Week 11 NFL Survivor Pool Picks: Opening Line Report

There were quite a few upsets during the Week 10 NFL slate – six to be exact – so there is no doubt that your original or second-chance NFL Survivor Pools took a hit. In my second-chance pool I took the Chiefs and Chargers, so it was smooth sailing for me as neither contest was ever in doubt. Others, however, were not so lucky. We are getting down to the stretch run of the NFL season, so it’s more important than ever to make smart picks with the finish line in sight.

As I do every week, I will look at the opening NFL odds and go over games that could potentially be Survivor Pool picks for that week. I normally look at favorites of 3.5 or more points in this space, but with the season moving along quickly and prime options disappearing for many Survivor Pool players, I may also examine some smaller favorites from time to time if I feel the matchup warrants a possible pool pick.

Week 11 NFL Survivor Pool Picks: Opening Line Report

Seattle -2.5 vs. Green Bay: I hate picking from the Thursday games, but I will state right away that I used the Seahawks this week on one of my two live cards. I avoid these Thursday games because the short week of preparation can affect both teams. But I think the Hawks will roll in this one. Green Bay hasn’t won on the road yet this season, and this is a very mediocre team. I had the Seahawks handicapped at -5 in this game, and I think this line is a joke. Green Bay is getting too much respect from the oddsmakers on name alone. The Seahawks have lost two straight, but they played two of the best teams in each conference in the Rams and Chargers, and they didn’t embarrass themselves in either game. I am pretty confident they will take care of business here at home on a short week.

Carolina -3.5 at Detroit: Not too keen on playing road teams, but this late in the season sometimes you have to throw out the “Survivor Pool Rules” with viable options dwindling. I have already used the Panthers, but if I hadn’t then I would be tempted to use them this week. They have had extra preparation/rest after that shellacking in Pittsburgh last Thursday. That was an embarrassing loss, and I expect them to come out strong and to put that ugly loss behind them with a winning performance against a Lions team that is spiraling after losing three straight.

Atlanta -3.5 vs. Dallas: The Cowboys seem to be back in their normal role of flourishing as an underdog and disappointing as a favorite. I had a feeling they would win on Sunday at Philly, but I got too scared to pull the trigger on a bet, especially after some guys I respect were all over the Eagles. I won’t make the same mistake again and will have my money on Dallas this weekend. So obviously I don’t like Atlanta for Survivor Pools in Week 11.

Baltimore (OFF) vs. Cincinnati: This game is off the board because of the status of Ravens QB Joe Flacco. This game might open around -3 if he plays. That said, I have no interest in this divisional matchup of flailing teams.

New Orleans -9 vs. Philadelphia: I haven’t used the Saints yet in my second-chance pool. I am not “saving” them as I never save teams in Survivor Pools and think it’s a totally idiotic strategy. I just haven’t found a spot I really like them in since they have had a tough schedule and some road games. I don’t like them this week, either. Philly is 2-4 in their last six and 4-5 on the season. They are desperate here, and this team is a lot better than they have shown recently.

LA Chargers -7 vs. Denver: I do have the Chargers available on one live card. I was seriously considering using them this week, but something tells me Denver comes to play here in this divisional matchup. The Broncos don’t have a lot of wins to show for it lately, but they have been very competitive. The Chargers have had a super easy schedule recently. I think Los Angeles is due for a letdown game soon, and I could see this one being it. That’s why I passed on this matchup this week, but this is probably my No. 3 choice for the week.

Arizona -5 vs. Oakland: I’m sure some people are fading the Raiders every week, and I can’t argue with that strategy since the Raiders are truly awful this season. I just can’t do it this week, however, and put my Survivor Pool life in the hands of the Cardinals and a rookie QB.

Pittsburgh -6 at Jacksonville: I am using the Steelers on my second card this week. I just love the way this team is playing right now, and they are in playoff form. The whole Le’Veon Bell situation is now behind them, and they found a really good feature back anyways in James Connor (who I expect to play this week). Pittsburgh has won five straight, and they played their best game of the season last Thursday is a tour de force against the Panthers. They have extra rest here coming off that Thursday game, and they have revenge for two losses to the Jags last season. Jacksonville is playing for their season here, but I think they will come up short in this game.

LA Rams -3.5 vs. Kansas City: This game was moved last minute from Mexico City. Either team could win this one, and most Survivor Pool players have used these teams anyways. So just sit back and enjoy this one; it should be a great game.

Week 11 NFL Survivor Pool Picks Top 3 Picks:

No. 1 Pittsburgh

No. 2 Seattle

No. 3 LA Chargers