If you’re following the NFL season anyway, free pick ems are a fun way to make some money here and there. It doesn’t take expert-level sports betting analysis to win, especially if you focus on winning weekly prizes (playing a little more aggressive/risky) rather than the overall season, I’ve won at least a little something every year I’ve done these. Best prize ever was $1000 in free play for winning a week (at a casino kiosk, not online) but I’ve also scored $100 cash a couple times, $100 in free pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings and Lids gift cards, and beaucoup free casino meals.
The list will be updated as contests are confirmed / if I discover more. The first game is September 7th, but some contests include Thursday night games and some don’t.
Confirmed for 2023
2023 CBSSports.com Pro Football Pick’em Contest
DraftKings
Local papers and radio stations often run their own pick ’em contests via their websites (frequently using Second Street or Upickem software). They may or may not require proof of regional residence to get the prizes though, check the fine print. An example that’s active for 2023 is the Las Vegas Review-Journal Pick ‘Em.
Unconfirmed
(These sites/apps have had contests in prior years but have not yet posted anything)
NFL.com (one at canada.pickem.nfl.com, but not at the main site?)
Caesar’s $1 Million NFL Pick Em
TheLines Pick ‘Em Pool
Buffalo Wild Wings