DraftKings Pick6 vs. Underdog: Comparing The Top DFS Apps For 2025
DraftKings Pick6 is a daily fantasy game where users select “More” or “Less” on a set of 2-6 players. This game works well with MLB, where there are so many stats to choose from, such as home runs, total bases, strikeouts, and hits allowed. What I like about DraftKings Pick6 is you’re competing against other players for cash prizes, instead of the house.
Players will also enjoy DraftKings Pick6 because it offers more choices than traditional DFS contests. You get to set the entry fee and create your own set of picks before getting matched with other players. Whoever gets the most picks correct gets a share of the prize pool. Overall, DraftKings Pick6 is a fun game that is accessible to all players, which is why it continues to become more popular.
Understanding Pick’Em Style Games
Pick’em style games are strategy-based DFS contests where you select “Over” or “Under” on assigned player stats. For example, you may choose Roman Anthony more than 1.5 total bases or Yoshinobu Yamamoto less than 6.5 strikeouts.
Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of how pick’em games work and why they are becoming more popular.
What Are They and How Do They Differ?
Pick’em games require you to pick “More” or “Less” on at least two player props. The maximum picks can vary based on the game. For example, DraftKings Pick6 is capped at six selections. This is not traditional sports betting, which is why it’s available in over 30 states.
Unlike sports betting, where you can make straight bets on props or combine them in a parlay, pick’em games may require you to join a tournament against other players, as seen with DraftKings Pick6. It’s a peer-to-peer platform where you compete vs. other users instead of the sportsbook.
Why Pick’Ems Are Becoming More Popular
Pick’ems are becoming more popular because they’re user-friendly. Players can join for as little as $1, so the barrier of entry to win real money prizes is low. The games are easy to understand, as you just need to pick more correct selections than your competition.
These games also appeal to competitive players because there’s skill involved. For example, if there’s a popular pick like Paul Skenes to get more than 6.5 strikeouts, you can go with less to be contrarian and get a step ahead of your competition if it pans out.
Why DraftKings Pick6 Is the New Standard
DraftKings Pick6 is the new standard because, unlike other pick’em games where you’re competing against the house, this is a peer-to-peer platform.
Peer-To-Peer with a Strategic Edge
Launching in 2023, DraftKings Pick6 allows players to join head-to-head matchups against several other users. The pick’ems are limited to 2-6 choices, making it more accessible for casual players. The more picks you select, the higher the payout.
I enjoyed that DraftKings Pick6 gave you a chance to select the entry fee you wanted and how many picks to choose. It was also fun to strategize over which props would be more popular to try to fade the public. For example, if you’re in a contest with 10 people and you think most will take Aaron Judge more than 1.5 total bases, you can go under to gain leverage on your competitors.
Backed by a Trusted Brand – Integrated into Ecosystem
DraftKings has been a trusted brand since 2012. What began as a DFS site where you built lineups with a salary cap to compete against others for cash prizes has evolved into one of the most popular online sportsbooks. Just like with traditional DFS, DraftKings Pick6 is integrated into your user account, so you can access it easily.
Having this familiar interface makes DraftKings Pick6 more user-friendly. Since it’s housed on an online sportsbook, players also have easier access to responsible gaming tools if there is a need. It’s also easy to track your profits and losses with the DK MyWallet feature.
MLB, NFL, NBA – Deep Player Pools
With sports like MLB, NFL, and NBA available for DraftKings Pick6, there is no shortage of player props to choose from. This includes strikeouts, home runs, total bases, and outs recorded for baseball. With a full slate nearly every day, MLB is my personal favorite for this contest.
What’s also great about DraftKings Pick6 is that there are projections available for each player. These projections are sourced and updated daily to keep users informed as they make their selections. While you’re obviously not relying entirely on these projections, it’s nice to have them available as a baseline. This is a particularly helpful feature for beginners.
Promotions That Favor the User
New users are eligible for the DraftKings Pick6 welcome bonus, where you “Play $5, Get $50” in bonus picks. Simply join a $5+ pick’em to receive $50 in Pick6 credits. Even if you lose, you will receive the $50 in bonuses. This is a helpful offer where you only need to play a low stake of $5 to unlock $50 in credits.
Additionally, there are recurring promos for existing users, such as boosted multiplier picks, where select props have a higher payout. There are even streak bonuses and promos tied to marquee events. Each of these offers provide more value to the users.
Underdog DFS
Underdog is another popular platform where users can participate in pick’em contests. Unlike DraftKings Pick6, which is peer-to-peer, you’re competing against the house at Underdog.
Straightforward House-Based Play
When playing pick’em at Underdog, you choose between two and five players with fixed multipliers and preset lines, which are offered by the house. For example, you may take Tarik Skubal to get more than 7.5 strikeouts.
Instead of figuring out which contests to join like with DraftKings Pick6, it’s quick and easy to build your pick’em entry, especially on mobile. I loved how fast I was able to build my pick’em on my phone, getting it done right before game time on numerous occasions.
Strong App with Little Customizations
One of the major positives at Underdog is their clean and organized interface, which is optimized for mobile. It’s one of the most accessible apps available in the industry. Simply click your preferred league and choose your player.
However, it’s worth noting that there are fewer contest formats and less stats available. For example, sometimes I noticed that Underdog didn’t have pitcher props that I often like to target in MLB, such as earned runs allowed. While the best ball contests for season-long fantasy are great, the pick’em is a bit more one-dimensional.
Welcome Offer
I love the welcome offer at Underdog, where new users get a 100% deposit match up to $100. To max out the promo, deposit $100 to get an additional $100 in bonuses, putting your total balance at $200.
However, it’s worth noting that while this has a higher limit, it also has a higher barrier to entry than DraftKings, where you get $50 in bonuses for playing $5. There are also fewer promos related to pick’ems, although I loved the “free squares,” which is where a prop is reduced to a nearly 100% outcome, such as Zack Wheeler to get more than 0.5 strikeouts.
DraftKings vs. Underdog Comparison
| Feature | DraftKings Pick6 | Underdog Pick’Em |
|---|---|---|
| Contest Style | Peer-to-peer | Against the house |
| Player Picks | 2-6 | 2-6 |
| Payouts | Variable, scalable | Fixed multipliers |
| Stat Depth | High (per sport, position, matchup trends) | Medium (streamlined) |
| Sports Offere | MLB, NFL, NBA, and more | MLB, NFL, NBA, and others |
| Interface | Integrated with full DK platform | Sleek, mobile-first |
| Bonus for New Users | $50 in bonus picks with $5 play | 100% deposit match up to $100 |
| Ideal For | Strategic players, DK ecosystem users | Casual mobile-first users |
Why Pick6 Is the Smarter Choice for Users
DraftKings Pick6 is the smarter choice for users due to a slightly more robust pick’em platform that allows for more personalization and better long-term value.
More Control over Entries
Being able to customize your entries with more stat depth helps put DraftKings Pick6 ahead of Underdog. It’s an added bonus that you can pick up to six entries in your pick’em, whereas Underdog caps you at five.
As a peer-to-peer platform, you don’t have to compete against the house, meaning you can avoid rigid rules that make it a less enjoyable experience. There’s also a competitive edge in finding a viable contrarian play that can help you win your contest, such as Shohei Ohtani to get fewer than 1.5 total bases.
Better Long-Term Value
Another key factor that sets DraftKings Pick6 apart from Underdog is the larger number of ongoing promotions for existing users. DraftKings is consistently offering sport-specific bonuses to give you more value.
Furthermore, while both welcome offers are great, I prefer the DraftKings Play $5, Get $50 than the 100% deposit bonus up to $100 because you 10x your $5 play, giving you a larger return on investment. On top of that, DraftKings has more experience as an operator, so you can feel more comfortable playing for an industry leader.
Final Verdict – Who Should You Go With?
The truth is, both DraftKings Pick6 and Underdog are great choices for pick’em contests. If you want more flexibility and stat depth with a chance to outwit your competition with contrarian picks, choose DraftKings Pick6. If you’re looking for quick picks and a user-friendly mobile experience, go with Underdog.
My advice is to try both platforms to see which you prefer. You can also find discrepancies in lines – perhaps DraftKings has Garrett Crochet at a better number than Underdog – so shopping around for the best price is another perk with playing at both sites. But if I had to choose one, it would be DraftKings Pick6 because it has more stats available, more promotions, and a better welcome offer.