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.
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is expected to practice on Wednesday, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition, Standig reported that the coaching staff is "really going to push it this week." Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week, but this is a positive sign for his availability for this weekend's tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, Robinson was a game-time decision but was eventually ruled out. In his absence, Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw the majority of carries out of the backfield. If Robinson were to miss his second straight game, Ekeler should be viewed as a solid RB2, with Rodriguez becoming a viable flex option in deeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remains atop the position in fantasy this season and it doesn't look like he'll be letting go of that lead any time soon. The King faces off against the Cincinnati Bengals in a short week, but the last time these two teams faced off, Henry was able to find the end zone while compiling 92 yards on 15 carries. The game turned into a shootout, so he wasn't involved the whole way through. While that could happen again, Henry receives opportunities early and often, and he has a solid history on Thursday night as he's registered 685 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries in eight career Thursday night games.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is expected to practice in full on Wednesday according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. Mahomes suffered an ankle injury during last Monday's victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did not have to miss any action. Fantasy managers should monitor the 29-year-old's status throughout the week in case he faces a setback but he should be expected to start on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Last Monday, Mahomes scored a season-high 27.5 PPR points as he threw three scores with 291 yards. This was his first time this season that he tallied three scores in a single game. Despite his mediocre showings throughout this season, fantasy managers should continue to view him as a top-12 option going forward.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Likely was unable to participate in any practice sessions this week and will set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, the 24-year-old was held off the box score and saw just one target his way. Since Week 6, the tight end has averaged a mere 4.3 PPR points per game, which is a stark contrast to the 10.4 PPR points he averaged during the first five weeks of the season. Fantasy managers should expect Mark Andrews to see the vast majority of snaps at the position and be viewed as a solid TE1 and a strong flex option in DFS contests.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) is off the injury report and expected to start on Thursday evening against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jacksons was sidelined during Tuesday's practice but was able to log a full session on Wednesday. The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic first half to the 2024 campaign as he has averaged an impressive 29.1 PPR points per game and remains a favorite to claim back-to-back NFL MVP honors. Last weekend in their victory over the Denver Broncos, Jackson tossed three scores with 280 passing yards. On Thursday, he should be viewed as a high-end QB1 facing a Cincinnati defense that has allowed the 29th-most PPR points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was not seen at Wednesday's practice according to James Boyd of The Athletic. The USC product has been dealing with a lingering back injury throughout the past month but has yet to miss any games due to it. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week but given his track record, he should be expected to return to practice later in the week. Pittman had another disappointing showing last weekend as he brought in just one of his four targets for just 14 yards. Since Week 7, Pittman has not eclipsed double-digit PPR points in a single game and has caught just one pass in two of those weeks. If the 27-year-old suits up this weekend, he should be viewed as a risky WR3 facing a tough Buffalo secondary who have allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday that pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) is progressing but isn't ready to have his 21-day practice window opened so that he can return from Injured Reserve. Lawrence has already missed the required four games on IR, but it doesn't look like he's going to be ready to face off against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this weekend in Week 10 while he recovers from a foot injury. The good news for Dallas' defense is that All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) is back at practice and is expected to play on Sunday. Still, until Lawrence returns, the Cowboys' pass rush won't be at full strength against Philly. The 32-year-old Lawrence is a four-time Pro Bowler and has three sacks and a forced fumble in his four games played in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) were not seen at Wednesday's practice according to Ross Jackson of the Locked On Network. Olave suffered his second concussion of the season last weekend after sustaining a hard hit. The Ohio State product was carted off the field and currently remains in the league's concussion protocol. Wilson left last weekend's game early with a shoulder injury but was eventually able to return to the field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress throughout the week as they both may be fighting an uphill battle to suit up this weekend to face the Atlanta Falcons. With both wideouts sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Mason Tipton to serve as the top wideout for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team opened the 21-day practice window on Wednesday for running back Gus Edwards (ankle) to return from Injured Reserve. While Edwards would be eligible to play in Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans if he's activated from IR by Sunday's game, the Chargers now have 21 days to officially return him to their active 53-man roster. If the 29-year-old does enough in practice this week and is activated by Saturday, he'd be returning to game action for the first time since getting hurt back in Week 4. He hadn't really moved the fantasy needle this year in his first season with the Bolts after going for a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2023 with the Ravens. Edwards will likely return to taking a back seat behind J.K. Dobbins after averaging just 3.0 yards per carry on 38 carries and 113 yards on the ground in his first four games.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that quarterback Bryce Young will make his third straight start on Sunday in Week 10 in Munich, Germany, against the New York Giants. The Panthers are taking it week-to-week right now at the QB position. Young, who has been a huge bust so far as the top overall pick in 2023, was benched for veteran Andy Dalton after the first two weeks of the season. But Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident several weeks ago, leading to Young making the last two starts. The 23-year-old hasn't done anything incredible the last two games, but he did lead the team to their second win last Sunday against the Saints, going 16-for-26 for 171 yards with a TD and interception. He's going to need to play well to hold off the recovering Dalton for the starting job and will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy in Week 10 against a Giants defense that leads the NFL in sacks.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals listed wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) as doubtful to play on Thursday Night Football in Week 10 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. In addition, receiver Charlie Jones (groin) is doubtful to play. Higgins was listed as a non-participant in practices on Monday and Tuesday and clearly hasn't made enough progress after injuring his quad in practice last week and then not playing in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers will obviously need to leave the 25-year-old on their benches for another week. With Higgins out last Sunday, tight end Mike Gesicki had 100 yards even through the air and scored twice. In four games that Higgins has missed in 2024, Gesicki has 22 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns, so fantasy managers should consider him a strong TE1 play again in Week 10 with Higgins unlikely to suit up.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will be activated to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, according to Panthers insider Joe Person. The rookie running back has been on the PUP (Physically Unable To Perform) list all year as he works his way back from a November ACL tear at Texas, but he has been practicing for the last few weeks. Brooks turned in a full practice on Wednesday, but head coach Dave Canales has not committed to him playing in Week 10 against the New York Giants in Germany. Brooks, the first ball carrier selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to eventually take over a workhorse role in Carolina, but it might not happen in his rookie season given the success of veteran Chuba Hubbard this season. Fantasy managers should wait to see if Brooks will play on Sunday, but his role and fantasy football outlook have a wide range of outcomes when he makes his NFL debut.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is progressing well in his recovery from a knee injury, but he is not yet ready to return to practice, according to Cowboys writer Nick Harris. The 31-year-old has not played since Week 4, and it does not sound like he's close to playing in the Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Cooks hauled in nine passes for 91 yards and a touchdown in four games to begin the season this year, and he looks to be beyond his prime. Additionally, with Dak Prescott (hamstring) expected to miss multiple weeks and potentially go on IR, Cooks' upside would be limited with Cooper Rush under center even if he did return soon. The Cowboys also traded for former Panthers wideout Jonathan Mingo, so Cooks could have limited playing time as Dallas potentially sets its sights on the future. Fantasy managers with empty IR spots can consider stashing him, but it seems unlikely that he will become a key fantasy contributor down the stretch, especially while working his way back from a significant injury.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) returned to practice on Wednesday following three consecutive weeks of logging "DNPs". The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns and has been sidelined ever since. In the game before his injury, Goedert caught 10 passes for 170 yards, but A.J. Brown was out with a hamstring injury and DeVonta Smith left the game with a concussion. Brown suffered a knee injury in Week 9, but he could play in Week 10. Goedert has spike week upside in any game, but his floor is low while sharing an offense with two star wide receivers. If Goedert returns to action on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, consider him a high-end TE2 play with a wide range of outcomes. If he plays but Brown does not, he can be upgraded to a low-end TE1 option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) is practicing on Wednesday, but he is expected to be limited for the first session of the week. This is a promising development, as he did not practice at all last week due to his ankle injury suffered in Week 4. The 2021 first-round pick and three-time All-Pro has registered 41.5 sacks in 54 career games and could provide the Dallas defense a much-needed boost as the organization falls out of the playoff picture. There is optimism he will suit up against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, though his practicing participation throughout the rest of the week should provide some clarity on his situation.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is practicing on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's NFC East contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Brown left the Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars early with a knee injury, but hopefully, the team was just taking precautions and he'll be good to go for Week 10. The 27-year-old has averaged 19.95 fantasy points per game in the four contests he started and finished, but he's missed three games with a hamstring injury and half of a game with a knee issue. If Brown is active on Sunday, he remains a must-start in a neutral matchup for wideouts. If he can't play, DeVonta Smith enters must-start territory.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) is expected to practice on Wednesday, though head coach Mike McCarthy said he will be limited. The Pro Bowler suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but the fact that he is participating in practice at all is promising. Lamb is the WR4 in half-PPR fantasy points (15.2 FPPG), but he will be without Dak Prescott (hamstring) for at least the next handful of games. Dallas is set to face the Philadelphia Eagles defense that presents a neutral matchup for fantasy wideouts. However, with Cooper Rush under center for the Cowboys, his ceiling and floor could take a hit. Either way, he remains a must-start given his projected target share, assuming he plays. If he's out, Jalen Tolbert would become an attractive flex option, while tight end Jake Ferguson should see extra opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) has been on the Injured Reserve list since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. He is eligible to return this week, and the team is still determining whether or not he will play on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. However, he is not practicing on Wednesday despite passing tests on his hamstring. It's tough to say whether or not he'll be active this week, but more information will come out as Sunday approaches, so fantasy managers should be sure to monitor his latest updates and developments. Collins led the NFL in receiving yards before suffering the unfortunate injury, and although he will carry the risk of being limited if he plays, he's a must-start in a matchup with the Detroit defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. If he can't go, Tank Dell becomes a virtual must-start.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is once again not practicing on Wednesday leading up to the Week 10 matchup with the Denver Broncos. The former Pro Bowler with the Pittsburgh Steelers has not played since his 130-yard performance in Week 5. However, the team has not placed him on Injured Reserve, indicating they hoped he would be back by now. That said, even when he does return, he'll likely be relegated to the No. 3 option in the passing game behind tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He might even be behind rookie Xavier Worthy. Smith-Schuster is borderline droppable 12-team leagues, but fantasy managers that are in trouble at the wideout spot can hold onto him in hopes he'll make an impact down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants designated kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) to return to practice on Wednesday and opened his 21-day window to return from Injured Reserve. It's good news for Gano, but it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be activated and kick in Week 10 when the team takes on the Carolina Panthers this Sunday in Germany. The 37-year-old veteran landed on IR on Sept. 17 with a right-hamstring strain and has only kicked in two games this year. Jude McAtamney served as the team's kicker in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders after fill-in Greg Joseph (abdomen) was placed on IR last Saturday. How Gano looks in practices this week will determine of the G-Men feel comfortable bringing him back against Carolina. If Gano needs another week to recover, McAtameny figures to make a second straight start.
From RotoBaller