If you’re brand new to Daily Fantasy Sports, like me, this is our step-by-step roadmap to go from confused → confident. Let's follow this checklist in order, and we'll avoid the most common mistakes beginners make. Step 1: Pick Your DFS Platform - Start with DraftKings or FanDuel (the two most popular sites). - Create an account and explore the lobby. - Don’t deposit big money yet — just get familiar with the layout. Step 2: Learn the Basics of Salary Caps - Every player has a salary. - You must build a team that fits under the salary cap. - The key is balancing stars and value plays.👉 Read our lesson: How DFS Salary Caps Work (linked in this category). Step 3: Understand Contest Types - Cash Games (50/50s, Double Ups): Safer, aim to finish in the top half. - Tournaments (GPPs): Higher risk, but big payouts if you finish near the top.👉 Pro Tip: Start with cash games while you’re learning. Step 4: Start Small - Play in $1 or $2 contests to practice. - Don’t chase huge payouts early. - Focus on learning strategy, not hitting a jackpot. Step 5: Learn to Find Value Plays - Value = cheap players likely to outperform their salary. - This is how you fit in the stars (like Mahomes, McCaffrey, etc.) without busting your cap.👉 Read our lesson: Finding Value Plays in DFS. Step 6: Track Your Results - Keep a simple spreadsheet (contest type, lineup, result). - This helps you see what’s working (and what isn’t). Step 7: Build Consistency - Set a small weekly budget. - Focus on process > results. - Wins will come as your strategy sharpens. Complete Step 1 and Step 2 today. 👉 Drop a comment: Which platform are you starting with — DraftKings or FanDuel?

One of the most important skills in Daily Fantasy Sports is identifying value plays. A value play is a player who is priced lower than their potential production. They may not always be the stars of your lineup, but they free up salary so you can afford those higher-priced studs. Here are 3 things to look for when finding value: 1️⃣ Injury/Opportunity - If a starter is out, the backup often steps into more usage without a price bump. - Example: A backup RB starting in place of an injured starter at $4,500. 2️⃣ Matchup Exploitation - Target players facing weak defenses (high pace in NBA, poor pass defense in NFL, etc.). - Even role players can produce if the matchup tilts in their favor. 3️⃣ Recent Trends - Sometimes pricing lags behind actual performance. - Look for players whose minutes, targets, or touches are trending up but are still underpriced. 👉 Why this matters: Building winning lineups requires balancing expensive stars with affordable values. The sharper you get at spotting these underpriced plays, the more consistent your results will be. 🤔What’s your go-to method for spotting value plays when you first open the slate?

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) isn’t just about picking your favorite players — it’s about working within a salary cap. The salary cap is what makes contests fair and forces you to think strategically. Let’s break it down: 💰 What is a Salary Cap? - Every DFS contest gives you a fixed budget (ex: $50,000 on DraftKings, $60,000 on FanDuel). - Each player is assigned a salary based on recent performance, matchup, and projections. - You must build a lineup that fits under the cap while filling all required positions. 🎯 Why Salary Caps Matter - Prevents everyone from stacking all the superstars. - Rewards strategy: finding undervalued players (“value plays”) is just as important as picking studs. - Balances risk/reward: do you pay up for one elite player, or spread your salary across solid mid-tier players? 🛠️ Example - DraftKings NFL lineup salary cap: $50,000 - You need 9 roster spots (QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, FLEX, DST). - If you pick Patrick Mahomes at $8,500, you now have $41,500 left for 8 players → average of $5,187 per slot. - This forces you to hunt for cheaper players who can still produce (like a $4,200 rookie WR in a good matchup). 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The cap makes DFS a game of skill + strategy, not just “pick the best players.” 2. Always balance stars + value plays. 3. Managing the cap well separates casual players from consistent winners. 👉 Who’s one of your favorite current value plays under $5k (or cheap sleeper pick) that you think could smash this week?