Head-to-Head
What Is a Head-to-Head in DFS?
Last updated November 13, 2026 by Ship It Nation
A head-to-head (H2H) is a DFS contest where your lineup faces one opponent's lineup. In a paid contest, the higher score wins the listed prize, usually both entry fees minus the site's fee.
Why It Matters
You build to outscore one opponent, so strong projections and dependable playing time usually matter more than standing out from a tournament field. Opponent skill changes your chances, and site fees mean winning half your matchups usually loses money. Posting your own contests does not guarantee weaker opponents.
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Example
Say you enter a $5 NBA head-to-head with a listed $9 prize. Your lineup scores 280 fantasy points, and your opponent scores 270, so you receive $9, including your original $5, for a $4 profit. If you win one such matchup and lose another, your $10 in entries returns $9, leaving you down $1.
When reviewing a past opponent, separate their head-to-head lineups from their tournament entries. A risky tournament build does not show how they will play against you.
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Common Questions
Can I choose my opponent in a head-to-head?
Yes, when you accept an existing challenge or arrange a private matchup. Posting a public contest lets eligible opponents join, and unmatched entries may be automatically paired. Creating the contest yourself does not ensure you face a less experienced player.
What happens if nobody accepts my head-to-head?
Your entry may be automatically matched rather than immediately refunded. DraftKings can pair unfilled public head-to-heads with another entry for the same games and entry fee. If the contest remains unfilled and is canceled, your entry fee is returned.
What happens if a head-to-head ends in a tie?
Usually, tied scores split the prize, but identical-lineup rules can differ. DraftKings typically cancels head-to-heads with identical lineups and refunds both entries; different lineups with equal scores generally split the prize. A split after site fees can return less than your entry fee, so check the applicable rules.