NFL Overreactions Week 1
Sports Seriously’s Mackenzie Salmon overreacts to some of the best games of NFL Week 1.
Sports Seriously
Our pick to help you survive in Week 2.Also, one team to definitely avoid counting on.
Survive and advance.
When it comes to NFL survivor pools, that’s really all you can ask for. The league was kind to us in Week 1 as all the big favorites and popular picks managed to stave off any upsets – including our pick, the Arizona Cardinals.
As we flip the page to Week 2, we’re getting into the swing of a new season. All those pesky ice breakers are behind us, the routine is established and now the only focus is to keep winning.
USA TODAY NFL Survivor Pool (free to play)
This slate isn’t a glamorous one for survivor picks, especially since Week 1 is typically a liar. There are division matchups and others dealing with injuries, meaning we’ll have to be on top of our game to avoid disaster.
Let’s keep it rolling and extend our stay on the island for at least one more week. Here are the best survivor picks for Week 2 and one team we think you should avoid.
NFL survivor picks Week 2Dallas Cowboys (vs. New York Giants)
The Cowboys return home after a funky opening night loss in Philadelphia that saw lightning delays, injuries and a spitting war – a trio of things that would even be deemed too ridiculous for a movie script. While debates continue to rage on following Dallas’ 24-20 loss, we have one takeaway – are the Cowboys better than we thought?
They ran the ball effectively with Javonte Williams, saw Dak Prescott return to form and managed to get stops on defense. Aside from CeeDee Lamb’s uncharacteristic drops, there’s a lot to like about Dallas in Week 2.
Baltimore Ravens (vs. Cleveland Browns)
Another division contest, but this one goes without saying – the Ravens are not starting 0-2. The Browns have played Baltimore tough at times, so unless the Ravens come out flat after a disappointing collapse in Buffalo, the home team will get one in the win column.
Los Angeles Rams (at Tennessee Titans)
Cam Ward had the chance to experience what life is like for a rookie quarterback in Denver last week and still almost pulled off the upset. However, Ward is not the Titans‘ problem. Head coach Brian Callahan famously didn’t understand the catch rule in the opener, which cost the team dearly. Already at a talent disadvantage, it’s hard to endorse a team that also doesn’t have the coaching edge either.
The Rams might be traveling across the country, but Matthew Stafford and the offense will be eager to shake off a sluggish performance at home against the Texans. Keep fading the rookie.
Arizona Cardinals (vs. Carolina Panthers)
The Cardinals took care of business for us last week and they’re right back in as a survivor candidate for Week 2. As per the rules of survivor, we cannot pick them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t if they’re available.
Bryce Young was back to his old ways in the season opener, completing 18 of 35 passes for 154 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He continued to use his legs, however, adding five carries for 40 yards and a lost fumble. We aren’t going to trust an inferior team traveling across the country when we have no faith in the quarterback.
What team should you avoid picking in NFL survivor pools this week?
The San Francisco 49ers.
There’s no doubt that they will be a popular pick – at least they would’ve been before the Brock Purdy injury – against the Saints, especially with Spencer Rattler’s 0-7 record as a starter. However, the 49ers are 0-10 against the spread dating back to the 2023 season when coming off an outright win – indicating a close contest is likely on the way.
George Kittle was put on injured reserve. Mac Jones is likely to start for an injured Purdy – who could miss two-to-five weeks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Jauan Jennings is banged up. As if that wasn’t enough, the team is also undergoing a change at kicker.
It’s hard to feel good about San Francisco on the road. Consider the 49ers on upset alert.
What team should you pick in NFL survivor pools this week?
The Dallas Cowboys.
It might be a divisional game against the Giants, but Big Blue is far from scary – returning 10-of-11 starters on offense with Russell Wilson at quarterback being the only swap.
Brian Daboll is already facing a self-inflicted quarterback controversy while trying to get the franchise’s first win in Dallas since 2016.
The Giants may have the pass rush, but they don’t have much else and tensions are already growing. This is a good spot for the Cowboys and the Giants return home as the calls for Jaxson Dart grow before a Week 3 date with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dallas rolls in Week 2.