The opening week of the National Football League season is a popular time for the commencement of elimination-style contests centered on correctly predicting the outright winner of a single selected game each week. These contests, frequently referred to by their common name, require participants to select one team to win, and if correct, the participant advances to the subsequent week. A loss, or a tie, typically results in elimination from the pool. The initial week of the season presents a unique challenge and opportunity for entrants.
The significance of this starting point lies in several factors. First, it represents the most comprehensive data set available, with every team theoretically at full strength and zero regular season games played. Consequently, participants often rely heavily on preseason analysis, coaching changes, and roster adjustments to inform their initial pick. Historically, the allure of the large payouts associated with these contests has drawn considerable participation, making Week 1 a pivotal point in determining the eventual victor, as a surprising upset can dramatically thin the field.