Skip to main content

Best Ball at DraftKings: How the Scoring and Format Work

DraftKings is one of the largest best ball platforms with some of the biggest prize pools in the format. Before you draft, understand the critical difference that changes which players you should prioritize: the first down bonus.

How DraftKings Scoring Works

Passing:

  • 1 point per 25 passing yards
  • 4 points per passing TD
  • −1 point per interception
  • 1 point per rushing first down (bonus)

Rushing:

  • 1 point per 10 rushing yards
  • 6 points per rushing TD
  • 1 point per rushing first down (bonus)

Receiving:

  • 1 point per reception (full PPR)
  • 1 point per 10 receiving yards
  • 6 points per receiving TD
  • 1 point per receiving first down (bonus)

2-point conversions: 2 points (passing, rushing, receiving)

Scoring can vary by specific tournament. Verify the rules for your specific contest before drafting.

How DraftKings Compares to Underdog

Factor DraftKings Underdog
PPR value Full (1 pt/rec) Full (1 pt/rec)
First down bonus +1 per first down No
Passing TD value 4 points 4 points
2-point conversions Yes Yes

The key difference: DraftKings includes a first down bonus. This rewards players who consistently move the chains — regardless of whether the play is explosive.

First Down Bonus Player Prioritization Guide

The first down bonus materially changes which player profiles score highest on DraftKings vs. other platforms. Here’s which profile benefits most at each position:

RBs who benefit most from the first down bonus:

  • Feature backs in ball-control offenses (6+ yards per carry with consistent 3rd-and-short usage = first down rate spike)
  • RBs in high-run-rate offenses where short-yardage conversions are built into the game plan
  • Receiving backs who convert receptions into first downs (check first down rate on receptions)
  • Pass-catching RBs who catch on 3rd and medium and regularly convert

RBs who benefit less:

  • Explosive scat backs with high variance (boom or near-zero carries per game)
  • Committee backs with capped carry share where first down opportunities are split

WRs who benefit most:

  • High-volume slot receivers who run consistent short routes that hit first down distances
  • Possession WRs with consistent 6–12 yard routes (short-to-intermediate range reliably converts to first downs)
  • WRs with high catch rate AND high yards per target (the combination means consistent conversion)

WRs who benefit less:

  • Deep-threat receivers with low catch rates (boom play when it hits; zero first down when it doesn’t)
  • WRs on ultra-short-pass offenses (3-yard checkdowns rarely convert to first downs)

TEs who benefit most:

  • Receiving TEs in pass-heavy offenses with intermediate route trees (10–15 yard routes = first down on most completions)
  • High-volume TEs on efficient passing offenses where the TE is a primary chain-mover

Roster Construction at DraftKings

Standard roster:

  • 1 QB
  • 2 RBs
  • 3 WRs
  • 1 TE
  • 1 FLEX (RB/WR/TE)

With fewer flex spots than some platforms, you’re drafting for ceiling at every slot. Less room for handcuffs or speculative depth.

DraftKings Draft Strategy Adjustments

Upgrade ball-control RBs: The first down bonus adds 1 point per chain-moving carry. An RB who gets 22 carries and converts 8 to first downs adds +8 points on top of yardage. This can push mid-tier RBs from 18 to 26+ in the right game script.

Upgrade high-rate slot WRs: A slot WR with 9 catches for 73 yards and 6 first down conversions scores 9 + 7.3 + 6 = 22.3 on DraftKings. On Underdog (without the bonus), the same performance is 16.3. That’s a significant gap — adjust your tier value accordingly.

Stacking strategy: QB + WR1 remains the strongest correlation. First down bonus doesn’t change the correlated upside principle. However, on DraftKings, the WR in the stack who consistently moves chains (high catch rate, intermediate routes) is more valuable than the deep-threat stack partner.

Verify before drafting: Always confirm scoring rules for your specific DraftKings contest. Scoring settings can vary between tournament types.

DraftKings Best Ball vs. Daily Fantasy

Factor Best Ball Daily Fantasy (DFS)
Season type Full season (17 weeks) Single day/slate
Lineup management Automatic Manual each slate
Salary cap No (snake draft) Yes
Skill type Draft + roster construction Salary optimization + matchup analysis

If you’re coming from DFS, note that best ball requires no ongoing lineup decisions. Your only skill input is at the draft — then the season runs automatically.

For the broader best ball platform comparison, see: Best Ball Scoring Guide. For Underdog-specific strategy, see: Underdog Fantasy Best Ball Strategy.