2025 NFL Playoffs Bracket Challenge
Fill out your bracket for a shot at winning some sweet prizes.
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A brand-new bracket for the NFL Playoffs
Ready to start 2026 on a high note? Then you’re ready for The GIST's free-to-enter NFL Playoffs Bracket Challenge.
Whether you’ve crushed it all season long in our weekly NFL Pick’ems Challenge or are just now tuning into the action on the gridiron, this challenge is for everyone — no expertise required.
Join in to cheer for your favorites, compete against friends, family, and fellow GISTers, and maybe even snag some prizes (and bragging rights) along the way.
How to play
It's not just a trophy on the line — here's how you can enter for a chance to win.
- If this is your first time filling out a bracket with The GIST, head to the top of this page and create an account. If you've filled one out for previous tournaments, sign in.
- Navigate to the "Make your picks" page and pick your winners for each round by clicking on the team you think will advance. You can enter up to three brackets — but make sure you fill them out completely.
- Points are awarded for every series winner you pick correctly. The value increases per round.
- Any GISTer who predicts the combined final score of the championship game will receive an additional 5 points.
- The deadline to submit a bracket is Saturday, January 10th at 4:29 p.m. ET.
- Check back to see how your bracket's doing on the live leaderboard.
- Winners will be announced in The GIST's Sports News newsletter and on The GIST's socials, so keep an eye out.
- Want more? Follow us, listen to our podcast, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
What to win
The top three brackets will win.*
*See the rules for more details on prizing and eligibility.
🥇 1ST PLACE
$500 gift card
🥈 2ND PLACE
$250 gift card
🥉 3RD PLACE
$100 gift card
With this much talent in the field, making picks can feel impossible. Read up on The GIST's guides and tournament updates to help you choose.
