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 this year is September 4th, but some contests include Thursday night games and some don’t.
All contests are completely free to enter and play, but have some sort of real prizes for weekly and/or overall season winners.
Confirmed for 2025-26
Websites (may also be available on apps):
Rotoballer (access through an ESPN account)
CBS Sports Football Pick ‘Em 2025
USA Today 2025-26 Pro Football Survivor Pool
NFL.com (residents of Canada only)
Yahoo Fantasy Survival Football Challenge
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 2025 is the Las Vegas Review-Journal Pick ‘Em.
Mobile Apps Only :
Boom Sports Predictor (formerly NBC Sports Predictor)
Fox Super 6 (now part of the Fox Sports app)
Stake.us NFL Pick ’em Freeroll
Underdog Fantasy
Winstreakz
Barstool Sports (PlayBarstool section)
Buffalo Wild Wings