Survivor Pools 101
Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Learn the Rules, Formats, and Beginner Strategies for NFL Survivor Pools
New to NFL survivor pools? You've come to the right place. These increasingly popular contests offer a simple premise—pick one NFL team to win each week, but never use the same team twice—yet they're filled with strategy, suspense, and the chance to win big with minimal effort. Unlike fantasy football, which requires weekly lineup management, survivor pools let you make just one decision per week (unless you're eliminated, of course).
This basics section walks you through everything you need to know to join your first survivor pool with confidence. We cover the fundamental rules, different pool variations you might encounter, and beginner-friendly strategies that will help you avoid early elimination. Whether you're joining an office pool, an online contest, or organizing your own competition among friends, these guides will ensure you start with a solid foundation.