For years, NFL.com's Perry's Pick'em has been a popular destination for football fans looking to test their knowledge and compete against friends and colleagues. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the game, improve your picks, and hopefully, claim victory. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time player, we'll cover everything you need to know about mastering Perry's Pick'em.
What is Perry's Pick'em?
Perry's Pick'em, hosted on NFL.com, is a weekly fantasy football game where participants predict the outcomes of NFL games. It's a fun and engaging way to follow the season, testing your knowledge of the teams, players, and matchups. The game is free to play and offers a platform for friendly competition or even bragging rights among colleagues and friends.
How to Play Perry's Pick'em
The mechanics are straightforward. Each week, you'll be presented with a list of NFL games. You'll select the winner for each game. Your score is based on the accuracy of your picks. Simple, right? But consistent success requires more than just luck.
Understanding Point Systems
While specific scoring details can vary slightly from year to year, the core is consistently based on the number of correct predictions. Often, you receive one point for each correct pick. Some variations might include bonus points for correctly predicting upsets or high-scoring games, but the fundamental principle remains consistent: the more you get right, the higher you score.
Utilizing NFL.com Resources
NFL.com itself is a treasure trove of information. Don't just rely on gut feelings. Before making your picks, leverage the wealth of information available on the site, including team news, injury reports, game previews, and expert analysis. This will significantly improve your chances of success.
Strategies for Winning Perry's Pick'em
While no strategy guarantees victory, consistent winning requires a combination of knowledge, analysis, and a bit of luck. Here are some key strategies to improve your performance:
1. Study Team Trends and Matchups
Analyzing team performance beyond just wins and losses is crucial. Consider factors like offensive and defensive efficiency, recent performances, and head-to-head history. Pay close attention to injuries and how they impact team dynamics. A seemingly minor injury to a key player can significantly alter the game's outcome.
2. Don't Overlook Home-Field Advantage
While not always decisive, home-field advantage remains a significant factor in NFL games. Teams often perform better in front of their home crowd, boosted by the energy of the fans. Consider this when making your picks, especially in close matchups.
3. Account for Weather Conditions
Extreme weather conditions—be it intense heat, heavy rain, or strong winds—can significantly impact a game's outcome. Check the weather forecast for each game, as it can influence your pick, particularly if the game involves teams with vastly different styles of play.
4. Stay Updated on News and Injuries
The NFL landscape changes rapidly. A significant injury or a coaching change can completely alter a team's trajectory. Stay informed through reliable sources like NFL.com and reputable sports news outlets to ensure you have the most up-to-date information available before making your picks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While many questions might arise based on user experience and specific contest details, here are some potential frequently asked questions based on general knowledge of NFL Pick'em contests.
How can I join Perry's Pick'em?
Joining Perry's Pick'em is usually straightforward. Navigation to the Pick'em section on NFL.com will typically guide you through the signup process, which might involve registering or logging into your NFL.com account.
When does Perry's Pick'em start and end?
The start and end dates for Perry's Pick'em typically align with the NFL regular season. Check the NFL.com website for specific dates each year, as they can vary slightly.
What if I miss a week of picks?
In most pick'em contests, if you miss a week, you might lose points for that week or forfeit your eligibility for that week's prizes. Check the specific rules of Perry's Pick'em on NFL.com for their policy.
Can I change my picks after submitting them?
Typically, once you submit your picks, you cannot change them. Review your selections carefully before submitting your final choices.
By understanding the game mechanics, implementing effective strategies, and staying informed, you'll dramatically increase your chances of success in Perry's Pick'em. Good luck, and may your picks be ever in your favor!