The concept describes a contest format linked to professional American football where participants aim to predict a single winning team each week. The objective is to remain in the competition by correctly selecting a victor, avoiding elimination that occurs with an incorrect pick. Contestants can only select each team once during the entire season. The initial stage of the season, specifically the games played in the first week, is a critical juncture, often presenting unique challenges due to limited data and preseason uncertainties.
Successfully navigating the opening round provides a significant advantage, removing a potential elimination scenario. This format incentivizes strategic decision-making as participants must carefully weigh factors such as team matchups, player health, and historical performance. Its popularity stems from the engagement it fosters, encouraging in-depth knowledge of the league, and the season-long stakes it creates. Its roots can be traced back to office pools and casual betting amongst friends, evolving into widespread competitions with substantial prizes.