NFL Pick'em
Players make selections from designated NFL matchups.
Depending on the contest, this could include games from a particular week or another defined contest period.
What Is a Pick'em Contest?
A Pick'em contest is a sports prediction competition where players make selections from a group of games or sporting events and compete based on the results of those picks.
Instead of predicting the progression of an entire tournament bracket, Pick'em players make selections for the individual matchups included in a contest.
At BracketContest, players can join an available Pick'em contest, review the matchups, submit their selections before the applicable deadline, follow the results, and track their position on the contest leaderboard.
Pick'em contests can be offered for sports including NFL football, college football, NBA basketball, college basketball, MLB baseball, NHL hockey, and other eligible sporting events.
How Do Pick'em Contests Work?
Although rules and scoring can vary between contests, the basic Pick'em process is simple.
Choose a Pick'em Contest
Select an available Pick'em contest from BracketContest.
Before entering, review the sport, games, contest period, entry requirements, selection rules, scoring method, prizes, deadlines, and applicable contest rules.
Review the Matchups
Each Pick'em contest contains a designated group of games or sporting events.
Review the available matchups and the selections required for each one.
Make Your Picks
Choose your selection for each matchup included in the contest.
Depending on the individual contest format, players may be asked to predict a winner or make another type of selection defined by that contest.
Submit Your Picks
Complete all required selections before the applicable deadline.
Players should review their picks carefully before the contest locks.
Once a selection has reached its applicable lock time, it cannot be changed unless the individual contest rules specifically provide otherwise.
Follow the Games
After the games begin, follow the results to see how your selections perform.
Each completed matchup is graded according to the rules established for that Pick'em contest.
Earn Points
Correct selections earn points according to the scoring system established for the individual contest.
The objective is to accumulate the strongest contest score based on your picks.
Follow the Leaderboard
BracketContest tracks contest results and standings.
As games become official, players can see how their selections compare with those of other participants.
Final Results
Once all applicable games have concluded and results become official, the contest is graded and final standings are determined.
Eligible prizes are distributed according to the published rules and prize structure for that contest.
How Is Pick'em Scoring Calculated?
The exact scoring system can vary depending on the Pick'em contest.
A straightforward Pick'em format can award points for each correct selection, with final standings determined by the total number of points earned.
Other Pick'em formats may use different scoring methods depending on the sport, event, or contest design.
Because scoring can vary, players should always review the scoring rules displayed for the specific contest before making their selections.
What Types of Pick'em Contests Can Be Offered?
Pick'em is a flexible contest format that can be used across many sports and schedules.
College Football Pick'em
Players make selections from designated college football games.
A contest may include games from multiple conferences or focus on a particular group of matchups.
Basketball Pick'em
Pick'em contests can feature professional or college basketball matchups.
Players make their selections from the games included in the particular contest.
Baseball Pick'em
MLB and other eligible baseball matchups can be incorporated into Pick'em contests throughout the baseball season.
Hockey Pick'em
NHL and other eligible hockey matchups can also be used for Pick'em competitions.
Special Event Pick'em
BracketContest can create Pick'em contests around designated sporting events or groups of games.
The individual contest page identifies exactly which matchups, selection methods, scoring rules, and deadlines apply.
Weekly and Event-Based Pick'em Contests
Pick'em contests don't necessarily need to run for an entire sports season.
A contest can focus on a specific group of games or a defined contest period.
For example, a football Pick'em could feature a designated group of games from a particular week.
Another Pick'em could focus on games taking place during a special sporting event or weekend.
This allows players to participate in Pick'em contests without necessarily making a season-long commitment.
Free-to-Play Pick'em Contests
BracketContest can offer free-to-play Pick'em contests.
Eligible free contests can use Bracket Contest Points (BCP) according to the rules of the BracketContest BCP program.
Each contest displays its applicable entry requirements and prize information before participation.
Paid-Entry Pick'em Contests
BracketContest can also offer paid-entry Pick'em contests where permitted.
The applicable entry amount, prize structure, management fee, player eligibility requirements, and jurisdictional restrictions are displayed before a player enters.
Players should always review the individual contest rules before participating.
Pick'em Strategy
No strategy can guarantee that a sports prediction will be correct.
However, players can research the games and understand the contest rules before making their selections.
Understand the Contest Format
Start by understanding exactly what you are being asked to predict.
Different Pick'em contests may use different selection methods and scoring rules.
Review Every Matchup
Consider each game individually rather than automatically selecting familiar or popular teams.
Research the Teams
Information players may consider includes:
- Recent team performance
- Home and away performance
- Player availability
- Injuries
- Previous matchups
- Offensive and defensive performance
- Schedule considerations
- Sports odds and market information
None of these factors guarantees the outcome of a game.
Understand the Scoring
Know how your selections will be scored before submitting them.
If different selections or games carry different scoring values in a particular contest, that can affect how you approach your picks.
Check Your Picks Before the Deadline
Make sure all required selections are complete.
A missed selection could affect your ability to accumulate points in the contest.
Pick'em Contests and Sports Odds
Sports odds can provide additional information when researching upcoming games.
Odds reflect how betting markets currently evaluate matchups and can be one of several sources a player considers when making a Pick'em selection.
Sports odds do not guarantee the result of a game.
BracketContest provides access to sports odds for eligible events so players can research games while considering their contest selections.
Pick'em vs. Bracket Contests
Pick'em and Bracket contests both involve predicting sports results, but the contest structures are different.
In a Pick'em contest, players make selections from a designated group of individual games or matchups.
In a Bracket Contest, players predict how teams or competitors will advance through an interconnected tournament bracket.
An incorrect Pick'em selection generally affects that particular selection according to the contest rules.
In a bracket, an incorrect early-round prediction can also affect later-round selections because the tournament predictions are connected.
Pick'em vs. Survivor Contests
Pick'em and Survivor both involve making sports selections, but their objectives are different.
In Pick'em, players typically make multiple selections from the games included in a contest and accumulate points based on the results.
In Survivor, the objective is to make a qualifying selection and remain eligible to continue into the next contest period.
BracketContest Survivor formats can include use-a-team-once, repeat-team, and Against the Spread competitions.
Why Play Pick'em?
Pick'em provides a straightforward way to turn a group of sporting events into a competition.
You don't need to predict an entire tournament.
Instead:
- Review the games
- Make your picks
- Follow the results
- Earn points
- Track the leaderboard
Pick'em can work across different sports, schedules, and contest periods, making it one of the most flexible sports contest formats on BracketContest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pick'em Contests
What is a Pick'em contest?
A Pick'em contest is a sports prediction competition where players make selections from a designated group of games or sporting events and earn points according to the results of those selections.
How do I play Pick'em?
Choose an available Pick'em contest, review the included matchups, make all required selections before the applicable deadline, and follow the games as your picks are graded.
How is Pick'em scored?
Scoring depends on the individual contest. Correct selections can earn points, with final standings determined according to the published scoring rules for that contest.
What sports can be used for Pick'em?
Pick'em contests can be offered for sports including NFL football, college football, NBA and college basketball, MLB baseball, NHL hockey, and other eligible sporting events.
Can Pick'em contests last only one week?
Yes. Pick'em contests can be created around a particular week, weekend, group of games, or other defined contest period.
Can I change a Pick'em selection?
Selections can be changed only as permitted by the rules and applicable lock times of the individual contest. Once a selection is locked, it cannot be changed unless the contest rules expressly provide otherwise.
Is Pick'em the same as Survivor?
No. Pick'em generally involves making multiple selections and accumulating points. Survivor focuses on making a qualifying selection and remaining eligible to advance to the next contest period.
Is Pick'em the same as a bracket?
No. Pick'em generally involves selections from individual games. A bracket requires players to predict how teams or competitors will advance through an interconnected tournament.
Are Pick'em contests free?
BracketContest can offer both free-to-play and paid-entry Pick'em contests. Availability depends on the event, contest rules, player eligibility, and jurisdiction.
Where can I find available Pick'em contests?
Visit the BracketContest contest listings to see currently available Pick'em contests.
Ready to Make Your Picks?
Choose an available Pick'em contest, review the matchups, make your selections, and follow the games to see where you finish.