Want to try a new fantasy format? Use these head-to-head DFS strategies to give you an edge on Owners Box.
If you've been looking for a new type of DFS to play, you need to check out the Owners Box head-to-head format. It pits you against other players in a head-to-head matchup but instead of building a roster with a salary cap, you build it live in a snake draft.
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How does it work?
Head-to-head matchups on Owners Box basically work like a mini redraft season but with no bench. Contests can have 2, 4, 8, or 16 teams and last from one week to four weeks depending on the number of teams. Two team contests last one week and you draft live against your opponent. A 16 team contest lasts four weeks and functions like a single-elimination tournament.
In the first week of the contest, your team is matched up randomly against one of the other teams. The eight teams that win move on to week two and are matched up head-to-head with one of the other first week's winners. This keeps going until week four when the last two teams face off for the big prize.
Two-team Contests
Today I'll be sharing some strategies for two team contests. Look for some more content coming later that focuses on larger competitions. In two team contests, you face off in a snake draft against one opponent to build your lineup in a winner-take-all one-week matchup.
The draft lasts 10 rounds and consists of a QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 K, and 3 IDP. You read that right, in this daily fantasy format you get to put your IDP knowledge to use. The draft starts within a few minutes of the contest being filled so be ready to go and make sure your notifications are turned on if using the app.
These two-team contests are a great way to build your bankroll on Owners Box with relatively low risk. You have to either enter several contests or contests with higher entry fees to be able to win big. However, if you are able to cash on more than half of the contests you enter, you'll be making money so that you can enter larger contests with higher returns.
Fade the one-off positions
Enough logistics, let's talk strategy. With only two teams being drafted, it becomes an even greater advantage to go late QB. With all of the quarterbacks at your disposal you may be tempted to draft one of the big dogs, but remember only two quarterbacks will be drafted. It's unlikely that the second QB drafted will score that much less than the first if you are able to choose correctly.
The same goes for the tight end position. Most weeks Travis Kelce and Darren Waller will be available and even when they're not, it isn't too difficult to find another option.
Track your opponent
Be sure to pay attention to the draft picks your opponent makes, especially how many players they have at a position. This ties right into my first strategy. In several of the contests I've done, my opponent has drafted a quarterback or tight end early.
At this point, I know that those positions can be my last positions drafted because the player I get will be the same whether I take them immediately or wait until the end. It can seem odd picking your kicker before you take a quarterback, but remember that your final team will be the same.
This tactic works for the other positions as well. I've done drafts where I pick first and my opponent takes two wide receivers in a row. Similar to the single-player positions, I can now wait until my final picks for wide receivers with no opportunity cost.
Fade IDP
If you're reading this, you probably love IDP as much as I do, so this may seem counterintuitive. However, if you are a fellow IDP degenerate then you have an advantage over a large percentage of your opponents. I've seen a lot of cornerbacks drafted in these contests and been able to pick up elite linebackers like Roquan Smith late.
The other reason for fading the IDP options is that the scoring is not on par with the offense. On Thursday Night Football in Week 5 Devin White's 5 tackles, QB hit, and PD was worth 5 points while a season-long league where I have White awarded 13.
Counterstack
The final strategy tip I have for head-to-head contests is what I refer to as the counterstack. Most DFS players are familiar with stacking your QB with a pass-catcher from the same team. In counterstacking, you attempt to neutralize the advantage of a good pick on the part of your opponent.
An example of this is your opponent takes Travis Kelce and you feel like they have an advantage at the tight end position. If you draft Patrick Mahomes, you are now getting points anytime Kelce does, limiting the advantage that your opponent has at that position.
You can do the same thing with a pass catcher if the quarterback has a good chance of targeting them heavily. For example, if your opponent drafts Mahomes, you may try to get Tyreek Hill or Travis Kelce on your team. This strategy can backfire if the rest of your team doesn't perform well because it does limit your upside so it works best when you are near the end of a draft and think the rest of your team already has an edge.
Go try it out
Now that you have some strategies in your arsenal, go try Owner's Box out today. If you want some tips on the Owner's Box superflex format, go check out Clinton Holmgren's Week 6 article "Daily Fantasy Sports with Newcomer, Owner's Box".
Thanks for reading the Owner's Box Head-to-Head DFS Strategy! If you want to read more of my work, you can do so on my IDP Guys Author Page! If you are ever looking for some fantasy feedback, hit me up on Twitter at @DynastyDVM and follow @IDPGuys for more great content.
