How to Decide Which Teams to Pick to Win in the NFL

Each week during the National Football League season, people agonize over which teams to pick to win their respective contests. In a huge number of instances, these picks are in an office pool, where being able to pick upsets is an asset that cannot be undervalued. Often the difference in winning and losing these pools comes down to one game where the winner differs from the majority of participants. You have a chance to be that individual by doing some homework and considering a few key factors that affect an NFL game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Scan the NFL injury reports that the league posts on websites and in the newspapers to see if key players will miss an upcoming game. Every team in the league must file an accurate report, declaring what players will miss a game due to their injuries, or the clubs suffer severe consequences. Teams assign a status to hurt players that range from "probable" to "out." Such designations as "doubtful" mean a player has an injury that will most likely keep him out of the contest. By knowing if key individuals are going to miss a game or not be 100 percent, you have information necessary to help your pick.

    • 2

      Study the weather conditions. While the weather is usually not a factor for games played in domes and most games in warm weather cities, like San Diego and Tampa Bay, it is a huge part of the game in cold weather cities. For example, a team starting a rookie quarterback coming into a game at the Meadowlands, where the New York Giants play, in December will not have any experience with the swirling winds that usually occur there. Wind, rain, cold and snow affect strategy and can determine outcomes; knowing the forecast can help you pick the winner.

    • 3

      Consider the point in the season when the game takes place. In the early going teams that get off to a bad start desperately need wins and you can take this into account when you are undecided. As the season progresses you can tell which teams are in contention and which are packing it in.

    • 4

      Avoid discounting upsets in divisional games. Teams that play each other twice a year every season know each other's personnel and tactics and develop strong rivalries. Even when one is having a down year, the chance for an upset exists, especially when the underdog is at home.

    • 5

      Compare the quarterbacks. More than anything else, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. Teams with poor quarterback play need to be virtually perfect in every other facet of the game to compensate, a scenario that is hard to achieve. The team with the reliable star playing the team with the struggling second-year man has the advantage.