The phrase designates a popular contest format centered on the National Football League. Participants select one team each week that they believe will win its game. If the chosen team is victorious, the participant advances to the next week. However, a loss results in elimination, and a team can only be selected once throughout the entire competition. For instance, if a participant chooses the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, they cannot select them again for the remainder of the contest. This format demands strategic planning and careful risk assessment.
Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the inherent drama of each weekly selection. Successfully navigating the entire season requires not only predicting winning teams but also anticipating potential upsets and strategically saving strong teams for later, potentially more challenging matchups. The contest format has gained significant popularity over the years, evolving from informal office pools to large-scale online competitions with substantial prizes. Its rise mirrors the increasing interest in professional football and fantasy sports.