Best Ball DFS Drafts: Mastering the Stacking Strategy

Justin Jefferson (18) runs after a catch during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

You’ve just found out you have the No. 1 overall pick in your best ball draft. Congrats!

Will you take Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings? Or perhaps Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals? You really can’t go wrong with either star wide receiver.

So you’ve got your Round 1 superstar. Now what?

Top DFS players go for another player on the same team later in their best ball drafts to complement their Round 1 stars. For example, if you take Jefferson, it makes sense to try to draft Vikings QB Kirk Cousins as your QB2. If you take Chase, adding fellow Bengals WR Tyler Boyd later in your draft makes sense. If you can snag QB Joe Burrow in Round 3, even better! This is called “stacking.”

While DFS requires a strong understanding of player statistics and matchups, one advanced strategy that can significantly boost your chances of success is “stacking.” Let’s take a deep dive into the stacking strategy in DFS drafts, its advantages and how it can be effectively utilized to build winning lineups.

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What is Stacking in DFS?

In DFS, stacking involves selecting multiple players from the same team to be part of your roster. This strategic approach is primarily employed in sports like football, baseball, basketball and hockey, where players from the same team can have significant influence on each other’s performance.

The primary idea behind stacking is to capitalize on the synergy between teammates. When one player excels, it often positively impacts other players on the same team. For example, if AJ Brown has a big game for the Philadelphia Eagles, it stands to reason that his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, also scores plenty of points that week. This correlation can lead to an explosion of fantasy points and potentially propel your lineup to the top of the leaderboard.

Advantages of Stacking

1. Enhanced Upside Potential: Stacking players from the same team amplifies your lineup’s upside potential. When a quarterback connects with his favorite wide receiver for a touchdown, you earn points not just from the passing touchdown but also from the receiving yards and the reception itself. This compounding effect can lead to massive fantasy point totals on a good day.
2. Capturing Game Flow: In sports like football, the game flow can heavily influence players’ fantasy production. If you expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth match, stacking players from both teams involved in the shootout can help ensure you capture the maximum fantasy point potential in that game.
3. Cost Efficiency: Stacking can sometimes provide cost efficiency. By pairing a star player with his less-expensive, but equally productive, teammate, you can free up salary cap space to spend on other premium players at different positions.
4. Unique Differentiation: In large DFS tournaments, finding unique lineup combinations is crucial to separate yourself from the competition. Stacking offers an opportunity to create unconventional lineups that can be highly effective if the chosen team has an exceptional outing.

Strategies for Effective Stacking

1. Know the Teams: In-depth knowledge of each team’s playing style, offensive strategies, and player roles is essential to identify favorable stacking options. Research the recent performances, injuries, and matchups to make informed decisions.
2. Identify Key Connections: In sports like football, focus on identifying the strong connection between a quarterback and his preferred target or a running back’s reliance on a talented offensive line. In baseball, analyze the batter-pitcher matchups to find potential home-run duos.
3. Diversify Stacks: While stacking can be powerful, it’s essential to diversify your lineups to mitigate risks. Don’t solely rely on stacking and consider other high-performing players for a balanced roster.
4. Mix-and-Match: Experiment with different types of stacks — full stacks, mini-stacks, or even correlated stacks — involving players from different positions. Each variation has its advantages depending on the game and your strategy.

Conclusion

The stacking strategy in daily fantasy sports drafts presents a compelling opportunity for DFS enthusiasts to maximize their lineup’s potential. By understanding the advantages of stacking and implementing effective strategies, you can gain a competitive edge and increase your chances of winning in DFS tournaments. Remember to stay up-to-date with team news and player performances while diversifying your stacks to build a well-rounded and potent fantasy roster. Happy stacking and may the fantasy points be in your favor!

Ready to Get Started?

With preseason action already underway in the NFL, the season is just around the corner. Meanwhile, daily MLB drafts provide other opportunities for stacking. The NBA season starts soon, too, and season-long best ball contests are already open on Underdog and other DFS platforms.

There are options aplenty for DFS users of all skill levels and interests. Stacking is a strategy that can help maximize your potential winnings no matter the sport you enjoy most.

Check out our guide to Underdog best ball contests and learn about all the different games out there for DFS enthusiasts to play. Then click here to get started today!

Adam Spencer

A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 14 SEC football teams. He is the news editor at Saturday Down South and across all Saturday Football brands.