Learn everything you need to know about DFS: rules, strategies, formats, and how to play across NFL, NBA, MLB and more.
Unlike season-long fantasy, DFS contests last just one day or one week, giving you immediate results and payouts.
Compete for real cash prizes in contests ranging from $1 to $10,000+ entry fees with million-dollar top prizes.
DFS is a game of skill where your sports knowledge and strategic lineup construction determine your success.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are accelerated versions of traditional fantasy sports where contests last for a single day or week instead of an entire season.
In DFS, you draft a new team for each contest within a salary cap, selecting players from multiple real-world teams. Your lineup competes against other users' lineups based on the actual statistical performance of the players in real-world games.
DFS platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel host contests across multiple sports, with millions of dollars in prizes awarded daily. Unlike traditional sports betting, DFS is considered a game of skill in most U.S. states, making it legal in most jurisdictions.
The concept of "daily" fantasy sports emerged when entrepreneurs began exploring ways to shorten the fantasy sports experience from season-long to single-day contests.
Early platforms like Fantasy Sports Live and Snapdraft launched, offering the first daily fantasy contests with real-money prizes.
DraftKings and FanDuel launched, quickly becoming the dominant forces in the industry with aggressive marketing and larger prize pools.
DFS exploded in popularity with major sports leagues and teams investing in the platforms. The industry saw its first "Millionaire Maker" contests.
After legal challenges in several states, DFS was officially recognized as a game of skill in most jurisdictions, cementing its legal status.
The industry has expanded beyond traditional formats to include "Best Ball," showdown contests, and player prop markets, broadening appeal to casual fans.
DFS offers various contest formats to suit different play styles and risk appetites. Understanding these formats is crucial to finding contests that match your skill level and goals.
Large tournaments with fixed prize pools regardless of how many people enter. These contests offer the biggest potential payouts but require a unique lineup strategy:
Contests where a higher percentage of entrants win money, but the payouts are smaller. Cash games include:
Contests focused on a single game rather than an entire slate of games:
Contests that offer multiple returns on your entry fee:
Daily Fantasy Sports encompasses a wide range of professional sports, with each offering unique strategic considerations and scoring systems. Understanding the nuances of each sport is crucial for success in DFS contests.
NFL is the most popular sport for DFS, with contests typically running weekly to coincide with game days (primarily Sunday and Monday).
Key Strategy Elements:
Popular Contest Types: Main slate (Sunday games), Primetime showdowns, Thursday/Monday single-game contests
NBA contests run nearly every day during the season, with slates ranging from 2-12 games. NBA DFS requires close attention to late-breaking news about injuries and starting lineups.
Key Strategy Elements:
Popular Contest Types: All-day slates, Showdown contests for nationally televised games
MLB offers daily contests throughout its long season (April-October), with extensive statistical analysis playing a major role in lineup construction.
Key Strategy Elements:
Popular Contest Types: Main slates (evening games), Early/Late slates, Single-game showdowns
NHL DFS is known for high variance and correlation between linemates, making it both challenging and potentially very rewarding.
Key Strategy Elements:
Popular Contest Types: Full slates, Express slates (limited games), Showdowns
PGA DFS contests span multiple days (typically Thursday-Sunday) with unique roster construction spanning six golfers rather than filling position slots.
Key Strategy Elements:
Popular Contest Types: Full tournament (4 rounds), Weekend rounds, Single round showdowns
Soccer DFS covers major leagues (EPL, MLS, La Liga) and international competitions, with a unique scoring system that rewards defensive contributions alongside goals and assists.
Key Strategy Elements:
Popular Contest Types: League-specific slates, Champions League contests, World Cup/Euro tournaments
Each sport has its own unique scoring system that rewards different statistical achievements. Understanding these systems is crucial for successful lineup construction.
| Statistic | Points |
|---|---|
| Passing Touchdown | 4 pts |
| Passing Yard | 0.04 pts |
| Rushing/Receiving Touchdown | 6 pts |
| Rushing/Receiving Yard | 0.1 pts |
| Reception | 1 pt (PPR) |
| Interception/Fumble Lost | -1 pt |
| 300+ Passing Yards | 3 pt bonus |
| 100+ Rushing/Receiving Yards | 3 pt bonus |
| Statistic | Points |
|---|---|
| Point Scored | 1 pt |
| Rebound | 1.2 pts |
| Assist | 1.5 pts |
| Block | 3 pts |
| Steal | 3 pts |
| Turnover | -1 pt |
| Statistic | Points |
|---|---|
| Single | 3 pts |
| Double | 5 pts |
| Triple | 8 pts |
| Home Run | 10 pts |
| Run Batted In | 2 pts |
| Run | 2 pts |
| Base on Balls | 2 pts |
| Stolen Base | 5 pts |
| Pitcher Win | 4 pts |
| Strikeout (Pitcher) | 2 pts |
Understanding each sport's scoring system is crucial for successful lineup construction. For example:
Always check the specific scoring system for your chosen contest, as there can be variations even within the same platform or sport.
Now that you understand the basics of Daily Fantasy Sports, it's time to choose a platform and start building your first lineup!
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