The Best Days to Play DFS: When to Enter Contests to Maximize Winnings

Want to win more in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)? It’s not just about who you pick — it’s about when you play. Timing your contest entries can boost your edge, improve ROI, and help you stay ahead of the competition.

At Wanna Parlay, we’re all about helping players compete smarter. Whether you're building lineups for the NFL, NBA, or MLB, this guide breaks down the best days to play DFS so you can increase your chances of cashing big.

Why Timing Matters in DFS

DFS isn’t just about picking players — it’s about maximizing ROI (Return on Investment). The best DFS players know when the field is softer, the matchups are predictable, and the prizes are worth the entry fee.

When you enter matters just as much as how you play.

Best Days to Play DFS by Sport

NFL DFS: Sundays Still Dominate

Best day: Sunday (main slate)
Why: Full game slate = more lineup diversity = lower duplicate entries
Secondary plays: Monday and Thursday single-game contests (great for casual, low-stakes entries)
Tip: Sundays attract the most players — but also the most inexperienced ones, especially early in the season. Take advantage of soft fields and early-week injury reports.

Pro Tip: DFS win rates spike for savvy players who lock in lineups Saturday night, before the public jumps on chalk picks Sunday morning.

NBA DFS: Mid-Week is Money

Best days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Why: Fewer back-to-backs, more predictable rest patterns, sharper matchups
Avoid: Sundays (unpredictable rotations), Fridays (sharper competition)
Tip: Target slates with 6–8 games, not overloaded 12-game nights.

Data shows NBA DFS win rates are higher on Tuesdays due to fewer casual entries and more stable injury news.

MLB DFS: Tuesdays & Saturdays Lead the Pack

Best days: Tuesday, Saturday
Why: Full team slates, consistent starting pitcher info, ideal weather visibility
Avoid: Mondays & Thursdays (light slates)
Tip: Pitching matchups drive MLB DFS. Tuesday is when rotations reset and top starters are back on the mound.

Maximize stack value by targeting weak bullpens and windy hitter’s parks — especially in mid-week games.

Bonus: Best Days for DFS Parlays on Wanna Parlay

Wanna Parlay allows you to create multi-sport contests — which means cross-referencing optimal days across leagues can give you unique advantages.

For example:

Build a Sunday NFL–MLB combo in early fall
Stack a Wednesday NBA–MLB parlay during spring crossover
Use Saturday college football + pro picks for niche edge

When DFS Win Rates Tend to Dip

Be mindful of:

Major holidays: Increased casual play → tighter competition
Opening days: Fields are huge, but so is variance
Final weeks of the season: Starters resting, tanking teams, unpredictable matchups

DFS Strategy: Timing Your Entry

To get an edge, follow this 3-step system:

Track contest fill times: Avoid entering the last 5–10 minutes. Sharps dominate late.
Use injury news windows: NBA especially — lock in after final updates (usually 6:30–7 PM EST).
Avoid chalky entry times: Enter small-field contests early to avoid last-minute optimizer floods.