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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Miles Sanders Oct 19 9:50pm ET
Miles Sanders

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders has drawn interest from teams throughout the National Football League. While Rapoport didn't specify who inquired about the availability of the 27-year-old, he included him in a list of "names generating interest in trade discussions." Sanders signed with Carolina in the offseason but hasn't done much to benefit fantasy managers, amassing 98 yards and a touchdown off 30 carries, adding 11 catches for 71 yards. With Chuba Hubbard playing better than expected, along with the impending debut of Jonathon Brooks (knee), Sanders' days in Carolina may be coming to an end. For now, he's not worth starting in any fantasy format moving ahead.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 19 9:50pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has picked up some serious momentum over the past couple of weeks. In the last two games, Flowers has 21 targets, 16 receptions, and 243 yards. He's only found the end zone once so far this year but he has a big chance to score again in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing receiver groups with 31.0 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. With how dynamic the Buccaneers' offense has been, this game could be primed for a shootout, and Flowers should be Lamar Jackson's number-one target again.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Oct 19 9:50pm ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell grabbed just two passes for nine yards in the team's Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Mitchell has moved out of a full-time role in the offense since the return of Josh Downs, but he has still seen production in his limited snaps. That being said, every Colts starting WR is questionable for their Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, which would likely put Mitchell into a starting role should any of them miss tomorrow's game. If either Michael Pittman Jr. (back), Josh Downs (toe), or Alec Pierce (shoulder) are a no-go on Sunday, Mitchell does become a viable option. He will face a tougher Miami secondary that's allowed the second most fantasy points to receivers but can be viewed as a WR4 option if any previously listed starters are inactive.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Oct 19 9:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remains at RB1 this season in half-PPR and standard formats. The veteran has returned to his dominant ways this year as he leads the league in rushing yards, 20+ yard runs, and rushing touchdowns. In Week 7, the Ravens take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have scored points with ease for most of this season. This game may turn into a shootout, but Henry should still see plenty of opportunities at the beginning of the game at least. Enough to keep him at RB1 level this week and make him a must-start.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Oct 19 9:30pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end fantasy quarterback start for Week 7. The Cardinals will host the Los Angeles Chargers in a pivotal game on Monday night. The Cardinals' offense is coming off a sloppy outing in Green Bay. However, Murray still had a decent game, completing 22-of-32 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals' offense has been streaky this season, and if they can find some consistency, they could have real fantasy upside. Cardinals wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson (ankle) appear to be playing, so the Cardinals' playmakers should be at full strength. The Chargers' defense ranks sixth against quarterbacks in fantasy, presenting a tough matchup. Murray's rushing upside still makes him a likely starter and a low-end QB1 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 19 9:30pm ET
Mike Williams

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, "several teams," specifically the Steelers and Chargers, have inquired about the availability of New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal). The wideout spent his entire career with the Chargers before signing with the Jets this offseason. However, he's struggled in 2024-25, accumulating only 10 catches for 145 yards. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams in a blockbuster deal, there's a good chance Williams could be moved elsewhere ahead of the trade deadline. If that happens, he may benefit from a change of scenery, so fantasy managers should contemplate holding on to him for now, considering brighter days may be on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 19 9:30pm ET
Garrett Wilson

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "a select group of NFL teams" have contacted the Jets regarding the availability of wide receiver Garrett Wilson. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams, there are many who believe Wilson's days with the Jets are over. However, there hasn't been any indication suggesting the team would make a move, considering he's one of the league's most promising young receivers. Although Wilson was expected to have a breakout year in 2024-25, that hasn't happened. But in all fairness, he hasn't been horrible, amassing 41 catches for 399 yards and three touchdowns. It remains to be seen if Wilson and Adams can co-exist, so the situation is worth monitoring moving ahead. For now, the 24-year-old remains a must-start for Sunday Night's meeting with the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 19 9:20pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson won the battle of the top two fantasy QBs in Week 6, so now he shifts his sights to the new QB2 in Baker Mayfield. Jackson still sits atop the QB ladder in fantasy football while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Over the Buccaneers' last three games, the total score between both teams has been 78, 66, and 49. With the Ravens' defense giving up big passing games, this game should turn into a shootout quickly. That means Jackson could have a huge game on the way in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Chase McLaughlin Oct 19 9:10pm ET
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has continued to be one of the most consistent options at his position this season. McLaughlin has connected on all 11 of his field goal attempts and missed just one PAT in 20 attempts. The Bucs continue to march down the field and give McLaughlin plenty of chances. He should continue getting opportunities in what looks like a possible shootout with the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers in need of a kicker should look towards McLaughlin this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 19 9:10pm ET
Cooper Kupp

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Rams have received calls from teams regarding the availability of wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle). Rapoport added that a trade for Kupp "would be complicated and multi-faceted." Although the Rams aren't actively looking to move the wideout, things could change before the deadline if Los Angeles continues down a losing path. Kupp has played his entire career in L.A., amassing 585 catches for 7,213 yards and 52 touchdowns. For now, he remains questionable for Sunday's clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Oct 19 8:50pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has picked up his performance over the last few weeks. Otton hauled in two of his six targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in the win over the New Orleans Saints last week. The touchdown helped salvage his fantasy value, but the six targets is nice to see. In fact, Otton has seen six of more targets in each of the last four games. He heads into a favorable matchup against the Baltimore Ravens defense. A defensive unit that has struggled to contain the pass this season. Otton could be worth a look as a TE2 for desperate fantasy managers in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 19 8:40pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is coming off his best performance of the season. Last week, Godwin hauled in 11 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the New Orleans Saints. It was season highs across the board for the veteran wideout who has been fantastic since his move back to the slot. The expectation is that Godwin will remain a focal point in the passing game this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. A defense that has struggled to contain the passing attack early on this year. Godwin has done enough to be plugged in as a WR1 for this Week 7 contest.

From RotoBaller

Sean Tucker Oct 19 8:30pm ET
Sean Tucker

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker had a breakout performance against the New Orleans Saints last week. Tucker went crazy as he rushed for 136 yards with one touchdown in the win. He also added three receptions for 56 yards and an additional touchdown. This epic performance has earned him a role in the backfield committee along with Rachaad White (foot) and Bucky Irving. Right now, it's uncertain if White is going to suit up for Monday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. If not, Irving and Tucker would be the primary ball handlers in the backfield once again. However, the Ravens are a much stronger unit against the rushing attack. Tucker earned over 60 of his yards in garbage time last week. What he accomplished was impressive, but should be considered more of a fluke outing. Most fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable option ahead of this Week 7 matchup.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Oct 19 8:30pm ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) could find himself fantasy relevant in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Dissly hasn't done a ton this season, totaling 13 catches for 111 yards. His best fantasy finish so far has been a TE18 finish in Week 2, but with several Chargers pass catchers including fellow tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) injured and not expected to play, Dissly could see more targets thrown his way by necessity. He's still not a TE1 option, but he should put up solid TE2 stats and has a decently high floor for his position.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Oct 19 8:30pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is set for another solid game in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Chargers haven't really been doing much on offense this season so far, but Dicker has been a top-15 kicker three times already. He's coming off an overall K6 finish in Week 6, kicking three field goals and two extra points. This season, he's missed only one field goal and one extra point. He's a top-10 option in Week 7, as the Chargers face a Cardinals team that has allowed 99 points in their last three games.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 19 8:20pm ET
Zamir White

The Los Angeles Rams' defense has a great matchup this week, facing a weakened Las Vegas Raiders offense. Entering Week 7, the Rams allow 27.8 points per game, the fourth-highest average of any team. The team's four turnovers and nine sacks also rank among the bottom of the league. However, the lack of offensive weapons on the Raiders still makes the Rams a desirable D/ST option this week. The Raiders traded away star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets on Tuesday, and their best wide receiver remaining on the roster, Jakobi Meyers (ankle), is doubtful to play Sunday. The Raiders' running game is also a concern, with lead back Zamir White (groin) questionable to play this week. With the Raiders expected to go with quarterback Aidan O'Connell again this week, fantasy managers should feel confident starting the Rams D/ST as the 10th-ranked unit in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Oct 19 8:20pm ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal will look to keep his role in the Chargers backfield growing in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Vidal started the season fourth on the depth chart, but an injury to Gus Edwards (ankle) and strong performances from Vidal in small sample sizes have taken him up to second on the depth chart behind starter J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins has a three-down skill set, so Vidal will spend most of the game on the sidelines, but he would immediately enter the high-end RB2 rankings if something were to happen to the Chargers starter. He has the kind of upside that makes him worth being stashed in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 19 8:20pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving could be in line for another start this week. The Bucs are likely going to be without Rachaad White (foot) who is currently questionable. However, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bucs hold out White given how well Irving and Sean Tucker played last week. Irving rushed 14 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in the win over the New Orleans Saints. The rookie back continues to impress each week. He has earned more carries and possibly a chance at the full-time gig at some point. Although, Irving won't have an easy challenge against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. A defense that has done extremely well against running backs this season. Irving should be able to carve out low-end flex value despite a tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Oct 19 8:20pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer could have an expanded role on Monday Night Football when the Chargers take on the Arizona Cardinals. With Ladd McConkey (hip) questionable and Quentin Johnston (ankle) doubtful, Palmer could end up the top receiving option against a defense that has really struggled to stop the passing game. So far, Palmer hasn't done much, with just nine catches this season, but even on a heavy run-focused offense like the Chargers, someone has to catch the ball sometimes, and Palmer could be that guy. He shapes up as a better DFS or best ball option because the floor is as low as the ceiling is high, but this could be one week where Palmer is a viable bye week filler in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Treylon Burks Oct 19 8:13pm ET
Treylon Burks

Dynasty | The Titans have placed wide receiver Treylon Burks on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Burks had been splitting time with DeAndre Hopkins recently and has turned that opportunity into a meager four catches for 34 yards. He'll now miss at least the next four weeks as he attempts to rehab a knee injury. Those hoping for a third year breakout from Burks are going to be further disappointed. While his quarterbacks have given him no help, he has just 53 catches for 699 yards and one career touchdown in 27 career games over three years, making him a candidate for waivers.

From Dynasty League Fantasy