DraftKings cash games such as head-to-heads (H2Hs), multipliers (50/50s, double-ups, triple-ups), and leagues are suited for players who want to finish in the top half (top third in triple-ups) of the field in a contest, with a consistent return by way of steady play. Success in cash games depends on constructing lineups with high floors and choosing contests that both increase the probability of winning and reduce the variance and competition. By taking advantage of DraftKings' full PWR scoring, yardage bonuses, and touchdown values, and by selecting contests judiciously in regard to field size, competitive level, and payout structures, competitors can cultivate a long-term edge in NFL DFS.

 

Lineup Strategy: Quarterback Decision 

Cash game quarterbacks need to have high floors, which usually come in 48-point Vegas totals and higher for offense upside. Dual-threat quarterbacks that produce through the pass (1 point per 25 yards, 4 points per TD) and through the run (1 point per 10 yards, 6 points per TD) are ideal since their running statistics give them a good floor.
Target QBs against defenses with pass-defense weaknesses or are allowing big yardage, thus raising the chances of reaching the 300-yard passing bonus (3 points). Steer clear of inconsistent or low-volume passers, as cash games value consistency over isolated big games.

 

Lineup Strategy: Running Back Choice

Running backs are the foundation of cash game lineups because of their high touches and PPR points. Target backs with 15+ carries and 3+ targets a game, pairing rushing yardage with reception points (1 point per catch). Backs facing run-stopping defenses with poor numbers, like high yards-per-carry yielded, are target-rich. The 100-yard rushing/receiving bonus (3 points) is also valuable, so target workhorse backs in high-scoring affairs. Stay away from committee backfields with volatile touch splits to provide a steady floor.

 

Lineup Strategy: Wide Receiver Option 

Wide receivers are target magnets, drawing 8+ targets a game consistently. In full PPR, high-volume receivers have a stable floor via receptions, with the possibility of 100-yard games bringing added upside. Matchups versus defenses with poor secondaries or high completion percentages allowed bring an added probability of consistent production.

Stacking the receiver with the quarterback you've selected adds correlation, increasing points when the QB has a good game, particularly if the stack gets to the 300-yard passing bonus. Good middle-of-the-road receivers who have a role are more valuable than boom-or-bust deep threats because consistency is what you're looking for.

 

Lineup Strategy: Flex and Tight End Selection 

Tight ends need to have a volume and matchup focus. Guys with 5+ targets a game or a high-end red-zone opportunity have the best floor. Target tight ends facing defenses poor at defending the position, as they will likely receive additional targets or scoring chances. Cheap options with secure roles save on salary and allow for investment elsewhere. The flex spot should favor high-floor running backs or wide receivers. Receivers are more valuable in PPR due to reception points, yet a workhorse back at a discount is an acceptable play. Match projected points with salary to get the most value.

 

Lineup Strategy: Defense Choice 

For special teams/defense, target units facing turnover-quarterbacks or worse offensive lines. Sacks (2), interceptions (2), and defensive touchdowns (6) accumulate, but don't overspend since cheaper defenses tend to have the same floors. You need to conserve salary for offense firepower while maintaining a good defensive floor.

 

Lineup Strategy: Strategic Considerations

Cash game wins are founded on matchup-based decisions. Vegas lines, such as game totals and implied team points, inform player selection by identifying high-scoring games. Defensive rankings, either in yards per play or fantasy points allowed, narrow down the selection. Value plays—low-cost players compared to their expected output—are required in an attempt to fit high-floor studs within the $50,000 salary cap. Stacking a QB with one or two pass-receivers increases scoring for high-scoring offenses, but over stacking (three receivers from the same team) is risky and should be avoided. Balance the lineup by spending salary on two or three consistent studs and completing the roster with mid-range players that are projected to score 15-20 points each.
As opposed to GPPs, cash games reward rostering chalk (highly owned players) when the projections warrant it since the objective is to finish ahead of half the field, not the field.

 

Contest Selection: Contest Types

H2H contests match you up against a single opponent and thus are perfect for newer players looking for low-variance fare. The trick is to find weaker opponents, usually recreational players with terrible contest histories. 50/50 tours pay out the top 50% of players, doubling their buy-in (less rake). Bigger 50/50s (50-100+ players) lower variance, though, while also drawing in sharper opposition.

Double-ups and triple-ups pay the most ~45% and ~33%, respectively, but with 2x or 3x the buy-in and more risk. Leagues (3-20 players) are ideal for private games but offer more variance with small fields.

 

Contest Choice: Stake Size and Field Size

Buy-ins need to be 1-3% of your bankroll ($1-$3 for a $100 bankroll) to be risk-minimized. Low-stake games ($1-$5) are recreational player-filled, which maximizes your edge, but high-stake games ($25+) are filled with pros. Spreading it across 3-5 games a week diversifies the risk, mixing H2Hs, 50/50s, and double-ups for balance. Large fields (50+ entrants) in 50/50s and double-ups lower variance by diversifying the risk, so they are best for novices. The smaller fields (i.e., 10-man 50/50s) are more swingy and consist of better players, which makes them harder. Contest

 

Selection: Opponent Quality and Timing 

In H2Hs, target "fish" (weak players) rather than "sharks" (daily winners) by looking at past performances. In multi-entry games, look at the lobby for max-entry players (150 lineups), as they tend to be pros. Main slates (Sunday 1 PM ET) contain largest player pools, most games available, and lots of data (Vegas lines, injury reports), so it's optimal for cash games. Smaller slates (Thursday night, for example) carry small player pools and greater variance, which decrease flexibility. 

 

Contest Selection: Rake and Tracking 

Rake, DraftKings' ~10-15% rake, cuts into profitability. Low-stake buy-in contests ($1-$5) have lower rake, increasing ROI. Cross-contest structure comparison in the contest lobby ensures value. Tracking contest finishes, buy-ins, and payouts maximizes strategy, uncovering profitable contest types. By targeting low-stake, high-field contests, exploiting weak players, and building high-floor lineups, cash game players can maximize consistency and profitability in DraftKings' NFL DFS environment.

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