GM: Starting QB post-bye will be 'football decision'
- NFL rescinds fine of Ravens' Roquan Smith for hip-drop tackle
- Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco, DE Charles Omenihu return
- Panthers activate WR Adam Thielen from IR
- Bears fire OC, toss play-calling duties to Thomas Brown
- Surgery ends season for Dak Prescott, Cowboys shift to QB triage mode
- Seahawks release leading tackler Tyrel Dodson
- Colts sticking with QB Joe Flacco vs. Jets
- Giants to evaluate potential QB change over bye week
- Falcons' Raheem Morris backs K Younghoe Koo after uncharacteristic misses
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Weekly Projections
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Goal Line Guide Week 11 | Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Keeps Motoring
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Life: Anthony Richardson Named Colts Starter - Fantasy Fallout
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, Hold: One Last Hurrah For Caleb Williams?
- Fantasy Life: NFL Draft 2025: The Top 5 Quarterback Prospects
- Fantasy Life: NFL Bets For Week 11: Can The Packers Continue Their Dominance Of The Bears?
- Fantasy Life: Week 11 Fantasy Football Rankings Risers and Fallers: Cedric Tillman Upgrades Again
- Fantasy Life: Evaluating Team Totals For Week 11
The Paur Report
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (left hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's walk-through. Allen is battling a left hand injury that is clearly not bothering him very much given his full participation in practice. Allen's injury is also to his non-throwing hand so there is not much cause for concern here. Allen is enjoying another excellent season in 2024. He currently sits as the QB5 in fantasy football through Week 10. Most importantly, Allen only has six turnovers this season after giving the ball away 22 times in 2023. He will face a tall task in Week 11 when the annual Bills vs. Chiefs game is played. This game will be played in Buffalo, and while the Chiefs have an excellent defense, Allen should still be a QB1 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (right hand) was limited during Wednesday's practice. Darnold picked up the injury after throwing an interception during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that Darnold was estimated as a limited participant and not a DNP suggests that the hand injury should not be too serious. Darnold has experienced a resurgent season as the Vikings' quarterback in 2024. He has thrown for 2,141 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine games. However, Darnold has faltered in recent weeks as opposing teams appear to be figuring him out. He has thrown six interceptions since the Vikings' Week 6 bye. He has only thrown six touchdowns in that same timeframe. Still, Darnold is the Vikings' best option so hopefully his injury does not affect him or the Vikings' skill position players too much.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (quadriceps) was listed as a limited participant during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. Allgeier apparently isn't 100 percent coming out of the team's Week 10 loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints, but his injury doesn't sound serious enough to put him in danger of missing a Week 11 tilt against the Denver Broncos on the road. The 24-year-old has taken a back seat to Bijan Robinson in Atlanta's backfield this year, as expected, but he's seeing enough weekly volume to put him in the RB3/flex tier of RBs more often than not. Plus, all three of his double-digit carry games have come in three of the last five games. Allgeier even has a 100-yard rushing game in 2024. Denver's defense has been strong against the run this year, but they've also allowed the fifth-most half-PPR points per game to RBs in the last three weeks.
From RotoBaller
After injuring his ankle in the Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition, fellow back D'Ernest Johnson (hamstring) was limited. After re-entering the game on Sunday, Bigsby only saw two offensive snaps the rest of the way and could be in danger of sitting out this Sunday versus the Detroit Lions. The 23-year-old second year back has been more efficient than backfield mate Travis Etienne Jr. this year, averaging 5.5 yards per carry while putting up 519 rushing yards and four TDs in 10 games. However, his injury is now a concern this week and the fantasy upside of all of Jacksonville's offensive weapons will take a pretty big hit as long as quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is out. Bigsby is currently lining up as a shaky RB3/flex this week for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) remains on the team's injury report for Week 11 and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Although Davis' shoulder is still an issue, it hasn't caused him to miss any games in recent weeks. The 25-year-old's rest-of-the-season fantasy value saw a boost when Christian Kirk (collarbone) was ruled out for the rest of the season, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence's recent shoulder injury has put a damper on all of the Jaguars' offensive skill players with Mac Jones taking over in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Davis caught just one of his four targets for a 19-yard pickup in that game and will be a boom/bust with minimal upside in Week 11 on the road against the physical Detroit Lions defense after the Jaguars already ruled out Lawrence.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) missed the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Hill was questionable for the Monday night win over the Los Angeles Rams but ended up playing and catching three of four targets for 16 yards and his first touchdown since the season opener. It's an injury that Hill has dealt with since training camp, but he said he aggravated it when he was arrested in September and is actually dealing with a torn ligament. The 30-year-old speedster should continue to play through his wrist injury in Week 11 against a vulnerable Las Vegas Raiders pass defense. Hill's season was partially derailed when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa landed on the Injured Reserve due to a concussion, but now that Tagovailoa is back, Hill's fantasy appeal is back. His 9.0 half-PPR points per game (tied for 42nd among receivers) shows just how disappointing Hill has been in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) was officially listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Higgins has missed the team's last three games, but head coach Zac Taylor said the 25-year-old has taken "steps in the right direction" towards a potential return in Week 11 to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. A return to a limited showing to start the practice week is a good sign, but Higgins still isn't in the clear and could be a very risky fantasy play this weekend if he turns up a questionable tag on the final injury report on Friday. Higgins has missed five games already this year due to injury, but when healthy, he's been a must-start for fantasy managers while averaging 13.3 half-PPR points per game, which ties him with DK Metcalf for 12th-most at the position.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins claimed tight end Jack Stoll off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday and waived linebacker David Long Jr. in a corresponding move. Stoll became expendable for the Eagles when Dallas Goedert returned from a hamstring injury in the Week 10 win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after missing the previous three games. Stoll operated behind Grant Calcaterra with Goedert sidelined and wasn't really involved in the offense (only 17 snaps and no targets). In Miami, he'll serve as TE depth behind starter Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill and Durham Smythe. The former Nebraska Husker has just 22 receptions on 30 targets for 193 yards and no touchdowns in his three-plus NFL seasons in 57 games (28 starts).
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was listed as a full practice participant for the first walkthrough session of the week on Wednesday. It's a bit surprising that Pittman was a full-go on Wednesday after missing the Week 10 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a back injury that he's been dealing with for a while now. As long as the 27-year-old doesn't suffer any setbacks with his back injury later this week, he appears to be primed to play in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions on the road. However, he'll still be a pretty shaky fantasy option with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson returning to the starting role under center this weekend. Pittman is averaging just 7.1 half-PPR points per game in 2024 and has gone over 100 receiving yards in a game just once (back in Week 4). The emergence of Josh Downs as a more consistent receiving threat for the Colts hasn't helped Pittman's cause.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, according to Demetrius Harvey of Jax.com. The LSU standout has been dealing with this chest injury for a few weeks but has yet to miss any time. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the week in case he faces a setback. Last weekend with quarterback Mac Jones under center, Thomas tallied a season-low 12 yards on just two catches. Despite his two weak outings over the past two weeks, Thomas has averaged a stellar 15.2 PPR points during Weeks 1 through 8. Given his recent output, fantasy managers should view the 22-year-old as a WR3/flex with risk heading into a Week 11 tilt against the Detroit Lions with Jones making a second straight start.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (hamstring, knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Fantasy Spin: Rodgers is coming off one of his worst games of the season last week but was playing well in the previous two games. He can be a starting option in two-quarterback leagues but should be avoided in standard leagues.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets CB Brandin Echols (concussion), OG Jake Hanson (hamstring), LB C.J. Mosley (neck), OT Tyron Smith (neck) and DE Solomon Thomas (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. CB Michael Carter II (back), OT Morgan Moses (knee), CB D.J. Reed (hip), LB Chazz Surratt (heel) and OG Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) were limited during practice. S Chuck Clark (ankle) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (shoulder, elbow) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Raimondi noted that even though this is the first time Cousins has been on the injury report this season, "nothing seems to be concerning" regarding his availability for this weekend. In addition, seeing him participate in a limited capacity is already a promising sign. Last weekend in their loss to the New Orleans Saints, Cousins threw for 306 yards, his second-highest total of the season, but he could not find the end zone. Throughout his first season in Atlanta, the veteran QB has averaged 20.0 PPR points per game and should be viewed as a low-end QB1 in Week 11 when he faces a tough Denver Broncos defense.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned but should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him already participate albeit in a limited capacity is a promising sign for his availability for this weekend. Throughout his first season in Green Bay, the former first-round selection as averaged a solid 14.7 PPR points per game with 84.7 rushing yards per game. If he is able to suit up this weekend to face the Chicago Bears, Jacobs should be viewed as an RB2 with upside.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Van Jefferson (quadriceps), CB Donte Jackson (hamstring), LB Alex Highsmith (ankle), OG Isaac Seumalo (non-injury), TE MyCole Pruitt (knee) and DE Cameron Heyward (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. LB Nick Herbig (hamstring) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles LB Nakobe Dean (groin), DE Bryce Huff (wrist), OT Jordan Mailata (hamstring) and CB Darius Slay (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13, and are not on the injury report for Week 11.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status throughout the week, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens if he misses another session. Last weekend in their victory over the Washington Commanders, Harris eclipsed double-digit PPR points for the fourth straight contest. Through nine games this season, the Alabama product has averaged 71.7 yards per game with 17.4 attempts and 2.7 targets per game. Fantasy managers should view Harris as a solid RB2 heading into a divisional tilt against the Baltimore Ravens, who have allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13, and is not on the injury report for Week 11.
Fantasy Spin: Goedert returned to the lineup last week and finished with 25 yards and a touchdown. He should see a handful of targets this week and can be considered a low-end No. 1 tight end in deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will be a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, according to Tracy Sandler of FGSN. Sandler noted that his previous injury did not act up at all after the game and this is "part of the plan." McCaffrey made his 2024 season debut last weekend after sitting out the entire first half due to tendinitis in both of his Achilles. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the week, but this could simply be a way to manage his workload given the time he missed. The 28-year-old looked sharp last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and tallied 39 rushing yards and 68 receiving yards on 19 total touches. Fantasy managers should continue to view him as an elite RB1 going forward given his integral role on one of the best offensive units in football.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts DT DeForest Buckner (foot) and OT Bernhard Raimann (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. LB E.J. Speed (knee) was limited during practice, while S Julian Blackmon (shoulder) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
