NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 12: Opening Line Report

I would like to wish all our readers a happy Thanksgiving, and if you are reading this then congratulations on making it to Week 12 in your NFL Survivor Pool. I was knocked out pretty early this season, but as I promised I will be here to offer advice all the way through Week 17 of the NFL regular season.

There was only one big upset in Week 11, and that was the New York Giants beating Kansas City at home as a 10-point underdog. I stated in my Opening Line Report last week that I thought the Giants would put forth an inspired effort and that I was taking the points in that game. My bet was never in doubt even though the Giants needed overtime to get the win. Here’s hoping that those that wanted to use Kansas City had already used them earlier in the year!

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As I do every week, I will run down the biggest favorites on the board with my opinion on whether I think that matchup would make a good Survivor Pool pick. We are getting to the point in the season where most of the good teams have been used, so we have to think outside the box when coming up with our weekly picks.

Week 12 NFL Survivor Pool Picks: Opening Lines

Washington -7.5 vs. NY Giants (Thursday): I think the Chiefs lost that game on Sunday more than the Giants won it. But their defense played pretty well. The Redskins have had the toughest schedule in the NFL this season, and they will probably delight in beating up on a division rival having a bad year. These Thursday games scare me with the quick turnaround, but if you haven’t used Washington yet they may be your best choice here for Week 12.

Cincinnati -8 vs. Cleveland: Cincy is coming off a nice win at Denver that I didn’t see coming. But this team stinks, and I would not pick them for my Survivor Pool unless I was really desperate. The Browns are going to win a game at some point this season. And I could see them beating a team like Cincinnati.

Philadelphia -13.5 vs. Chicago: If you still have the Eagles available and you are still alive in your pool then you don’t need my help! If you have the Eagles available then by all means pick them. I do think the Bears are kind of attractive on the spread because the Eagles could be in a letdown spot with this home game sandwiched by road games at Dallas and Seattle.

New England -17 vs. Miami: Another underdog I am interested in as I will take this many points no matter the teams playing in the matchup. I do think the Patriots have a better chance to win than the Eagles because the Bears are a better team than the Dolphins. But Miami always brings their best against the Pats, and even if this is a blowout you can still win your bet when getting so many points.

Kansas City -10 vs. Buffalo: The Chiefs minus the points are one of my best bets for the week. They have been pretty bad lately, but the offense has shown that it can be dynamic in the past and I think this is the week they break out of their funk. And they are facing Buffalo at the perfect time as their season has imploded with that ridiculous QB change

Atlanta -10 vs. Tampa Bay: The Falcons have seemed to have regained their form after a shaky start. Tampa Bay is a team I thought might be going places this season, but this squad is trash. But they seem to be playing better with Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB than they did with Jameis Winston. I do really like the Falcons to dominate this game this week.

Carolina -4.5 at NY Jets: If you haven’t used the Panthers yet then I would seriously consider them if some of the other big favorites are unavailable. New York came into the season as the biggest fade team but proved the doubters wrong by winning some games. But they are in deep here against a very solid team, and I don’t see any way the Jets pull the upset here.

Seattle -7 at San Francisco: I don’t like this matchup at all for NFL Survivor Pools. The Hawks defense has been decimated by injuries. They normally don’t play as well on the road as they do at home. The Niners looked great last time out in getting their first win of the season. And they come off their bye while Seattle is on a short week after Monday Night Football. We don’t yet know if QB Jimmy Garoppolo will make his first start for the Niners this week. Monitor that situation if you are interested in the Seahawks here.

Jacksonville -4.5 at Arizona: The Jags are the better team and should win. I just don’t trust this team on the road and with their shaky QB play. Only consider the Jags here if you are very desperate!

Oakland -5 vs. Denver: This is a must-win game for Oakland as they are running out of time to catch the Chiefs in the AFC West even though Kansas City is floundering. I think that even with their struggles that they are a much better overall team than the Broncos, and they have the QB edge my a mile.

Pittsburgh -14 vs. Green Bay: Most have used the Steelers. I do think this line is a bit inflated after the Packers were shut out last week. But if the Steelers are on their game then they should win this one in a blowout. I normally like to grab the points on any spread of two touchdowns or more but will probably stay away from this game.

Baltimore -7 vs. Houston (Monday): Another favorite I have no interest in for Survivor Pools. I don’t think the Texans are that bad of a team. And I don’t think the Ravens are that good. Neither team has good QB play right now. The Ravens defense is playing better, and that will probably be the difference. But a Houston win here would not surprise me in the least.