NFL · Bring-Back
What Is a Bring-Back in DFS?
Last updated September 22, 2026 by Ship It Nation
In the NFL, a bring-back is usually a wide receiver, tight end or running back from the team facing your quarterback stack.
Why It Matters
If your quarterback throws for several touchdowns, the opponent usually has to pass more to catch up. An opposing pass catcher is typically the best bring-back because he benefits most from that catch-up passing.
Example
Say you stack a quarterback with two of his receivers in a game with a 51-point total. For the bring-back, you add the opposing team's slot receiver, who leads his team in targets. If your quarterback throws three first-half touchdowns, the other team starts passing on almost every down, and your bring-back piles up catches while playing from behind.
Pick the bring-back who gains the most when his team falls behind. In football that's usually the opponent's top pass catcher, not a running back who loses carries in a comeback.
Heard on the Shows
This term has come up on 14 shows. Each line jumps to that moment of the video.
Common Questions
Do you need a bring-back in every stack?
No. A bring-back makes sense when you expect a close, high-scoring game. If you think your stacked team will win easily and control the clock, a bring-back from the losing side can hurt, since that offense may not produce much.
What position makes the best bring-back?
In the NFL, usually a wide receiver or tight end, because the trailing team throws more to catch up. A running back can work in a close game, but backs tend to lose carries when their team falls behind. In MLB and hockey, top-of-the-order hitters and top-line skaters are common choices.
Is a bring-back the same as a game stack?
Not quite. A bring-back is the piece from the opposing team. Once you add it to a team stack, the combined group becomes a game stack, so the bring-back is what turns one into the other.