Best Ball Scout Championship
Wed Apr 17 9:26am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3
Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty (groin) is officially active for Week 3 versus the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. Karty has not yet missed a kick through two weeks in the NFL, converting three extra points and three field goals (including one from 40+ yards out). However, the Rams enter Sunday's game without Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee), which is bad news for their offense's chances of scoring. As a result, Karty's upside is also limited. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 3 versus the New Orleans Saints. He exited the game in the second half. At the time of his departure, he had caught seven of 10 targets for 79 yards. Smith had earned an uptick in targets lately with A.J. Brown (hamstring) sidelined. Now, Philadelphia will be without both of its top two receivers for the end of Sunday's game and perhaps beyond. Tight end Dallas Goedert figures to be the centerpiece of the passing game while receivers Johnny Wilson, Jahan Dotson, and Parris Campbell also get involved. The Eagles face the Buccaneers next weekend before heading into a Week 5 bye.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is officially questionable to return. Herbert entered this week with an ankle injury and was a game-time decision. While the Chargers ultimately decided he was healthy enough to play, they kept a third quarterback active in case Herbert re-aggravated his injury and had to exit the contest. That exact scenario is now coming into play after Herbert exited. At the time of his departure, he had completed 12 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. Taylor Heinicke entered the game in his place.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (hamstring) is officially active for Week 3 against the Detroit Lions. He had been listed as questionable entering the weekend, but there was a growing sense that he would suit up. Dortch is expected to operate as the Cardinals' No. 3 receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, and he'll also compete for touches with running back James Conner and tight end Trey McBride. Dortch has the potential to be a target hog, especially in the short-yardage passing game. However, he's only on the fantasy radar in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (rib) is officially active for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction this weekend. The 49ers get a major boost from having Bosa, who has tallied seven tackles and two sacks through two games, available for Sunday's divisional clash.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) was already listed as doubtful and wasn't expected to play in their Week 3 matchup. Ahead of kickoff, the team made it official and listed Mostert as inactive against the Seattle Seahawks. This will be his second missed game in a row with the same chest issue that he's been dealing with since their Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. De'Von Achane is set to take on a huge workload while Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is also sidelined, which means the playbook will be adjusted for backup quarterback Skylar Thompson. Jeff Wilson Jr. will serve as the backup again while Jaylen Wright may see some opportunities depending on the game script.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Panthers are receiving trade calls on quarterback Bryce Young. Dynasty Analysis: "In demand," might be a bit strong as teams are likely contacting Carolina to see if they pick up a former #1 pick for mere pennies on the dollar. At this point, the Panthers have been unwilling to entertain offers but that could change if Andy Dalton plays well and proves their early season offensive problems were legitimately all on Young. If Dalton struggles, Young could get another chance down the road. Today will be a big day for his future for sure. In the end, he remains a pretty weak hold in a dynasty league.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was already listed as doubtful for their Week 3 contest against the Miami Dolphins, but he's officially been deemed inactive. Zach Charbonnet will step in as the starting running back with Kenny McIntosh coming in as the backup. Charbonnet was the only member of the backfield to receive touches in their Week 2 win over the New England Patriots, and he registered 38 yards on 14 carries with five catches for 31 yards. Seattle will likely rely on the passing game once again. Walker's next chance to play will be Week 4 on the road against the Detroit Lions.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 3 versus the New Orleans Saints. He had an 11-yard reception and a fair catch prior to his departure. The speedy 27-year-old had merely been filling a depth receiver and special teams role for Philadelphia, so his departure doesn't have major fantasy implications.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have declared WR Isaiah Williams, LB Alex Anzalone, DL James Houston, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., OT Giovanni Manu, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu and OT Colby Sorsdal inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The Baltimore Ravens have declared DE Adisa Isaac, S Beau Brade, CB T.J. Tampa, C Nick Samac, DL Brent Urban, WR Devontez Walker and OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The San Francisco 49ers have declared QB Joshua Dobbs, OG Ben Bartch, WR Deebo Samuel, LB Tatum Bethune, CB Darrell Luter Jr. and TE George Kittle inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) has officially been downgraded from questionable to out during their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He originally left in the first half with a hip issue and was tagged with a questionable status at the time. Bosa didn't register any tackles in this contest after accruing nine total tackles and 2.0 sacks through their first two games. Tuli Tuipulotu is next on the depth chart and has already posted four total tackles and two tackles for loss. He'll see more opportunities while Bud Dupree will likely get involved as well.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) has been declared inactive for the Week 3 game.
Fantasy Spin: De'Von Achane has taken over as the main running back for the Dolphins and will see most of the snaps at the position in Week 3. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hip) will not return to the Week 3 game because of his hip injury.
From TheHuddle
The Seattle Seahawks have declared LB Jerome Baker, OT Mike Jerrell, DT Myles Adams, C Olu Oluwatimi, LB Uchenna Nwosu and RB Kenneth Walker III inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Malik Washington, QB Tyler Huntley and LB Mohamed Kamara inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) left the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday with a groin injury, and the team has said he's doubtful to return. He registered one solo tackle before leaving in the second quarter. Nick Herbig will be the next man up while Payton Wilson may see some extra snaps to give the others a break at times. Highsmith has been a consistent piece to this defense after posting four solo tackles and a sack in Week 2, and six combined tackles in Week 1. This game has been more of a defensive struggle than a shootout, so Herbig should be able to register a solid game in relief of Highsmith. His status after this game will be something to monitor.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) has exited Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints with a knee issue in the second quarter. He registered one catch for 11 yards on his only target before leaving the game, but the team has officially said that he's questionable to return in this one. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) already out, the passing game will have to rely on DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and then a combination of Jahan Dotson and Parris Campbell. His status will be one to monitor because his absence would be another big hit for this receiver corps moving forward, and it would be quite the hit to Jalen Hurts' fantasy value as well.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (eye) exited Sunday's contest against the Chargers. He is questionable to return. The wideout has been quiet through the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign, amassing three catches (five targets) for 15 yards. While anyone on the Steelers offense is hard to trust, Jefferson's potential absence could allow Calvin Austin III to get more involved. At any rate, if Jefferson is ruled out, he'll finish Week 3 without a catch (or a target).
From RotoBaller
