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FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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
Chuba Hubbard Nov 7 1:13pm ET
Chuba Hubbard

Dynasty | Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The contract includes $15 million in guaranteed money. It's a surprise given the fact the Panthers drafted Jonathon Brooks and looks like a classic case of a contract being better in reality than in fantasy. Long-time dynasty managers are likely having memories about DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart sharing backfield duties and draining each other's appeal in the process years ago in Carolina. The move locks Hubbard not only to the roster, but also into a prominent role. This looks like the early makings of a thunder and lightning approach in Carolina and a big-time buzzkill in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chuba Hubbard Nov 7 1:13pm ET
Chuba Hubbard

Dynasty | The Panthers have signed running back Chuba Hubbard to a four-year contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: This is sneaky big news in dynasty leagues as most expected Hubbard to move on in free agency, leaving the backfield duties to Brooks. Instead, it seems the Panthers are more than happy having two capable running backs to split carries instead of having a true bell cow. Brooks' dynasty value is going to take a hit now as it seems he's not going to have the workload many of us expected. This is major news in dynasty leagues and is going to have long-term ramifications.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Khalil Herbert Nov 7 12:20pm ET
Khalil Herbert

Cincinnati Bengals newly acquired running back Khalil Herbert is expected to be active to make his debut with the team on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, according to sources. The Bengals acquired Herbert from the Chicago Bears on Tuesday at the trade deadline, and he should immediately step in for Zack Moss (neck), who is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. Chase Brown's fantasy stock has seen a boost in recent weeks, and he's fully expected to be Cincy's primary backfield option going forward. Herbert and Trayveon Williams will battle for change-of-pace duties now that Moss is sidelined. The 26-year-old Herbert's fantasy value sees a boost with his trade to Cincy, although he'll still likely struggle for standalone starting appeal in fantasy lineups while working behind Brown.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Nov 7 12:20pm ET
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) wasn't listed on the team's Week 10 injury report on Wednesday, meaning that he was able to put in a full practice. Chark was activated from Injured Reserve last Saturday but did not play in the Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. The fact that the 28-year-old is completely off the injury report to begin Week 10 preparation is a good sign for his chances of being active this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, though. It will be a boost to LA's receiving corps, but the former second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018 out of LSU should remain on the waiver wire in standard 12-team fantasy leagues. Chark has yet to play in 2024 and will be the team's WR4 behind Quentin Johnston, rookie Ladd McConkey and Joshua Palmer.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 7 12:10pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Sources are saying that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is considered unlikely to play in Week 10 against the visiting Minnesota Vikings on Sunday as he continues to get treatment and weight options for the future due to a left-shoulder injury. Lawrence was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, and head coach Doug Pederson was non-committal about his status for the weekend. This comes as a bit of a surprise with the 25-year-old dealing with a sore non-throwing shoulder. We'll know more on Lawrence's Week 10 status on Friday, but for now, fantasy managers should move him to their benches. Jacksonville added C.J. Beathard for QB depth on Tuesday, but backup Mac Jones will likely make his first start of 2024 if Lawrence is inactive. Jones will only be worth looking at as a desperation low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 7 12:10pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (toe) will miss a second straight practice this week on Thursday, but sources are saying he will be fine to play in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. Mayfield apparently picked up a toe injury despite playing all of the Monday night overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 29-year-old will likely return to practice in some capacity on Friday and will be active this Sunday as the team hosts the 49ers, who are coming off their bye. Without receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) and with rookie Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) also banged up, Mayfield could be operating this weekend with Trey Palmer as his No. 1 wideout. He's been leaning heavily on tight end Cade Otton in recent weeks. With how thin Tampa's receiving corps is right now, Mayfield will be a much shakier QB1 streaming option in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Nov 7 10:40am ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (neck) will meet with neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins and is likely to avoid surgery. It's good news for Moss, but he's already been placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the rest of the 2024 season after injuring his next in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He will be shut down for the next two months. In a best-case scenario, the 26-year-old might be able to return if the Bengals make the postseason and make a deep run. In his first year in Cincy, Moss finishes with 74 carries for 242 yards (career-low-tying 3.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns while snagging 23 of his 27 targets for 187 more yards and a touchdown. The Bengals quickly replaced Moss by trading for Bears RB Khalil Herbert, who should immediately serve as the No. 2 behind Chase Brown, possibly as early as Thursday night against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Nov 7 10:40am ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) is going to be ready to be activated from Injured Reserve in the near future and will likely take the 53-man roster spot of linebacker Preston Smith, who was dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday at the trade deadline. The Packers are on bye in Week 10, but they could open the 23-year-old's 21-day practice window next week, and he could be ready to return for a Week 11 clash against the division-rival Chicago Bears. The third-rounder has been banged up since training camp and only played in Week 2 against the Colts, carrying the ball six times for 15 yards and catching one pass for three yards. Lloyd has missed a lot of developmental time in his rookie campaign, but he has the skills to be Green Bay's RB2 behind Josh Jacobs by season's end.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Nov 7 10:30am ET
Chuba Hubbard

The Carolina Panthers an star running back Chuba Hubbard agreed on a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension on Thursday, according to sources. Hubbard receives a maximum value of $37.2 million with $15 million in new fully guaranteed money. The 25-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2021 out of Oklahoma State took over lead-back duties from Miles Sanders a season ago and hasn't looked good. While he could loses valuable touches in the backfield to rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee), who is trending toward making his NFL debut in Week 10, the rest of the way, Hubbard should remain the Panthers' top option after averaging 5.0 yards per carry through nine games in 2024. Hubbard currently ranks as the RB7 in half-PPR fantasy scoring heading into Week 10 in Germany against the New York Giants, where he should be deployed as an RB2.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Nov 7 10:30am ET
Keaton Mitchell

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that there is optimism that Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) will be active for Thursday night against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals to kick off Week 10 action. Head coach John Harbaugh said earlier this week there was a chance Mitchell would be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list to make his 2024 debut on Thursday, and it looks like it's going to happen after he put in three full practices from Monday through Wednesday. The explosive second-year back won't be recommended for starting fantasy lineups in his first game back, but don't forget that he averaged 8.4 yards per carry and also 10.3 yards per reception in his first eight games in 2023 before tearing his ACL. Mitchell's impending return is bad news for Justice Hill, but Derrick Henry will remain Baltimore's unquestioned lead back.

From RotoBaller

Tashaun Gipson Nov 7 3:03am ET
Tashaun Gipson

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent S Tashaun Gipson (Jaguars) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

From TheHuddle

Dak Prescott Nov 7 12:53am ET
Dak Prescott

Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) could require surgery on the partial avulsion of his hamstring, per The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, who says that team officials are trying to determine whether the portion of the tendon that tore off the bone will heal on its own. If Prescott, who is currently seeking additional opinions, does end up needing the surgery, he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

Fantasy Spin: Things remain up in the air regarding Prescott's status. A move to IR would cost him at least four games, and now the possibility of the injury being season-ending is out there. Nothing has been decided yet as he gathers more input on the injury, but things don't seem to be trending in a positive direction. If you own Prescott, you should hold him at least until the full extent of the injury (and corresponding timeline for his possible recovery) are determined.

From TheHuddle

Rasheen Ali Nov 6 10:20pm ET
Rasheen Ali

Baltimore Ravens running backs Keaton Mitchell (knee) and Rasheen Ali (ankle) are both listed as questionable for the team's Thursday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell has been working through a knee injury, and if he's active, it will be for the first time this season. Ali has been dealing with an injury of his own that's kept him out of Baltimore's prior three contests. It would be fantastic if the duo could return to full health, but with teammates Derrick, Henry, and Justice Hill in clear, defined roles in the Ravens' offense, there aren't many excess touches to go around. Neither Mitchell nor Ali will be recommended fantasy options if they're active for the Week 10 outing.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Nov 6 10:10pm ET
Darius Slayton

Per New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) was tagged with a DNP Wednesday and might not travel with the team to Germany. Pat Leonard of NYDN Sports reported the news. Slayton sustained a concussion late in the Giants' 27-22 loss to the Washington commanders in Week 9. It's unfortunate news for the sixth-year wideout, who has been a valuable deep threat for New York this season. Second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt figures to take over some snaps if the former Auburn Tiger can't clear the league's concussion protocol, with Ihmir Smith-Marsette working in behind him. Fellow WRs Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson project to see an uptick in usage absence.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd Nov 6 9:50pm ET
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) was officially listed as limited for his team's first practice of the week. Boyd was knocked out of Sunday's 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots after participating in just 22 snaps, so it's excellent to see him at least get in a limited session ahead of Week 10. With an afternoon road matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on tap, the veteran wideout will be afforded a slightly larger window to regain his health. If the long-time Cincinnati Bengal can't suit up, rookie wide receiver and kick returner Jha'Quan Jackson again projects to pick up the slack in Tennessee's WR corps.

From RotoBaller

Russell Gage Nov 6 9:43pm ET
Russell Gage

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent WR Russell Gage Jr. (Ravens) to the practice squad and released WR Malik Turner from the practice squad Wednesday, Nov. 6.

From TheHuddle

Ja'Marr Chase Nov 6 9:40pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had seven catches in the win over the Raiders. However, he totaled only 43 yards. But fantasy managers should be willing to give the wideout a pass on that performance, considering he had seven touchdowns in the six games leading up to Week 9. With an NFC North meeting with the Ravens on tap, everyone remembers Chase's 10-catch, 193-yard, two-touchdown showing when these clubs last met in Week 5. Keep him rolling in all fantasy formats, although that goes without saying.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Nov 6 9:40pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) was again listed as limited for the team's Wednesday practice. Levis has been a limited participant for eight straight practices, and his status for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers is unclear as he works through a shoulder injury that has kept him out of action since Week 6. He'll have two more opportunities to elevate his practice status ahead of Week 10's outing, but if he can't go, it will again be quarterback Mason Rudolph manning the helm for Tennessee. The Titans have let Rudolph air it out while he's been under center, averaging 37 pass attempts per game while working to a 1-2 record and a 4:4 TD:INT ratio.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Nov 6 9:40pm ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had only one reception in the Week 9 win over the Raiders. However, it at least resulted in a trip to the end zone. With Tee Higgins (quadriceps) unlikely to suit up on Thursday night versus the Ravens, Ja'Marr Chase should continue to get extra attention from Joe Burrow. Although Iosivas could also benefit, he's hard to trust despite the favorable matchup on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Nov 6 9:40pm ET
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has been on a roll of late. After amassing seven grabs in the Week 8 loss to the Eagles, the 29-year-old had five catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Raiders. With that in mind, Gesicki has had issues staying consistent through the years, so he's hard to trust on Thursday night versus the Ravens, even if Tee Higgins (quadriceps) remains on the shelf. Still, Gesicki has a place in multi-tight end setups in a favorable matchup against a subpar Ravens defense.

From RotoBaller