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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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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Player Notes
David Njoku Sep 26 10:00pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was back on the practice field on Thursday. This is a welcoming sight as this was Njoku's first practice since September 6. It still remains unclear if Njoku will suit up for the Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Friday's practice session should go a long way to determining whether or not Njoku plays. There's a chance that Njoku is on a snap count considering he hasn't played since Week 1. If healthy, Njoku should be a low-end TE1 against a Raiders defense that has struggled to slow down the tight end this season.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 26 10:00pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Week 4 may be the Dalton Kincaid breakout game fantasy managers have been waiting for. The Buffalo Bills tight end has only registered eight catches for 85 yards and one touchdown through three games. Blowouts took him off the field early in the last two games, but that may not be the case on Sunday night. The Ravens should score enough to keep pace with the Bills. Plus, the Ravens are the best rush defense in the league and have allowed the second-most receptions and yards to tight ends this season. Fire up Kincaid as a TE1 in fantasy football lineups this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 26 10:00pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has yet to miss on any of his 14 targets in 2024 and is cementing his status as the team's go-to option at wide receiver. In Week 4, Shakir draws a Baltimore secondary that is the worst defense against the pass through three games. CeeDee Lamb is the only opposing WR1 who didn't top 100 yards against the Ravens. Rashee Rice and Davante Adams each hit triple digits. While Shakir doesn't go downfield as much, he's set for a safe PPR floor against this shaky secondary. With what projects to be a more competitive game than we've seen from Buffalo in the last couple of weeks, Shakir is at worst a flex in lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It seems that Addison is on track to play in Week 4 after getting in back-to-back limited practice designations. Addison hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. It wouldn't be shocking to see Addison on a snap count during his first game back. If active this weekend, Addison should be a low-end WR3 at worst. The Vikings are limited on offensive weapons and Addison was playing well before the injury, so he should be a solid WR2 once he's back to full health.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Josh Allen

A competitive football game is preventing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen from delivering all-time fantasy football performances. Even in the blowout win in Week 3 that took him off the field in the fourth quarter, Allen still scored four touchdowns and finished as the QB1. That's the second time in three weeks he's accomplished that feat. The Baltimore Ravens should present a tougher test than Miami and Jacksonville, at least on offense. The Ravens are allowing the most passing yards in the league this season. Lamar Jackson and the rest of the Ravens' offense should score enough to make Allen keep his foot on the gas. Allen has a great chance to finish as the QB1 for the third time this season and should be started across the board.

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James Cook Sep 26 9:50pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, the current RB6 in fantasy football, draws his toughest test yet of the 2024 season. The Baltimore Ravens allow a league-low 50 rushing yards per game, 21 yards fewer than the next team on the list. The Raiders and Cowboys' subpar rushing attacks brought the average down, but the Ravens limited Isiah Pacheco to three yards per carry in Week 1. While the Ravens are stout against the run, they allow the eighth-most receptions to running backs, an area where Cook can thrive. As hot as the Buffalo offense is, it's impossible to shy away from Josh Allen, Cook, and the other big names on the Bills. Start Cook as a low-end RB1 in Week 4.

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Chris Godwin Sep 26 9:40pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) remained limited participants during Thursday's practice session. This is back-to-back days that these two have been limited, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned. Neither injury is considered serious and these are more considered maintenance days for the veteran receivers. Evans has taken a backseat to Godwin over the last few weeks. However, both players are solid fantasy options heading into the Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. If one of them does miss sit, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, and Rachaad White would likely see bigger workloads as receiving options.

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Evan Engram Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) remained absent from Thursday's practice. Ugh, this is not a good sign heading into this weekend's games. Engram has now missed back-to-back practices this week and hasn't played since Week 1. There's a chance that Engram practices on Friday and does end up playing against the Houston Texans. If not, Brenton Strange will be in line for a larger workload. He hauled in two receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown last week. He has recorded 77 yards over the last two games, but remains more of a deep league option.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice. The veteran wideout has now been limited for two straight days. That is actually good news as it seems like Allen is on track to return in Week 4. He hasn't played since Week 1 due to a lingering heel issue. However, he saw 11 targets during the season opener. He figures to be a focal point of this offense once he's able to play again. Fantasy managers can go ahead and consider Allen a WR3, assuming he's able to suit up in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 26 8:40pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant was finally involved in Week 3. After catching three total passes in Weeks 1 and 2, Fant caught six passes for 60 yards in Week 3. He actually has 13 targets on the year which is solid for a tight end. Given the state of the tight end position in fantasy, the athleticism of Fant makes him an intriguing stash. If he can get anywhere close to his Week 3 output in Week 4, then Fant may be worth starting moving forward. However, outside of DK Metcalf, the Seahawks' pass catchers have been inconsistent. It remains to be seen how new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will fully deploy his talented group of skill players.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 26 8:40pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has a chance for a solid fantasy outing on Monday against the Detroit Lions. The Lions are 18th against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2024. Their secondary has struggled to contain opposing wide receivers all season. The Lions are allowing 216.7 passing yards per game in 2024 and only 76.7 rushing yards per game. They are the definition of a pass funnel. Smith has been solid in 2024. His two interceptions in Week 3 were a result of fluky plays that were not necessarily Smith's fault. He is starting to round back into his 2022 form after a disappointing 2023 season. This is a great game for Smith to fully hit his stride. There should be plenty of points to go around as two talented offenses clash. If you need a start in Week 4 then you could do a lot worse than Smith.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Sep 26 8:40pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is a risky play in Week 4. The Seahawks will face the No. 1 defense against opposing running backs when they visit the Detroit Lions. To make matters worse for Charbonnet, fellow running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) has a chance to play in this game after returning to practice this week. If Walker plays, then Charbonnet should be benched in all fantasy leagues. Even if the Seahawks ease Walker in, there is not enough to go around against such a good run defense. If Walker is out, Charbonnet may have flex value. However, the Lions have been successful in shutting down James Conner. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Kyren Williams in 2024. Keep a close eye on the injury report for Walker given that this is a Monday night game.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 26 8:40pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf is on a quest to score in his third straight game. Metcalf has logged at least 104 yards and a touchdown in each of the last two games. He has been a stud in fantasy and currently sits as the WR7. While Metcalf has been a huge red zone target in recent years, it is encouraging to see him scoring long touchdowns this season. He has scored from 71 yards and 56 yards in the last two games. He is facing a Lions defense in Week 4 that is 31st in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers and No. 1 in fantasy points allowed to running backs. As such, the Seahawks will have to throw to generate offense in this game. There is nothing about this matchup that should scare you in Week 4. Metcalf has a chance to deliver high-end WR1 value yet again.

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Christian McCaffrey Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

A report earlier on Thursday suggested that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) could miss two more months after visiting with a specialist in Germany this week. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said later in the day that "we'll probably turn it up here in the next couple of weeks... we'll start testing it out here sooner rather than later." The earliest that McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be before the Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks since he was placed on Injured Reserve before Week 2. Whenever the Niners designate CMC to return from IR, he'll then have three weeks to return to action. An exact timeline for the 28-year-old's return is unclear, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect it to happen in Week 6. In the meantime, Jordan Mason will continue operating as the lead back and will have RB1 upside in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers continues to be consistent. He missed his first kick of the season in Week 3 but still managed to score seven fantasy points thanks to a 56-yard field goal and a couple of extra points. The Seahawks are entering a tough matchup against the Detroit Lions. Both teams should be able to score points consistently. The Seahawks will likely need to call on Myers' leg early and often in this game. He should have plenty of opportunities for field goals of various lengths and extra points. If the Lions' passing defense continues to bend, the Seahawks should not have a problem moving the ball up and down the field.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Bo Nix

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams faces a tough matchup against a talented Detroit Lions offense in Week 4. Detroit is fifth against opposing D/STs in 2024. This Seahawks group has been solid in 2024. However, they have only been matched up against quarterbacks such as Bo Nix in his first start, Jacoby Brissett, and Skylar Thompson. In their defense, they managed to wreck those offenses, but Detroit will be a far different test. To make matters worse, this game is in Detroit where the Lions, especially quarterback Jared Goff, play notoriously well. Additionally, the Seahawks may be without a couple important starters along the defensive line in Week 4. The Seahawks D/ST will have several more weeks where they are worth streaming but they are better left out of lineups in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is a borderline flex start in Week 4. Outside of a down week in Week 2, Lockett has pushed for, or exceeded, 10 fantasy points in each of the Seahawks' other two games. The Seahawks will battle a Lions team that is No. 31 in fantasy against opposing wide receivers. There are no cornerbacks in the Lions secondary that should be able to shut down any of the Seahawks' wide receivers. However, it is unclear how the target share will shake out. When Lockett sees at least seven targets. He has been a solid fantasy play. If wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba gets going in this game, then Lockett may see a dip in production. You would be rolling the dice with Lockett, but he seems to have a relatively safe floor.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a frustrating player in 2024. Outside of his Week 2 explosion for 23.7 fantasy points, Smith-Njigba has been under seven fantasy points in each of his other two games. It seems as though Smith-Njigba's value may be tied to wide receiver Tyler Lockett. When Lockett has a solid game, Smith-Njigba sees a dip in production and vice versa. Unfortunately, it makes these players impossible to predict in fantasy. Smith-Njigba is a younger and more exciting player than Lockett. However, Lockett is a savvy veteran who has the trust of the Seahawks' coaching staff and quarterback Geno Smith. Smith-Njigba is far too talented to keep off the field, so talent has a chance to win out in this case.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 26 7:40pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Harrison is a new addition to the team's injury report this week, but the fact that he's practiced two days in a row means that he doesn't really appear to be in danger of missing a Week 4 tilt against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The 22-year-old first-rounder looked to be just fine while running around at practice on Thursday, so fantasy managers need to leave him locked into all starting lineups this week. Harrison had a dud in his NFL debut in Week 1 with one catch for four yards against the Buffalo Bills, but Arizona has fed him the last two weeks, and he's racked up nine catches (19 targets) for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Harrison could easily go off again against a porous Washington secondary in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 26 7:30pm ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) is officially active for the divisional matchup on Thursday night to kick off Week 4 action versus the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Slayton injured his thumb in the Week 3 win over the Cleveland Browns but was limited in practice all week and will suit up against Dallas. X-rays on his thumb came back negative. The 27-year-old will be wearing a splint on his injured right thumb, which could give him issues trying to haul in passes. So far through three weeks in 2024, Slayton has been in the shadow of both rookie Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson in terms of target share from quarterback Daniel Jones. Slayton belongs on the waiver wire in most 12-team fantasy formats and won't be a recommended flex play in Week 4 against the Cowboys. He has seven catches on 10 targets for 66 yards and no TDs through three games.

From RotoBaller