How To Enter Underdog Propositions Contests
Thanks to the surging popularity of player propositions across the sports gaming industry, several leading DFS platforms now offer props in various innovative formats.…
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Players interested in proposition contests on Underdog can access the platform’s Pick’em section, where hundreds of higher/lower player stat predictions are available daily across multiple sports. This streamlined format eliminates the complexity of salary cap management while maintaining the strategic depth that makes daily fantasy sports engaging.
Beyond standard Pick’em contests, Underdog offers Rivals Pick’ems, an innovative head-to-head format where you predict which of two players will perform better in specific statistical categories. This unique contest type adds variety and strategic options not commonly found on competing platforms.
As a fantasy sports platform rather than a traditional sportsbook, Underdog focuses exclusively on player propositions. Team props and game props aren’t available, which maintains the platform’s focus on individual player performance evaluation—a core skill in daily fantasy sports. Despite this specialization, Underdog’s range of player propositions rivals most DFS sites and even competes favorably with many licensed sportsbooks.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about proposition contests on Underdog. You’ll learn how to enter Pick’em contests, understand the different prop types available, develop winning strategies, calculate payouts, and maximize your edge in this increasingly popular DFS format.

How To Enter Proposition Contests On the Underdog App
Entering proposition contests on Underdog is remarkably straightforward, especially compared to traditional salary-cap DFS formats that require extensive lineup optimization. The Pick’em system streamlines the process down to simple higher/lower decisions on player statistics.
Step-by-Step Entry Process:
- Launch the Underdog app on your mobile device or visit the website on desktop
- Log in using your account credentials (email/username and password)
- Navigate to the Pick’em section from the main menu
- Select the “Higher/Lower” tab to view available player propositions
- Choose your preferred sport from the available options (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc.)
- Browse the list of player propositions and select your predictions (minimum 2 players, maximum 5 players)
- Review your entry slip showing all selected props and the potential payout multiplier
- Enter your desired entry amount in the stake field
- Click “Submit” to confirm and enter your player propositions Pick’em contest
The entire process takes less than two minutes once you’re familiar with the interface. The platform automatically calculates your potential payout based on the number of selections you include, with 2-pick entries offering smaller multipliers and 5-pick entries providing the highest payouts.
One of Underdog’s key advantages is the real-time updating of available props. As games approach, the platform continuously adds new player options and adjusts lines based on injury reports, lineup changes, and other relevant factors. This dynamic marketplace ensures you always have fresh opportunities to find value.
Understanding Proposition Builders and Underdog’s Approach
A proposition builder is an advanced tool that allows players to create custom, unique propositions beyond the standard offerings provided by a platform. Instead of being limited to pre-set options, users with builder access can design their own prop combinations, specify exact stat lines, and craft personalized entry structures.
This functionality gives players significantly more freedom and flexibility, allowing them to chase specific value opportunities that might not exist in the default prop offerings. For instance, you might want to combine an unusual stat correlation or set a custom threshold based on your research.
However, proposition builders are exceptionally rare in the industry. Very few sportsbooks or DFS platforms offer this feature because it requires sophisticated odds-making capabilities and creates additional risk exposure for the operator. The few platforms that do provide builders typically reserve them for VIP users or limit their scope significantly.
Since Underdog operates as a fantasy sports platform rather than a traditional sportsbook, it doesn’t currently offer a proposition builder feature. Users must work within the extensive but pre-set selection of player props that Underdog’s odds team creates daily across major sports.
While this might seem like a limitation compared to hypothetical builder functionality, Underdog compensates by offering:
- Hundreds of player props across multiple sports daily
- Diverse statistical categories beyond just points/yards
- Competitive lines that often provide value opportunities
- The flexibility to combine 2-5 props in customized entries
- Unique formats like Rivals Pick’ems for head-to-head player comparisons
For most players, the breadth of available props across major sports provides sufficient variety and value-hunting opportunities without needing custom builder functionality.
What Are Proposition Contests on Underdog?
Proposition contests—commonly shortened to “prop contests” or “Pick’ems”—focus on specific statistical outcomes rather than game results. While conventional sports wagering centers on which team wins or covers the point spread, proposition contests zoom in on granular aspects of individual or team performance.
The appeal of proposition contests lies in their variety and accessibility. You don’t need to correctly predict entire game outcomes; instead, you’re making informed decisions about specific statistical achievements. This creates opportunities for players with deep knowledge of individual athletes, matchup dynamics, and situational factors.
Proposition contests exist in several distinct categories, each offering different strategic considerations and skill applications. Understanding these categories helps you identify where your analytical strengths provide the greatest edge.
Underdog Player Propositions: The Core Offering
On Underdog, proposition contests are exclusively player-focused. The platform specializes in player props, which center on individual athlete statistics rather than team or game outcomes. This specialization aligns with Underdog’s daily fantasy sports roots, where player performance evaluation is the fundamental skill.
Player propositions cover a wide range of statistical categories depending on the sport:
Football (NFL/CFB):
- Passing yards, touchdowns, completions, attempts, interceptions
- Rushing yards, rushing attempts, rushing touchdowns
- Receiving yards, receptions, receiving touchdowns
- Defensive stats like tackles, sacks, interceptions
Basketball (NBA/CBB):
- Points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks
- Three-pointers made, field goal attempts
- Combinations like points + rebounds + assists
Baseball (MLB):
- Hits, runs, RBIs, total bases, stolen bases
- Pitcher strikeouts, walks, earned runs, hits allowed
- Home runs, doubles, triples
Hockey (NHL):
- Goals, assists, points, shots on goal
- Goalie saves, goals against
- Blocked shots, time on ice
The mechanics work identically to sportsbook player props: each player receives a projected stat line, and you predict whether they’ll exceed (“higher”) or fall short (“lower”) of that projection. The platform sets these lines based on historical performance, matchup analysis, recent form, and other relevant factors.
Real-World Player Proposition Examples
To illustrate how player props work in practice, here are typical examples you might encounter during a football slate:
Example 1: Baker Mayfield – 266.5 Passing Yards (Higher)
Selecting “Higher” means you’re predicting Mayfield will throw for 267 or more passing yards. This wins if he finishes with 267+ yards and loses if he finishes with 266 or fewer yards. You’d analyze factors like the opposing defense’s pass defense ranking, Mayfield’s recent form, weather conditions, and game script expectations.
Example 2: DeVonta Smith – 4.5 Receptions (Higher)
Choosing “Higher” predicts Smith catches 5 or more passes. This requires analyzing his target share, the opponent’s slot coverage, whether the Eagles project to throw frequently based on game flow, and Smith’s catch rate on targets.
Example 3: Dak Prescott – 8.5 Rushing Yards (Higher)
Selecting “Higher” means Prescott needs 9+ rushing yards. This might seem trivial, but requires evaluating whether the Cowboys’ game plan includes designed QB runs, whether Prescott will scramble frequently based on the opponent’s pass rush, and whether garbage-time situations might create rushing opportunities.
Payout Structure: A 3-pick entry like the examples above typically carries a 6x payout multiplier on Underdog. If you risk $10 and all three predictions hit correctly, you receive $60 total ($50 profit + $10 stake returned). Miss even one prediction, and the entire entry loses.
This all-or-nothing structure creates interesting strategic considerations. Unlike traditional parlays where you might get partial credit, Pick’em entries require perfect accuracy across all selections. This makes the number of picks you include a crucial decision—more picks mean higher payouts but lower hit rates.
Team Propositions, Game Props, and Novelty Bets
While Underdog specializes exclusively in player propositions, it’s worth understanding the broader proposition landscape to appreciate what differentiates the platform from traditional sportsbooks.
Team Propositions (Not Available on Underdog)
Team propositions focus on collective team performance statistics rather than individual athletes. These might include predictions on total team points, goals scored, three-pointers made, or rushing yards accumulated by the entire backfield.
Sportsbooks commonly offer team props like “Will the Kansas City Chiefs score over 27.5 points?” or “Will the Boston Celtics make over 12.5 three-pointers?” These require analyzing team-level trends, offensive/defensive matchups, and game environment factors.
However, since Underdog operates as a fantasy sports platform focused on individual player evaluation, team propositions aren’t available. This maintains the platform’s DFS identity while avoiding regulatory complexities associated with team-level sports betting.
Game Propositions (Not Available on Underdog)
Game propositions center on contest-wide outcomes involving both teams. Common examples include:
- Expected margin of victory (Will Team A win by more than 10 points?)
- Race to X points (Which team reaches 20 points first?)
- Overtime occurrence (Will the game require overtime?)
- Highest-scoring quarter/half
- Odd/even final score
These game-level props are staples at traditional sportsbooks but fall outside Underdog’s player-focused framework. If you’re specifically interested in game props, you’ll need to explore licensed sportsbooks rather than DFS platforms.
Novelty Propositions (Not Available on Underdog)
Novelty propositions—sometimes called “entertainment props”—focus on extremely niche occurrences, often peripheral to the actual sporting event. These gained mainstream attention during Super Bowl betting, where sportsbooks offer props on:
- National anthem duration
- Halftime show specifics (song selection, guest appearances)
- Color of Gatorade dumped on the winning coach
- Celebrity attendance and behavior
- Coin toss results
While entertaining, novelty props are purely luck-based with no skill component. Underdog Fantasy doesn’t offer these types of propositions, maintaining focus on skill-based player performance predictions that align with the platform’s DFS foundation.
Winning Proposition Contest Strategies for Underdog
Most casual players approach proposition contests as fun, recreational entertainment—and they absolutely can be enjoyed that way. However, propositions also present genuine money-making opportunities for players who apply disciplined, strategic approaches.
Success in proposition contests requires the same analytical rigor you’d apply to any skill-based gaming format. The following strategies, when implemented consistently, significantly improve your long-term profitability and hit rates.
Always Reference Statistical Data
The single most common mistake in proposition contests is making decisions based on gut feelings, recency bias, or superficial analysis. Player propositions are fundamentally statistics-based, which means thorough statistical research should drive every selection.
Before selecting any prop, conduct baseline research:
- Historical Performance: Review the player’s season-long averages and recent game logs for the specific stat category
- Matchup Analysis: Evaluate how the opposing defense ranks against that statistical category
- Usage Trends: Understand the player’s role within their team’s scheme and whether it’s expanding or contracting
- Situational Factors: Account for injuries, weather, home/away splits, rest days, and lineup changes
- Line Value: Compare Underdog’s line to the player’s actual average to identify where projections may be off
For example, if you see an attractive passing yards line for a quarterback, don’t immediately select it based solely on name recognition. Verify whether the opposing defense allows high passing volumes, whether weather conditions favor passing, whether key receiving targets are healthy, and whether the game script projects to support significant passing attempts.
Statistical research separates recreational players from consistent winners. Invest time in data analysis, and your results will reflect that diligence.
Avoid Luck-Based Propositions
This strategy primarily applies to sportsbooks rather than Underdog, since the platform doesn’t offer luck-based props. However, understanding this principle helps you appreciate Underdog’s skill-focused approach.
Luck-based propositions—such as coin toss results, odd/even scoring, or certain novelty bets—offer zero predictive edge. No amount of research, analysis, or expertise helps you forecast a coin flip more accurately than 50/50. These props are pure gambling with no skill component.
To gain sustainable edges, always prioritize propositions you can handicap through research and analysis. Player performance props fall into this category because statistical trends, matchup dynamics, and situational factors provide legitimate predictive value.
Underdog’s exclusive focus on player props means you’re never tempted by luck-based offerings, keeping your contest activity purely skill-based.
Manage Your Bankroll and Limit Investment
Despite how entertaining and potentially profitable proposition contests can be, they carry significant variance and unpredictability. Even well-researched player props can fail due to random variance—injuries mid-game, unusual game flow, or statistical flukes.
For this reason, proposition contests shouldn’t constitute your entire DFS portfolio. Consider diversifying your entries across multiple contest formats:
- Allocate a portion of your bankroll to Pick’em props
- Maintain exposure to Best Ball drafts for season-long stability
- Participate in salary-based drafts for different skill applications
- Keep some funds available for special contests or promotions
A common bankroll management approach is the “25% rule”—never allocate more than 25% of your total bankroll to proposition contests in any given week. This protects you from catastrophic variance while still allowing meaningful prop exposure.
We’re not discouraging prop contest participation—they’re excellent additions to your DFS strategy. However, they shouldn’t completely dominate your entry portfolio at the expense of other, potentially less volatile formats.
Optimize Your Pick Count
Underdog allows 2-5 player selections per Pick’em entry, with payout multipliers increasing as you add more picks. This creates a critical strategic decision: maximize potential payouts with 5-pick entries or improve hit probability with 2-3 pick entries?
Conservative Approach (2-3 picks): Lower multipliers but significantly higher hit rates. Best when you’ve identified extremely strong props with high conviction. Allows you to capitalize on specific edges without diluting them with weaker selections.
Aggressive Approach (4-5 picks): Higher multipliers (up to 25x for 5 picks) but much lower hit rates. Appropriate when you’ve identified multiple quality props in the same slate and want to maximize upside. Requires accepting higher variance.
Balanced Approach: Mix entry sizes throughout the week. Use 2-3 pick entries for your highest-conviction plays and 4-5 pick entries when you’ve identified multiple strong opportunities in a particular slate.
Most successful players lean toward the conservative or balanced approach, prioritizing sustainable profitability over lottery-ticket variance.
Focus on Correlated Player Props
One advanced strategy involves identifying positively correlated player propositions—multiple props that tend to succeed together based on game environment factors.
For example, if you expect a high-scoring game between two pass-heavy offenses:
- Both quarterbacks’ passing yards props might be correlated
- Wide receivers from both teams might exceed reception projections
- Running backs’ rushing attempt props might fall short if teams abandon the run
Building entries around correlated props increases your effective hit rate because the conditions that make one prop succeed often help your other props as well.
Target Specific Sports and Situations
Not all sports or situations offer equal proposition value. Successful players identify where they have the strongest edges and concentrate their activity accordingly:
- Sport Specialization: Become an expert in one or two sports rather than spreading yourself thin across all offerings
- Injury Situations: When key players are out, supporting players often see usage spikes that create value opportunities
- Pace-Up Matchups: Games expected to be fast-paced and high-volume generally offer better prop hitting rates
- Weather Factors: Wind, rain, and temperature dramatically affect certain props—use this to your advantage
Maximizing Your Underdog Props Experience
Success with player propositions extends beyond individual contest strategy. Understanding the broader Underdog platform and how props fit within your overall DFS approach creates additional advantages.
For players new to the platform, taking full advantage of introductory offers significantly boosts your starting bankroll. This extra cushion allows you to experiment with different prop strategies, test various pick counts, and find your optimal approach without immediately risking your own deposited funds.
Managing your finances effectively remains crucial for sustainable prop contest participation. Understanding deposit options, withdrawal processing times, and fee structures ensures you can move money efficiently when funding your account or cashing out winning entries.
During football season, the platform truly shines with extensive Underdog NFL props coverage across weekly slates. The combination of extensive player options, competitive lines, and strategic depth makes NFL Pick’ems one of the platform’s most popular offerings.
Many successful prop players combine their Pick’em entries with other contest formats. Building parlay-style combinations of correlated props creates opportunities for enhanced payouts while maintaining skill-based selection processes.
Before diving deep into proposition contests, familiarize yourself with where Underdog operates to ensure you’re eligible to participate. State regulations affect not just availability but sometimes specific contest type access as well.
Financial management tools help optimize your prop contest bankroll. Learning about Underdog banking methods ensures smooth deposits when you want to capitalize on favorable slates and quick withdrawals when you’ve built your balance.
New users should explore current Underdog promotional offers that provide bonus funds specifically usable in Pick’em contests. Starting with house money reduces risk while you develop your prop selection skills.
Existing players can extend their prop contest bankroll through the referral program. Sharing your positive Underdog experience with friends who’d enjoy player props creates ongoing bonus opportunities that supplement your contest funds.
For those interested in alternative approaches to sports engagement beyond traditional player props, the platform continues expanding its offerings. Market-based prediction features provide yet another way to apply sports knowledge, though these operate separately from standard Pick’em contests.
When building combinations of player predictions, Underdog parlay strategies offer valuable insights into optimizing multi-leg entries. The principles apply whether you’re building 2-pick, 3-pick, or maximum 5-pick combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Underdog Props
What’s the minimum number of props I can select?
The minimum number of player propositions for a Pick’em entry on Underdog is 2 selections. You can combine 2-5 player props in a single entry, with payout multipliers increasing as you add more selections.
Do I need to hit all my props to win?
Yes, Pick’em entries on Underdog require all selections to be correct for the entry to win. If even one of your player props misses, the entire entry loses. This all-or-nothing structure is why pick count optimization is so important—more picks mean higher payouts but lower hit probability.
What happens if a player doesn’t play?
If one of the players in your Pick’em entry doesn’t participate in the game (late scratch, DNP, etc.), that selection is typically voided and your entry is graded based on the remaining picks. Check Underdog’s current rules for specific voiding policies, as these may vary by sport or situation.
Can I edit my entry after submission?
No, once you submit a Pick’em entry, it cannot be edited or cancelled. This is standard across all DFS platforms to prevent exploitation of injury news or line movement. Always double-check your selections before clicking submit.
What’s the maximum I can win on a single entry?
Maximum winnings depend on your entry amount and the number of picks. A 5-pick entry offers the highest multiplier (typically 25x), so a maximum $25 entry would pay $625 if all five props hit. Check Underdog’s current payout structure for exact multipliers by pick count.
Are props available for all sports?
Underdog offers player props for all major sports in season, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, college basketball, PGA, MMA, and soccer. Availability varies by sport’s season—for example, NFL props are most abundant September through February, while MLB props dominate April through October.
How are prop lines determined?
Underdog’s odds team sets prop lines based on historical player performance, recent form, matchup analysis, injury reports, and various situational factors. Lines adjust based on entry patterns and new information, similar to how sportsbook lines move. Sharp players look for lines that deviate from expected values based on their own analysis.
Important Terms and Disclaimers
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for certain games; 21+ in AZ, MA, VA) and physically present in a state where Underdog operates. Terms apply.
Player propositions involve risk. All Pick’em entries require correct predictions on all selections to win. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Gambling Problem? Get Help:
- Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org
- Arizona: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXT-STEP to 53342
- New York: Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
Payout structures, available sports, and contest formats are subject to change. Always verify current information on the official Underdog website.lity are subject to change. Always verify current information on the official Underdog website.
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