When it comes to DFS apps, NFL fans are spoiled for choice. With the season's high-energy games and superstar players, DFS platforms have created some wildly engaging ways to bring fans closer to the action.
Four of the best DFS apps — Underdog Fantasy, Vivid Picks, Dabble Fantasy, and Betr Picks — each offer a unique approach that appeals to different types of NFL fans. Whether you want to draft a season-long team, make quick pick’em predictions or compete in live group challenges, there's a DFS app that is perfect for you. And that’s what we’re setting out to do. We want to help you figure out which one is best for you.
Underdog Fantasy is extremely popular for its Best Ball format. It’s a dream come true for NFL fans who love drafting teams but don’t want to manage them throughout the season. Some might even call this the lazy man’s fantasy football.
In Best Ball, once you draft your team, your job is done. Underdog automatically selects the best-performing players on your roster each week. This makes it a perfect option for those who enjoy drafting but don’t have the time or energy to juggle trades, injuries, and waiver wires. It’s the closest thing to “set it and forget it.”
For NFL fans, this is a massive draw since it simplifies fantasy football into what most people love—draft day.
Best Ball is what they’re known for, but Underdog has a few more tricks up their sleeve, too. They offer Battle Royale contests for NFL games as well. This is perfect for players looking for more traditional DFS action with a draft-style twist. You’ll join others in drafting teams in a snake draft format, but it's short-term — just for a week or a single game. There are tons of contests to choose from, so just select the length you’re going for.
For those more interested in props, Underdog’s Pick’em Contests allow NFL fans to make picks on individual player performances very similar to prop bets. With easy-to-understand over/under options, these contests are quick and easy, but they also reward your deep knowledge of NFL player stats. The slick, user-friendly interface means you can make picks or check on your contests from anywhere, which has contributed to Underdog's strong reputation. Its transparency on contest fees and the continuous introduction of new formats keep users coming back for more.
Vivid Picks stands out from the DFS crowd because it’s socially driven. NFL fans who like to engage with others while making their picks will love this feature. The app allows users to follow friends’ picks, share predictions, and have discussions about their picks.
For a fan group looking to compete against each other each week during the NFL season, this is the perfect option. You can see how others are thinking and either join them or take a contrarian approach. It adds another layer of fun to your NFL viewing experience.
What also makes Vivid Picks interesting for NFL fans is its head-to-head matchups. Instead of just picking over/unders, you can select which of two NFL players will have a better game on a given week. It’s still a pick ‘em style contest, but it's a bit of a twist. This adds another dynamic to traditional DFS, where you can pit players like Patrick Mahomes against Josh Allen for points on the board.
For the NFL fan who loves debates and comparisons between star players, this is the best way to put your money where your mouth is.
The integration with Vivid Seats also brings a surprising twist for NFL fans who are also regular game attendees. You can purchase tickets to NFL games through the platform, making it somewhat of an all-in-one app for your DFS and in-stadium experience. While the app’s simplicity and bonuses, like Vivid Bucks, make it worth trying, its social element and variety of contests are what really set it apart for NFL enthusiasts. However, it’s not alone when it comes to social DFS.
Dabble Fantasy is by far the most socially integrated DFS app. This is appealing to NFL fans who like to connect with other fanatics.
In Dabble, you can share your picks, copy entries from others, and engage in discussions about strategies (they call this bantering). This creates one of the most interactive experiences in the industry, where NFL fans can exchange insights and see what others in the community are thinking.
If you’re someone who enjoys discussing stats, strategies, and outcomes with others, Dabble is built just for you. The Copy Entry feature allows you to follow more experienced players or take your friends’ picks, which is perfect for beginners or casual fans looking to get in on the action without spending hours on research. It’s a fine balance of trust and luck when you copy picks.
The app’s Pick’em contests are extremely easy as well. NFL fans simply choose over/under on player stats, like rushing yards or touchdowns. There are no drafts or complex game formats, making it perfect for casual NFL fans who might not have the time for deep strategy but still want to get involved.
Since Dabble is designed with a mobile-first approach, it’s perfect for NFL fans who want to make quick picks on the go. There’s no desktop version, unfortunately, but the app's simplicity and clean interface make it a breeze to use on your phone.
If you’re an NFL fan looking for live-action and real-time decisions, Betr Picks is where it’s at.
Known for being the first micro-betting DFS app, Betr Picks allows you to bet on specific plays or outcomes as they happen. Think of it as live betting meets pick ‘ems. This is ideal for NFL fans who want to be involved in every moment of the game.
Will the next play be a pass or a run? Will the quarterback complete the next pass? These are the types of rapid-fire picks you can make in real-time. It brings a new level of excitement to watching NFL games.
Betr Picks also offers Pick’em-style contests, similar to the other DFS platforms we mentioned, where users choose whether a player will get more or less than a given stat line. The platform's simplicity—focused primarily on quick decisions and fast payouts—makes it perfect for NFL fans who prefer instant gratification.
The addition of a Group Mode, where users can compete directly against each other, adds a social twist to the mix, though not as social as Vivid Picks or Dabble.
One limitation is the smaller range of sports on Betr Picks compared to other DFS apps. Sure, you get the major sports, but that’s it, and as long as you have the NFL, you’re probably happy, right? However, the app is widely available across many U.S. states, giving more NFL fans access to its micro-betting format.
The right DFS app for you as an NFL fan depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.
If you love drafting and want a hands-off approach for the rest of the season, Underdog Fantasy and its Best Ball format are exactly what you need. For social interaction and head-to-head player matchups, Vivid Picks offers an awesome way to connect with friends and other fans. If you're after simplicity, social engagement, and ease of use, Dabble Fantasy is a fantastic option. And for fans who want a fast-paced, in-the-moment experience, Betr Picks provides a unique micro-betting focus that makes watching games even more thrilling.
Each app brings something special to the NFL DFS market. We recommend trying them all and seeing what format and style is best for you.