Scott Fish Bowl drafts begin in earnest today, and for those taking part, understanding the unique scoring system is supremely important. There's no better path to gaining that understanding than running through a draft outlining the scoring system with real-world examples.
The goal here is to set you up for success in your SFB draft.
Using Actionable Data
Adding live drafts around the country has given Scott Fish Bowl drafters in slow drafts unique insight—average draft position (ADP) data from multiple drafts. The charity tournament launched by Scott Fish in 2010 has grown to 3,324 entrants worldwide. Known for unique scoring twists and lineup settings, all drafts started simultaneously for many years, operating with long 8-hour clocks. That meant participants were learning the plan of attack of other drafters in real-time.
Now, drafters can start with actionable data.
Edgar, who goes by the X handle of Adieko_FF, has built a fantastic data site in Dynasty Data Lab. One of his tools is Scott Fish Bowl ADP pulled from Sleeper, which hosts all the Live drafts.
Here at Footballguys, we have you covered as well.
Dan Hindery has written an in-depth piece, working through this year's scoring in SFB14. Our Draft Dominator has been tuned to work within SFB14 scoring and adapts as your drafts progress. Adam Harstad has also worked through multiple articles diving into the rule scoring that includes a unique twist with return yardage. Harstad's projections are among the few in the fantasy landscape that include return yardage. He has also looked at the new kick return rules in depth and worked through each roster to identify the players best suited for these duties.
This article will find an ideal path through the draft, utilizing Adieko's live draft ADP and Hindery's data walkthrough.
It is essential to understand that playoff qualification occurs through wins accumulated in head-to-head and league median matchups or via total accumulated points. Weekly and season-long point totals are significant, as playoff matchups include season-long weekly average points to help determine who advances.
First, multiple highlights of Hindery's work:
Running backs are extremely important. Hindry looked at the last ten seasons' worth of statistics and identified the top 20 individual points per game season. Of those 20, 13 belonged to running backs.
Quarterbacks are overvalued. Quarterbacks without a rushing component require many touchdowns to solidify themselves as solid starting options.
Returners are a wildcard, but primarily returners who are involved in the offensive game plan. Return yards are worth double scrimmage yards; however, returners without an offensive role will still likely leave players short of starting flex value and present as boom/bust bye or injury options.
The starting lineup requires just one quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, superflex, kicker each, and five flex positions. This opens multiple paths to constructing a roster.
A Note: These are my favorite selections in each round. While I used groups of 12 for ADP rounds, pairing players like Christian McCaffrey, Kyler Murray, and Mark Andrews together will be difficult in most drafts. Drafters at the back of round one have very little realistic shot at McCaffrey. Those same drafters will likely have a great chance at grabbing Murray and Andrews.
Round 1: Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, San Francisco
Bye Week: 9
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 29.8
McCaffrey's 2023 was the 11th-highest scoring season in SFB14 settings over the last ten years from Hindery’s work. The central question at the top is how to play quarterbacks. Demand is high in superflex leagues, so QBs are drafted much earlier than in normal leagues. Do you go with the demand and try to grab a QB early, or do you go the more traditional route with a proven workhorse RB in McCaffrey?
The choice of a position player or quarterback will color the next choices on the decision tree. Passing on quarterback in Round 1 will put a premium on securing one as soon as possible. Meanwhile, selecting a quarterback affords more flexibility in choosing between Superflex / QB2 choices and high-value players at other positions.
Round 2: Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Arizona
Bye Week: 11
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 19.7
Murray, Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, and Jordan Love are the quarterbacks sitting with Round 2 ADPs. Murray wins the spot with his rushing potential. His best season came in 2020, when he posted 558 rushing yards, leading to 27.3 PPG in SFB14 scoring. That number would have made him QB1 in 2023.
Round 3: Mark Andrews, Tight End, Baltimore
Bye Week: 14
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 19.0
The Scott Fish Bowl draft features a third-round reversal. This means that teams picking at the end of the first round will have the first pick in the third round. After the third round, the draft order will alternate for the remaining rounds. If you need more details, Sleeper offers a more in-depth explanation here.
Tight ends are extremely important in this scoring, showcased most notably by Travis Kelce's 27.9 points per game in 2022, which led to him being a popular pick at number one overall in last year’s SFB13. Andrews has been a consistent scorer, peaking at 22.8 PPG in 2021 before his 19.0 PPG in 2023. The position will start flying off the board, driving the importance of grabbing one of the top options available.
Jayden Daniels is worth considering, but there is uncertainty around his production and passable options available later. Proven tight end production is less certain. Dalton Kincaid is another option and a prime stacking option for those who led off drafts with Josh Allen.
Round 4: Evan Engram, Tight End, Jacksonville
Bye Week: 12
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 20.9
Tight end importance and the flexibility of starting lineup requirements makes it worthwhile to double dip immediately. Engram led tight end scoring with 355.8 points in 2023, but that undersells his potential. Over the last six games of 2023, Engram averaged 29.3 points, extrapolating that would be the second-highest tight end season since 2014.
Round 5: Deebo Samuel Sr., Wide Receiver, San Francisco
Bye Week: 9
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 20.1
Grabbing yet another tight end like George Kittle is worth considering as the position falls off a cliff, and these settings can support tripling down as a bully tight end build. Samuel has a skillset tailor-made to this scoring, evidenced by his 25.2 points per game in 2021. The 49ers have dabbled with kick returns, and he serves as a startable handcuff to McCaffrey.
Return yardage can dramatically shape this tournament and especially the receiver position, but there is enough uncertainty that rosters should lock down at least one strong wide receiver.
Round 6: Alvin Kamara, Running Back, New Orleans
Bye Week: 12
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 20.8
There are reasons for concern on Kamara. Age, a potential contract hold out, and a bye during the playoffs are at the top of the list. But his 20.8 PPG in 2023 was RB6 and he has the highest ceiling in this range.
Round 7: David Montgomery, Running Back, Detroit
Bye Week: 5
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 20.2
Points for first downs and per carry set up well from Montgomery, who holds a solidified role in a potent Detroit offense. Montgomery's Lions will face off against McCaffrey and Samuel's 49ers during championship week for game-crafting purposes. James Conner is a strong consideration, but the presence of rookie Trey Benson creates questions.
Tank Dell is another consideration after seeing work on punt return teams in 2023. Like Samuel, he is a proven high-level contributor who can boost his value with special teams.
Round 8: Rashid Shaheed, Wide Receiver, New Orleans
Bye Week: 12
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 21.3
Shaheed may as well be the unofficial mascot for SFB14.
No player has generated as much conversation, and his ADP range has been very wide as he has gone as early as Round 4 and as late as Round 12. He finished overall WR6 based upon his 2023 production as a player involved in both aspects of the return game and the Saints offense. Selecting him carries a high risk that if his offensive importance increases, he could see a corresponding dip in special teams usage. Conversely, his scoring could rival McCaffrey's if he increases offensive output while maintaining his return work.
ound 9: Raheem Mostert, Running Back, Miami
Bye Week: 6
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 22.1
Mostert was RB2 overall and RB3 per game in 2023. It's unlikely he will rush for 18 touchdowns again, but if we thought he would do that, he would go much higher. His ceiling in a high-end Miami offense makes it worth the risk.
It is worth noting that the team used him on kick returns in 2022, making it two strong seasons back-to-back in this scoring format.
NOTE: You must determine your risk appetite at wide receiver around this point. Running backs are set up to score higher in this format, and drafters should consider taking advantage of just needing one wide receiver starter to load up on a deep stable of running backs.
Round 10: Geno Smith, Quarterback, Seattle
Bye Week: 10
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 15.5
This build has played with a lot of fire on QB2, and the limit has been pushed. Smith's 15.5 per game was very pedestrian, finishing outside the top 24, but his 19.8 in 2022 was good for QB10. Smith has an upside, and the team has voiced support despite adding Sam Howell.
Round 11: Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Pittsburgh
Bye Week: 9
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 20.7
There is a risk as Wilson may not be the team's full-season starter. That said, his 20.7 PPG was good for QB7 overall, and the reward for this pick at this point is worth taking the risk. Arguments could be made for Daniel Jones, as this scoring suits his game very well, or for Bryce Young as a bounce-back candidate. Either way, this is an example of playing with fire on the QB2 / Superflex position and potentially living to tell the tale.
Round 12: Marvin Mims Jr., Wide Receiver, Denver
Bye Week: 14
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 14.2
Mims is a candidate to complete the Rashid Shaheed triple. He emerged as a key returner on both kick and punt teams, but his offensive production was modest. Sean Payton has voiced getting him more involved, especially with Jerry Jeudy leaving. Mims has a legitimate 20+ ppg upside in these settings.
Round 13: Ben Sinnott, Tight End, Washington
Bye Week: 14
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: Rookie
After this tier, tight end options become very uncertain. A third tight end is not a significant need with the top elite picks at the top of this roster, but a late player hitting can add tremendous value. Sinnott or Hunter Henry are the top options here. The decision is to use unknown youth or likely capped upside but dependable production.
Two other directions: Justin Fields to pair with Wilson or Xavier Legette and hope for a return role.
Round 14: Jaylen Wright, Running Back, Miami
Bye Week: 6
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: Rookie
Wright pairs with Mostert for insurance. He also has a skill set that could lend itself to kick returns. The Dolphins offense has shown itself to be worth doubling down on. I tend to be leery of handcuffing, but an important consideration when packing the bench in this format is no waivers until the week before the season.
Round 15: Antonio Gibson, Running Back, New England
Bye Week: 14
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG:12.9
Gibson fits the profile we are hunting. Harstad projects him as one of the highest kick return totals of any running back, and he projects that he will be the clear handcuff to Rhamondre Stevenson. Due to the long period without waivers, the path is to use later picks on players who can realize stand-alone value with return usage and a part-time offensive role or dramatically increase value before any game is played.
Gardner Minshew is also in this window, and another quarterback should be a target, but the scoring is not set up to favor him as a starter; he fell outside the top 20 more often than inside the top 16 in 2023.
Round 16: Sam Darnold, Quarterback, Minnesota
Bye Week: 6
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 3.2
The scoring is set up nicely for Darnold. In his last prolonged period as a starter, six games to start 2021, Darnold averaged 21.16 points in SFB14 scoring. The Vikings have stated a commitment to slowly developing J.J. McCarthy, and weapons like Justin Jefferson make Darnold the best late quarterback player.
Round 17: Greg Dortch, Wide Receiver, Arizona
Bye Week: 11
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 12.4
The four players with the best opportunity to match a system-breaking season like Shaheed are Shaheed himself, Mims, Xavier Gipson (who we missed last round due to grabbing Darnold), and Dortch.
Dortch carries a level of risk as the Cardinals aggressively added Deejay Dallas in free agency. Dallas emerged as one of the better return players in the NFL over the last couple of seasons. The roster loses little value this late if a pivot off Dortch is necessary.
Round 18: Braelon Allen, Running Back, New York Jets
Bye Week: 12
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: Rookie
We have mentioned Gipson, and it is unlikely Allen will get the opportunity to return kicks, but according to Jets camp, he has emerged as the clear backup to Breece Hall. This round is filled with one-dimensional receivers, backup running backs, and kickers (valuable in this format but better opportunities later). Ideally, taking backs this late would be a double threat, like Gibson. Grabbing clear backups holds value, with waivers locked up and the entire preseason playing out.
Round 19: D'Onta Foreman, Running Back, Cleveland
Bye Week: 10
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 13.9
Foreman is a backup running back whose starter has already been injured. He projects a dollar-store version of Montgomery, a player who can specialize in first downs and goal-line work. Over the last two years, he's produced four Top 9 weeks, including finishing as the overall RB1 in Week 7 of 2023.
Round 20: Braxton Berrios, Wide Receiver, Miami
Bye Week: 6
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 12.5
Berrios broke SFB14 scoring in the Shaheed mold with his 2021 performance. His output that year would have yielded an average 21.8 PPG in this system. His utility in Miami's offense is severely diminished, but Harstad projects him among the kick and punt return yardage leaders.
Returners will get heavy buzz for this tournament, but think about it like a tripod; for these players to bump into starting lineups, you will need contributions in all three areas. Savvy players will watch the preseason for players who hold that potential.
Round 21: Jason Sanders, Kicker, Miami
Bye Week: 6
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: 16.7
Sanders finished 2023 K2 and is going off the board as K10 in drafts. Sanders has been the Dolphins' kicker for the last six seasons, and there's little reason to reach for one of the higher options as he possesses a similar upside.
Round 22: Will Shipley, Running Back, Philadelphia
Bye Week: 5
2023 SFB14 scoring PPG: Rookie
Harstad projects Shipley as one of the Eagles' leading kick returners. He also can earn a role as a direct backup to Saquon Barkley.
The Roster
- QB: Kyler Murray
- QB: Geno Smith
- QB: Russell Wilson
- QB: Sam Darnold
- RB: Christian McCaffrey
- RB: Alvin Kamara
- RB: David Montgomery
- RB: Raheem Mostert
- RB: Jaylen Wright
- RB: Antonio Gibson
- RB: Braelon Allen
- RB: D'Onta Foreman
- RB: Will Shipley
- WR: Deebo Samuel
- WR: Rashid Shaheed
- WR: Marvin Mims
- WR: Greg Dortch
- WR: Braxton Berrios
- TE: Mark Andrews
- TE: Evan Engram
- TE: Ben Sinnott
- K: Jason Sanders
