Advanced NFL DFS: Stacking

In daily fantasy football, like in most things, getting the fundamentals down is integral toward laying a foundation of knowledge to build from as you progress as a player. For DFS, that means learning how to pick a defense & special team.

Stacking

Definition

Stacking is a strategy where you roster two or more players from the same team. The hope is that players from a strong offensive team will help each other put up big numbers.

Strategy

Quarterback/Wide receiver stack

The most common stack is a quarterback and a pass catcher. If they connect, you are guaranteed to boost your point total since you get credit for passing yards AND receiving yards. More importantly, if they connect for a touchdown, you get credit for a passing touchdown AND receiving touchdown. This has higher volatility since there are numerous pass catchers at a quarterbacks disposal, so this is better suited for GPP contests where you need upside. You can add even more upside by going with more volatile receivers. Pairing a quarterback with his deep threat versus a possession receiver makes more sense when trying to take a big tournament.

QB/WR, opposing WR stack

When looking to raise your lineup’s upside, targeting a game with a high point total and game script is always best. Matchups that project to be high scoring, with a close betting line, should be a back-and-forth shootout and good for stacking. Your QB/WR stack is a given there, but you can also add a receiver from the opposition to push that upside even higher.

Running back/DST stack

RB/DST stacks allow you to try and take advantage of a favorable game script. If a defense shuts down the opposing offense, it opens the door for more rushing opportunities for that winning team. Most teams have a clear starter for those situations, so it’s simply a matter of projecting the game script. This is a lower upside option, which makes it a better stacking choice for cash games.