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

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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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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)

Why play player-pick contests at Underdog?

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

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Insured Pick'em rivals contests payout rates

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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DFS Deal

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How does rivals work on the Underdog sports platform FAQ