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NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 9: Advice and Predictions

by Spencer Toth - 10/29/2024

NFL survivor pool picks Week 9 Derek Carr New Orleans Saints

The second half of the NFL season is now upon us, as staying alive in your survivor pool becomes an increasingly difficult task. There were some major upsets last week, with the Ravens (-8.5) and Jets (-7) both losing outright to the lowly Browns and Jets. We correctly avoided the Ravens and left the Jets way down the list, ensuring another successful week this season. If you are still alive heading into Week 9, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Less than 1% of entries are still remaining, making each week more crucial than the last. Without further ado, here are your NFL survivor pool picks for Week 9 ranked from most to least confident. 

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Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5) Over Las Vegas Raiders

This is truly a must-win game for the Bengals, and it’s hard to see the Raiders effectively ending their faint playoff hopes. Joe Burrow has routinely gotten off to slow starts throughout his tenure with Cincinnati. This year has been no different, and this is usually the point in the season where the Bengals find their stride. There will likely be a few more chances to use up Cincinnati this season, as they still have the Browns and Titans on the horizon. However, if things start going sideways before that, you will not regret using up a top team against a fading Raiders side. 

Buffalo Bills (-6.5) Over Miami Dolphins

The Bills have won 12 of the last 13 meetings against Miami, and this will be no different. It’s ridiculous to expect a foggy Tua Tagovailoa to jump right back in at this stage of the season. However, the Bills still have two games against New England in the final three weeks. There are several big favorites this week, meaning you should probably save the Bills for when you need them down the line. 

Baltimore Ravens (-9) Over Denver Broncos 

This Ravens team has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, and they will not lose back-to-back games against inferior opposition. Lamar Jackson and Dereck Henry have created a one-two punch that even the mighty Broncos defense will be unable to slow down. Baltimore’s defense has looked fragile, but the Broncos don’t have the offensive weapons to expose them when it matters most. The Ravens are one of the top teams in the league, but this may be a good week to pull the trigger on Baltimore if you haven’t already.

Kansas City Chiefs (-9) Over Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

There is really no reason to expect this to be the first Chiefs loss of the season. Tampa Bay is missing a majority of their offensive weapons, which will allow a mighty Chiefs defense to clamp down on Baker Mayfield and company. The Chiefs will be near the top of this list most weeks, and this is no exception. 

New Orleans Saints (-7) Over Carolina Panthers

I would be lying if I said this was my most confident pick of the week, but it will be the official selection. There won’t be another good opportunity to use the Saints this season, and a risky pick here will keep your options open down the stretch. The Panthers may be the home.However, with Derek Carr set to return, the Saints will get their first win in over a month. This is one that will set us up nicely for the future even at the risk of losing this week. 

Washington Commanders (-3.5) Over New York Giants

There is truly little doubt the Commanders will pick up a victory against the Giants this week. Jayden Daniels has already cemented his legacy in just half an NFL season, while the Giants are free falling down the NFL standings. Washington is searching for their first playoff win since 2006, and moving to 7-2 on the season would get them one step closer. The Commanders have a soft schedule down the stretch, so it could be a good idea to keep the NFL’s hottest team in the back pocket for another week. 

Houston Texans (+2) Over New York Jets

If you want a contrarian strategy this week, the Texans are a great pick on Thursday Night Football. The Jets are fresh off a loss to the New England Patriots. And just when you think things can’t get worse for New York, the Jets find a way. Houston is pulling away in the AFC South, and they are looking like a complete football team on both sides of the ball. This won’t be a popular pick this week, but it is one of the most confident. 

LA Rams (-1.5) Over Seattle Seahawks 

The Rams are in the middle of the NFC West race, and the outcome of this game could determine the trajectory of their franchise. If they lose, Cooper Kupp probably hits the trade block and goes to the highest bidder. However, the Rams have enough veteran pieces to pick apart a vulnerable Seahawks defense. There aren’t many easy games left on the Rams schedule, making this a solid option for your Week 9 survivor pool picks. 

Minnesota Vikings (-6) Over Indianapolis Colts

The Vikings dropped back-to-back games heading into this one, but they will not lose against the lowly Colts. Sam Darnold is no longer an MVP frontrunner, but he has still been playing solid football this season. Minnesota’s 5-2 record has them just one game ahead of the fourth place Bears in the NFC North, making this a crucial primetime matchup. The Vikings defense has fallen asleep recently, but they will clamp down on a struggling Anthony Richardson. 

Cleveland Browns (+2) Over LA Chargers

The Browns are likely still an available choice for almost every survivor pool entry and are a very valid option in Week 9. Jameis Winston may have a low floor, but he also has a high ceiling for the Browns. The Chargers defense has been solid this season. However, had a few lucky bounces not gone their way, they wouldn’t be rated as one of the best units in the league. The Browns finally found some momentum last week and will ride that to another win here. 

Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5) Over Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars may be able to keep this thing close, but it’s hard to imagine the Eagles losing at home to Jacksonville. Philadelphia’s grinding run game will wear down the Jaguars defense, and this could be one of the last opportunities to take the Eagles as a big favorite. 

Tennessee Titans (-3) Over New England Patriots

It may seem crazy to put your survivor pool life in the hands of Will Levis and the Titans, and it is. While they may not be my least confident pick of the week, there are far better options than this ugly matchup. 

Arizona Cardinals (-1) Over Chicago Bears

The Bears lost last week in heartbreaking fashion, but they were truthfully outplayed for a majority of that contest anyway. Arizona has been able to manage the clock to perfection, which will allow them to oust the pesky Bears. However, Arizona still has games against the Panthers and Patriots this season, so it is probably better to look elsewhere this week. 

Detroit Lions (-3.5) Over Green Bay Packers

The Lions and Packers are both desperate to keep pace in the competitive NFC North. While Green Bay has the spirit, the Lions are simply too powerful to doubt in Week 9. Detroit is capable of putting up points in a hurry, and the injury to Jordan Love could be a major factor. If Love is forced to sit, the Lions become a top play. 

Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) Over Atlanta Falcons

The Cowboys have to put it all together eventually. Right? Atlanta has shown cracks on the defensive side of the ball which will allow Dak Prescott to get back on track. While the Cowboys should pick up the win, this isn’t a game that should even be on your radar in regards to survivor pools. 

Survivor Pool Picks of the Week: New Orleans Saints Over Carolina Panthers

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