Esports Betting / Underdog Review / How does Rivals Work on Underdog? Check Our Guide to Underdog Rivals Rules 2026

How does Rivals Work on Underdog? Check Our Guide to Underdog Rivals Rules 2026

Name: Underdog
Brand: Underdog

Sports Writer

Last Updated on 19/08/2026

This guide explains the basics of Rivals, how it differs from standard higher-or-lower style player picks, and what to know before building an entry.

Because Underdog’s product names and availability vary by state, it is worth checking the latest state details before signing up or entering a contest. New customers can also claim the current welcome offer of Play $5, Get $50 in bonus entries when signing up!

Table of Contents

An overview of Underdog Pick'em contests
Why play player-pick contests at Underdog?
Pros and cons of Underdog Pick'em Rivals contests
Underdog Rivals explained
Underdog Rivals entry structure
Wrapping up
How does rivals work on the Underdog sports platform FAQ

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Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369)

An overview of Underdog Pick'em contests

Underdog offers player-pick style fantasy contests built around athlete stats and projections. Depending on your location, these contests may appear as Pick'em, Champions, or Player Picks.

Across the platform, the idea stays simple: you build entries by selecting players and making picks based on the available stat projections.

Among the Underdog eligible states when it comes to Pick'em contests include New York, Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, California, and the list goes on. You can view the list of states where Pick'em is available on both the Underdog app and website.

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Why play player-pick contests at Underdog?

There is a current sign-up offer for new customers

As we explained in our Underdog review, this platform offers a play $5, get $50 bonus entries offer on the first deposit a new player makes after joining the platform. This deposit sign-up bonus is enough to give you a great start on this fantasy sports platform. Underdog also has up to $1,000 in bonus funds for new customers through a 50% deposit match, giving eligible users another way to get started on the platform.

Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit ncpgambling.org; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).

Rivals gives you a different way to build entries

Rivals offers a different spin on player-pick contests by comparing two players directly in the same stat category. That gives you an alternative to standard higher-or-lower style picks and makes it easier to focus on direct head-to-head player comparisons.

With that in mind, here is a closer look at how Rivals works.

Pros and cons of Underdog Pick'em Rivals contests

Underdog Pick'em Rivals: Pros & Cons

Simple head-to-head player format
Mobile-friendly app and site
Current welcome offer for new customers

Pick'em, including rivals contests aren't available in every US state

Underdog Rivals explained

Rivals is a player-versus-player contest format built around comparing two athletes in the same stat category. Instead of choosing whether a single player will finish higher or lower than a listed projection, you choose which of the two players will come out ahead once any listed adjustment is applied.

For example, a Rivals contest might compare two quarterbacks in rushing yards or two receivers in receiving yards. This format keeps things straightforward while still giving you room to weigh player form, matchup, and role before making your choice.

Player advantage in the context of Rivals

Some Rivals contests include an adjustment on one side of the comparison. If a player is listed with a positive yardage adjustment, that number is added to the player’s final stat total before the comparison is settled.

That means you are not always comparing the raw stats directly. Instead, you are comparing the adjusted result, so it is worth checking the exact numbers attached to each player before submitting your entry.

Underdog Rivals entry structure

Before we get into the rates, it's important to note that Underdog has two entry options: standard entry and insured entry options.

With standard entry options, you must get all of your predictions correct for you to win. On the other hand, with insured entry options, you can win if you get some of your predictions correct, but you will receive a lesser payout compared to the standard entry options.

Below are the payout rates for insured and standard entry options for rivals contests.

Standard Pick'em rivals contests payout rates

Number of picks	Number of picks one must get correct	Payout
2 Picks	Get 2 correct	3x your entry amount
3 Picks	Get 3 correct	6x your entry amount
4 Picks	Get 4 correct	10x your entry amount
5 Picks	Get 5 correct	20x your entry amount

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Insured Pick'em rivals contests payout rates

Number of picks	Number of picks one must get correct	Payout
3 Picks	Get 2 correct	1x your entry amount
3 Picks	Get 3 correct	3x your entry amount
4 Picks	Get 3 correct	1.5x your entry amount
4 Picks	Get 4 correct	6x your entry amount
5 Picks	Get 4 correct	2.5x your entry amount
5 Picks	Get 5 correct	10x your entry amount

Wrapping up

Rivals is one of the simpler player-pick formats to understand once you get used to the adjustment system. If you like direct player comparisons rather than standalone projections, it gives you another way to build entries across Underdog’s fantasy lineup.

Before signing up or entering a contest, check which Underdog products are currently offered in your location. New customers can then use the sign-up offer featured on our on-page banners to get started!

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How does rivals work on the Underdog sports platform FAQ

❓ Can I change or cancel my Rivals entry?

Once an entry has been submitted, changes are generally not available. It is best to review the details carefully before confirming any Rivals entry.

🧐 Why has a Rivals projection disappeared from the lobby?

Player-pick projections can change as contests update, so a Rivals option may disappear if the platform adjusts or removes that projection from the lobby.

🔎 What happens if a player in my Rivals entry does not complete the game?

Settlement rules can vary depending on the format and the contest conditions, so it is best to review the current rules shown with the entry before submitting.