NFL starting lineups show DFS players and sports bettors who will play the most in a pro football matchup. For daily fantasy sports contests and NFL betting alike, it's pivotal to know who will be starting this week before lineups lock and games kickoff.
The starting lineups tool is especially important in a sport like football, where there are frequent injuries and last-minute lineup news.
How to Use the NFL Starting Lineups in Sports Betting
NFL starting lineups are undoubtedly important when it comes to contests on DFS apps like PrizePicks, but they also apply to sports betting. Before placing a bet on an NFL game, bettors should check out the projected starting lineups for both teams.
Checking out changes in a starting lineup can also help explain line changes. If the Chicago Bears are playing the New England Patriots but their starting quarterback is listed as doubtful with an injury, the point spread will likely shift toward the Patriots.
Why Our NFL Starting Lineups are Important for DFS
An NFL starting lineup is crucial for DFS play as it allows you to create a star-studded team that aligns with your budget cap.
Part of creating a solid roster is knowing the rules of your daily fantasy league before draft day. One platform might reward 0.5 points per reception, while others could give a full point.
If your league rewards more points per reception, you’ll want to build your team with players who rack up plenty of catches. Additionally, you’ll want to know how many starters are allowed on your roster, as one DFS site could allow for a maximum of four players while another might allow as many as seven.
Using NFL Starting Lineups in Fantasy Football
Checking out NFL starting lineups before a game can be vital for strategizing a DFS contest. If the New York Giants and Chicago Bears are facing off and you notice the Bears are starting more backups on defense due to injuries, you’ll want to consider drafting more Giants players that week. This move can help you exploit a weakened defense and build a stronger roster for yourself.
NFL Starting Lineup Picks Overview
There are a few things you should keep in mind for building your DFS roster:
- Always look for value: You’ve always got a budget in DFS, so you’ll want to find less expensive picks as you put your team together. Look for a skilled player who's been underperforming or someone bouncing back from an injury. You might also take hits in certain areas to save funds for a more valuable pick.
- Stack players: Draft multiple players from the same team to potentially maximize points. If you draft the Denver Broncos QB and WR and both perform well, you can rack up some big points.
- Low-risk roster construction: Instead of going for a monster performance by a single player, build your team around talent that will put up an average amount of points but likely won’t underperform.
NFL Depth Chart
A depth chart is a list of players who are slated to start a game and who are directly behind them. A player can miss a game for several reasons, including injury, benching, and suspension.
If a starting wide receiver is confirmed to be out for a game, the receiver behind them on the depth chart would get the start. Keep an eye on snap counts (the number of plays a player was active in each week), as you’ll want to draft someone who gets plenty of opportunities.
NFL DFS Game Analysis Tips
If you need some help analyzing your DFS picks, refer to the expert tips below:
- Monitor starters: Check on NFL starting lineups to see who is slated to start, as these picks can significantly strengthen your roster.
- Know how to pick your spots: If you’re keying in on one player, strategize where you’d like to select them.
- Remember to fill in the gaps: Make sure your team is well-rounded; don’t just use later picks to support your first pick.
- Choose solid projections: In addition to your own research, it never hurts to see how your team is projected to do this week.
- Get ideas from the experts: Check out some expert advice from top sites like RotoGrinders, as you’ll get a better idea of how to take down the competition.
- Check for inactives: An inactive player is one who won't dress for an NFL game. Inactives are marked with an "Out" label, which might not appear on inactives until minutes before a contest locks. Checking for inactives timely can help position you to maximize points.
Why Should I Play Football DFS Contests?
There are plenty of great reasons to enter a daily fantasy sports contest:
- Extra excitement: While the NFL season is exciting on its own, daily fantasy sports contests add more drama to every snap of the game.
- Fun with friends: Whether it’s for bragging rights or a friendly experience, daily fantasy sports are a great way to build camaraderie through competition.
- Prizes: Free-to-play daily fantasy sports contests are available, but many DFS games give players various prizes.
NFL Starting Lineups FAQs
Here are some FAQs to help un-muddy the waters of NFL starting lineups even further:
When are game-day NFL line combinations released?
NFL starting lineups are released within the week before kickoff and updated regularly. Make sure to check depth charts for updates before setting your lineup.
What are the snap counts and stats to watch when looking up NFL starting lineups?
Snap counts are an important stat, as they indicate how many plays someone is on the field for on a given week. Looking for players with the most snaps alongside injury history and recent performance can help you make lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel.
How many starters are on NFL depth charts?
Each NFL depth chart features 22 starting players, with 11 on offense and 11 on defense, alongside a handful of special teams players.
What positions are on the NFL depth chart?
All the major positions are featured on a depth chart from the offense, defense, and special teams, but DFS players pay special attention to the offensive positions such as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end.