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FFL: Preseason | 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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Dallas Goedert Aug 29 2:20pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (oblique) is not practicing again on Thursday. Goedert continues to manage an oblique injury that he sustained toward the end of training camp, and he has eight days to recover in order to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Green Bay Packers next Friday. The 29-year-old veteran tight end has settled into backend TE1 territory for fantasy managers, but he should be close to an every-down player in a juggernaut of an offense in Philadelphia in 2024. Grant Calcaterra would function as the Eagles' primary TE if Goedert's absence extends into Week 1, but that seems unlikely at the moment.

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Brandon Aiyuk Aug 29 2:10pm ET
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is once again not on the practice field at the early open portion of Thursday's practice. The standoff between Aiyuk and the Niners rages on, and this situation is becoming at least moderately concerning for fantasy managers with Week 1 of the regular season arriving next week. Given that he hasn't practiced with the team at all during training camp this summer, Aiyuk appears to be at risk of being limited in the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against the New York Jets due to his lack of reps, even if he stays put in San Francisco. The 26-year-old wideout is healthy, however, so he shouldn't be falling too far down rankings for the final week of drafts, considering something just has to give one way or another for the best of both sides before the season begins. Aiyuk racked up a staggering 12.8 yards per target over 105 targets last year.

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Brandin Cooks Aug 29 2:00pm ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) will practice on Thursday after he missed time due to a knee injury. Cooks also recently missed time due to a personal issue, but he's returning on Thursday and should be good to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Cleveland Browns as the team's WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb. The 30-year-old veteran wideout failed to eclipse 700 yards receiving in each of the last two years, but he did find the end zone eight times in 16 regular-season games in 2023 in his first year in Dallas and could have an expanded role in 2024 with Michael Gallup out of town. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting another 1,000-yard season at all, but Cooks could have some nice weeks when opponents choose to double- or triple-team Lamb.

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CeeDee Lamb Aug 29 1:50pm ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will see more practice repetitions on Thursday. Lamb, who finally inked a four-year, $136 contract extension with the Cowboys on Monday, returned to practice and will continue to get ramped up with the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8 quickly approaching. Dallas was granted a two-game roster exemption for Lamb on Tuesday and placed him on the commissioner's exempt list, meaning he doesn't count against the 53-man roster. The 25-year-old missed a lot of practice reps with the starting offense this offseason and during training camp, but he's back now and is in play as the first overall wideout to come off the board in drafts. Lamb will be a must-start in Week 1 against Cleveland.

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Mike Williams Aug 29 1:40pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) had around four or five catches for well over 100 yards in practice on Thursday and is going to be available in Week 1 of the regular season on Monday night, Sept. 9, against the San Francisco 49ers. However, Saleh also said the Jets are going to be smart with how they use Williams, implying that he may not have a normal workload right off the bat after tearing his left ACL in 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers early in the season. The 29-year-old returned to team drills for the first time this Tuesday and is on track to be ready for the start of the regular season. However, fantasy-wise, managers should be hesitant to consider him as anything more than a WR5/flex against the elite 49ers defense as the Jets look to ease him back into competitive games again.

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Brock Bowers Aug 29 1:40pm ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said he feels very good about rookie first-round tight end Brock Bowers (foot) being on the field for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders are just being cautious with the rookie. Bowers hasn't practiced with the team since he missed the preseason game on Aug. 18 against the Dallas Cowboys due to foot soreness. It's a bit concerning that the 21-year-old is missing valuable practice reps with starting quarterback Gardner Minshew II with the regular season quickly approaching, but it sounds like the Georgia product will be on the field in Week 1. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting Bowers to be as good as Sam LaPorta was in his rookie season last year, but he has the ability to be a TE1 in fantasy immediately.

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Jaren Hall Aug 29 1:30pm ET
Jaren Hall

In a bit of a surprise move, the Minnesota Vikings waived quarterback Jaren Hall on Thursday and replaced him by signing veteran backup QB Brett Rypien. Hall, who was the team's No. 3 signal-caller last year, had seemingly cemented himself the QB3 role again in 2024 with a strong preseason performance. The Vikings felt otherwise, though, and Hall could now get scooped up by another organization. A fifth-round draft pick last year, Hall started two games in 2023 after starter Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. The 26-year-old suffered a leg contusion in Saturday's preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was not waived with an injury designation. In three games (two starts) in his rookie season, the BYU alum went 13-for-20 for 168 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for Minnesota.

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Brett Rypien Aug 29 1:20pm ET
Brett Rypien

The Minnesota Vikings signed veteran quarterback Brett Rypien on Thursday and waived Jaren Hall in a corresponding move. It's a mild surprise after Hall seemingly cemented the job as the QB3 behind starter Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens with a strong preseason. The 28-year-old Rypien was released earlier this week by the Chicago Bears. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos, starting three games, before moving to the Los Angeles Rams last year. The Vikings were hit with tough news earlier in training camp with rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (knee) having to miss all of his rookie season. In his four years in the NFL, Rypien has completed 58.3% of his 168 pass attempts for just 950 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions in 10 games (four starts).

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D'Onta Foreman Aug 29 1:10pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

The Cleveland Brown re-signed running back D'Onta Foreman to their 53-man roster on Thursday after releasing former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley, according to sources. Foreman was initially cut on Tuesday when they trimmed their roster down, but he'll now rejoin the team as RB depth behind Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. (ribs) to begin the year with both Nick Chubb (knee) and Nyheim Hines (knee) starting the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Expect Foreman and Strong work in tandem in a change-of-pace role behind Ford for at least the first four games of the 2024 season. The 28-year-old Foreman isn't going to see enough volume in Cleveland's backfield unless Ford also misses time due to injury early on, so fantasy managers in most leagues can avoid him for now. In his only year with the Chicago Bears in 2023, Foreman had 109 carries for 425 yards (3.9 yards per tote) and four TDs.

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Donovan Peoples-Jones Aug 29 1:10pm ET
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The Detroit Lions signed wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones to their practice squad on Thursday after releasing him on Tuesday. In other moves, the team placed defensive lineman John Cominsky (knee) on Injured Reserve and released safety C.J. Moore from the practice squad. Peoples-Jones will remain in the Detroit organization as wideout depth to start the 2024 regular season. He began last year with the Browns before joining the Lions for eight games (one) start, where caught just five passes for 58 yards. The 25-year-old former sixth-round pick by the Browns in 2020 out of Michigan struggled last year after a career year in 2022 in Cleveland in which he had a 61-839-3 line in 17 games (14 starts). DPJ should eventually see time in Detroit again in 2024 if any of the receivers on the 53-man roster go down with an injury, but he's currently off the fantasy radar.

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Rico Dowdle Aug 29 9:50am ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle figures to play an enhanced role in 2024 following the departure of veteran running back Tony Pollard. The team brought back longtime Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott early in the offseason and recently signed Dalvin Cook, but both aging backs appear to be well beyond their primes. When asked if this is his best opportunity for extended playing time, Dowdle said, "I think so for sure, with the way things have went out there, practice and things like that. I think I definitely should get a bigger role this year. And I'm looking forward to it." Last season, the South Carolina product rushed 89 times for 361 yards and two touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 144 yards and two more scores as Pollard's breather back. Although he's unlikely to get the backfield to himself, he has a chance to be the leading rusher in an explosive offense. At his preseason draft cost around the RB45 spot, he's worth taking a flier on for fantasy football.

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Anthony Richardson Aug 29 9:40am ET
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson started just 13 games in his collegiate career at Florida and four games last year during his rookie campaign. The elite athlete from the QB spot has all the physical tools to succeed, but it could take time for him to develop. Heading into 2024, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team expects "roller-coaster moments" from the 22-year-old. "Most quarterbacks, when they're young, they go through those moments, but you have to learn from them, grow from them, and keep moving forward," Ballard said. "Just look around the league and it's a little bit up and down." While Richardson is likely to be inconsistent as a passer, his rushing floor and ceiling should stabilize his fantasy value. Despite leaving three of his four games early last year, he racked up at least 17.7 fantasy points in three of four contests, and he scored 29.6 fantasy points in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. If he can stay healthy, he has a clear path to a QB1 season in fantasy football, even if he struggles through the air.

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Tyler Huntley Aug 29 9:30am ET
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The Cleveland Browns are releasing quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini. Cleveland's initial 53-man roster included quarterbacks Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Huntley, and the team reportedly was open to trading one of the backups. However, that did not happen, so Huntley is being cut loose. Huntley spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted out of Utah in 2020. Overall, the 26-year-old has thrown for 1,957 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 20 game appearances. He also has 509 rushing yards and three rushing scores to his name. Huntley has proven to be a somewhat serviceable backup, so he should land on a new team before the start of the 2024 regular season.

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Dak Prescott Aug 29 9:20am ET
Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year extension this week, and with that situation taken care of, all eyes shift toward quarterback Dak Prescott. The former fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State is entering the final year of his current deal, and time is running out to reach an extension before Week 1 of the regular season. However, team owner Jerry Jones said the situation remains unchanged, and Todd Archer of ESPN reports the two sides don't appear to be close to a deal. This will be a situation worth monitoring, but there is no indication Prescott will miss any game action if he heads into the season without a long-term contract. With the Cowboys' rushing attack likely to be downgraded this season, Dallas could have a pass-happier offense in 2024. Prescott could be a value pick as his QB10 ADP, especially if he sees additional red zone carries and pass attempts.

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Deshaun Watson Aug 29 9:10am ET
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The Cleveland Browns restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, freeing up $35.83 million in cap space. $44.79 million of Watson's 2024 base salary was converted to a signing bonus to create the extra cap space, which Cleveland now leads the league in with over $62 million. It's an interesting move by the organization, and it could mean they have their eye on a few transactions before the start of the 2024 campaign. However, that is not being reported. This season presents a prove-it year for Watson, who has struggled in just 12 game appearances over the last two seasons since being traded from the Houston Texans.

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Lewis Cine Aug 29 9:10am ET
Lewis Cine

The Buffalo Bills are signing safety Lewis Cine to the practice squad after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings at the 53-man roster cutdown deadline. It was first reported that Cine was set to sign with the New York Jets, but it appears he has changed his mind and is joining another AFC East organization. Cine, a 2022 first-round pick out of Georgia, played in just 10 games for Minnesota in two seasons and racked up just one tackle. Clearly, things didn't work out, but Buffalo is taking a cheap flier on the former first-team All-SEC performer.

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Jacoby Brissett Aug 29 9:00am ET
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New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has named veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett the starter for the Week 1 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye will start his pro career in the backup role. This has been the expectation this offseason and Maye is viewed as a project QB, while Brissett can stabilize the position early in the 2024 campaign. Although Brissett has had some success during his career, New England is lacking established weapons on offense and could rely heavily on Rhamondre Stevenson and the running game. That said, it would be a surprise if the 31-year-old is high on the fantasy football radar in single-QB leagues. Fantasy managers in Superflex and two-QB leagues could target Brissett as a late-round short-term starter, but Maye should also be stashed in those setups.

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Jacoby Brissett Aug 29 8:33am ET
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New England Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett was named the starting quarterback Thursday, Aug. 29, with QB Drake Maye serving as backup.

Fantasy Spin: Interesting scenario considering coach Jerod Mayo came out a couple of days ago and said Drake Maye had outplayed Brissett. Brissett is a ho-hum QB2 in fantasy that could have usage if you suffer an early season injury.

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Noah Brown Aug 28 11:07pm ET
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Dynasty | The Commanders have signed wide receiver Noah Brown. Dynasty Analysis: Hmm. This one is interesting as the Commanders recently traded Jahan Dotson. He has a chance to emerge as their WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin, though that's far from a given. Brown will compete with the likes of Olamide Zaccheus, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder, and Luke McCaffrey for targets but he's worthy of a roster spot again based on this landing spot.

Nick Bosa Aug 28 10:50pm ET
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San Francisco 49ers defensive end Leonard Floyd (knee) was seen at practice on Wednesday. Floyd was labeled day-to-day after injuring his right knee in last Friday's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter when a teammate landed on his leg. Floyd avoided a serious injury, though, and should be fine for the Week 1 regular-season finale on Monday, Sept. 9, against the New York Jets. The 31-year-old specialized in pass-rushing in his lone season with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, which led to a career-high 10.5 sacks, but he also recorded a career-low 32 tackles (21 solo) in 17 regular-season games (16 starts). The former ninth overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2016 out of Georgia has had at least nine sacks in each of the last four seasons and should be pretty productive again in 2024 for a strong 49ers defense across from All-Pro Nick Bosa.

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