When do NFL contests on Splash Sports go live, and when do picks lock each week? Here's everything you need to know about timing so you never miss a deadline.
When Do NFL Contests Become Available?
Splash Sports typically opens NFL contest creation in end of July/August, ahead of the NFL preseason. Public contests appear in the lobby once created by commissioners or Splash. If you're joining a private group contest, you'll need an invite link from your commissioner — those can be shared at any time after the contest is created.
Entry Deadline vs. Pick Deadline
These are two different deadlines and it's important to understand the difference:
Entry Deadline — The last time you can join the contest and create your entry. Once this passes, no new entries are accepted. This is typically set before Week 1 kicks off.
Pick Deadline — The weekly deadline by which you must submit your picks for that week. This recurs every week throughout the season.
You can join a contest before the entry deadline even if you haven't made picks yet — but you'll need to make your picks before the pick deadline for that week.
When Do Picks Lock Each Week?
The pick deadline is set by your commissioner.
Examples:
Thursday at 8 PM ET — Locks before Thursday Night Football
Sunday at 1 PM ET — Locks before the early Sunday games (most common)
Sunday at 4 PM ET — Locks before the late Sunday games
Sunday at 8 PM ET — Locks before Sunday Night Football
Monday at 8 PM ET — Locks before Monday Night Football
Each game start — Picks for each individual game lock when that game begins (Pick'em only)
Check your contest's Rules or Settings to see which deadline applies to your contest.
Can I Change My Picks Before the Deadline?
Yes — you can edit your picks as many times as you like before the deadline. Simply go back into your contest, update your selections, and hit Save/Submit again. Your most recent submission is the one that counts.
What Happens After the Deadline Passes?
Once the pick deadline passes, your picks are locked and cannot be changed for that week. For Survivor contests, you can still make picks for future weeks as long as those future deadlines haven't passed yet.
Do Contests Extend into the Playoffs?
It depends on your contest settings. Some commissioners configure their Survivor or Pick'em contests to extend through the NFL playoffs. Check your contest's schedule under the Rules tab to see whether playoff weeks are included.
Questions about your specific contest deadlines? Email support@splashsports.com.