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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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Chase McLaughlin Sep 20 11:50am ET
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin is quietly putting together a strong start to the 2024 season. McLaughlin has yet to miss any kicks as he's a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals and 6-for-6 on extra point attempts heading into Week 3. The preseason struggles have gone away as McLaughlin looks like a viable option now. The Bucs have enough offensive firepower to continue giving McLaughlin work on a weekly basis. The Denver Broncos defense has done a nice job this season, but McLaughlin still remains a decent streaming option for fantasy managers looking for help.

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Brandon Aubrey Sep 20 11:50am ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been a weapon in fantasy football so far this season, as he has drilled 8-of-8 field goals and 4-of-4 extra points. Three of his made field goals have come from beyond 50 yards, and he currently ranks as the number one kicker in fantasy. Aubrey will look to remain perfect this week against Baltimore in a game that is projected to be high-scoring. Do not hesitate to insert him into your lineup this week.

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Lamar Jackson Sep 20 11:30am ET
Lamar Jackson

The Dallas Cowboys defense/special teams unit has been one of the most boom-bust units in fantasy over the past few seasons, and that is no different heading into Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. One week removed from getting shredded for 44 points against New Orleans, Dallas will look to rebound against Lamar Jackson's 0-2 Ravens team. Despite the winless start, Baltimore leads the league in total offensive yards through the first two games. In this potential shootout, avoid the Cowboys' defense in fantasy lineups.

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Jalen McMillan Sep 20 11:30am ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has been quiet through the first two weeks of the season. The rookie wideout won the No. 3 role in camp, but that doesn't come along with much attention. Through two games, McMillan has hauled in two of his five targets for 53 yards and a touchdown. Often times, McMillan is the third or fourth passing option, which isn't resulting in a ton of action. The assumption is that McMillan will get more value later on once he builds more chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. For now, McMillan is a dynasty stash and remains avoidable for Week 3.

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Cade Otton Sep 20 11:30am ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has been barely involved through the first two games of the season. The third-year tight end has seen only four targets as the Bucs head into a Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos. A defensive unit that has struggled to contain the tight end, which should be good news for Otton. However, it's uncertain how many targets will be available for Otton with wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both healthy. Running back Rachaad White (groin) is uncertain for Week 3, so his absence could mean more targets for Otton. Regardless, fantasy managers can't trust Otton right now as he looks like a desperation option for TE-needy fantasy managers for Week 3.

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Rico Dowdle Sep 20 11:20am ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has seen an even split in both rushing and receiving work with Ezekiel Elliott through the first two weeks of the season. The fifth-year back has seen a more consistent workload this season than he ever has, but he still is not a reliable fantasy option due to the workload split with Elliott. This week against the Baltimore Ravens, Dowdle grades as an RB4. Baltimore has allowed the least amount of rushing yards in the league through the first two games, creating a negative matchup for the Dallas running back. Look elsewhere for a running back option this week, as Dowdle will need a touchdown to pay off in fantasy.

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Mike Evans Sep 20 11:20am ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is coming off a dud performance against the Detroit Lions. The veteran wideout hauled in three of his six targets for 42 yards in the win. It was a quiet game for Evans as he watched fellow wideout Chris Godwin tear up the Lions defense. Now, Evans will draw a tough matchup against Denver Broncos star defensive back Patrick Surtain. Evans always has big-play explosiveness, but could be held in check once again. Throughout the years, Evans has proven to be mostly reliable, so fantasy managers should feel comfortable with him as a WR2 for Week 3.

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Brandin Cooks Sep 20 11:20am ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks was limited in practice on Wednesday due to rest, but fully participated in Thursday's practice ahead of the Week 3 matchup with Baltimore. Cooks is not injured and should enter the game as the healthiest pass-catcher for Dallas with CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and Jake Ferguson (knee) battling injuries. The veteran is a WR4 option this week, as both Lamb and Ferguson are trending towards playing. The Cowboys should lean on the pass against a softer Baltimore secondary, making Cooks a potential flex option in deeper leagues.

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Jalen Tolbert Sep 20 11:20am ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert is coming off of a career-best performance in which he secured six receptions for 82 yards in the blowout loss to New Orleans. However, Jake Ferguson (knee) is expected to return this week, which could limit Tolbert's role in the offense. Ferguson and CeeDee Lamb (ankle) are both banged up but expected to play, limiting Tolbert's short-term usage. The third-year receiver is an intriguing stash in deep leagues with the offense searching for a tertiary playmaker behind Lamb and Ferguson, but cannot be trusted in lineups with an unproven workload this week against Baltimore.

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Chris Godwin Sep 20 11:20am ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been impressive early on in the season. Through two games, Godwin has 15 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns. It looks like moving Godwin back to the slot position has worked out well for the Bucs. The veteran wideout should continue having success in Week 3. He'll draw a Denver Broncos defense that has surprisingly done well against the pass this season. However, fellow wideout Mike Evans figures to draw star defensive back Patrick Surtain, which should open up more chances for Godwin. The Bucs pass-heavy offense should give both wideouts plenty of targets, so Godwin should be considered a high-end WR2 for Week 3.

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Dak Prescott Sep 20 11:10am ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has had a slow start to the 2024 fantasy season. He didn't have to do much in a dominant Week 1 win, and struggled in last week's blowout loss. Week 3 presents an opportunity for the 31-year-old to put it all together as the 0-2 Baltimore Ravens come to town. Baltimore has allowed the most passing yards in the league through two weeks while being stronger against the run, matching up well with what Dallas likes to do offensively. Despite Prescott's slow start, he grades as a low-end QB1 this week and should be inserted into lineups in most formats.

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Ezekiel Elliott Sep 20 11:10am ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has seen an even split in workload with Rico Dowdle thus far in 2024. The veteran has carried the ball 16 times for 56 yards and a touchdown while reaching up four catches for 25 yards through two games. This week's matchup with Baltimore is not favorable, as the Ravens have surrendered the least rushing yards in the league through two games. Elliott will likely split work with Dowdle again, and will need a touchdown to pay off in fantasy. Look elsewhere for a running back option this week.

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Bucky Irving Sep 20 11:00am ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving hasn't seen too big of a workload early in the season, but that could change in Week 3. Starting back Rachaad White (groin) has been limited in practice and remains uncertain for this weekend's matchup against the Denver Broncos. That being said, Irving could be asked to step into a bigger role. Through two games, Irving has rushed for 84 yards on 16 attempts, which is 5.3 yards per carry. He certainly has the ability to be a playmaker in the league, but has a limited ceiling with White being the lead back. That being said, Irving could make for an intriguing fantasy option if White is held out on Sunday. Irving could make for a low-end flex option or RB3 as the lead back. The rookie back should be stashed as the primary handcuff to White.

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Baker Mayfield Sep 20 10:50am ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has picked up right where he left off last season. Mayfield has thrown for 474 yards with five touchdowns through the first two weeks of the season. The Bucs are struggling to move the ball on the ground, but this pass-heavy approach appears to be working. Mayfield should continue to have success against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. A defensive unit that has been average through the first two weeks, so Mayfield should be considered a low-end QB1 for this weekend.

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Aidan Hutchinson Sep 20 10:10am ET
Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions defense/special teams may not be a great streaming option heading into a Week 3 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. In their last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this unit did hold its own on the back of an insane performance from Aidan Hutchinson who collected 4.5 of the team's five sacks. They've given up 20 points in both of their games so far and forced one turnover in each of them as well. Now, they go up against what should be an even better offense in the Cardinals that just put up 41 points on the Rams in Week 2 and 28 points on the Bills in Week 1. Kyler Murray has a few weapons on top of a solid running game with James Conner. The Lions are still an upper-half defense in terms of rankings, but this matchup isn't the best one to use as a streaming option.

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Eddy Pineiro Sep 20 10:00am ET
Eddy Pineiro

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro has found himself at the bottom of fantasy kickers even though it hasn't been his fault. Pineiro has converted on every field and extra point so far, but he's only attempted one field goal in each game and one extra point overall. The Panthers' offense has been abysmal as they haven't even been able to get into field goal range let alone find the end zone at even an average rate. While their quarterback swap may alleviate some of those woes, Pineiro is better left on the bench or the waiver wire until the offense proves it can move the ball down the field. To put things into perspective, Pineiro only has four more fantasy points than Matt Gay and five more than Spencer Shrader, both of whom have only appeared in one game.

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Jake Bates Sep 20 9:50am ET
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has hovered around the middle of the pack for kickers so far after two weeks. In the Lions' Week 2 loss, Bates converted on all three of his field goals and his lone extra point. So far, he hasn't missed a field goal or extra point through two games, but he hasn't attempted a field goal longer than 35 yards. The Lions' offense is good enough to move the ball down the field to get into Bates' range, but their aggressive play calling has seen more touchdown-or-bust type of plays rather than settling for field goals. Bates looks to be a mid-level option heading into Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals while having one of the higher-rated matchups according to RotoBaller's matchup tool.

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Xavier Legette Sep 20 9:30am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette expressed frustration after not receiving any targets in the 26-3 loss in Week 2. He also went on to say he's not dwelling on it, however, and he's looking forward to getting some more deep ball opportunities with Andy Dalton under center. Despite being one of the best-protected quarterbacks of the week, Bryce Young struggled to find any of his receivers and finished with a total of 84 yards. While the Panthers have more issues than just their quarterback, Dalton is more likely to get the ball out quicker and more accurately than Young. Legette will have more of a fighting chance to secure some fantasy points with Dalton, but his fantasy relevance is very limited until there's a noticeable difference in this offense.

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Jameson Williams Sep 20 9:20am ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is finally showing the potential that everyone expected and he's started off the season as the WR6 in half-PPR formats. In two games, Williams has 10 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown on 20 targets with two carries for 28 yards on the ground. Now, the Lions take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 where Williams can break free for some big plays. The Cardinals give up the 10th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers right now, giving up an average of 28.7 fantasy points per game. Williams projects to have one of the best matchups in his favor according to RotoBaller's matchup tool while he'll likely go up against Sean Murphy-Bunting most of the time who received a 51.6 coverage grade.

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Robert Saleh Sep 20 9:10am ET
Robert Saleh

New York Jets linebacker CJ Mosley (toe) had to sit out of the Week 3 win as he continues to deal with a toe injury that needed added rest. The star middle linebacker did play in their first two games and accrued a total of 12 combined tackles (10 solo) with no sacks or QB hits yet. Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters after the game that he's confident Mosley will return for their Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos, so it looks like this one-game absence is all the time he'll need to miss. Mosley has been the team's leading tackler with 150 or more combined tackles in each of the last three seasons to go along with 3.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

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