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.
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The Paur Report
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins led the team in receiving, drawing a team-high eight targets and turning them into six catches for a team-best 117 yards in the Texans' 29-27 victory at Indianapolis in Week 1. Though fellow receiver Stefon Diggs caught both of quarterback C.J. Stroud's touchdown passes, Collins was the only Houston pass catcher to surpass 40 yards receiving. The fourth-year pro was a consistent factor at all three levels of the field, and his acrobatic, 55-yard catch in double coverage set up Houston's first touchdown. The season debut bodes well for fantasy managers who selected Collins with the hope that he could be the top dog in Houston's crowded receiver room. He'll look to build on the performance when the Texans take on Chicago in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert led the Chargers to a Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert attempted 26 passes, completing 17 of them for 144 yards and a touchdown. He took one sack and added six yards on the ground on four carries. It was an efficient game for Herbert, who saw the Chargers running game and defense thrive while he didn't have to do too much. He did miss some throws and looked like he was maybe a little behind after missing the entire preseason with a foot injury. His touchdown was a 10-yard pass to rookie Ladd McConkey in the fourth quarter. Things should be better for Herbert in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards couldn't find too much room to run in a Week 1 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Edwards ran the ball 11 times, gaining 26 yards. He caught his only target for a two yard gain. Edwards led the team in carries, but saw fellow running back J.K. Dobbins pick up 135 yards on 10 carries. Edwards will always have a role in this backfield, but if Dobbins stays healthy, Edwards could be in much more of a support role than expected.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a tough outing in Sunday's 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for just 186 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite his usual rushing ability (including a QB-designed run in the first quarter), he only managed 15 yards on the ground, which did little to offset his lackluster performance. Jones struggled to move the offense consistently, and his two picks were costly (one being a pick-six), consistently putting the Giants in difficult field position. Fantasy managers banking on his dual-threat ability were left disappointed, and watch out for the Drew Lock chants from the fans.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with wide receiver Stefon Diggs for two touchdowns in a 29-27 victory in Week 1 over the Indianapolis Colts. The former Bills receiver caught all six of his targets for a meager 33 yards but turned two high-quality red zone targets into scores, including a two-yard connection with 4:42 to play that proved to be the game-winner. Most importantly for fantasy managers, Stroud distributed the ball fairly evenly to Houston's top three receivers. Even with the addition of Diggs, Nico Collins drew eight targets and Tank Dell earned seven, showing there is a path in which all three remain starting lineup fixtures. The 10th-year pro will look to carry the momentum into Week 2 when the Texans play host to the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon had an excellent debut with his news team, piling up 159 rushing yards and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for an additional 19 yards in Houston's 29-27 victory at Indianapolis. Mixon had both volume and efficiency within the Texans' offense, an outstanding sign for fantasy managers through one week. The 28-year-old back was the overwhelming first option out of the Houston backfield, drawing a whopping 30 carries to just three for backup Dameon Pierce. The former Bengal also tied for fourth on the team in targets with tight end Dalton Schultz, indicating that he will be involved in the passing game and his rushing workload. Mixon should continue to be a lineup regular as Houston looks to go 2-0 with a home game against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (abdomen) looked good in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. He ran the ball 20 times, amassing 103 yards and a touchdown, adding two grabs for six yards. Unfortunately, Walker exited the game due to abdominal pain, so fantasy managers are obviously concerned. With that said, there should be an update on his condition soon. But barring a significant issue, he's a must-start when Seattle meets New England in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Bryce Hall (ankle) was injured in Sunday's win over the Commanders. Things didn't look good, with the 26-year-old suffering an ankle injury and exiting the field on the cart. Hall, who signed with the Bucs in the offseason, spent three seasons with the Jets, totaling 122 tackles, two picks, and 21 passes defensed in 34 games. However, there's a chance the injury will keep him on the shelf for a while, which isn't good news for the Bucs defense. As always, more information is likely on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught six of seven targets for 85 yards and lost 10 yards on his lone rush attempt in an 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. There was no doubt that Pickens would operate as Pittsburgh's WR1 entering the season, but fantasy managers should be glad to see him succeed in this role immediately. The 23-year-old earned a 30% team target share with Justin Fields under center and was responsible for most of the Steelers' offensive highlights. He should be viewed as a solid fantasy WR2 going forward with the potential to become more should Pittsburgh correct its red zone woes. A matchup against the Denver Broncos is on tap for Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth turned four targets into four catches for 27 yards in a Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons. His statistical output won't jump off the page but Freiermuth trailed only George Pickens in targets, receptions, and receiving yards for the Steelers on Sunday. With MyCole Pruitt and Darnell Washington also combining for three targets, it's clear that tight ends will play a prominent role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system this season. With no wide receiver outside of Pickens earning more than two opportunities this week, Freiermuth could very well be the second option in the Steelers' passing attack moving forward. Fantasy managers can consider starting the 25-year-old in an enticing matchup against the Denver Broncos next week.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled six field goals in Week 1, leading the team to an 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Boswell nailed a 57-yarder in the first quarter and remained hot throughout the contest, converting on field goal attempts of 56, 51, 44, 40, and 25 yards. The 10th-year pro was responsible for all of Pittsburgh's points on Sunday as the team struggled mightily near the red zone. Given how strong the Steelers looked defensively, Pittsburgh may have great field position often enough to make Boswell a fantasy option in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns and was deemed questionable to return. If Ferguson doesn't make it back in Week 1, he'll finish the day by catching three balls for 15 yards. With that said, there should be an update on his left knee soon, although further testing is likely on the horizon. Dallas has been up big for most of this game and haven't really need to go to the air often. If Ferguson needs to miss time beyond Week 1, Luke Schoonmaker would likely step in as the team's TE1.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 156 yards and added 57 rushing yards on 14 carries in an 18-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers were conservative in their play calling on Sunday, but Fields delivered when asked to push the ball downfield. He completed passes of 33 and 40 yards to receiver George Pickens, who was clearly his favorite target. His statistics were underwhelming from a fantasy perspective this week but Fields will continue to offer high upside as a fantasy QB1 option any time he starts. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of Russell Wilson (calf) in the coming days ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 20 carries for 70 yards and hauled in one of his two targets for nine yards in a Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Harris operated in a workhorse role on Sunday but should expect to lose some touches to Jaylen Warren, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, as the season progresses. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old Harris looked solid, especially on a powerful run that picked up 20 yards in the fourth quarter. However, Pittsburgh's offense will need to find a way to get the ball in the end zone for Harris to become a worthwhile fantasy option, making it difficult to trust him as anything more than a flex play heading into a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have declared OT Colby Sorsdal, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, DL D.J. Reader, DB Loren Strickland, DL James Houston, OT Giovanni Manu and LB Trevor Nowaske inactive for Week 1.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer was ejected from Sunday's matchup with the Raiders. Both teams were involved in a scuffle during the fourth quarter. However, Palmer and Jack Jones were the players who got the boot. Palmer finished the game by catching two of his four targets for 15 yards. While he'll likely be disciplined, his availability for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers isn't expected to be a concern for many fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara looked good in Sunday's decisive win over the Panthers. The veteran ran the ball 15 times, accumulating 83 yards and a touchdown. He also got involved on the receiving end, catching all five targets for 27 yards. Kamara and the Saints had contract discussions over the last few months. However, a deal didn't get done, meaning further talks will likely wait until after the 2024-25 campaign. Despite not getting a new deal, Kamara remains focused on his play. "I'm not worried about it," said Kamara when asked about the unsuccessful negotiations. "I'm here to play. I'm gonna play. I'm gonna perform." It appears the 29-year-old is more focused than ever, which is great news for fantasy managers. Keep him starting in all formats when the Saints meet the Cowboys in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) exited Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. He's questionable to return. However, considering he needed assistance to the locker room, fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if he doesn't make it back for the remainder of Week 1. If that's the case, he'll finish with four catches for 44 yards. Hopefully, it isn't anything serious. But Njoku may appear on the injury report ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Braxton Berrios and TE Durham Smythe were each held without a catch in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Berrios was targeted twice, while Smythe had three targets.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the Week 1 game and is considered questionable to return.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku is one of the better tight ends in the NFL, so fantasy players should keep an eye out for an update on his status. He is a weekly starting option when healthy, but fantasy players will need a backup plan if he misses time.
From TheHuddle
