Playing daily fantasy sports is really easy and a fun way to add an additional team with no commitment.  Our friends at Draft Kings will put you in a $2 contest FREE with any deposit.  Why not get started now?

Today, the focus is on a way to greatly increase the odds of cashing in a mid-priced double up or 50/50 contest, those with a buy-in between $5 and $25. Granted, you’re not going to be able to retire by heeding this advice, but a strong success rate in these games builds a bankroll which can be used for larger priced contests or funding entries into tournaments.

In short, the key to cashing in mid-range double ups and 50/50s is paying close attention to the late roster changes and being ready to set lineups using RUNNING BACKS starting for an inactive player. This may seem like incredibly obvious advice, but next time a situation like Matt Asiata subbing for Adrian Peterson occurs, check the percentage owned stats in your various leagues. You’ll no doubt be underwhelmed as to the number of lineups with the player.

It should be noted that this ploy is also integral to higher-priced cash contests, but as will be explained in a moment, the abundance of less casual players populating these mid-priced options feeds into the reason it’s so useful. This makes the assumption that those playing cash games with entries of $50 and higher will also be aware of players of this ilk and the more that use them, the less impact they exert.

In addition, it’s much more effective when running backs are deployed. Keep in mind the objective of a cash game lineup is steady and reliable production. Using a last minute starter at wide receiver or quarterback can be a great contrarian play in tournaments but isn’t recommended for cash contests. You’re not looking for a home run; you’re just looking for ample points to justify the investment. The cost for players of this nature is usually minimal so you won’t need much. A starting running back is virtually assured of something while a receiver is at the mercy of the quarterback and play-caller to get them the ball. Take the sure thing of starting running back touches over the hope the last-second receiver becomes part of the game plan.

Circling back to the percent-owned point, not everyone is as tuned as they should be, especially since so many are dabbling in DFS for the first time. Unless those living on the west coast are very early risers, they have not spent the three or four hours previous to Sunday kickoff sitting at their computer, streaming the SiriusXM Fantasy Channel, with their favorite preview show on the TV while incessantly checking their Twitter feed in between Fantasy Alarm text alerts. This is a scenario where east coast bias is a good thing.

Furthermore, and this is not meant to be insensitive, just a fact, Sunday is a day of faith for some, not to mention a family day as well. That is, as rabid as a player as you might be, not everyone shares that fanaticism, especially when only five or ten bucks could be at risk. There are countless lineups entered Saturday night or early Sunday morning before all the news is revealed, never to be touched again.

That said, you’re not only looking to take advantage of the dead money, but the volume player as well. DFS sites are making improvements, but it’s still quite laborious to react to every single piece of news. The volume player cannot adjust each and every one of their squads; which are they going to let slide? Chances are, their attention will be concentrated on larger entry cash games or tournaments. This is also a factor why the percent owned may be lower than you intuit.

The best way to be prepared is set your mid-price cash game rosters with a lower-priced running back already in tow. Perhaps use a running back that will play, just not be the starter. Until Carlos Hyde sees his salary rise, he could be an option. Other choices include Jacquizz Rodgers, Roy Helu, Danny Woodhead and Robert Turbin. You’re looking for someone that will see guaranteed touches, just not many of them, but they have a chance to do something with those they get. And once next week’s Matt Asiata emerges, you do the switch. And if no one becomes available, you’re still fine with a solid lineup ready to go.

In summary, a great way to build a modest bankroll which can fund higher priced and/or tournament entries is to be extra diligent and be on top of all the late-breaking news, specifically as pertains to running backs. Enter your squads using a cheap running with a chance to contribute as a place-holder then be ready to make the switch as late news breaks.