How to build winning DFS lineups for Draftkings

Are you tired of blowing through your entire DFS Bankroll within the first few weeks of the NFL season? Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) tournaments on DraftKings can be thrilling and rewarding, but they require a strategic approach to turn your lineup into a winning one. The complexity and variance of NFL games can make or break your entry. This article will give you a detailed walkthrough of a brand new Lineup Builder Tool that I have created, showing you how to build winning DFS lineups for Draftkings in no time.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: This Lineup Builder Tool is available on my patreon. You are able to try it free for a week, and if you like it, it is accessible for a $5 monthly subscription.

1. Understand the Scoring System

Before you dive into lineup construction, familiarize yourself with DraftKings’ scoring system. Each site has unique scoring rules that affect player value. Knowing these details help you target players who can maximize their scoring potential:

OFFENSE	PTS	DEFENSE	PTS
Passing TD	+4 Pts	Sack	+1 Pt
25 Passing Yards	+1 Pt (+0.04 Pts/ Yards)	Interception	+2 Pts
300+ Yard Passing Game*	+3 Pts	Fumble Recovery	+2 Pts
Interception	-1 Pt	Punt/Kickoff/FG Return for TD	+6 Pts
Rushing TD	+6 Pts	Interception Return TD	+6 Pts
10 Rushing Yards	+1 Pt (+0.1 Pts/Yard)	Fumble Recovery TD	+6 Pts
100+ Yard Rushing Game*	+3 Pts	Blocked Punt or FG Return TD	+6 Pts
Receiving TD	+6 Pts	Safety	+2 Pts
10 Receiving Yards	+1 Pt (+0.1 Pts/Yard)	Blocked Kick	+2 Pts
100+ Receiving Yard Game*	+3 Pts	2 Pt Conversion/Extra Point Return	+2 Pts
Reception	+1 Pt (FULL PPR)	0 Points Allowed	+10 Pts
Punt/Kickoff/FG Return for TD	+6 Pts	6 Points Allowed	+7 Pts
Fumble Lost	-1 Pt	7 – 13 Points Allowed	+4 Pts
2 Pt Conversion (Pass, Run, or Catch)	+2 Pts	14 – 20 Points Allowed	+1 Pt
Offensive Fumble Recovery TD	+6 Pts	21 – 27 Points Allowed	+0 Pts
		28 – 34 Points Allowed	-1 Pt
		35+ Points Allowed	-4 Pts

2. Research and Analyze Matchups

Matchups are critical in DFS. Analyze:

• Top projected over/under game lines with the most implied team points have a tendency to produce more fantasy points. This data is in the upper right corner of my Lineup Builder Tool. These are the teams and players that we should be targeting when constructing our lineups.

3. Monitor Injury Reports and News

Injuries and late-breaking news can drastically alter a player’s value. Always check:

• Injury Reports: Make sure to check for any injuries or expected rest days before finalizing your lineup.
• Lineup Updates: Be aware of any last-minute changes or lineup adjustments, especially for high-impact players.

4. Build a Balanced Lineup

While it’s tempting to stack your lineup with high-priced stars, a balanced approach often works best. When attempting to build winning DFS lineups for Draftkings, Consider:

• Stars and Scrubs: A strategy where you invest heavily in a few elite players and fill the rest of your roster with lower-priced options. This can be effective, but ensure the cheaper players have the potential to outperform their cost.
• Balanced Approach: Distribute your budget more evenly across your lineup. This can reduce risk and increase consistency.
• Value Based: Determine your lineup based on their projected value. Value is determined by the formula: (Projection)/ (Salary/1000). in the below example we can see that Tyreek Hill is the best choice based on value, even though he is more expensive than Justin Jefferson.

5. Leverage Ownership Projections

Ownership projections can help you identify players who might be under-owned or over-owned.

• Low Ownership: Picking less popular players with high upside can differentiate your lineup in tournaments, increasing your chance of winning.
• High Ownership: Popular players will have a high ownership percentage. While they are often safe picks, they don’t provide much leverage in large tournaments.
• Roster Percentage can be found within my Lineup builder in the far right column:

6. Narrow Your Player Pool

If you are anything like me, the amount of players you can pick from can be very overwhelming. I find its helpful to narrow the player pool before attempting to build winning DFS lineups for Draftkings. The Lineup Builder Tool makes it very easy to narrow down the vast player pool by checking the boxes next to the names. It auto-populates a condensed list on a separate sheet:

Conclusion

Building a winning DFS lineup on DraftKings involves a mix of research, strategy, and adaptability. By understanding scoring systems, analyzing matchups, monitoring news, and leveraging advanced tools, you can enhance your chances of success. Remember, while there’s no guaranteed formula, applying these strategies consistently will improve your performance and bring you closer to those coveted top spots. Happy drafting!