The basic idea
In an NFL survivor pool, each entry picks one team each week. If that team wins, the entry survives to the next week. If that team loses, it uses a mulligan when one is available or is eliminated when none remain.
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. On Survive Sunday, commissioners choose whether an official NFL tie counts as a win or a loss.
Commissioners should make rules clear before Week 1: start week, pick deadline, mulligans allowed, 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.