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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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Brian Burns Sep 22 7:40am CT
Brian Burns

New York Giants defensive end Brian Burns (groin) is expected to play in Week 3 versus the Cleveland Browns. He had been listed as questionable after the Giants added him to their injury report late in the week. Nevertheless, he's going to suit up against the Deshaun Watson-led Browns on Sunday. Burns has seven tackles through two games but is still looking for his first sack as a member of the Giants.

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Tyjae Spears Sep 22 7:30am CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is expected to play in Week 3 versus the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Spears had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction heading into the weekend. Tony Pollard remains the top running back in this Tennessee offense, but Spears has still been able to carve out a role this year. Through two games, he has 10 carries for 41 yards on the ground, plus six catches for another 22 yards through the air. He ranks as the overall RB42 in fantasy football so far.

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Bryce Young Sep 22 7:30am CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will likely be re-installed as the team's starter later this season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former No. 1 pick was benched earlier this week, but the team views the decision "as a break or timeout more than anything." Carolina reportedly still has confidence in Young, who has completed 55.3 percent of his passes for 245 yards, zero passing touchdowns, and three interceptions so far. He does also have 18 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to his name. Fantasy managers should hold Young in dynasty leagues but can drop him in single-QB redraft formats.

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Greg Dortch Sep 22 7:20am CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (hamstring) is expected to be active for Week 3 versus the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Dortch caught six of eight targets back in Week 1 but commanded just two targets on a 35 percent snap share last weekend. He is Arizona's No. 3 wide receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, and he also has to compete with tight end Trey McBride and running back James Conner. Dortch can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues this week.

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Justin Herbert Sep 22 7:20am CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is preparing as though he will play in Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. However, Herbert is still viewed as a game-time decision as the Chargers want to evaluate him further during pregame warmups. The former first-round pick has completed 31 of 46 passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception this year. He also has 24 rushing yards and a lost fumble. Herbert ranks as a mid-to-low fantasy QB1 if he suits up. In the event that his high-ankle sprain is too much to play through, the Chargers would turn to either Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke.

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Nick Bosa Sep 22 7:10am CT
Nick Bosa

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (rib) is expected to be active for Week 3 versus the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable entering the weekend. Having Bosa available is terrific news for the 49ers, who will be shorthanded at other positions on the field. Offensively, George Kittle (hamstring) is doubtful while Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has been ruled out. Bosa's presence on defense will give the 49ers an extra boost as they look to overcome their numerous injuries in this divisional game. He has seven tackles and two sacks so far this season.

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Geno Smith Sep 22 12:10am CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle George Fant (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday ahead of the team's Week 3 home matchup against the Miami Dolphins. In a corresponding move, the Seahawks signed tackle McClendon Curtis off their practice squad and to the active roster. Fant suffered a knee injury in Seattle's victory over the Denver Broncos back in Week 1. Last Sunday, he did not suit up for the matchup against the New England Patriots and was a limited participant in all three Seahawks practices this week. Now, he'll miss the next four games, with the team's Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as his earliest possible return date. Stone Forsythe will hold down the starting RT job protecting quarterback Geno Smith's front side in his absence. Despite the minimal sample of 13 snaps, Fant is Seattle's second-highest-rated offensive lineman per PFF (65.8).

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Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 22 12:00am CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back, calf) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Bears. The wideout didn't practice on Friday and currently holds a questionable tag. However, all signs are pointing toward his availability for Week 3. Pittman has gotten off to a slow start this season, catching seven of his 15 targets for 52 yards in the Colts' first two contests. Without question, his ceiling is higher than most. Still, his outlook versus Chicago isn't as promising, considering the injuries could limit his abilities on the field. Although fantasy managers can keep Pittman in the starting lineup, nobody can blame anyone for playing it safe by keeping him on the bench.

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Bryce Young Sep 21 11:50pm CT
Bryce Young

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, several teams around the National Football League have "expressed an interest" in acquiring Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. However, head coach Dave Canales has stated the team doesn't have plans to trade him. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick didn't have a memorable rookie season. Unfortunately, Young's struggles have carried into the 2024-25 campaign, with the signal-caller throwing three picks and completing 55.4% of his attempts in the Panthers' first two games. As a result, he won't be under center when Carolina meets the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, with veteran Andy Dalton taking over. At any rate, there are questions concerning Young's potential at the professional level. But now isn't the time for dynasty managers to sell low, especially since Young has time to turn things around.

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Jordan Love Sep 21 11:30pm CT
Jordan Love

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) isn't expected to play against the Titans. The signal-caller is trending in the right direction, with the team planning for his return for the Week 4 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, Malik Willis is anticipated to remain under center versus his former team. Willis got the start for the clash with the Indianapolis Colts. He finished that one by throwing for 122 yards and a touchdown off 12-for-14 passing, adding six carries for 41 yards. While the 2022 No. 86 overall pick looked decent in Week 2, he's not someone fantasy managers can depend on to fill the void left by Love's absence.

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Ray-Ray McCloud Sep 21 9:20pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III will look to continue his modest production when the team squares off against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Sunday night home tilt. The sixth-year veteran has been more involved in Atlanta's offense than initially anticipated in 2024. He's recorded the third-most snaps of any Falcons wideout (91) -- behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney -- and leads all Atlanta pass-catchers with 12 targets. McCloud is also just nine yards behind Mooney in receiving yardage for the team lead (94). The 27-year-old is unlikely to continue leading the team in such categories as the season churns on. However, he should remain involved and will become a more intriguing option in deeper leagues as Kirk Cousins continues to shake off the rust and recovers from his 2023 Achilles injury. The Falcons will have their work cut out for them this week against a tough Chiefs defense, but McCloud looks like a decent WR4 for now.

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Kameron Johnson Sep 21 9:00pm CT
Kameron Johnson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Kameron Johnson (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 3 home matchup against the Denver Broncos. Johnson started the week with a limited practice on Wednesday before downgrading to a DNP on Thursday and Friday. In anticipation of his absence, Tampa Bay has elevated wide receiver Sterling Shepherd off its practice squad for depth at the position. The 22-year-old rookie has been a distant option for the Bucs so far in 2024, recording the fewest snaps of all wideouts (11) and failing to earn a single target in the passing game. His lone touch on the year was a carry he advanced for no gain. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans will remain the de facto top two targets for Baker Mayfield, with Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer picking up the scraps in a smash spot for the team this weekend.

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Grant DuBose Sep 21 8:30pm CT
Grant DuBose

The Miami Dolphins placed wide receiver Grant DuBose (shoulder) on injured reserve Saturday due to a shoulder injury. DuBose popped up on the Dolphins' injury report this past Wednesday as a limited participant in practice. He then proceeded to miss Thursday and Friday before a trip to IR was determined as his best course of action. He'll now miss at least the next four games. The 23-year-old has recorded just one catch for 13 yards across three targets thus far and has logged the fourth-most wide receiver snaps for the team (39) behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Braxton Berrios. With DuBose on the shelf, expect Robbie Chosen to absorb his snaps. However, it is difficult to recommend any Miami wideout with quarterback Skylar Thompson filling in for an injured Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). The Dolphins will take on the Seahawks in Seattle this Sunday.

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Adonai Mitchell Sep 21 7:20pm CT
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Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell grabbed just one of his four targets for 30 yards in the team's Week 2 loss. Now he and the Colts gear up to host the Chicago Bears in a Week 3 matchup on Sunday. Despite not stuffing the stat sheet, Mitchell has racked up nine targets in his first two games, nearly connecting with QB Anthony Richardson on multiple deep passes. Despite the favorable usage, the Colts will welcome back WR Josh Downs (ankle) back into the rotation, and it's unclear how affected Mitchell's snap share from the first two weeks will be. On top of that, Chicago has done a decent job of quieting down receivers, allowing the 12th-least fantasy points to the position. Fantasy managers might want to keep Mitchell on the bench in Week 3, waiting to see how the playing time splits up between the receivers now that Downs is making his season debut.

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Alec Pierce Sep 21 7:10pm CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce held up his hot start to the season in Week 2 when he caught five catches for 56 yards and another touchdown. Pierce has been a mainstay in the Colts offense so far and has been on the receiving end from multiple deep shot passes from QB Anthony Richardson. He now gears up for a home matchup against the Chicago Bears, a team that's allowed the 12th-least fantasy points to the position. While Chicago's No. 1 piece in the secondary in Jaylon Johnson will likely be more focused on Michael Pittman Jr., it does open up the opportunity for Pierce to produce. That being said, he doesn't provide an incredibly safe floor with the limited passing volume by this Colts offense. Combining all that, fantasy managers in deeper leagues can look to Pierce as a boom-or-bust FLEX option in Week 3, hoping he can catch a few deep passes from Richardson.

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Jonathan Taylor Sep 21 6:30pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off an incredibly productive Week 2 showing, running the ball 12 times for 103 yards. He also grabbed two of his four targets for another 32 yards in the air. He now gets ready for a Week 3 home matchup against the Chicago Bears. The Bears have been in the middle of the pack defending the run this season, allowing the 15th least fantasy points to RBs. Despite the average matchup, Taylor can make up for that with his high-end volume. Taylor has seen an 88.9% opportunity share this season, the fourth most amongst all backs. With all that in mind, Taylor is a strong start again in Week 3, and managers in all formats can target him as an RB1.

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Anthony Richardson Sep 21 6:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is coming off of a weak Week 2 showing, throwing for just 204 yards, one touchdown, and totaling three interceptions. He also ran the ball four times for 37 yards on the ground. He now gears up for a matchup with the Chicago Bears, a team allowing the sixth-least fantasy points to opposing QBs this season. While on paper the matchup isn't great, Richardson and the Colts' offense is expecting WR Josh Downs (ankle) back in action, a key piece for them in the receiving game last season. As always, Richardson's rushing upside makes him an elite fantasy quarterback week in and week out, and this week isn't the exception. While Richardson doesn't provide as safe of a floor as some of the other top-tier QB options with his low passing volume, he still makes for a strong start in all formats in Week 3.

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Younghoe Koo Sep 21 6:10pm CT
Younghoe Koo

Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo has been one of the more reliable kicking options over the last few years. Koo looks to continue that in 2024 as he has yet to miss a kick through two weeks of the season. He connected on all three of his field goal attempts during last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He should continue to get chances if this offense can continue clicking like they did in Week 2. The Falcons should be able to move the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs who rank in the middle of the road in terms of defense. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable with Koo as their kicker for Week 3.

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Tyler Allgeier Sep 21 6:00pm CT
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (hip) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The young back opened up the week as a limited participant, but it appears he's fully healthy now. The Falcons continue to use a run-heavy approach, which is good news for Allgeier. However, Bijan Robinson is the lead back and the primary option in the running game. Last week, Allgeier did rush nine times for 53 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He's averaging 6.2 yards per carry this season, which is great to see. However, the weekly volume is unknown and Allgeier is barely involved in the passing game. That being said, Allgeier is at best a boom-or-bust RB4 for Week 3.

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Darnell Mooney Sep 21 5:50pm CT
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is coming off a decent performance, but a game that could've been much bigger. Mooney and quarterback Kirk Cousins haven't quite been on the same page early in the season. Luckily, Mooney was able to salvage his value last week with a 41-yard touchdown. He hauled in three of his seven targets for 88 yards and a TD in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. The hope is that Mooney can build off that during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mooney is technically the No. 2 option on this offense, but they've struggled to move the ball through the air. Mooney does carry some flex appeal, but is more of a boom-or-bust deep league option.

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