Stars and Scrubs
What Is Stars and Scrubs in DFS?
Last updated October 5, 2026 by Ship It Nation
Stars and scrubs is a DFS lineup structure where you spend heavily on several expensive players and fill other roster spots with low-salary players. The cheap players free up salary for the stars; they are not necessarily bad players.
Why It Matters
You concentrate your budget on expensive players whose scoring potential justifies sacrificing the middle salary range. The approach is strongest when cheap players have useful roles, but tournament builds can sometimes tolerate minimal cheap production if the stars dominate scoring. Popular cheap players can also make these lineups easy for opponents to duplicate.
Example
Say you want three expensive players whose projected scores stand well above the mid-priced options. Two cheap replacements with expanded roles let you afford them while completing your lineup. That is a stars and scrubs build: you rely heavily on the expensive players and use the cheaper spots to make the combination affordable.
Compare the points you gain by upgrading to a star with the points you sacrifice at the cheap spot. Check whether both players still fit your lineup's scoring scenario.
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Common Questions
Is stars and scrubs better for cash games or GPPs?
It can work in either. In cash games, prioritize cheap players with dependable opportunities. In GPPs, which are tournaments, more uncertain cheap players may fit a lineup built for a high score. When the same stars and cheap players are popular, consider how you will avoid duplicate lineups.
What is the opposite of a stars and scrubs lineup?
A balanced build. You spread more of your salary across mid-priced players instead of combining several expensive players with very cheap ones. Neither structure automatically scores more: compare the complete lineups rather than assuming that expensive players guarantee a higher ceiling.
Does stars and scrubs mean picking bad players?
No. Scrubs refers to low salaries, not necessarily poor ability. A cheap player can be underpriced because an injury creates a larger role before salaries adjust. A player with little opportunity is a different proposition, even if both players cost the same amount.