By gamingepicenter.com 
In daily fantasy sports NFL(DFS), especially in cash games, understanding the role of high-ownership players like Zach Moss is critical. The main objective in cash games (like 50/50s or double-ups) is not to outperform everyone but rather to finish above the median. This makes roster construction less about taking risks and more about minimizing variance. Read more such articles on Gamingepicenter.com
In the world of daily fantasy sports (DFS), particularly in cash games, the selection of players can significantly influence your success. Among the various strategies available to players, one of the most effective is to focus on high-ownership players. These are players who are widely selected by other participants in the game. Zach Moss, a running back who has recently gained considerable attention, exemplifies why high-ownership players are crucial in cash games.
This article will explore the significance of high-ownership players, using Moss as a case study, and provide insights into how to effectively incorporate them into your DFS strategy.
Understanding Cash Games
Before diving into the specifics of high-ownership players, it’s important to understand what cash games are. Cash games are contests where the goal is to finish in the top half of participants to win money. Unlike tournaments, where the payout structure rewards only the top finishers, cash games typically offer a more straightforward reward system.
This means that consistency and reliability in player performance are key. In cash games, players often prioritize safe picks—those who are likely to perform well based on their historical data, matchups, and recent performances. This is where high-ownership players come into play.
The Logic Behind High Ownership
When a player like Zach Moss is projected to have 55-60% ownership in cash games, it’s because he’s seen as a strong, reliable play—either due to matchup, volume, or price point. By including such a player in your lineup:
You Keep Pace with the Majority: If Moss performs well, you’re in line with the majority of the field. This ensures that you don’t fall behind, as most of your competition will have similar scores due to owning the same player.
Minimize Risk: If Moss underperforms, a large percentage of the field will also be impacted, reducing the risk of a poor outcome relative to others. Essentially, you’re protected from a catastrophic failure that could occur if you decided to fade Moss and he had a big game.
Building Cash Game Lineups
Prioritize Consistency: Your focus should be on players who have a high floor—those who consistently get touches, targets, or snaps. These players are heavily involved in their team’s offense, reducing the likelihood of a bust performance.
Embrace High Ownership: In cash games, playing it safe with highly-owned players is a smart strategy. The goal isn’t to outthink the field but to avoid major mistakes that could cost you the game.
Balance Your Lineup: Spread your salary cap across your lineup, ensuring you have reliable, consistent performers at each position. Avoid high-risk, high-reward players who may have a low floor, as one poor performance can ruin your lineup.
Building Tournament Lineups
Embrace Variance: In tournaments, you’re aiming for a top finish, which means taking risks to differentiate yourself from the field. Here, players with lower ownership but high upside become more attractive.
Stacking: A popular strategy in tournaments is stacking, which involves pairing a quarterback with one or more of their pass catchers. If your stack hits, it can lead to massive points and propel you up the leaderboard.
Leverage Ownership: Unlike cash games, in tournaments, you can gain an edge by fading popular players and selecting lower-owned options with similar upside. If the popular player underperforms and your pick excels, you gain a significant advantage.
Correlate Your Lineup: Correlating your players (e.g., stacking players from a high-scoring game or using a QB-WR stack along with a WR from the opposing team) can lead to higher overall points if the game turns into a shootout.
Contest Selection Strategy
Cash Games: Allocate a significant portion of your bankroll to cash games, which offer consistent, reliable returns. This should be your foundation, as it’s less volatile and helps grow your bankroll steadily.
Small Tournaments: These offer better odds than large-field tournaments, with higher payout structures for top finishes. They strike a balance between risk and reward.
Large-Field GPPs: Use a smaller portion of your bankroll for these high-risk, high-reward contests. Understand that while they offer massive payouts, the likelihood of winning is low, so approach them as a long-term investment.
Bankroll Management
Weekly Allocation: Stick to allocating around 10% of your total DFS bankroll each week. This conservative approach helps you endure the inevitable ups and downs of the DFS season.
Diversify Your Entries: Spread your entries across different contest types—cash games, small tournaments, and large GPPs—to balance your risk and maximize your chances of profit.
Long-Term Focus: Remember, DFS success is about the long game. Even top players experience losing streaks, so focus on consistent play and managing your bankroll wisely.
The Strategy Behind High-Ownership Players
Incorporating high-ownership players like Zach Moss into your cash game strategy requires a balanced approach. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Building a Core Lineup
When constructing your cash game lineup, it’s essential to build a core of reliable players. High-ownership players often serve as the foundation of this core. By selecting players who are projected to perform well, you increase your chances of finishing in the top half of participants.
2. Diversifying Your Lineup
While high-ownership players are crucial, it’s also important to diversify your lineup. This means including a mix of high-ownership players and lower-owned players who have the potential to outperform their expectations. This strategy can help differentiate your lineup from others while still maintaining a solid foundation.
3. Monitoring Ownership Trends
Staying updated on ownership trends is vital. As the week progresses, ownership percentages can fluctuate based on injury news, player performance, and matchup changes. Keeping an eye on these trends allows you to make informed decisions about which high-ownership players to include in your lineup.
4. Understanding Game Theory
In cash games, understanding game theory can provide an edge. If a player like Moss is expected to be highly owned, it may be wise to include him in your lineup to avoid being left behind if he performs well. Conversely, if you believe a player will be overvalued, you might consider fading him in favor of a less popular option with similar upside.
The Risks of High-Ownership Players
While high-ownership players can be beneficial, they also come with risks. It’s essential to be aware of these potential pitfalls when constructing your lineup.
1. Overexposure
One of the primary risks of selecting high-ownership players is the potential for overexposure. If many players in the contest choose the same high-ownership player, it can lead to a situation where everyone has similar lineups. In this case, if that player underperforms, it can significantly impact your chances of winning.
2. Injury Risks
High-ownership players are not immune to injury. If a player like Moss is heavily owned and suffers an injury during the game, it can lead to a substantial loss for many DFS players. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor injury reports and be prepared to adjust your lineup accordingly.
3. Matchup Variability
Even high-ownership players can have off days. Factors such as game script, defensive matchups, and coaching decisions can all influence a player’s performance. While Moss may have a favorable matchup on paper, unexpected game dynamics can lead to disappointing results.
Why High-Ownership Players Like Zach Moss Are Crucial in Cash Games? Final Thoughts
To become a profitable NFL DFS player, you need discipline, a solid understanding of game theory, and a well-thought-out strategy for contest selection and bankroll management. Consistency is key—stick to your plan even when short-term results don’t go your way.
By following these strategies, you can move from being just another player to a profitable one on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. Best of luck this season
Why High-Ownership Players Like Zach Moss Are Crucial in Cash Games? FAQs
Q: Why are high-ownership players important in cash games?
High-ownership players are important in cash games because they are typically reliable and consistent performers, increasing your chances of finishing in the top half of participants.
Q: How can I identify high-ownership players?
You can identify high-ownership players by analyzing player performance trends, matchups, and monitoring ownership percentages leading up to game day.
Q: Should I only select high-ownership players for my cash game lineup?
While high-ownership players are valuable, it’s essential to diversify your lineup by including lower-owned players with upside to differentiate your lineup from others.
Q: What are the risks associated with high-ownership players?
Risks include overexposure, injury potential, and matchup variability, which can all impact a player’s performance and your overall success in cash games.
Q: How can I stay updated on player ownership trends?
You can stay updated on player ownership trends by following DFS news sources, participating in fantasy sports communities, and utilizing analytics tools that track ownership percentages.