COMMISSIONER OPS
NFL Pick em Commissioner Checklist 2026
Week 1 prep through playoffs
At a glance
Before Week 1: pick Even, Spread, or Odds scoring and publish rules; invite players and lock the roster before the first kickoff; set pick deadlines (usually each game's kickoff) and a Monday night tiebreaker. Each week: launch the slate from the manage page, send reminders before kickoff, and confirm auto-scoring updated weekly and season standings. Mid-season: watch for roster changes, playoff slate timing, and disputes over late picks.
Updated August 2026
Commissioner checklist
- Choose and publish your scoring formatEven (straight-up), Spread, or Odds underdog jelly beans—document the choice before anyone submits picks.
- Invite players and lock the rosterShare one link; lock the roster before first kickoff so walk-ons cannot join mid-season without commissioner approval.
- Set weekly pick deadlinesDefault is each game's kickoff; remind players Thursday and Sunday morning for office pools.
- Launch each week's slateCommissioner opens the NFL slate from the manage page when the week is ready—players cannot pick until the slate is live.
- Configure league notificationsWeek open, pick reminders, and results emails or push notifications keep casual players engaged all 18 weeks.
- Track season standingsSeason rank, hot-7 rolling rank, play streaks, and weekly archive replace manual spreadsheet totals.
- Plan for playoffs and Super Bowl weekConfirm whether playoff weeks use the same format and tiebreaker; launch slates before wild-card weekend.
- Handle disputes earlyLate picks, wrong submissions, and tiebreaker rules should be in writing before Week 1—not argued on Monday night.
FAQ
When should I lock the NFL pick em roster?
Lock before the first kickoff of the season (or your league's opening slate). After roster lock, only invited players on the roster can submit picks.
How do weekly slates work for commissioners?
You launch each week's NFL games from the league manage page. Players make picks before kickoff; scores update automatically as games finish.
What tiebreaker should we use?
Many office pools use total points scored in the Monday night game (or last game of the week) to break weekly ties. Publish the rule before Week 1.
Can I run the pool on paper instead?
Yes—use printable weekly sheets for in-person groups. Online leagues eliminate manual grading and give live leaderboards; many commissioners use both (paper for the party, online for season totals).
Ready to launch?
Create your league, walk through the checklist once, and let automatic scoring handle the rest.
Full-season private NFL pick em with commissioner manage tools.