Some articles are very data-driven and focused on analysis and some are just plain fun. This is definitely in the latter category, although I think there will be some evergreen stuff you can walk away with. Everyone knows the “Friends” characters, even if you haven’t watched every episode – they’re iconic. And they have such distinct personalities that I thought they would be good symbols for DFS users and how they make lineup decisions.
To do this, I first spent about 30 seconds brainstorming my first thoughts on each character. Then, I put a little more time into figuring out how each character would make decisions on their lineups. Here are my thoughts, one character at a time.
Chandler
Descriptors: funny, witty, scared of commitment, likes sweater vests, has abandonment issues, has a huge discrepancy between his ex-girlfriend and eventual wife
Decision making: Won’t make a decision because he’s worried about commitment.
This DFS user constantly changes his cash-game lineups right up through lock, but often misses out on tournaments or contests that are filling quickly because he cannot decide on that last FLEX spot. Only when they learn to take a leap and truly believe in their lineup will they find success.
Monica
Descriptors: perfectionist, organizational freak, over-achiever, hyper-competitive, loves to give advice / maybe a bit controlling, incredibly loyal
Decision making: Knows what she wants from the beginning but will still go through every possible outcome to make sure she wins.
This DFS user is locked in to a core group of players, yet will still spend the several hours up to lock maniacally going through Twitter feeds, data sets, etc. to make sure they’re not missing something. They are devastated when their core doesn’t hit.
Rachel
Descriptors: high-maintenance, superficial, fashionable, boring, very driven by her heart, always trying to prove herself, perpetual coming of age
Decision making: Will pick the one she thinks you want her to pick.
This DFS user is the ultimate chalk player. They will stumble upon articles, podcasts, and videos, but will do no research on their own. They really want to be good, but rely on others to give them chalk plays.
Phoebe
Descriptors: Phoebe, quirky, eccentric, random, awkward, wise, incredibly generous, positive in the face of a disaster childhood and bad family situation, brutally honest, the best
Decision making: Will consult her horoscope and the stars.
This DFS user does things entirely their way. They are a firm believer in #NarrativeStreet and BvP matchups. They attribute both wins and losses to Lady Luck.
Ross
Descriptors: nerdy, too loyal, easily thinks he’s in love with everything, so emotional, very into the few things in life that define him (doesn’t branch out)
Decision making: Will do all the data analysis and then get depressed when he loses, but will always give it another try.
This DFS user pores over data spreadsheets all day, every day. He is very data-driven as a result, but often has emotional plays cloud his judgement. He bounces back very easily in losses or marriages.
Joey
Descriptor: how u doin’, incredibly loyal, simplistic, womanizer, naïve, comic relief (not funny haha but situationally funny), family-oriented, maybe the best friend of the group
Decision making: “Yeah, the Knicks rule!” (People who use their biases in selections.)
This DFS user loves to pick players from their favorite team. He has rostered Kristaps Porzingis in every NBA DFS contest so far and is a firm believer in the Triangle. They win when their team wins.
Hit me up on Twitter — which character are you?
