Best Ball Scout Championship

Wed Apr 17 9:26am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

2024 NFL Draft Recap

Player Notes
Alim McNeill May 7 4:00pm CT
Alim McNeill

The Detroit Lions signed veteran defensive lineman Kyle Peko on Tuesday, the team announced on X. Originally undrafted out of the class of 2016, Peko has spent time with the Denver Broncos (two stints), Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans (two stints), and Las Vegas Raiders. Overall, he has racked up 57 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, two passes defended, and 8.5 run stuffs in 42 games. With Alim McNeill and DJ Reader occupying starting roles on the interior, Peko is competing for a backup and rotational role.

From RotoBaller

Taulia Tagovailoa May 7 3:50pm CT
Taulia Tagovailoa

Rookie quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa participated in rookie camp for the Seattle Seahawks last week, and he is accepting an invite to take part in the Arizona Cardinals rookie camp this week. Despite being the all-time passing leader in the Big Ten, Tagovailoa went undrafted and is looking to find a home where he can compete for a roster spot. The younger brother of Tua Tagovailoa posted 11,356 passing yards, 77 passing touchdowns, and 37 interceptions during his college career that included one season at Alabama and four years at Maryland. He'll have an uphill battle to become a starter in the NFL, but a backup role could be attainable for the Ewa Beach, Hawaii native.

From RotoBaller

Treylon Burks May 7 3:30pm CT
Treylon Burks

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks was recently listed as a potential trade candidate by NFL insider Ari Meirov, and after the team signed Tyler Boyd on Tuesday, it could be more likely. The 2022 first-round pick has hauled in just 49 passes for 665 yards and one touchdown in 22 games over the last two seasons. Former Titans general manager Jon Robinson traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the pick that Burks was selected with, along with a third-round pick. Needless to say, the trade has not aged well. Current general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan were not with the organization when Burks was picked, so a change of scenery could be in order. With DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Boyd projected to start in three-wide sets, Burks appears to be the odd man out. If he's dealt, it will likely be in exchange for a late-round pick in the 2025 or 2026 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

Nathan Rourke May 7 3:30pm CT
Nathan Rourke

The New York Giants claimed quarterback Nathan Rourke off waivers on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 25-year-old began his professional career with the BC Lions of the CFL before getting an opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars in January of 2023. He spent roughly a year with the team before being released and claimed by the Patriots. New England cut ties with him on Monday, and he has already found a new home. The Ohio University product has not thrown a regular season pass, and he's likely going to serve as a training camp arm this offseason with the potential to compete with Tommy Devito for the QB3 job behind Daniel Jones and Drew Lock.

From RotoBaller

Brian Branch May 7 3:20pm CT
Brian Branch

The Detroit Lions are re-signing safety C.J. Moore to a one-year deal, according to NFL.com. The 28-year-old was suspended all of last season for violating the league's gambling policy, but he was recently reinstated and gets another chance with Detroit. Originally undrafted out of the class of 2019, Moore has played in 56 regular season games (all for Detroit). He's racked up 48 total tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and two pass deflections through his first five years in the league. Assuming he makes the 53-man roster, he'll primarily serve as a special-teamer and backup option to starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.

From RotoBaller

Tyquan Thornton May 7 2:10pm CT
Tyquan Thornton

The Athletic's Chad Graff believes the New England Patriots will be content cutting both wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton this year after they added rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker with two of their first five draft picks this year. The team would have to eat more than $9 million in dead money if they decide to cut Smith-Schuster. Thornton is the only true speedster in the receiver room, but the former second-rounder in 2022 out of Baylor has been a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons. In 22 total games (12 starts), the 23-year-old has just 35 receptions on 68 targets for 338 yards and two touchdowns. Right now, Kendrick Bourne, Polk, Demario Douglas, Baker, K.J. Osborn and Jalen Reagor figure to be on the final roster at the position.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler May 7 2:00pm CT
Spencer Rattler

The New Orleans Saints took former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler in the fifth round, mainly because two teams that were very high on him -- the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos -- drafted QBs in the top 12 this year. Despite his drop in this year's NFL draft, Rattler is not perceived as 138 picks worse than Bo Nix, as some evaluators had Rattler awfully close to the same tier as Nix, who went 12th overall to Denver. One team source had zero issues with the perceived image concerns facing Rattler, who appearance in the documentary "QB1" during his high school career didn't portray his personality in the best light. Going into his first NFL season in New Orleans, Rattler is facing an uphill battle to win the No. 2 job from Jake Haener in training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette May 7 1:30pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette, who was taken with the final pick in the first round of this year's NFL draft after the Panthers traded up, has drawn comparisons from scouts to Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, mainly because of his 6-foot-3, 227-pound frame. "Not quite the athlete Metcalf is but he's got some game-breaking ability like that, and he can do a little more with versatility as a runner and pass-catcher," an NFL personnel evaluator said. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young could certainly use some more playmakers like that after a disastrous rookie season. The 23-year-old Legette is probably going to struggle to produce consistently for fantasy managers in single-year leagues in 2024, especially after Carolina also added wideout Diontae Johnson in free agency this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. May 7 1:20pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world in this year's NFL draft when they took quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at eighth overall despite just signing Kirk Cousins to a big deal in free agency in the offseason. Word spread a week before the draft that the Falcons loved Penix, to the extent that he ranked as high as No. 2 overall at the QB position. The team's brass flew to Seattle to watch Penix throw for a few hours in a private setting on April 5. According to sources, owner Arthur Blank fully endorsed long-term stability at the position. Cousins is 35 years old and coming off a torn Achilles last year, so Penix will give them that long-term stability at the position that Blank was seeking. Atlanta was criticized for the pick since they had plenty of other needs, but they could look smart years down the line when they transition Penix into the starting role.

From RotoBaller

Christian Gonzalez May 7 1:10pm CT
Christian Gonzalez

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) said that he's mostly recovered from the shoulder injury that he suffered in his rookie season in 2023. "That's in the past. I'm ready for right now," Gonzalez said. However, he's unsure what his participation will be like for organized team activities this offseason. The 21-year-old was the 17th overall pick in 2023 out of Oregon but only played in four games last year before his first year in the NFL was cut short due a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required surgery. He's likely to be limited in offseason workouts and possibly even for the start of training camp, but barring a setback, it sounds like he'll be ready for the start of the 2024 campaign. It's great news for New England's secondary.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Allen May 7 1:10pm CT
Jonathan Allen

The Washington Commanders took Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton on Day 2 of this year's NFL draft, giving the team three talented tackles in Newton and Pro Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. A few league executives are now wondering if Washington will ever consider trade offers for Allen, who is due $15.4 million in 2024 and $16.5 million next year, both figures below market for high-end tackles. Sources believe the Commanders will either need to rework Allen's contract eventually or decide whether they will entertain trade offers, which they have so far rebuffed in the past. For now, head coach Dan Quinn can concoct a plan to get all three defensive tackles on the field. The 29-year-old Allen finished last year with 53 tackles (30 solo), 5.5 sacks and a pass defended in 16 games. Because of his struggles last year defending the run, perhaps he's moved outside more after the addition of Newton.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd May 7 12:10pm CT
Tyler Boyd

The Tennessee Titans are signing veteran free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The former Cincinnati Bengal visited Tennessee last week and will now reunite with his former offensive coordinator and new Titans head coach Brian Callahan. While Boyd's fantasy value with Tennessee is likely capped by DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, this is a promising addition for quarterback Will Levis. The Titans are signaling a shift toward a more pass-happy approach following the departure of Derrick Henry and the moves the franchise has made this offseason. 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks is now the odd man out, and there's a chance he could be traded after two disappointing seasons to begin his career. The 29-year-old Boyd has hauled in 437 passes for 5,172 yards and 28 receiving touchdowns over his last six seasons and is viewed as one of the better slot receivers in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Kendall Milton May 7 11:13am CT
Kendall Milton

Dynasty | The Philadelphia Eagles signed UDFA running back Kendall Milton. Dynasty Analysis: Despite being productve at Georgia, Milton fell all the way out fo the draft, likely because of a perceived lack of versatility. He'll now look to make the Eagles roster as an UDFA. It's a decent landing spot for him as Philadelphia is historically one of the teams that likes to keep a large stable of runners. Still, Milton is a long shot for dynasty value moving forward and should simply be kept track of for now.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jake Haener May 6 11:20pm CT
Jake Haener

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler has an uphill climb to earn backup duties to veteran Derek Carr in his rookie season, which is why Jake Haener currently looks to be the favorite to be second on the QB depth chart out of training camp this summer. At the very least, though, Rattler is going to be in competition for the No. 2 spot with Haener. There are other veterans on the roster as well in Kellen Mond and Nathan Peterman, and Taysom Hill can't be ruled out for getting some work under center in camp, either. Rattler's growth could be tied to how quickly he can learn the offensive lingo and installs. Haener had a leg up last year since he ran a version of the Saints' offense at the Senior Bowl the previous season. Rattler might have to sit on the bench for a few years, so he's only worth drafting in dynasty/keeper leagues this fall.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Blackshear May 6 9:13pm CT
Raheem Blackshear

Dynasty | The Carolina Panthers are signing running back Rashaad Penny. Dynasty Analysis: Penny is going to compete with rookie Jonathon Brooks, Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear for a roster spot this Summer as nothing here should be looked at as guaranteed. Penny has had his moments in the league, including a stretch in Seattle where he was the best fantasy football player in the world for about a month. Unfortunately, injuries have always held him back and he wasn't really even able to sniff the field last year in Philadelphia. Penny's value has dropped all the way down to "watch list," but he'd certainly be roster worthy should he make the team this Fall.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Davante Adams May 6 9:13pm CT
Davante Adams

Dynasty | The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran wide receiver Jalen Guyton. Dynasty Analysis: The long-time Charger has had his moments over his five-year career but never really put things together consistently in Los Angeles. He'll compete with the likes of Tre Tucker and DJ Turner for a roster spot but he looks buried behind Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and the newly signed Michael Gallup. As the Stormtroopers would say, "Move along."

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Nathan Rourke May 6 8:20pm CT
Nathan Rourke

The New England Patriots informed quarterback Nathan Rourke that he is being waived on Monday, according to sources. The move thins the team's quarterback room to four -- veteran Jacoby Brissett, rookie third overall pick Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe and rookie Joe Milton III. The move shouldn't come as a surprise after the Patriots selected two quarterbacks in this year's NFL draft. The 25-year-old Rourke has never appeared in an NFL game, although he did make 11 starts in 2021 and 2022 with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. Rourke will now look for another opportunity elsewhere as a depth option at the position with another NFL team.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow May 6 8:10pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) got glowing reviews while throwing at Monday's offseason workout. Burrow has been throwing during the offseason as he recovers from his injured right wrist, but Monday was the first day of Phase 2 of the team's offseason program. "He didn't miss a beat. Whatever he did in the offseason worked," receiver Kwamie Lassiter said. Burrow went through everything new QBs coach Brad Kragthorpe asked of him during the one-hour workout, which included footwork drills around obstacles. "I think he looked as quick and as athletic as I've seen him look," Kragthorpe said. "He looked like the Joe Burrow we're used to seeing. I didn't see any difference. I thought the ball came out of his hand well. Confidently. I'm happy where he's at."

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell May 6 7:30pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (leg) continues to recover from a gunshot wound sustained nearly a week ago. The 24-year-old, who was an innocent bystander during the shooting, still has some hurdles to clear, especially after also sustaining a fractured Fibula at the end of last season. However, he's expected to be cleared before training camp, although his status for Week 1 remains uncertain. Yet, if things continue to move positively, there's a good chance he'll be out there when the Texans begin their season. Dell finished the 2023-24 campaign by amassing 709 yards and seven touchdowns off 47 receptions. While fantasy managers are concerned about the injury and the potential for a decrease in production after the team added Stefon Diggs, Dell could still find himself surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark in the Texans' high-powered offense.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson May 6 4:00pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) has had well-documented struggles since being traded from the Houston Texans ahead of the 2022 season. He's appeared in just 12 games over the last two years, completing just under 60% of his passes for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Those stats are far from his days of MVP contention with Houston, but Browns general manager Andrew Berry remains confident. "Obviously, he's been rehabbing the shoulder injury, but he is well on his way there and in a really strong spot," Berry said. "We do expect to hit the ground running on that side of the ball, and I know he is very excited about returning to the playing field and getting over this injury. We have high expectations for him and the offense this season."Watson missed Week 4, 6, and 8 last season and played just a handful of snaps in Week 7 before returning in Week 9. He was then placed on season-ending Injured Reserve ahead of Week 11. A combination of poor play and injuries has put a bleak outlook on his career, and 2024 could be his last chance to prove he belongs as a starter in Cleveland. All that said, backup quarterback Jameis Winston is an intriguing stash option in Superflex and dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller