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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Evan Engram Sep 13 1:30am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram had a rough Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, posting only one catch for five yards. He did have four targets, which tied for the team lead, but in a lackluster offensive team performance, that isn't saying much. Engram will look to bounce back and show he is capable of playing like his TE2 finish in PPR leagues last year. However, Week 2 may be difficult for the 30-year-old, as he faces a stout Cleveland Browns defense that was elite against the pass last year. Establishing the run seems like the ideal strategy for the Jaguars, but they will have to throw the ball to someone. That leaves the door open for a potential mismatch like Engram to have a solid outing, and maybe catch a touchdown to produce a great fantasy outing. Engram is too talented at a shallow position to consider benching, but his upside is somewhat limited in a tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 13 1:00am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead (shoulder) exited Thursday's game against the Buffalo Bills. He briefly returned to action but then exited again and was ruled out. As of now, the severity of Armstead's injury is unclear. On one hand, it was promising that he was able to come back in the game briefly, and it's also possible Miami kept him off the field as a precaution. On the other hand, if the injury is serious and will cost Armstead some time, Miami's offense will take a significant step back as a whole. The 33-year-old is a reliable, veteran presence on the offensive line. In addition to Armstead, the Dolphins are bracing for injury news regarding Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), Raheem Mostert (chest), and Jeff Wilson Jr. (oblique).

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Sep 13 12:40am ET
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) was a full participant in practice on Thursday. He has now been listed as "full" for two consecutive days, suggesting he's back to 100 percent following a Week 1 absence. Barring any sort of setback, Gay should be able to operate as the Colts' primary kicker on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. With Indianapolis currently favored to win, there should be plenty of scoring opportunities for Gay. He's a low-end starter in most fantasy leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Jeff Wilson Sep 13 12:20am ET
Jeff Wilson

Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (oblique) exited Thursday's game against the Buffalo Bills and did not return. He finished Week 2 with just two catches for 12 yards through the air. Miami is dealing with a plethora of offensive injuries. Not only are they short two running backs in Wilson and Raheem Mostert (chest), but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) also suffered a very scary head injury during Thursday's game. If the Dolphins' injured players are sidelined for a while, we'll see a lot of De'Von Achane in the backfield with extra opportunities for rookie Jaylen Wright, too.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 13 12:20am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion protocol) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. This is somewhat of an upgrade given that he wasn't able to practice at all on Wednesday. Still, he'll have to clear concussion protocol before the Giants can make him active in Week 2. If he does suit up, Slayton will benefit from a favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders as he looks to build on last week's three catches and 26 receiving yards. Even with a solid matchup on tap, Slayton lacks much fantasy appeal given his role in a struggling Daniel Jones-led offense.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 12 11:50pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Downs suffered a left high-ankle sprain during training camp and did not recover enough to play in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. The 23-year-old appears to be getting closer to making his 2024 debut, though, although it remains to be seen if he'll get the green light to play this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Before injuring his ankle, Downs was lined up to be Indy's WR2 behind Michael Pittman Jr. Alec Pierce played 84% of the offensive snaps last week and caught three passes for 125 yards and a score, but Downs should work his way back into being one of quarterback Anthony Richardson's top targets when he returns. Downs is rostered in 22% of Yahoo leagues at the moment and is worth a pickup for WR depth.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 12 11:00pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left Thursday night's matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran quarterback took a significant shot to the head/neck area, rushing for a first down on fourth down late in the third quarter. While he walked off the field under his own power, the Dolphins quickly ruled Tagovailoa out for the rest of the game with a concussion. The veteran has a well-known history of concussions, suffering several in his five-year NFL career. Skylar Thompson took over under center after Tagovailoa left the game. Hopefully, he can clear the concussion protocol in time for Miami's Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. If not, Thompson would get the start.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 12 10:10pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (Achilles) is a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is positive news after Reynolds didn't suit up for Wednesday's practice. He appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reynolds hauled in five of his eight targets for 45 yards in the season opener. It's quite surprising to see Reynolds getting that many targets. It appears his fantasy value could be on the rise in Denver. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update after Friday's practice. If he sits on Sunday, Marvin Mims Jr. or Troy Franklin could see increased snaps. Neither player would be an ideal streaming option for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Baylon Spector Sep 12 9:50pm ET
Baylon Spector

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is listed as questionable to return during Thursday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Bernard made two tackles before being forced to the sideline during the first half of the game. The Bills will likely wait until after halftime to decide whether or not Bernard will return to this contest. His absence would certainly be a hit to this defense considering he led the team with 11 tackles in the season opener. Baylon Spector is listed as second on the depth chart, so he figures to get more snaps if Bernard is unable to return.

From RotoBaller

Joey Bosa Sep 12 9:40pm ET
Joey Bosa

Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa (back) was unable to get on the practice field on Thursday. This is alarming after Bosa opened the week as a limited participant on Wednesday. It sounds like the back issue is severe enough to keep him out of practice, which means he could be in danger of sitting out in Week 2. Bosa will still have another chance to get on the field on Friday, which will go a long way to deciding his availability for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. The absence of Bosa could mean veteran Bud Dupree draws a start on the d-line. The loss of Bosa would be a significant hit to the Chargers defense.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 12 9:30pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. This is now back-to-back limited practice sessions for Jennings to open the week. This isn't a good look after Jennings suffered an ankle injury during the season opener. The hope is that Jennings will practice in full on Friday which would give him a good chance of playing against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. Otherwise, Chris Conley could see increased snaps, but he wouldn't be a recommended fantasy option. Instead, Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk would see an uptick in value if Jennings is forced out.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 12 9:20pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) picked up an injury during Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old has missed practice each of the last two days. It's now being announced that Schultz is dealing with an ankle sprain. The good news is that the injury isn't considered severe, so Schultz should be able to suit up in Week 2. There is still a chance for Schultz to practice on Friday, which would give him a better chance of playing this weekend. Otherwise, Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover would likely split up the reps. Neither player is an ideal streaming option if Schultz is forced out of action.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 12 9:10pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) has been upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This means Fant should be ready to play after getting in a limited practice on Wednesday. It's worth noting that Fant has been dealing with this toe issue throughout the preseason. It could very well come back at him, but for now fantasy managers should expect him out there for the Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fant was quiet in the season opener with two receptions for 11 yards in the win. The Seahawks have a handful of options on offense, so sometimes Fant gets lost in the shuffle. He'll be on the TE2 radar for this weekend's matchup against the Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 12 8:00pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was listed as a limited participant in yet another practice on Thursday. Lockett was also listed as limited in each of the first two practices last week before he was active in the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. In that victory, the 31-year-old was out-snapped by both DK Metcalf and second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he finished with a solid six catches on seven targets for a team-high 77 yards. Lockett's ceiling certainly is lowered with Smith-Njigba around, but he's not going away anytime soon, and he should play in Week 2 versus the New England Patriots. The healthier Lockett gets, too, the more snaps he'll likely see in Seattle's offense. Sure, Lockett was much more attractive in fantasy when it was just he and Metcalf soaking up targets, but he remains in play as a big-play, WR4/flex option in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 12 7:40pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) remained out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Walker suffered an oblique injury in the Week 1 over the Denver Broncos and is now firmly up in the air to suit up in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. His status for Sunday's game will ultimately come down to whether he can get back onto the practice field on Friday. Still, Walker could be questionable to be active in Week 2, so fantasy managers planning on starting him again this weekend need to formulate a backup plan. Backup Zach Charbonnet would become Seattle's lead back in a plus matchup if Walker is limited or out entirely. Charbonnet should be scooped up off the waiver wire if he's available and you're thin at the RB position. He is currently rostered in only 52% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 12 7:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) told ESPN that the hamstring injury that he injured last week in practice that kept him out of the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots is completely unrelated to his contract status. Higgins hasn't practiced since getting hurt on Sept. 5. "I just don't understand why fans think I'm faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over," Higgins told ESPN. "I just don't understand why they think I'm faking an injury. It doesn't make sense to me." He has sought a contract extension in each of the past offseasons and requested a trade in March before signing the franchise tag on June 17. Higgins appears to be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 2 against the Chiefs, and fantasy managers shouldn't forget that he also missed three games with a hamstring injury in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Sep 12 7:20pm ET
Jaylen Wright

After being a healthy scratch in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright is active in Week 2 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. It comes after Raheem Mostert (chest) was ruled out on Wednesday. De'Von Achane (ankle) was also listed as questionable, but he is officially active. Achane should be Miami's lead back on Thursday with Mostert sidelined, but Miami figures to mix in Jeff Wilson Jr. and Wright as well as change-of-pace backs. It's unclear how many snaps and touches all three backs will split, but Wright is at least intriguing as a boom/bust flex play if you're already hurting at the RB position early on. The 21-year-old fourth-round speedster needs to at least be stashed in most fantasy formats, especially if you have Achane or Mostert rostered.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 12 7:10pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially active for the Thursday night showdown against the division-rival Buffalo Bills after he entered the game with a questionable tag. On a short week early in the year, both Achane and Raheem Mostert (chest) missed two practices earlier this week and were up in the air to play against Buffalo. Mostert was ruled out on Wednesday, so Achane's already high fantasy ceiling just went up considerably against a Bills defense that is banged up and not as formidable as its been in recent years. The explosive and speedy second-year back is a must-start every week, especially so with Mostert sidelined. The 22-year-old had 10 carries for only 24 yards in a Week 1 win over the Jaguars, but he also scored a TD and caught seven passes for 76 yards. Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright will have roles as well with Mostert out, but Achane should be in all lineups.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Sep 12 7:00pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a full participant in practice for the first time on Thursday and is hoping this is the week that he will make his NFL debut. Wilson missed the entire preseason and the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons due to an ankle injury that he suffered in training camp. He has missed valuable time learning the offense, but the third-round pick back in April feels like he's ready to do whatever is asked of him. The 23-year-old now has a much better shot to be active in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, but even if he is, expect Pittsburgh to ease Wilson into their offense because of how much time he missed leading up to the regular season. But in time, Wilson could easily become the team's No. 2 behind George Pickens in 2024, making him worth a bench stash in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 12 6:40pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was limited in practice for the second straight day with a calf injury that kept him out of the season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons. Justin Fields got the start in Week 1, and with Wilson still nursing his calf injury, the Steelers continue to prepare as if Fields will start in Week 2 on the road against the Denver Broncos. For what it's worth, the 35-year-old Wilson says he's "getting closer and closer" to playing, but it looks like he'll sit out a second straight week as the team plays it cautious with him. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that even though Fields is expected to start in Week 2, the belief is that Wilson will get the starting job once he returns from his calf injury. The Steelers think Wilson's command of the offense is stronger, and it seems as though only an explosive performance from Fields would change that plan.

From RotoBaller