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Underdog's Rivals Rules Explained: How does Rivals Work on Underdog?

Last Updated on Feb 13, 2026
Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Underdog is one of the industry’s aesthetically pleasing and fast-growing fantasy sports platforms and it offers the easiest and best way to play fantasy sports in the US. Besides its famous Best Ball contests, the platform is also gaining traction for its exciting Pick’em Rivals contests.

Wondering how Rivals works at Underdog? This page details everything you need to know about Rivals. Will also guide you on how to get started on the platform, including signing up for an account and playing Underdog Rivals contests.

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Underdog's Rivals: Pros & Cons
Underdog's Rivals: Pros & Cons
  • Offer amazing payouts
  • You can play with the Underdog deposit match bonus
  • Easy to play
  • The more correct you get the higher your payouts
  • Not available in all Underdog states

Underdog's Rivals explained

For years, Underdog has been famous for its Best Ball contests, with drafts available for major sports, including NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, golf, college football, and more. Thanks to its success, the platform has expanded its game lobby, introducing Rivals contests ― among other fantasy formats ― to its rapidly growing user base as comprehensively explained in our Underdog review page.

What is Underdog's Rivals?

Typically, Rivals is a Pick’em contest but with a twist. Instead of selecting higher or lower on a specific statistical benchmark, you’re choosing between which competing players/athletes will do better in a particular statistical category like goals, points, yards, assists, etc. Let’s look at some examples of Underdog Rivals contests;

Will Justin Jefferson accumulate more receptions than Ja’Marr Chase? Or, will Cooper Tyreek Hill or Kupp have more receiving yards?

Advantages in Rivals

When playing Rivals contests at Underdog, which is one of the most popular DFS betting sites, you should also keep in mind that sometimes its Rivals contests involve advantages, which is much like point spreads.

For instance, when it comes to touchdowns, Kirk Cousins could be given +1.5 takedowns, meaning Josh Allen will need at least 2 more takedowns than Kirk Cousins to win.

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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)

Underdog's Rivals rules and basics highlights

  • Rivals are similar to Higher/Lower Pick'em contests. The main difference is that Rivals are player vs player.
  • In some instances, you can find advantages in Rivals contests
  • You can normally pick up to 5 players’ selections
  • Like Higher/Lower contests, the more you get right the higher you win in multiplier format

How to sign up and play Rivals at Underdog

Like other fantasy sports game formats at Underdog, you'll need to be a member of the platform to play Rivals. The sign-up process is fast and straightforward. Follow the steps below to register;

  1. Head to the Underdog website or download the Underdog app from app stores such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. On the homepage, click on the ‘Sign up’ button to begin the registration process. If using the app, you’ll similarly need to tap on the ‘Sign up’ button to register.
  3. On the registration form that opens, fill in all the required personal details and create a strong password before finalizing the registration.
  4. For your account to be approved, you’ll need to verify your email and identity. The verification process is simple ― just follow the instructions provided.
  5. After verification, deposit at least $10 ― which is the minimum deposit amount required at Underdog ― to your account. You can deposit via credit/debit cards or PayPal.
  6. Once you make the deposit, you’ll receive a generous welcome bonus. The bonus will be 100% up to $500 of your first deposit.
  7. You can now start playing Rivals by selecting the Pick'em game format and then Rivals mode.

DFS Bonus

Underdog have a welcome bonus available to newbies on the platform.

The bonus in question is a 'Play $5, Get $75 in Bonus Entries' offer. This means that Underdog will reward you with $75 in bonuses when you place a $5 entry.

All you need to do is sign up, make a deposit, and place a $5 entry - Underdog will provide you with an extra $75 to play with!

You must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) to participate, and you have to be physically present in a state where Underdog operates. This offer is not valid in MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, and PA. Terms and Conditions apply.

There is help for you if you are concerned. Call 1-800-MY-RESET or visit www.ncpgambling.org;

NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).

Note that wagering requirements must be met, and Ts & Cs apply as well.

What states can you play Rivals?

Since Rivals fall under the Pick’em category, there are up to 31 Underdog available states in the US where you can play Rivals contests. At the time of writing, the only states where Underdog Pick’em is unavailable are;

  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Delaware
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Maryland
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • Nevada
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Pennsylvania
  • West Virginia
  • Washington

Underdog's Rivals - Conclusion

Underdog Rivals is one of the easiest games to play at Underdog, which makes it an ideal choice for newbies in fantasy sports. The game can even offer amazing payouts, especially if you’re a smart player. Head to Underdog today and sign up for an account to enjoy the thrills of playing Underdog Rivals.

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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)

Underdog's Rivals contests FAQ

🤼 What is Rivals?

This is a type of Pick'em contest at Underdog where you get to choose two players to pit head-to-head and then give them a predetermined statistical outcome. The goal of Rivals contests is to pick which player/athletes will have better statistics. Delve into our Underdog Rivals guide to learn more about the game

📱 Can I play Rivals on mobile?

Underdog has a native mobile app where you can play all fantasy contests this platform offers, including Rivals. This allows you to play your favorite fantasy sports on the go. The Underdog mobile app is even one of the highest-rated and ranked of all fantasy sports apps. Check out our guide to find out more

⚖️ Is Rivals available in my state?

As long as you’re a resident of US states where Pick’em is available, you can play Rivals at Underdog. Our page lists the states where the game isn’t allowed

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