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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Divisional

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: Divisional Round

Player Notes
Matthew Stafford Jan 19 9:00pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a strong showing in the Rams' Divisional Round loss to the Eagles, 28-22. Stafford threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns despite the snowy conditions and adding five rushing yards on two carries. He did lose a fumble but threw no interceptions. He led the Rams on a late touchdown drive that pulled them within six, but a potential game-winning drive stalled out in the red zone and resulted in a turnover on downs with just 31 seconds left. Stafford threw four touchdowns in the Rams' two playoff games and finished with 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in his 18 regular season and postseason games.

From RotoBaller

Cole Bishop Jan 19 8:50pm ET
Cole Bishop

According to the team, Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (hip) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. The defensive back sustained this injury during the first half. He was eventually carted to the locker room during the second quarter. Before exiting, Rapp tallied two tackles (one solo) and one pass deflection. Fantasy managers should expect Cole Bishop to continue to have a starting role in the secondary for the remainder of the evening.

From RotoBaller

Cole Bishop Jan 19 7:50pm ET
Cole Bishop

According to the team, Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Rapp sustained this injury during the first half. He was seen being carted to the locker room in the second quarter. Before exiting, Rapp tallied two tackles (one solo) and one pass deflection. While sidelined, Cole Bishop should see an uptick in opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Quinyon Mitchell Jan 19 7:40pm ET
Quinyon Mitchell

According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is believed to have avoided a serious shoulder injury during Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Schultz noted that despite leaving Sunday's game early, the team is "hopeful and optimistic" for his status in the NFC title game against the Washington Commanders. Mitchell left Sunday's divisional game in the opening quarter. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his status throughout the week, as he will be a crucial part of the Philadelphia secondary next weekend. During the wild-card game, Mitchell tallied six tackles and an interception. During 16 regular season games, the Toledo product tallied 46 tackles, nine assists, and 12 pass deflections.

From RotoBaller

Deonte Harty Jan 19 5:30pm ET
Deonte Harty

According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is active for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Harty has been on the injured reserve since suffering a knee injury during their Week 6 contest against the Washington Commanders. Over his first five games of the season, Harty has logged just six offensive snaps and has been deployed primarily on special teams. However, with Zay Flowers (knee) inactive, Harty could see a slightly increased role in this contest. Although, given his lack of offensive production, he should not be considered in any DFS competitions. Instead, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Tylan Wallace to operate as the top wideouts for Lamar Jackson.

From RotoBaller

Rasheen Ali Jan 19 5:30pm ET
Rasheen Ali

According to the team, Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Ali did not carry an injury designation into this game but will instead watch this game from the sidelines. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Derrick Henry to operate as the lead back, with Justice Hill slotting behind him and Keaton Mitchell as the No.3 option. Ali also sat out during their wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over his final four games of the regular season, the 23-year-old tallied 31 yards on ten attempts. Henry carries high-end RB1 upside in DFS in this contest, while Hill is worth a look at as a value play in what could be a high-scoring affair.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Jan 19 5:20pm ET
Zay Flowers

According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers sustained this knee injury during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The top wideout has been unable to practice each of the previous two weeks. Flowers was able to do a pre-game workout but was unable to turn the corner in time to suit up. Flowers has enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign as he eclipsed the century mark for the first time in his career and tallied four scores. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews to lead the passing attack this evening. Bateman is a solid WR2 in DFS formats, as he should continue to see an increase in targets operating as the top option on the depth chart.

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Ray Davis Jan 19 5:20pm ET
Ray Davis

According to the team, Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (concussion) is officially active for Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Davis sustained this concussion during their wild-card victory over the Denver Broncos. Davis was able to log three straight limited practice sessions and was able to turn the corner in time for this contest. Throughout the season, Davis has been deployed as a change-of-pace option in the Buffalo backfield, averaging a mere 6.6 attempts per game. Fantasy managers should continue to expect James Cook to operate as the lead back, with Ty Johnson operating as the No.2 option and Davis operating as a change-of-pace option. He is a high-risk flex option in DFS competitions, given his limited role in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Braden Fiske Jan 19 5:10pm ET
Braden Fiske

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fiske, who registered a sack prior to exiting, left the game in the first half. He was initially listed as questionable before the Rams declared him unable to return. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. His absence is bad news for the Rams as they try to pull off an upset on the road in snowy Philadelphia. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps for the rest of this playoff contest.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Jan 19 5:00pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) underwent a successful second ACL surgery last week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The operation was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is widely regarded as one of the country's top sports medicine specialists. Brooks missed the first half of his rookie season due to an ACL injury, so it was crushing to see him suffer another ACL tear just a few games into his NFL career. This latest tear is expected to sideline Brooks for the entire 2025 season, meaning he won't be fully healthy until the 2026 campaign. The Panthers are fortunate that Chuba Hubbard played so well during the 2024 season and is on track to remain their starting running back in 2025. Hubbard ranks as a high-end fantasy RB2 next year, but Brooks' eventual return in 2026 could add a wrinkle to the backfield dynamic.

From RotoBaller

Quinyon Mitchell Jan 19 4:50pm ET
Quinyon Mitchell

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) has officially been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable, and he was downgraded to out around halftime. Isaiah Rodgers stepped up as Mitchell's replacement for most of the first half, and he should continue to earn defensive snaps throughout the second half. The Eagles' defense faces significant adversity by losing Mitchell, who contributed 46 tackles through 16 regular-season contests.

From RotoBaller

Braden Fiske Jan 19 4:20pm ET
Braden Fiske

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) is questionable to return against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Fiske exited during the first half of the Divisional Round, but he registered a sack prior to his departure. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps until Fiske is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Travis Kelce

Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs playoff win over the Texans. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce now owns the NFL record for most 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs by any player, not just a tight end, breaking the mark set by Jerry Rice. It seems the Chiefs are just fine using him relatively modestly during the regular season, only to unleash him in the postseason at this point. While it's great for Kansas City, it has really affected his dynasty value over the past two years and made him more of a low-end TE1 than the elite difference maker he once was. If he continues playing after this season, that will likely continue.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

DeAndre Hopkins Jan 19 4:13pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Dynasty | Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins failed to record a catch in a playoff win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Hopkins honestly just looks done at this point and while he's offering some red zone appeal to the Chiefs, they seem much more happy looking for Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and even other before Hopkins. While he should still stay on roster, Hopkins' best days in dynasty leagues have clearly come to an end.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jared Goff Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Jared Goff

Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 23-of-40 passes for 313 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in Detroit's stunning playoff loss to the Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Goff shouldn't take all the blame in this one as the Lions defense got shredded, but he was hardly the solution either. It closes the chapter on a brilliant season but also raises some questions about just how high his ceiling really is. His value should hold this off-season, but this performance will certainly stop it from rising.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jahmyr Gibbs Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a playoff loss to Washington. Dynasty Analysis: He added six catches for 70 more yards. Detroit's loss was a shock, but Gibbs' performance really wasn't. The breakout star posted over 1,400 rushing yards, 50 catches and scored 20 times on the season, so nobody should be stunned at this. While David Montgomery will continue to eat into his workload a bit, it's clear he's the 1A in this offense moving forward and will be valued as one of the top running backs in dynasty leagues this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jayden Daniels Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 22-of-31 passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 51 rushing yards in a signature playoff road win over Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Can he really be considered a rookie at this point? Daniels was again brilliant in what may be the win that really puts him on the map as one of the elite players in the NFL. Washington looks like a team of destiny and that tends to go with the territory when you have a breakout star like this. Daniels is a top tier QB1 in dynasty leagues and an easy player to build your franchise around moving forward as the best may still be yet to come.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Zay Flowers Jan 19 4:10pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) completed a pre-game workout ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers remains listed as doubtful, which means that he faces an uphill battle to play. However, the fact that he was able to test his injury and go through a workout is noteworthy, at the very least. If Flowers defies the odds and does end up playing, it would be a surprising development, and the young receiver could still have a reduced snap count. Fantasy managers and bettors should expect confirmation on his status when the Ravens' list of inactives is revealed at 5 p.m. EST. Regardless of Flowers' availability, Rashod Bateman should take on an increased workload Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Quinyon Mitchell Jan 19 3:40pm ET
Quinyon Mitchell

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is officially questionable to return after exiting during the first quarter of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable. Isaiah Rodgers will earn more defensive snaps at cornerback until Mitchell is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Dan Quinn Jan 19 3:40pm ET
Dan Quinn

Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi (knee) has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will not return during the playoffs, head coach Dan Quinn announced Sunday. Cosmi suffered the injury during Saturday's Divisional Round victory over the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old was an anchor on the offensive line this season, playing essentially every snap while providing impressive protection and leadership. When confirming Cosmi's injury, Quinn noted, "That's a big deal, the ballplayer and the man." Trent Scott is expected to operate as the Commanders' primary right guard going forward.

From RotoBaller