NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 17: Opening Line Report

Well, here it is for all the marbles as we head into Week 17 of the NFL season. I am still alive in my Survivor Pool after taking the Oakland Raiders last week, and I am one of six left standing after two were knocked out by the Chargers. Not only is it odd for six competitors to be alive in Week 17, but most Survivor Pools should have long been over by now. But it has been that kind of season. If I win this week then this will be the second time in my Survivor Pool career that I have made it all the way through Week 17.

I am going to run down the games this week fairly quickly. For one, most Survivor Pools are over by now and our traffic has dropped off considerably. Secondly, if you have gotten this far you probably don’t need my advice, although it always helps to get a second opinion on your picks.

NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 17 Opening Line Report

Tennessee -3 vs. Houston: The Titans are without Marcus Mariota and out of the playoffs, while Houston is already locked in and can’t move up or down for playoff positioning. This game is a coin flip.

Buffalo -3.5 at New York Jets: The Bills are a decent choice if you are desperate. They are better than the Jets, who look like they have given up on the season long ago. They may get a spark after coach Rex Ryan was fired like the Jaguars had last week after Gus Bradley was let go.

Washington -8 vs. New York Giants: This is my pick for Week 17. They are the most motivated team out there because they must win to get in the playoffs, and their opponent is locked into playoff seeding and will probably rest starters with a wild-card game coming up next weekend.

Green Bay -3.5 at Detroit: The Packers are probably long gone for Survivor Pool players. If you still have them available then I think they are a very strong choice this week. But I do like the Redskins more because of home-field advantage and apathy of opponent.

Indianapolis -4.5 vs. Jacksonville: I briefly considered taking Indy here. The Jags got a big win last week and they are probably content. But neither of these teams has much motivation, and I think there are better picks on the board.

Philadelphia -4 vs. Dallas: It’s unclear who will play for Dallas. If you are considering using the Eagles then wait until Saturday to submit your pick because the starters may be clearer at that point.

Minnesota -5 vs. Chicago: The Vikings seem like a proud team and I think they will take this game seriously even though they are out of the playoff picture. But I would not trust them unless you are out of other options.

Tampa Bay -6 vs. Carolina: It’s unclear if Cam Newton will play here for Carolina. If he is out then this becomes a stronger play. The Bucs have an outside shot for the playoffs, but it would take a miracle. I think they will win here, though, so this might be a good pick for desperate Survivor Pool players.

Pittsburgh -6 vs. Cleveland: I don’t know why anyone would have the Steelers still available, but if so then they are a play this week. The Browns got the win last week and now they are looking forward to golf. The Steelers backups will beat the Browns handily.

Atlanta -6 vs. New Orleans: The Falcons need this win for the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Something about this game scares me and I think the Saints come to play in the season finale.

New England -9 at Miami: If you saved New England all the way until Week 17 then congratulations, you won your Survivor Pool!

Arizona -6 at Los Angeles: You did great this Survivor Pool season and made it all the way to Week 17. Want to risk your entire season on a crappy team like Arizona on the road? No thanks.

Kansas City -5.5 at San Diego: The Chiefs are still in play for the No. 2 seed and a bye week. They will play hard against an overmatched opponent. But will the Chargers play extra hard in their last-ever game in San Diego?

Seattle -9.5 at San Francisco: I haven’t liked what I have seen from the Seahawks on the road this season, but they should be able to get an easy win here. But they are probably not available to you anyways.

Denver -1.5 vs. Oakland: I was very tempted to take Denver for my Week 17 pick. They are one of the best teams I have available and the Raiders have to be hurting mentally because of the Carr injury. Early line movement scared me off of this one since this game opened at Denver -3.5.