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NFL Survivor Pools have become very popular over the years. Every week contestants pick one team to win on the Money Line. Once you use a team you can’t use that team again for the rest of the season. The last contestant without a loss is crowned the winner. This season, the staff at NBC Sports Edge will share their weekly survivor picks with you.
Corey Parson | Minnesota Vikings
There is no more horrible feeling than getting eliminated from your survivor pool in Week 1. I have never been the type to back a road team in Survivor but this year’s Week 1 schedule is tough to navigate. Unlike my colleagues, I want to wait until later in the season to use the Rams or any other of the NFC West teams that they like. Yes, the Vikings are on the road but I rethink their consistency at quarterback and head coach is an advantage as they travel to Cincinnati to take on Joe Burrow in his first game back from last season’s ACL tear.
Steven Riccciardi | Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are home and have a dominant defense led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. The offense has improved with Matthew Stafford at QB this year. He’s surrounded by plenty of skilled players to get the ball to in space. The Bears are running out Andy Dalton at QB who should be a stationary target for the Rams defensive line. News also came out that Khalil Mack is nursing a groin injury so the Bears’ best defensive player may be limited.
Edward Egros | Los Angeles Rams
While it may seem like choosing an en vogue pick to win the NFC is not the soundest strategy, the Rams may be more volatile than expected. At least in recent history, the Lions ran as few play-action pass plays as anyone, but now Matthew Stafford is leading an offense that may keep its frequent play-action approach. This example is one of many that point to a transition that may need time.
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Jonathan Wright | San Francisco 49ers
There is nothing worse than getting knocked out in Week 1 of a survivor’s league. Therefore, it’s wise to be a bit conservative until we can better grasp how teams look on the field. San Francisco is projected to be one of the better teams in the league with a 10.5 win total. They are going up against the Detroit Lions, a team that has finished in last place of the NFC North three years in a row. According to PointsBet Sportsbook, the 49ers have a 79.6% win probability.
The next best chance to take Kyle Shanahan and his men, aside from this week at Detroit, will not be until week 15 and week 17, where they will be home against the Falcons and then against the Texans.
Ike Feldman | Seattle Seahawks
I like the Seattle Seahawks for my Week 1 survivor pick. Russ and the crew always start off fast, and I don’t expect Indy to pose much of a threat to a motivated Pete Carroll that’ll try to make critics forget about a drama-filled off season. Go Hawks!
Jake Wolf | Los Angeles Rams
The Rams defense was dominant last season and despite the loss of former defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, I think Aaron Donald and the LA defense should be able to pressure Andy Dalton all game in Week 1. Chicago’s offensive line is already dealing with injuries and had to sign 39-year old Jason Peters to protect Dalton’s blindside. The Rams won 24-10 in last year’s matchup with the Bears, and I think Stafford will get the win in his Rams debut against a familiar NFC North opponent.
