Building a DFS Strategy - 18 Daily Fantasy Football Tips
December 27th, 2023
Building a DFS Strategy -- 18 Daily Fantasy Football Tips
Written by - Team Sentitrac
Daily fantasy football (DFS) is a constantly changing universe — like a game within a game. DFS strategy requires players to treat each week of football as unique, identifying the most lucrative opportunities for fantasy points at the most efficient cost.
Success in DFS comes with time and experience, so we’ve put together a collection of 18 daily fantasy football tips — one for each week of the NFL season!
1. Know Your Scoring Rules
Understanding your platform's scoring system is fundamental. Different DFS sites assign different point values to touchdowns, yards, receptions, etc. Knowing these details helps guide lineup construction and player selection.
2. Stay Updated with News
Player injuries, depth chart updates, and game-time decisions can drastically alter outcomes. Stay tuned to news sources and reports so you can make last-minute adjustments when needed.
3. Use Player Projections
Leverage weekly projections and rankings to identify high-value players and likely top performers. Use projection sites and models to refine your player pool.
4. Combine Quantitative & Qualitative Data
While stats and matchups are vital, qualitative context matters too. Tools like Sentitrac use social sentiment and NFL news to supplement data models.
Look for edge cases:
- Is a player facing his old team?
- Is a coach on the hot seat?
- Is the team playing internationally or on short rest?
These storylines can offer unique lineup advantages.
5. Understand Salary Cap Management
Each DFS platform has a salary cap. Your goal? Create a competitive roster while staying within budget. Find value picks and balance your spending across positions.
6. Balance Stars and Value Picks
Studs win you contests, but value picks keep your lineup alive. Aim for a healthy mix of both to maximize upside without sacrificing depth.
7. Consider Matchup Analysis
Not all defenses are created equal. Target favorable matchups based on opposing defenses’ weaknesses, pace of play, and game scripts.
8. Explore Stacking
Stacking — pairing a QB with one or more of their pass catchers — can yield high-reward outcomes, especially in high-total games. Be mindful of risk if the offense flops.
9. Look for Contrarian Plays
In large tournaments, being different matters. Identify low-ownership players with upside to gain leverage on the field.
10. Target Contests at Your Skill Level
Start small. Play in low-entry, single-lineup contests to get the hang of things. Avoid max-entry GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools) until you're more experienced.
11. Experiment with Multiple Lineups
Building multiple lineups helps you spread risk and gain exposure to different game scripts. Begin with one strong core and vary around it.
12. Check the Weather Forecast
Weather impacts performance, especially wind and precipitation in outdoor stadiums. Bad weather can kill passing games and boost running volume.
13. Utilize Vegas Odds and Over/Under
High projected totals = more opportunity for fantasy points. Vegas odds can also help identify games where shootouts may occur or where player prop bets signal strong usage.
14. Monitor Player Ownership Rates
Knowing who’s popular (chalk) versus who’s overlooked helps you differentiate. Fade the chalk in tournaments, or embrace it and get different elsewhere.
15. Take Advantage of Late Swap
If your platform allows it, swap out underperformers or injured players in late games. This feature gives a massive edge to sharp, active players.
16. Track Your Results
Log your lineups, contest types, results, and notes. Review them weekly to identify trends and improve decision-making over time.
17. Manage Your Emotions
Avoid emotional bias. Don’t chase a player because you’re a fan. And don’t tilt after one bad week. Play the long game.
18. Commit to Continuous Learning
DFS is always evolving. Read strategy content, listen to podcasts, review winning lineups, and stay current with NFL trends to keep your edge.
DFS Strategy -- It’s Always Evolving
DFS strategy evolves week to week, even hour to hour. These tips will give you a strong foundation, but true growth happens in the grind.
Experience is the greatest teacher. Happy grinding, and good luck!