What Does a Push Mean on PrizePicks? The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

As an avid daily fantasy sports (DFS) player, you‘ve likely come across PrizePicks as a unique new DFS operator. If you‘re unfamiliar with PrizePicks‘ scoring system, you may be wondering – what does a push mean on PrizePicks?

In simple terms, a push occurs when a player‘s fantasy point total lands exactly on his projected line. But there‘s more nuance depending on whether you play power plays or flex plays.

This comprehensive guide will explain everything a beginner needs to know about pushes on PrizePicks. I‘ll also provide my expert insights into PrizePicks‘ scoring format, how to maximize value, and key tips to dominate on this fast-growing DFS site.

How Do Pushes Work on PrizePicks?

First, let‘s take a closer look at how pushes work on PrizePicks:

• A push happens when a player scores exactly his projected fantasy point total. For example, if you pick Giannis Antetokounmpo to score 28 fantasy points, and he ends up scoring 28 points, that pick is a push.
• Pushes are considered a "no action" outcome. Your entry is refunded for that leg of the entry. It is counted neither as a win nor a loss.
• In power plays, any leg that pushes will be removed from the entry. A 4-leg power play with 1 push will convert to a 3-leg play.
• In flex plays, a push simply removes that leg from payout calculations. A 4-leg flex with 1 push and a 2-1 record will earn a 3-leg payout.

So in summary – a push acts as a tie between you and PrizePicks. Your entry value either decreases (power play) or the leg is ignored (flex play) depending on your entry type.

Now that you understand the basics of pushes, let‘s dive deeper into PrizePicks‘ unique scoring system and offerings.

How Does PrizePicks Work? A Closer Look at Gameplay Formats

PrizePicks provides a different twist on traditional DFS contests. Instead of drafting a full lineup, you simply make picks on player prop bets across a variety of sports.

Here are the key elements that make PrizePicks unique:

• 2 to 5 picks per entry: Choose anywhere from 2 to 5 players to include in your entry. Lower pick numbers provide higher odds.
• Player props only: All selections are made on individual player prop bets, such as a player‘s point, rebound, or receiving yard total.
• Multi-sport: Players can choose from NFL, NBA, MLB, CFB, soccer, esports, and more. Mix and match picks across sports.
• No opponents: PrizePicks is not a salary-cap format. You don‘t compete against other users, just the actual player props.
• Power plays and flex plays: Entries can be power plays (must sweep) or flex plays (payout for partial wins).

This player prop-focused structure provides a fun and unique alternative to traditional DFS contests. Now let‘s explore PrizePicks‘ two entry formats in more detail.

Power Plays

Power plays are the pure upside play on PrizePicks. To win a power play, you must go perfect and "sweep" all legs of your entry.

However, there is zero margin for error. If any pick is a loss, the entire entry is a loss. Even one push will downgrade a power play to the next lowest number of legs.

Power plays offer the highest potential payouts, allowing you to maximize winnings if you feel extremely confident in all of your selections. The downside is the increased "all or nothing" risk associated with power play entries.

Flex Plays

Flex plays provide more cushion, allowing you to earn partial payouts for hitting some (but not necessarily all) of your picks correctly.

The payout percentage decreases based on the number of legs missed or pushed. But you still have the chance to profit even if you don‘t go perfect. Here is the flex play payout structure:

• 2 pick: Must hit both for full payout.
• 3 pick: Hit all 3 picks for full payout. 2 picks hit = 60% of full payout.
• 4 pick: Hit 4 for full payout. 3 picks = 40% payout. 2 picks = 20% payout.
• 5 pick: 5 picks = full payout. 4 picks = 25%. 3 picks = 15%. 2 picks = 10%.

As you can see, flex plays offer significant insurance in case one or more of your picks fails to hit. This comes at the cost of reduced payout potential compared to power plays.

Flex plays provide an excellent option when you like a player prop, but aren‘t fully convinced it will hit. The flexibility preserves potential profits even if your prediction is slightly off.

How to Get Free Entries on PrizePicks

One of the best parts about PrizePicks is all the free entry opportunities available. Here are some of the top ways to get free entries:

• First deposit match: Get a 100% instant match up to $100 on your initial deposit.
• Refer friends: Earn 1 free $10 entry for each friend you refer to PrizePicks.
• Rewards program: Earn cash back and free entries as you move up reward tiers based on play volume.
• Promos: PrizePicks regularly offers contests, leaderboards, and other promos awarding free entries.
• Sportsbook bonuses: Sign up via a sportsbook link to get added entries. For example, use DraftKings link for 30x $1 NBA flex entries.
• VIP perks: Big spenders can get personalized VIP offers like deposit matches, free merch, and tickets.
• Limited-time specials: Holidays, events, and new state launches often boost free entry awards.

Here is a table summarizing the most common ways to obtain free entries:

As you can see, PrizePicks offers no shortage of ways to play for free. Take advantage of these entry opportunities early and often.

Key Tips and Strategies to Succeed on PrizePicks

Here are my top expert tips for dominating on PrizePicks:

• Stick to 2-3 pick entries – This allows you to maximize odds versus 4-5 pick entries. Lower legs mean bigger payout potential.
• Mix sports and game times – Build entries across sports and target different game start times. This reduces correlated outcome risk.
• Target high totals – Games with high over/under totals often produce big fantasy scoring. Stack players from these matchups.
• Follow lineup moves – Use late swap to monitor last minute injuries, rest days, and starting lineup changes.
• Leverage lopsided data – Review trends and historical stats to find props with one-sided predictive advantage.
• Balance upside and safety – Blend a few upside plays with safer options to increase win consistency. Don‘t force all low-probability picks.
• Know scoring dynamics – Study how scoring occurs in a sport to understand key performance indicators for props.
• Manage bankroll – Don‘t risk your entire bankroll on one entry. Maintain a detached betting mindset through ups and downs.

Is PrizePicks a Profitable DFS Option?

In my expert opinion, PrizePicks offers one of the most entertaining and potentially profitable DFS experiences available today.

The ability to win on just 2-3 smart prop picks provides a fun sweat with less research and monitoring than traditional DFS. The multi-sport flexibility also allows you to target the best matchups and optimize entry types for your confidence level in each pick.

When combined with the many free entry opportunities, reduced variance versus big field tournaments, and strong odds – PrizePicks is absolutely worth exploring as a profitable DFS outlet.

Just be sure you thoroughly understand how pushes are scored before playing. Feel free to use this guide as an educational resource before placing your first entries.

I wish you the best of luck dominating your competition on PrizePicks. Let me know if have any other questions!