New to DFS contests and eager to step into the world of fantasy football with confidence? I've been on a DFS journey for three years, and while I haven't hit the jackpot, I've learned some valuable lessons. Here, I'll share essential tips and strategies for excelling in DFS football, focusing on DraftKings (since I haven't explored FanDuel).
1. Bankroll Management: The Key to Longevity
Bankroll management forms the bedrock of DFS success. Let me be candid: when I first dove into DFS football, I made the rookie mistake of going all-in on a Sunday main slate. That's a blunder for multiple reasons. DFS demands a well-thought-out strategy, one that evolves over time. Expect your strategy to stumble occasionally, and that's precisely why you need sound bankroll management. As a general rule, I allocate only 1% to 10% of my bankroll to a single slate. For example, with $234.50 in my bankroll, I'd invest $5 to $25 in lineups. This approach safeguards your funds, ensuring you can continue to enjoy DFS week after week. Effective bankroll management is the most crucial advice I can offer newcomers to DFS.
2. Contest Selection: Choosing Wisely
Contest selection is almost as vital as bankroll management. Stick to cash games like 50/50, double-ups, and head-to-head contests on DraftKings. In these formats, you need to outperform only half or slightly more than half of the participants to secure a win. These contests serve as a stable foundation for growing your bankroll. Also, be discerning when it comes to contest choice. For 50/50 and double-up contests, opt for larger fields (1000+ participants) to steer clear of seasoned players who dominate smaller events. If you're dreaming of competing for substantial prizes in GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) tournaments, ensure your bankroll can handle multi-entry contests. Don’t enter into a multi-entry tournament unless you can max enter, otherwise you give the sharks/big bankrollers a huge edge. Alternatively, explore single-entry, 3 entry max, or low-entry-fee ($0.10 to $1) tournaments to minimize risk to your bank roll. And while it's tempting, entering only one lineup in the 150 entry max Milli Maker is like throwing away 20$....but you do you.
3. Cash Game Strategy: Keep It Simple
In cash games, simplicity is the name of the game. Cash game strategy boils down to selecting the best players. Embrace "chalk" picks—those obvious choices with favorable matchups. When in doubt, consult ownership projections. In cash games, favor high-owned players. Adhere to the Rule of 3x: aim for lineups that can generate three times the player's salary divided by 1000 points. Don't hesitate to include budget-friendly players with decent matchups. A sub-$4k WR or a $3k TE who can contribute 8 to 10 points can be a valuable asset.
4. GPP Strategy: Calculated Risk-Taking
In GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) tournaments, a different approach is required. While diversifying your lineup is essential, don't entirely shy away from popular, high-confidence plays. Striking a balance between chalky picks and well-thought-out pivots is key. Seek low-owned players that make sense rather than going for pure obscurity's sake. For instance, consider players with lower ownership percentages but significant potential. A contrarian play can provide substantial leverage on the field. Here’s an example.
Example: If ownership projections show high interest in Justin Jefferson, who has an excellent matchup against a weak Carolina secondary this week, don't be deterred from considering Davante Adams, who may be low owned with Brian Hoyer potentially his QB this week. While this choice may scare off a good chunk of the field due to uncertainty, Adams, being a top-tier receiver, has performed well with second-string quarterbacks in the past (recall Jarett Stidham last year). There's a chance Hoyer could excel, making Adams shine at a 5-10% ownership rate, while Jefferson might deliver only modest results at 21% ownership. Leveraging such opportunities is a hallmark of effective GPP strategy.
5. Correlation Matters
Correlation can be a game-changer, especially in GPP tournaments. When your QB excels, their receivers often benefit. Don't miss out on this synergy. Correlation reduces the variables in your lineup and can give you a competitive edge. In high-scoring, competitive games, consider including a "run back" player from the opposing team to maximize your scoring potential. An example from last week was Kirk Cousins/Justin Jefferson with Mike Williams or Keenan Allen on the other side.
6. Leverage Vegas Lines
Vegas lines are essential, especially in cash games. Target players in games with high projected totals, as these contests often yield more fantasy points. In contrast, in GPPs, consider contrarian strategies by going against the popular Vegas trends. Sometimes, less high-profile games can offer better opportunities for success.
These guidelines should help get you started in the world of Daily Fantasy Football. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on our Discord channel. Best of luck!