We’ve survived the longest NFL offseason in history as this pandemic has delayed, cancelled and disrupted all aspects of our daily lives but we’ve made it to NFL week 1 on time and it’s time to pick our week 1 NFL survivor!
I’ve never been more ready to start a NFL season. The Chiefs are Super Bowl Champs and I can’t wait for Sunday watching NFL Red Zone! Let’s get to the NFL survivor pick for week 1!
What's Inside
Sign up for Free NFL picks, predictions and more by email or text from SportsFormulator
NFL Survivor Pool Pick Strategy
There are simple steps to cut down your potential picks for your NFL survivor pool. Follow the strategy below to make your week 1 NFL Survivor Pool pick.
Eliminate Winners Playing Good Teams
I start by eliminating teams playing teams in the top 16. This knocks eight teams out including the Chiefs, Texans, Packers, Vikings, Seahawks, Falcons, Saints and Bucs.
We’ve gone from 32 to 24 as we head to the next step for our survivor pool pick.
Eliminate Low Ranking Teams
Next, I look for teams that aren’t in our top 20 NFL power rankings and target their opponent as my NFL survivor pool pick.
This knocks out six more teams from consideration for our week 1 NFL survivor pool pick including the Bears, Lions, Raiders, Panthers, Chargers and Bengals.
18 teams remain.
Final Week 1 NFL Survivor Pool Pick Candidates
Once I’ve cut the teams down and have my final candidates for my NFL survivor pool pick, I rank them.
9 – Tennessee Titans (at Denver Broncos) – After a run to the AFC Championship last year, the Titans have expectations this season. Going to Mile High makes it risky for teams as elevation can be a great equilizer. I’d stay away from this game.
8 – New England Patriots (vs. Miami Dolphins) – The ‘Phins won this game in the regular season finale and with a new QB, it’s a dangerous spot for the Pats. I think this game comes down to a FG and that makes a stay away for a survivor pick.
7 – Baltimore Ravens (against Cleveland Browns) – Cleveland won in Baltimore last year and should be much improved this year. Without any preseason, the Ravens haven’t competed since a playoff beatdown at home against the Titans so I’m passing on them in a must win situation.
6 – Dallas Cowboys (at Los Angeles Rams) – I don’t think the Rams are going to be good so I could see the Cowboys making a statement for Dak Prescott’s new contract.
5 – San Francisco 49ers (vs. Arizona Cardinals) – Do the 49ers have a Super Bowl hangover? I like the Cardinals to be much better this year with Deandre Hopkins catching passes from Kyler Murray.
4 – Indianapolis Colts (at Jacksonville Jaguars) – The management in Jacksonville seems to be tanking. I’ll go with Phillip Rivers to win his debut with Indy.
3 – Pittsburgh Steelers (at New York Giants) – Big Ben is back for the Steelers and the defense could be even better than it was last year. The Giants have a new coach and a Monday night crowd to try to hang with the Steelers but I think the Steelers’ D dominates.
2 – Philadelphia Eagles (at Washington) – The Eagles are beat up but what’s new. Washington had a rough offseason and didn’t make any major upgrades to the talent on this team plus they’re breaking in a new coaching staff under Ron Rivera.
1 – Buffalo Bills (vs. New York Jets) – There’s major excitement in Buffalo that they’re ready to claim the thrown in the AFC East. They can make a week 1 statement with a win over a divisional foe.
Week 1 NFL Survivor Pool Pick: Buffalo Bills
More NFL Info:
Get our weekly NFL Survivor Pool Picks all season.