NFL DFS research
NFL DFS Glossary: Projection, Ownership, Stacks and More
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) involves selecting a roster for a short contest window under platform-specific rules. These definitions explain the terms you will encounter while researching an NFL slate and using SLAITIQ.
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Slate, Classic and Showdown
A slate is the set of games eligible for a contest. Classic generally uses a multi-game player pool and positional roster requirements. Showdown is a single-game format with a Captain slot. Roster and scoring rules belong to the contest platform, so check the contest details.
Projection, median, floor and ceiling
A projection is an estimated fantasy-point result. A median is a midpoint: half the values or outcomes fall on each side. A median of input projections is not the same thing as a median simulated outcome. Floor and ceiling describe lower and upper outcome estimates, but the precise definitions and percentiles depend on the model.
Ownership, exposure and leverage
Ownership is how often a player appears across contest entries. Exposure is how often you use that player in your own group of lineups. Leverage describes a potential advantage relative to the field's choices; it is not guaranteed simply because a player has low ownership.
Stacking and correlation
A stack combines players whose outcomes may be related, such as a quarterback and pass catcher. A bring-back adds an opponent from the same game. Correlation can change a lineup's range of outcomes; the direction and strength of the relationship matter.
Salary value, optimizer and late swap
Salary value commonly expresses projected points per $1,000 of salary. An optimizer searches valid lineups using an objective and constraints. Late swap means changing eligible players after the slate begins when the contest platform permits it. Always check individual lock times and the platform's rules; an exported lineup is not a guarantee of eligibility.
Common questions
What does GPP mean in DFS?
GPP stands for guaranteed prize pool. It describes a contest's prize structure, not a guarantee that any individual entry will win.
What does chalk mean?
Chalk means players or combinations expected to be popular. It describes expected selection frequency, not certainty of a strong score.