How to Win More DFS Pick’Em Games

Pick’em games are daily fantasy contests that focus on predicting player stats. You pick two or more athletes and decide if a specific stat—like passing yards in football or rebounds in basketball—will go over or under the number set by the DFS platform.

You stack your picks into one entry, and the more you add, the bigger the payout. Hit two of two, and you’re looking at a 3x return on your entry. Go 4-for-4, and you could see a 10x payout.

Unlike traditional fantasy contests where you’re up against other players, Pick’em games have you going head-to-head with the house or the DFS platform running the games.

Here’s how you can boost your chances of winning and get the most out of your Pick’em games.

Check the Payouts

To maximize your profits in Pick’em games, you have to find the platform that gives you the best payouts for your entry size. Payouts can vary a lot between sites. One platform might give you 15x for hitting 5-for-5, while another could offer 22x for the same entry.

It’s the same deal with entries that include insurance. One DFS platform might give you a 1.2x payout for hitting 3 out of 4, while another offers 1.5x for the same result.

The higher the payout, the better your chances of making money over time. That’s why it’s important to find the site with the best payouts for the type of entry you’re targeting. Odds Assist has a nice comparison of payouts at Pick’em sites, which should help you figure out where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

See More: Best Daily Fantasy Plays Today

Use Odds at Sportsbooks to Find Good Deals

On DFS Pick’em sites, payouts stay the same whether you pick higher or lower on a player’s stats. This creates an opportunity to find value by comparing those picks with the odds at sportsbooks, where the payouts change based on how likely each outcome is.

For example, let’s say a sportsbook sets Patrick Mahomes’ passing yards at 285.5, but they have the over at -145 and the under at +125. This means the sportsbook thinks the over is more likely to hit since they’re offering a smaller payout for that side.

But on DFS sites like Underdog or PrizePicks, the payout doesn’t change—you get the same return whether you pick over or under. This is where you can find an edge. By picking the over on the DFS site, you’re essentially taking the side the sportsbook sees as more likely to win, but without having to deal with worse odds.

Take Advantage of Free Picks & Promos

DFS sites are full of promos that can give your picks an extra boost. You’ll usually start with a welcome bonus, like a deposit match, but there’s plenty more for returning players, too.

Look out for payout boosts that give you better returns on your entries or referral bonuses where you earn extra cash for getting friends to join. A popular promo is the protected pick, which refunds your entry fee if your contest doesn’t hit—a nice safety net.

One of the best deals is the “free pick.” The DFS platform sets the line so low it’s almost a guaranteed win. For example, they might set a player’s rushing yards line at higher/lower than 0.5, making it an easy lock for your entry. It’s a simple way to add value with minimal risk.

Check Recent Performance

Always keep an eye on recent player performance when making your picks. A hot streak or slump can tell you a lot about where to place your entries. If a quarterback has been lighting up the scoreboard for weeks—like throwing for 300+ yards over the last few games— that trend might be worth riding. 

On the flip side, if a key player has been inconsistent, consider lowering your expectations. A star running back might have impressive season stats, but if they’ve been underperforming lately, y

ou should adjust your expectations accordingly.

The recent form can be a game-changer, so don’t just go by season averages—dig deeper. Whether it’s a heater or a cold streak, this current form can be the deciding factor in making smarter picks and maximizing your chances of winning.

Watch Out for Injuries

Injuries can make or break your DFS picks, so staying updated is key. For example, if an NFL quarterback like Josh Allen is nursing an ankle injury, his mobility and performance could take a hit, which could hurt his numbers.

In the NBA, if Jason Tatum is dealing with a sore groin, his minutes might be limited, which affects his scoring potential. Even minor injuries can lower a player’s output, so keep a close eye on reports leading up to game time. Subbing in a healthy player instead of risking it with someone banged up can make all the difference in your DFS entry.