DraftKings Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) tournaments, from big ones such as the Millionaire Maker to smaller-field tournaments, provide life-changing payouts but necessitate finishing in the top 1-5% of players to gain substantial returns. 

Success at GPP requires lineups with ceiling of 200+ points or more and contest play strategy that weighs prize upside, field size, and competition. 

By taking advantage of DraftKings' complete PPR scoring, yardage bonuses, and touchdown point values, and selecting tournaments with the highest win probability, gamers can chase NFL DFS tournament-winning totals.

 

Lineup Strategy: Quarterback Selection 

GPP QBs need to be top-tier fantasy performers in high-scoring, 50+ point Vegas total games where their 30+ point upside is reached. QBs with high pass attempt and rushing usage are the target since passing (1 point/25 yards, 4 points/TD) and rushing (1 point/10 yards, 6 points/TD) equate to a ceiling that can be explosive.

Stacking the quarterback with two or three pass-catchers—wide receivers or tight ends—captures correlated production, including touchdowns and yardage, especially when the 300-yard passing bonus (3 points) is attainable. Shootout games, where both teams are expected to score plenty of points, are perfect stacking spots.

 

Lineup Strategy: Running Back Choice

GPP running backs require a mix of stability and explosiveness. An anchor stud back with 20+ touches and pass-catching upside offers a shot at the 100-yard rushing or receiving bonus (3 points). Pair with a low-owned, high-ceiling back, such as a cheap backup with goal-line work or a back in a breakout spot, to differentiate. 

Target against high-scoring games or against defenses that have poor run-stopping averages, as they'll be more inclined to 30+ point performances. PPR scoring enhances the value of backs that receive 3+ targets a game, adding to their floor while their ceiling remains in place.

 

Lineup Strategy: Wide Receiver 

Picking Wide receivers need to pair upside for big plays with favorable matchups. High-volume receivers who see 8+ targets give you a floor, but GPPs also favor taking deep threats with the ability to post 150+ yard, multi-score games.

 Stacking receivers with the quarterback pairs well to maximize correlated scoring in high-scoring offenses. Low-owned receivers, usually in the mid-to-low tier, provide leverage against chalky, high-owned receivers.

Opposing defenses with poor secondaries or high yards-after-catch enhance the possibility of a breakout game, so game situation is a key consideration.

 

Lineup Strategy: Flex and Tight End 

Choose Tight ends need touchdown upside or featured workload in the passing attack. Upscale tight ends with red-zone chances are worth paying for, but low-end tight ends in shootouts offer comparable ceiling at lower prices, and that is where you differentiate. 

The flex spot is where you can get wild, with boom-or-bust running backs, wideouts, or tight ends with low ownership (preferably under 10%). Contrarian flex plays can carry a lineup to the top, as a single big performance can be the difference-maker in deep fields.

 

Lineup Strategy: DS/T Choice

Defense/special teams is cheap, high-upside, and chasing units that face turnover-prone QBs or bad offensive lines. Sacks (2 points), picks (2 points), and defensive touchdowns (6 points) are game-changers. 

Steer clear of trendy defenses for contrarian plays to reduce lineup overlap, making salary space for offense without sacrificing a chance at a big-play defensive performance.

 

Lineup Strategy: Strategic Considerations

GPP lineups enjoy game stacks, selecting one or two shootouts and rostering multiple players from those offenses. "Running it back" with an opponent's player when in a blowout scenario capitalizes on points. 

Ownership leverage is where it's at: fade heavily owned players for substitutes with the same expectations (e.g., $5,500 receiver with 5% ownership over a $6,000 receiver with 30% ownership).

Vegas lines, game spreads, and totals dictate game picks, and defensive statistics unearth weak matchups. It is all about balance—a one or two safe, high-floor players, and a pair high-variance, low-owned selections to craft a distinctive collection of picks that can tally tournament-winning totals.

 

Contest Selection: Contest Types

Large-field GPPs (10,000-100,000+ entries) have enormous prizes ($1M+ for first) but minute win odds, with minimal buy-ins ($5-$20) for the appeal of softer fields to recreational players. 

Mid-field GPPs (1,000-10,000 entries) compromise on prize size ($50K-$250K) and win probability, with a blend of casual and professional players. Small-field GPPs (100-1,000 entries) carry greater win odds but reduced prizes ($10K-$50K) and sharper fields.

Single-entry and limited-entry (3-max or 5-max) GPPs level the playing field against max-entry pros who submit 150 lineups, where skill is rewarded instead of quantity. 

 

Contest Choice: Buy-In and Field Size 

GPP entries should be 0.5-2% of your bankroll (e.g., $0.50-$2 for a $100 bankroll) because of high variance. Low-stakes GPPs ($3-$15) have weak fields, and high-stakes GPPs ($100+) are filled with pros. Large-field GPPs require maximum differentiation, mid-field GPPs (2,000-5,000 entries) provide a good balance between prize size and win probability, and small-field GPPs require accuracy. 

Single-entry, mid-field GPPs provide the most appropriate mix of upside and control. Contest Selection: Payout Structures and Slate Selection Top-heavy GPPs (20-30% to first of the pool) pair well with high-upside lineups. Flatter structures minimize variance but dilute top prizes. 

Check payout structures in contest lobbies for alignment with your objectives. Main slates (Sunday 1 PM ET) offer the most games, player options, and information (Vegas odds, injury news), allowing for creative lineups. Showdown or small slates limit flexibility, which raises ownership concentration. Low-rake contests ($5 GPPs with ~10% rake, for example) are a path for extracting maximum value. 

 

Contest Selection: Diversification and Tools 

Diversify into 2-4 GPPs weekly, mixing large-field and single-entry games to minimize risk. Look for max-entry players to avoid shark-infested contests. By stacking high-scoring matchups, exploiting ownership, and choosing single-entry, mid-field GPPs, players can maximize their chances of a tournament-winning score in DraftKings' competitive NFL GPP landscape.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org (CT).

18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. 1 per customer. Must enter a lineup into the NFL Best Ball $15M Headliner Contest by 9/4/25. $20 entry fee. Bonus issued as 1 ticket to NFL Best Ball $15M Headliner Contest. Ticket reward is site credit valid for use only on NFL Best Ball $20M Headliner Contest. Ticket reward is single-use and expires on the sooner of 30 days (720 hours) or contest lock. See terms at https://www.draftkings.com/nfl-best-ball. Ends 9/4/25 at 6:20 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

 

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