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NFL Overreactions Week 1<\/p>\n
Sports Seriously’s Mackenzie Salmon overreacts to some of the best games of NFL Week 1.<\/p>\n
Sports Seriously<\/p>\n
Our pick to help you survive in Week 2.Also, one team to definitely avoid counting on.<\/p>\n
Survive and advance.<\/p>\n
When it comes to NFL survivor pools, that’s really all you can ask for. The league was kind to us in Week 1<\/a> as all the big favorites and popular picks managed to stave off any upsets \u2013 including our pick<\/a>, the Arizona Cardinals<\/a>.<\/p>\n As we flip the page to Week 2<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n USA TODAY NFL Survivor Pool (free to play)<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n NFL survivor picks Week 2Dallas Cowboys (vs. New York Giants)<\/p>\n The Cowboys return home after a funky opening night loss in Philadelphia<\/a> that saw lightning delays, injuries and a spitting war \u2013 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 \u2013 are the Cowboys better than we thought?<\/p>\n They ran the ball effectively with Javonte Williams, saw Dak Prescott<\/a> return to form and managed to get stops on defense. Aside from CeeDee Lamb’s uncharacteristic drops<\/a>, there’s a lot to like about Dallas in Week 2.<\/p>\n Baltimore Ravens (vs. Cleveland Browns)<\/p>\n Another division contest, but this one goes without saying \u2013 the Ravens<\/a> are not starting 0-2. The Browns<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Rams (at Tennessee Titans)<\/p>\n Cam Ward<\/a> 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<\/a>‘ problem. Head coach Brian Callahan famously didn’t understand the catch rule<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The Rams<\/a> might be traveling across the country, but Matthew Stafford<\/a> and the offense will be eager to shake off a sluggish performance at home against the Texans<\/a>. Keep fading the rookie.<\/p>\n Arizona Cardinals (vs. Carolina Panthers)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Bryce Young<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n What team should you avoid picking in NFL survivor pools this week?<\/p>\n The San Francisco 49ers<\/a>.<\/p>\n There’s no doubt that they will be a popular pick \u2013 at least they would’ve been before the Brock Purdy injury<\/a> \u2013 against the Saints, especially with Spencer Rattler’s<\/a> 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 \u2013 indicating a close contest is likely on the way.<\/p>\n George Kittle<\/a> was put on injured reserve. Mac Jones<\/a> is likely to start for an injured Purdy \u2013 who could miss two-to-five weeks<\/a>, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Jauan Jennings<\/a> is banged up. As if that wasn’t enough, the team is also undergoing a change at kicker<\/a>.<\/p>\n It’s hard to feel good about San Francisco on the road. Consider the 49ers on upset alert.<\/p>\n What team should you pick in NFL survivor pools this week?<\/p>\n The Dallas Cowboys<\/a>.<\/p>\n It might be a divisional game against the Giants<\/a>, but Big Blue is far from scary \u2013 returning 10-of-11 starters on offense with Russell Wilson<\/a> at quarterback being the only swap.<\/p>\n Brian Daboll is already facing a self-inflicted quarterback controversy while trying to get the franchise’s first win in Dallas since 2016.<\/p>\n