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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

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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Week 1 Fantasy Preview

Player Notes
Zach Charbonnet Sep 5 8:50pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is better left on your bench in Week 1 when the Seahawks host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos had one of the league's worst rushing defenses in 2023. However, Charbonnet is unlikely to see a large enough rushing share to be effective for fantasy. If history is any indication, Kenneth Walker III has a firm grip on the starting running back position. Charbonnet has high-end insurance value, but he is better left alone in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 5 8:50pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) should not be on fantasy radars in Week 1. The Seahawks will host the Denver Broncos and project to have a solid day on offense. However, Fant has not been much of a fantasy contributor during his three-year tenure as a Seahawk. There is always the chance that new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb decides to use Fant's athleticism more often. However, with the Seahawks boasting an excellent trio of wide receivers, that seems unlikely. Fant has also been limited all week with a toe injury that could hamper him in Week 1. It is best to look at other options and leave Fant on the waiver wire in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 5 8:40pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finds himself outside of the starting options at the position in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. This is nothing against Smith who should actually have a bounce-back season with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The matchup is also relatively neutral as the Denver Broncos were middle of the pack against quarterbacks in 2023. However, the position is so deep that you should have better options available. If you are in dire need of a quarterback, or you play in a two-quarterback league, then Smith is a fine option. He should be able to amass 15-20 fantasy points in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 5 8:40pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is a solid option in fantasy in Week 1. The Seahawks offense should have plenty of chances to score on Sunday against a middle-of-the-road Broncos defense. Myers was the K6 in 2023 and should be able to pick up where he left off. He is an incredibly accurate kicker and should have a chance for plenty of field goals and PATs. Start Myers with confidence in Week 1. He has a chance for double-digit fantasy points.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Sep 5 8:40pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has worked his way up the depth chart quickly in camp. The third-round pick is slated to start alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin during the Week 1 season opener against the Washington Commanders. There is a ton of potential here as McMillan should be stashed in all dynasty leagues. However, the 22-year-old isn't a great streaming option heading into Week 1. It's uncertain how many targets will be left over with Evans, Godwin, and probably Rachaad White ahead of McMillan in terms of passing options. There is potential for McMillan to grow and become a reliable contributor in this offense. However, fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option ahead of Week 1. McMillan should be considered a WR4 for the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has an excellent opportunity to make a statement in Week 1. With DK Metcalf drawing the attention of cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Tyler Lockett (thigh) coming off a training camp injury, Smith-Njigba could find himself on the field and open often. All reports suggest that Smith-Njigba has had a great camp. He has also made a couple of highlight-reel plays in the preseason. Smith-Njigba also looks much bigger and more confident than he did in 2023. It is easy to forget that Smith-Njigba was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has the talent and pedigree to shine in 2024, which could come as early as Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has been one of the most consistent wideouts over the last decade. The veteran wideout has finished with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last 10 seasons. He has shown no signs of slowing down and is the clear No. 1 target on this offense. Evans will get an excellent matchup in Week 1. He'll face a Washington Commanders defense that allowed the most receiving yards and receiving touchdowns to wideouts last season. Fantasy managers can continue sliding Evans into their WR1 spot without worry heading into the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) enters Week 1 after being limited in practice for much of training camp. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging this preseason, the Seahawks have three excellent options at wide receiver. Lockett slowed down in 2023. After four straight 1,000-yard seasons, Lockett only recorded 894 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. There is a lot of excitement around the Seahawks' offense due to the addition of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. A fresh coordinator could help Lockett have a resurgent season. However, since Lockett missed or was limited throughout most of training camp, he may require a couple of weeks to ramp up to game speed. Additionally, Lockett has been limited in practice thus far this week. He should be an ok flex option in Week 1, but do not expect a ground-breaking game from Lockett.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III draws an excellent matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. The Broncos boasted the third-worst rushing defense in the NFL in 2023. The defense improved as the season progressed, but there is no reason to believe they will be able to hold Walker in check in Week 1. With the news that the Seahawks will be a run-first team in 2024, Walker could be in for a massive workload. Walker should have plenty of lanes to run through and plenty of opportunities for big plays against the Broncos. Additionally, the Seahawks offense should move the ball effectively in Week 1. As such, Walker should have several opportunities to score in the red zone. You can confidently start Walker as a high-end RB2 in Week 1. His ability to break off big plays and potential for touchdown opportunities gives him top-five upside in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has quietly become one of the more reliable wideouts over the last few years. The 28-year-old has finished with 1,000 receiving yards or more in four of the last five seasons. He doesn't normally get as much glory with fellow wideout Mike Evans being the primary deep threat and red zone threat in the passing game. Despite that, Godwin has still been able to put together solid numbers year-after-year. That should continue in 2024 as Godwin kicks off the season with an excellent matchup against the Washington Commanders. A defensive unit that gave up over 3,000 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns to opposing wideouts last season. Godwin is unlikely to put up flashy numbers, but he should on the radar as a WR2 in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 5 8:20pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was added to the team's injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice session. Mid-week downgrades in status are usually never good, but the Patriots could also be practicing caution with one of their top running backs just before the start of the regular season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. We'll know more when the Patriots release their final injury report on Friday. Gibson, who is in his first year in New England in the first year without head coach Bill Belichick, is expected to be the primary change-of-pace option to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in an offense that not many people are expecting much from under either veteran QB Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye. Gibson is best left on benches in Week 1, and if he's not active, JaMycal Hasty could be the team's RB2 behind Stevenson.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 5 8:20pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has a tall task ahead of him against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. The Broncos have one of the NFL's best young cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain II. Metcalf will probably draw a shadow from Surtain who shadowed on 48.5% of his coverages in 2023. As such, Surtain may curb Metcalf's Week 1 upside. However, Metcalf is an alpha wide receiver who is likely to be force-fed targets in this new Seahawks system. Start Metcalf as a low-end WR2 in Week 1 but expect his outlook to improve as the season progresses.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 5 8:10pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (hand), who was limited in the team's first two practices of the week on Tuesday and Wednesday, returned to a full practice on Thursday and was removed from the final Week 1 injury report. Doubs will be active for Friday night's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. The 24-year-old's hand injury could make it tougher for him to come down with contested catches on Friday, but it ultimately never really put him in danger of missing the season opener. Most fantasy managers are probably overlooking Doubs in Green Bay's crowded receiver's room, but if everything breaks his way, he could end up being the Packers' most productive wideout when all is said and done in 2024. The former fourth-rounder had a healthy eight TDs in 17 regular-season games last year and will head into Week 1 as an upside WR4/flex play in lineups.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Sep 5 8:10pm ET
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder), who will not play in Thursday night's season opener versus the Baltimore Ravens due to a sternoclavicular joint sprain suffered in the preseason opener, is expected to return to practice next week and could be in play to make his Chiefs debut in a Week 2 showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. If Brown looks good in practices next week, there's a strong chance he will suit up next week, although he could also need one more week to heal up. The 27-year-old's fantasy stock dropped because of his injury, but it could end up making him an excellent value pick, as Hollywood figures to be one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top targets when he's back on the field. With Brown inactive on Thursday night, look for Rashee Rice, rookie Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson to start in three-wide sets for the Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Sep 5 8:00pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) was listed as a full participant in the team's first official practice of the regular season on Thursday. It means that despite tearing his ACL early in the 2023 season while with the Los Angeles Chargers, he'll be active for his Jets debut in Week 1 on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. It's great news for a Jets offense that is looking to do special things in 2024 if quarterback Aaron Rodgers can just stay healthy. The 29-year-old Williams will be active this coming Monday, but the Jets have already disclosed that he's expected to be on a pitch count, which will make him a low-ceiling, low-floor, boom/bust WR5/flex option in fantasy to kick off the season. It's best to just leave him on your benches this week. With Williams being eased in early on, Allen Lazard could benefit the most behind WR1 Garrett Wilson, mainly because of his rapport with Rodgers.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 5 7:50pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving looks to be set as the primary backup option to Rachaad White in the backfield. He won the competition against Sean Tucker in camp for the No. 2 role in this offense. Sadly for Irving, that No. 2 role probably isn't going to be too significant. The Bucs are likely going to lean on White as their lead back. Irving should help out on special teams and possibly see a handful of snaps as the change-of-pace back. However, there is unlikely to be enough carries for Irving to have viable value during the season opener. He's worth stashing in dynasty formats and deep leagues because if White goes down then Irving will be the next man up. Irving could carve out a bigger role for himself as the season goes on, but he remains a shaky option for the season opener against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 5 7:40pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is coming off a breakout campaign with the organization in 2023. He racked up 1,539 scrimmage yards as White has proven himself to be a reliable option in both the running and receiving game. The Bucs added Bucky Irving in the fourth-round of this year's draft. However, there's no one really challenging White as he's the clear cut lead back heading into the regular season. He'll kick off the season with a favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders. A defensive unit that got torched for 19 touchdowns to opposing running backs last season. White should once again be an important piece in this offense with little changes being made on the offensive side of the ball. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable plugging White in as their RB2 for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Sep 5 7:30pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off an excellent 2023 campaign and looks to build on it during his second year with the team. Last season, Mayfield threw for a career-high 4,044 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 17 games. The Bucs haven't lost any significant weapons over the offseason. This roster is basically the same with a few minor additions and subtractions. That being said, Mayfield should hopefully be able to pick up where he left off last season. He'll get a favorable matchup in the season opener against the Washington Commanders. A defensive unit that struggled against both the run and pass last season. Mayfield should be considered a high-end QB2 for the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Sep 5 7:10pm ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round tight end Brock Bowers (foot) was once again limited in practice on Thursday leading up to the Week 1 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at Sofi Stadium. The Raiders are just being cautious with their young tight end, as head coach Antonio Pierce has said that he fully expects Bowers to suit up this weekend for his regular-season NFL debut. The 21-year-old from Georgia certainly has a high ceiling at the next level, but he could get off to a slow start with last year's second-rounder, Michael Mayer, also expected to be utilized in this offense. Fantasy managers expecting Bowers to be this year's Sam LaPorta might be very disappointed, but he will still be on the TE1/2 borderline in Week 1 against the Bolts for his yards-after-the-catch prowess with the football in his hands.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 5 7:00pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday to kick off preparations for the Week 1 regular-season opener in Chicago this Sunday against the Bears. Hopkins practiced with a sleeve on his left leg on Thursday and could be questionable to play this weekend. However, offensive coordinator Nick Holz did say that if the 32-year-old veteran is active against the Bears, he's expected to have a big role across from new wideout Calvin Ridley. We'll have a better idea of Hopkins' status when the Titans release their final injury report for Week 1 on Friday. The former first-rounder is no longer a Pro Bowl wideout, but he did put up his seventh 1,000-yard season in 2023 with Ryan Tannehill and Will Levis throwing him passes. Ridley's presence will mean fewer targets, but Nuk still has the ability to be a serviceable WR4/flex for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller