If you’re new to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), NFL on DraftKings is one of the most exciting ways to experience football. Instead of drafting a team once for the entire season, you create a new lineup every week — competing for real cash prizes with every slate. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a big tournament or just looking to win your head-to-heads, this NFL DFS 101 guide will walk you through scoring, contest types, lineup strategy, and beginner mistakes to avoid.
Along with this guide, visit DraftKings Network for daily advice for fantasy and sports betting.
What is NFL Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)?
NFL Daily Fantasy Sports on DraftKings lets you draft a new team each week and compete for real cash prizes. Unlike season-long fantasy football, DFS is fast-paced, flexible, and offers multiple contest types. If you’ve ever searched how to play NFL DFS, this is your ultimate beginner’s guide.
DraftKings NFL DFS Scoring
| Scoring Event | Points |
|---|---|
| Passing TD | +4 Pts |
| 25 Passing Yards | +1 Pt (+0.04 Pts/Yard) |
| 300+ Yard Passing Game | +3 Pts |
| Interception (thrown) | -1 Pt |
| Rushing TD | +6 Pts |
| 10 Rushing Yards | +1 Pt (+0.1 Pts/Yard) |
| 100+ Yard Rushing Game | +3 Pts |
| Receiving TD | +6 Pts |
| 10 Receiving Yards | +1 Pt (+0.1 Pts/Yard) |
| 100+ Receiving Yard Game | +3 Pts |
| Reception | +1 Pt |
| Punt/Kickoff/FG Return for TD | +6 Pts |
| Fumble Lost | -1 Pt |
| 2 Pt Conversion (Pass, Run, or Catch) | +2 Pts |
| Offensive Fumble Recovery TD | +6 Pts |
| Scoring Event | Points |
|---|---|
| Sack | +1 Pt |
| Interception | +2 Pts |
| Fumble Recovery | +2 Pts |
| Punt/Kickoff/FG Return for TD | +6 Pts |
| Interception Return TD | +6 Pts |
| Fumble Recovery TD | +6 Pts |
| Blocked Punt or FG Return TD | +6 Pts |
| Safety | +2 Pts |
| Blocked Kick | +2 Pts |
| 2 Pt Conversion/Extra Point Return | +2 Pts |
| 0 Points Allowed | +10 Pts |
| 1–6 Points Allowed | +7 Pts |
| 7–13 Points Allowed | +4 Pts |
| 14–20 Points Allowed | +1 Pt |
| 21–27 Points Allowed | 0 Pts |
| 28–34 Points Allowed | -1 Pt |
| 35+ Points Allowed | -4 Pts |
Types of DraftKings NFL Contests
When learning NFL fantasy strategy for DraftKings, it’s important to know contest formats:
- GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools) – Big-field tournaments with large payouts. Great for chasing upside and taking shots with low-owned players.
- Cash Games – 50/50s, double-ups, and head-to-heads where consistency wins. Chalk plays are cornerstones of lineups.
- Showdown Contests – Single-game format where you pick 6 players, including one Captain with boosted points.
Beginner NFL DFS Strategy Tips
If you want to build better lineups, these DraftKings NFL DFS tips can help:
- Stacking – Pair your QB with a WR/TE to maximize upside.
- Correlation Plays – Use game stacks in shootouts (QB + WR + opponent WR).
- Value Plays – Look for underpriced players due to injuries or favorable matchups. Prices are released late Sunday and do not change during the week.
- Bankroll Management – Spread your entries between GPPs and cash to manage risk.
- Monitor Late News – Injuries, inactives, and weather reports can swing contests. Visit DraftKings Network for advice, news, and weather.
Why Stacking is Important for your NFL Lineups
Stacking is a powerful DFS strategy because it creates upside by linking the production of your quarterback with his receivers. When a QB throws a touchdown, he earns points for the passing yards and the passing TD, while the receiver earns points for the catch, receiving yards, and the receiving TD. This means one play can generate double-digit fantasy points for your lineup, helping you separate from the field in tournaments. Here is an example of a 20-yard touchdown catch and how the scoring generates 13.8 DKFP.
| Player | Scoring Breakdown | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | +0.8 pts (20 passing yards) +4 pts (Passing TD) | 4.8 pts |
| Wide Receiver | +1 pt (Reception) +2 pts (20 receiving yards) +6 pts (Receiving TD) | 9 pts |
| Combined Total | 13.8 pts from one play | |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in NFL DFS
- Playing too many players from one team in the same lineup (unless stacking intentionally).
- Ignoring injury reports, weather reports, and late-breaking news.
How to Get Started with DraftKings NFL DFS
- Sign up on DraftKings – New users often get a deposit bonus.
- Build Your Lineup – Use player projections, matchup research, and advice from DraftKings Network
- Enter & Watch – Follow your lineup live and enjoy the thrill of daily fantasy.
Useful DraftKings Resources to Help Your Lineup Building
- DraftKings Network – DFS, Sports Betting and daily news information and advice, specifically tailored for DraftKings.
- DraftKings Stats Hub – Updated Betting trends, matchups, stats, and much, much more for every game of the NFL season.
Ready to try? Play NFL DFS on DraftKings today!
