Armchair PicksArmchair Picks

Rules, scoring & glossary

Everything you need to play and to run a league — in plain English.

How scoring works

Against the spread

You get a point for every game where your side beats the spread. A tie against the spread (a ‘push’) scores nothing and counts against no one.

Straight-up

A point for every winner you pick correctly. Simple as that.

Full-card

Points for each leg you get right — the spread, the winner, and the over/under — on every game.

Confidence

Rank your picks. Your most-confident pick is worth the most points, your least-confident the fewest. Nail the big ones and you soar; miss them and you tumble.

Glossary

Spread
A handicap that levels a game between a favorite and an underdog. If a team is ‘-7’, they must win by more than 7 for a pick on them to cover.
Against the spread (ATS)
Picking the side that beats the spread, rather than just the side that wins the game outright.
Straight-up (SU)
Picking the outright winner, ignoring the spread.
Over/under (total)
The combined points both teams score. You pick whether the real total lands over or under the posted number.
Push
A tie against the spread or total — nobody wins or loses that pick.
Full card
A league where you pick the spread, winner, and over/under on every game.
Confidence pool
A league where you rank your picks and earn more points for the ones you’re most sure about.

Frequently asked questions

Is Armchair Picks free?

Yes — completely free. No real-money wagering, no cost to create or join a league. Just bragging rights.

Do I need to know a lot about football?

No. Straight-up leagues just ask you to pick winners. Spread and full-card leagues add depth if you want a bigger challenge — and this glossary explains every term.

What does ‘against the spread’ mean?

Choosing the side that beats the point-spread handicap, not just the side that wins.

How do I invite people to my league?

As the manager, share your invite link or short code. Friends tap it, sign up free, and they’re in.

Is any money or gambling involved?

No. It’s a free, for-fun game among friends — no wagering, no payouts.

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