Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking for a fun way to test your sports knowledge and win real cash, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) make it easy to do both. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel have revolutionized fantasy sports by offering contests that last just one day, rather than an entire season. In this guide, we’ll explore what DFS is, the sports you can play, beginner-friendly contests, strategies for building winning lineups, and tips for long-term success.
What Are Daily Fantasy Sports?
Daily Fantasy Sports are like traditional fantasy leagues, but instead of playing an entire season, you draft a new lineup every day or week and compete for cash prizes. This means you don’t have to commit months to a league—you can jump in whenever there’s a game or contest that interests you.
DFS vs Traditional Fantasy Sports
Unlike season-long fantasy leagues, DFS is fast-paced and flexible. You can compete in a single NFL game one day, an NBA matchup the next, or even a golf tournament over the weekend. There’s no waiting months to see if your team pays off, which makes DFS both exciting and accessible.
How DFS Contests Work
In most DFS contests, you select players under a salary cap and assemble a lineup that maximizes projected points. Your performance is measured based on real-life stats—yards gained, points scored, or fantasy points—depending on the sport. The better your lineup performs, the higher your payout.
Why DFS Has Exploded in Popularity
Daily Fantasy Sports are booming because they combine sports, strategy, and real-money incentives. Mobile apps make it easy to join contests on the go, and a variety of sports options keeps the experience fresh. Whether you’re competing against friends or thousands of other players nationwide, DFS adds a thrilling layer of engagement to your favorite games.
Sports You Can Play on DraftKings & FanDuel
One of the reasons DFS is so popular is the sheer variety of sports available. Both DraftKings and FanDuel allow you to play DFS in everything from football and basketball to MMA and golf. Let’s break down the main options.
NFL – Football
Football is the most popular DFS sport. You can play classic salary-cap contests, single-game Showdowns, and tiered contests. NFL DFS is exciting because game scripts, player usage, and matchups can make huge differences in your lineup’s points.
NBA – Basketball
Basketball DFS is ideal for players who love consistency. The NBA has predictable minutes and stats, which makes lineup building more skill-based. DraftKings even offers late-swap options, giving you an edge to adjust your lineup based on last-minute news.
MLB – Baseball
Baseball DFS allows you to stack hitters from the same team or pick pitchers strategically. With predictable matchups and a high volume of games, MLB is perfect for cash games and tournament-style contests alike.
NHL – Hockey
Hockey DFS requires careful consideration of player matchups and ice time. While variance is higher than in NBA or NFL, smart strategies can still lead to consistent cashes.
Soccer & International Leagues
Both platforms offer contests for Premier League, MLS, and Champions League matches. These are growing in popularity but require familiarity with league-specific stats and player performance trends.
MMA / UFC
MMA DFS is simpler because you only pick fighters for a single match. Underdogs can offer huge value, and with fewer variables, strategy plays a bigger role than luck.
Other Sports Offered
- PGA Golf: Draft 6-man rosters for tournaments or single rounds.
- NASCAR: Pick drivers and earn points based on finishing positions.
- WNBA & College Sports: Seasonal contests for basketball and football.
- Esports: Popular games like League of Legends and CS:GO (DraftKings only).
Best DFS Contests for Beginners
Not all DFS contests are created equal. If you’re just starting, it’s important to focus on the ones with the highest chance of consistent wins.
50/50s and Double-Ups
These contests pay out to the top 50% of participants, making them much safer for beginners. Winning even a small percentage consistently can grow your bankroll over time.
Head-to-Head Contests
H2H contests pit you against a single opponent. It’s much easier to beat one person than a field of thousands, making these contests ideal for newcomers.
Single Entry vs Multi-Entry GPPs
Single-entry contests prevent experienced pros from entering multiple lineups and dominating. Start with single-entry or low max-entry contests to level the playing field.
Why Smaller Fields Are Safer
Smaller contests are easier to win consistently because you’re competing against fewer skilled players. Casual DFS participants tend to dominate these fields, giving beginners an edge.
How to Build a Winning DFS Lineup
Success in DFS comes from strategic player selection, not just luck. Here’s how to build a lineup that maximizes your chances.
Finding Value Plays
Look for inexpensive players who are likely to have high usage due to injuries, rotations, or favorable matchups. These players allow you to afford stars while still staying under the salary cap.
Picking Stars with High Ceilings
Every winning lineup needs a few players who can explode for huge points. Prioritize one or two star players who consistently deliver high fantasy points.
Avoiding Overly Popular Picks (Chalk)
When a player is owned by 50% or more of the field, choosing them can reduce your potential upside. Smart DFS players fade chalk in one or two spots to gain leverage.
Stacking and Correlation
Stacking multiple players from the same team or game can create huge point swings. Examples include:
- NFL: Quarterback + wide receiver combos.
- NBA: Multiple players from a high-scoring game.
- MLB: Several hitters from the same team.
Using Betting Odds and Prop Lines
Vegas odds are a secret weapon in DFS. They often predict outcomes better than anyone else. A rising prop line can indicate a player likely to outperform, giving you an edge in your lineup.
DFS Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players lose by making simple errors. Avoid these to keep your bankroll safe.
- Playing massive tournaments without a strategy.
- Ignoring injuries or late lineup news.
- Poor bankroll management; never risk more than 5% of your total bankroll.
- Trying to play every sport instead of mastering one.
- Overstacking popular players without considering correlation or ownership percentages.
Tips for Long-Term DFS Profitability
Winning consistently requires a combination of smart habits, focus, and research. Follow these strategies to increase your long-term success:
- Master one sport: Focus on NBA, NFL, or MLB to gain expertise.
- Prioritize cash games: Focus on 50/50s and head-to-heads before big GPP tournaments.
- Track results: Monitor which lineups work and adjust your strategy.
- Use free DFS tools: RotoGrinders, NumberFire, and official apps can give you projections and insights.
- Stay informed: Keep up with injuries, rotations, and betting trends to exploit opportunities.
FAQ About Daily Fantasy Sports
1. Do I need to pay to play DFS?
You can join many free contests, but most DFS contests require a buy-in. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel offer contests for every budget, including low-stakes entries under $1.
2. Can beginners really win on DFS?
Absolutely. By focusing on 50/50s, head-to-heads, and single-entry contests, beginners can consistently cash and grow their bankroll while learning advanced strategies.
3. What’s the best sport for a beginner?
NBA is often recommended due to predictable stats and player minutes. NFL and MLB are also beginner-friendly if you focus on cash games and smaller contests.
4. How do I find value players?
Look for low-priced players with increased roles due to injuries or favorable matchups. Checking betting odds and last-minute lineup news also helps you identify under-the-radar performers.
5. Is DFS legal?
DFS is legal in most U.S. states, but rules vary. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel display legal disclaimers and provide state-specific guidelines.
Conclusion
Daily Fantasy Sports offer an exciting way to test your sports knowledge while competing for real cash. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel make it easy for beginners and seasoned players alike to jump in, build winning lineups, and enjoy the thrill of competition. By focusing on beginner-friendly contests, understanding player value, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of consistent success and make DFS an enjoyable, profitable hobby.