NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 2: Advice and Predictions

by Sean Barnard - 9/15/2022

NFL Survivor Pool picks Week 2 Cooper Kupp Los Angeles Rams

It was a hectic opening weekend of the NFL season that included a tie, a game played in inches of rain on the turf, and several notable upsets. Outright favorites were just 9-6-1 in Week 1, with the Steelers victory over the Bengals the biggest upset. If you have been lucky enough to survive the madness and are still alive in your survivor pools, here are my Week 2 survivor plays ranked from strongest to weakest:

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Week 2 Survivor Picks:

Los Angeles Rams (-10.5) over Atlanta Falcons

The Rams were taken down by the Bills by a comfortable margin in the opening game, and they will hope that is the cure to their Super Bowl hangover. Expect them to come in focused in week two and prepared to make a statement against a Falcons team that overperformed in their 27-26 loss to the Saints. This will be a statement game for the defending Super Bowl Champs, and count on them to produce a convincing victory.

Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5) over Dallas Cowboys

Similar to the Rams, the Bengals also did not seem to shake off their off-season cobwebs following last year’s Super Bowl run. Luckily, they will be facing a Cowboys team that struggled greatly in Week 1 and will be without Dak Prescott due to injury. Expect them to get back on track and produce a convincing victory as Joe Burrow reminds the NFL of the quarterback he can be.

Denver Broncos (-9.5) over Houston Texans

The decision to kick the field goal rather than trusting Russell Wilson may steal the headlines, but there were plenty of other issues with the Broncos' Week 1 performance. They will get a chance to get back on track against a Texans team that overperformed in their Week 1 tie. With Wilson set to make his home debut, the stage will be set for him to lead the team to victory. Don’t expect him to waste a second opportunity.

Monday Night Game: Buffalo Bills (-9.5) over Tennessee Titans

It feels the moment is never too big for Josh Allen. Look for him to continue his domination tour, with the Titans as the next hurdle in his path. The Bills looked incredible in their opening game, with Josh Allen seeming more decisive with the ball and as talented as ever. Expect the Titans to keep it somewhat of a game but feel confident in the Bills' ability to pick up another win.

San Francisco 49ers (-9.5) over Seattle Seahawks

The 2022 season is off to a disappointing start for the San Francisco 49ers. The heavy rain they played in was costly to their game plan, and the Bears managed to secure the Week 1 upset. With better weather and a clean slate in Week 2, expect them to capitalize against a team that will be coming off an emotional high. While the Seahawks impressed greatly in their victory over the Broncos, the revenge on Russell Wilson clearly meant a great deal to the city and the team. Count on the 49ers to put forth an effort more like the team they are capable of being in Week 2 and to cruise to a victory.

Sunday Night Game: Green Bay Packers (-9.5) over Chicago Bears

The Packers suffered a 23-7 loss at the hands of the Vikings in Week 1. Minnesota is a better team than they have been given credit so far. Expect Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the team to come in focused against another divisional rival and get the victory in this one. The Bears scrapped to a win in the opening weekend and have more to like than was expected, but this game will be the Packers for the taking.

Cleveland Browns (-5.5) over New York Jets

While all the buzz surrounded Baker Mayfield making his return, the Browns calmly took care of business in week one. Expect more of the same against a Jets team that struggled to move the ball in their opening matchup. Joe Flacco’s best days have come and gone, and the Browns should be counted on to jump out to a 2-0 start to the season in front of their home crowd.

Monday Night Game: Minnesota Vikings (+1.5) over Philadelphia Eagles

The Viking are a legitimate postseason threat this year and will look to further prove this in Week 2. The Eagles had some nice moments in their opening game, but their run defense is their biggest question mark, and this will be put to the test against Dalvin Cook. Expect the Vikings to win outright in Philadelphia and begin to get the national buzz they deserve.

Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) over Miami Dolphins

Both of these teams will come into the matchup riding highs from their Week 1 victories. The Dolphins' 20-7 win over the Patriots was a great performance, while the Ravens' matchup with the Jets was never in doubt. Count on the strong defense of the Ravens to be the difference in this matchup and for Lamar Jackson to be more dynamic this week. Count on the Ravens to get the win as Lamar’s prove-it tour continues.

Detroit Lions (-1.5) over Washington Commanders

While they were unable to get the win, the Lions put forth an impressive performance in Week 1 where they lost 38-35 to the Eagles. Look for them to build off this against a team more prone to mistakes and to pick up a win over the Commanders. The Lions have a solid roster and can be counted on to capitalize on a Carson Wentz mistake. Dan Campbell has the team fighting hard, and they will find a way to come out on top in this matchup.

Indianapolis Colts (-4.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars

The opening week tie at the hands of the Texans is a massive disappointment for the Colts. However, they came on strong late and outscored Houston 17-0 in the fourth quarter. Look for the Colts to be focused from the opening kickoff this week and to find a way to win over the Jaguars. Jacksonville showed an impressive fight in the opening week, but the Colts are the overall better team and will prove this in the matchup.

New Orleans Saints (+2.5) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While the Buccaneers managed to secure a 19-3 victory against the Cowboys, it was an uninspiring performance against a team they are better than. The Saints will prove a tougher challenge, although they also didn’t play their best football in week one. Expect New Orleans to put forth a better effort in front of their home crowd and get the win over Tom Brady and the Bucs as their offense continues to figure itself out.

New England Patriots (-1.5) over Pittsburg Steelers

The Patriots were unable to get much going in their 20-7 week one loss to the Dolphins and will have their eyes on revenge in week two. While the Steelers impressed greatly by pulling off the upset against the Bengals, they also lost TJ Watt due to injury and were the beneficiaries of four interceptions by Joe Burrow. Expect the Patriots to have a better game plan this week and secure the victory in enemy territory.

Thursday Night Game: Kansas City Chiefs (-4.5) over Los Angeles Chargers

This high-powered offensive matchup is set to be a shootout, with both teams looking to make statements about the direction of their season. The Chiefs are coming off a convincing win over the Cardinals, while the Chargers put forth a solid win against the Raiders. Expect Justin Herbert to make a strong case why he is up next but for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to be too much for him to handle.

Carolina Panthers (+1.5) over New York Giants

Baker Mayfield was unable to get his revenge against the Browns but had some positive flashes in his opening performance. The Giants picked up a hard-fought 21-20 win over the Titans where Saquon Barkley reminded the NFL he is still a premiere talent. This is a game I would recommend staying away from, but I lean toward the Panthers finding success and securing a win.

Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5) over Arizona Cardinals

This will be a tough matchup, with both teams coming off tough losses to impressive teams. The Cardinals lost to the Chiefs by a comfortable margin, while the Raiders fell 24-19 to the Chargers. The loser will certainly face an unfair amount of overreactions about falling to 0-2. I expect the Raiders to get the victory but would rather stay away from this matchup.

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Start:	November 23, 2024 @ 3:30 PM
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NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 2: Advice and Predictions

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