The basic idea
In an NFL survivor pool, each player picks one team each week. If that team wins, the player survives to the next week. If that team loses, the player takes a strike or is eliminated depending on the pool rules.
The twist is that most survivor pools do not allow repeat teams. Once you use a team, it is off your board for the rest of the season.
Common rules
Most pools use one pick per week, but some add double-pick weeks to increase difficulty. Pools can also decide whether ties count as wins, losses, or pushes.
Commissioners should make rules clear before Week 1: start week, pick deadline, strike limit, tie rule, and whether playoffs are included.
Why organization matters
Survivor pools get messy when picks are tracked by text messages or spreadsheets. The commissioner needs clean locks, clear standings, and a record of which teams each player has already used.
A dedicated pool tool helps avoid arguments because picks, deadlines, and standings are visible in one place.