Single-game showdown contests

I'd compare the platforms on three things:

• Format depth: how many NFL, NBA, and other single-game slates have dedicated contests.
• Contest selection: cash games, 3-max tournaments, single-entry tournaments, and large-field GPPs.
• Value for your entry fee: rake, payout distribution, and how many opponents you need to beat.

My top picks

1. DraftKings

(Best overall for classic Showdown)

DraftKings is my first choice, particularly for NFL. Its dedicated Captain Mode uses six players, a $50,000 salary cap, and a Captain who costs 1.5× salary and earns 1.5× fantasy points. It offers large tournaments as well as head-to-head and other contest formats.support.draftkings.com+2

Best for: NFL Showdown, tournament variety, and familiar DFS strategy.

Explore DraftKings DFS

2. FanDuel

A strong alternative, especially if you want to compare contest structures and entry fees. FanDuel offers single-game DFS, head-to-head contests, smaller-field options, and larger tournaments. Its published single-game format uses six roster spots: one MVP and five Flex players, with a 1.5× salary and points multiplier for the MVP.www.fanduel.com+1

Best for: comparing MVP strategy and finding alternatives to DraftKings.

Explore FanDuel DFS

Which would I choose?

One important caveat: the biggest prize pool doesn't necessarily mean the best contest value. Before entering, compare the entry fee, number of entrants, payout distribution, maximum entries per user, and total prizes relative to the total entry fees. Actual offerings vary by slate and location.

Let me narrow it down

Which sport are you most interested in playing?

1. Sport

NFL

NBA

MLB

NHL

Multiple sports

2. Preferred entry fee

Free contests

$0.25–$1

$1–$5

$10+

3. Contest style

Small-field or single-entry tournaments

Large-field tournaments with big top prizes

Head-to-head or double-ups

All contest types

[Compare platforms for me]

I can then make a more specific recommendation based on the actual contest formats that fit your play style, rather than just which site has the largest advertised jackpot.

1. DraftKings — best overall for Showdown

DraftKings is the one I'd pick if single-game contests are your priority. Its Showdown format lets you draft exclusively from the two teams in a game, with a Captain worth 1.5× fantasy points and costing 1.5× salary. It also offers both pregame Showdowns and in-game Showdowns for certain sports.www.draftkings.com

The contest selection is a major advantage. For example, DraftKings currently lists NFL Showdowns ranging from smaller buy-ins to very large-field tournaments, and it also runs Showdowns across sports such as soccer.www.draftkings.com

DraftKings DFS

2. FanDuel — best alternative

FanDuel also has a well-established single-game format. Its NFL version uses an MVP slot worth 1.5× points, plus four FLEX players, with kickers eligible.www.fanduel.com

I'd favor FanDuel if you already like its scoring system or prefer its particular contest structure, but DraftKings generally has the stronger Showdown identity and variety.

FanDuel Fantasy

My ranking

For traditional one-game DFS:

1. 🥇 DraftKings — best overall
2. 🥈 FanDuel — very strong alternative
3. 🥉 Underdog — better for Pick'em/draft-style fantasy than Showdown
4. PrizePicks — better thought of as a player-prop platform than traditional DFS

One important distinction: Underdog and PrizePicks aren't really substitutes for DraftKings Showdown. If what you specifically enjoy is constructing a lineup, selecting a Captain/MVP, exploiting game scripts, and playing large-field tournaments, stick with DraftKings or FanDuel.

If you tell me NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or soccer, I can also rank the sites specifically for that sport and explain which has the best contest selection, rake, payout structures, and smaller-field options.