NFL 2026 — NFL Pick'em Pools

NFL Pick'em Pools

Every week, each entrant makes picks against a defined list of NFL games — a full weekly slate, or a set number as defined by a pool's Commissioner — and the best win-loss record for the season wins. Five picks aginst the spread each week, as popularized by the Westgate's Super Contest, is a popular pool shape.

ALA supports combinations of three pick modes: straight-up winners, picks against the spread, and/or picking totals (over/under).

No pool needs money to run. For groups that do play for something, optional tiered buy-in tracking lets one pool record several levels at once, each with its own sidepot, so everyone can share the same pool and standings without sharing a single prize pool. Weekly prizes can be tracked on top of season-long ones.

How to set up a NFL Pick'em pool

1. Pick your scoring modeStraight-up winners, against the spread (static or live spreads), or totals — or a combination of those options. Spread pools can use a static line that never changes throughout the week, or a live line that moves in concert with real-life odds.
2. Decide how many games get pickedEvery game on the slate, a fixed count each week, or a count that varies by week. Fewer picks reward conviction; a full slate rewards consistency.
3. Add finance tracking, if you want itA pool needs no money to run. If your group does play for something, ALA's optional finance tracking can record a single entry fee or multiple tiers with separate sidepots, plus weekly prizes.
4. Invite your friends; ALA's software will take it from there.Game results, weekly records, and season-long standings update automatically from live game data. Commissioners can edit entrants' picks as needed.

Create your NFL Pick'em pool — free to set up. Payment is due only after your game has kicked off and you are certain ALA's software can provide you with everything you need.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Pick'em pool and a Survivor pool?

In a Pick'em pool you pick multiple games each week and accumulate a win-loss record; every entrant plays all season. In a Survivor pool you pick one team, and an incorrect pick eliminates an entry (or costs a life, if a pool offers revivals).

Can an NFL Pick'em pool use point spreads?

Yes. A pool can be set to pick against the spread instead of straight-up winners, and can additionally or alternatively pick totals (over/under). Spread pools can either use static lines that do not change throughout the week, or use live lines that move in concert with real-life odds.

How do tiered buy-ins work?

They are optional — a pool can be played with no buy-in at all. If a Commissioner chooses to use them, one pool can track several buy-in levels, each with its own sidepot. Everyone competes in the same standings, but each tier's prizes are tracked separately. Entrants choose a tier when they join, and can change it until the first game starts. ALA only keeps the records; it never collects buy-ins or pays prizes.

Can I track weekly prizes as well as a season prize?

Yes, if your group plays for prizes. Weekly prizes go to the best record in each individual week, alongside any season-long prizes, and both can be tracked in the pool finances. Neither is required.

Compare every format in survivor vs pick'em vs confidence, or look up a term in the sports pool glossary.