An NFL survivor pool is a wonderful thing. Much like sports betting, it gives casual fans something to cheer for when they don’t have the time for fantasy sports. As simple as it sounds to pick one winner each week, there is a lot more that you must consider. I will discuss point spreads, ownership rates, injuries, and weather each week. This will help you decide which team you should choose for your pool. I’ll offer a multi-faceted approach that will give you several options for each week. These options are based on your level of risk tolerance. This is The FFU NFL Survivor Pool Guide (Week 6) Edition.
As a side note: The Fantasy Football Universe also runs an NFL Survivor Pool as a control group. You can find the group to follow along. I will refer to the pool in this series and provide updates to show how we play each week. After all, you can’t trust our advice if we don’t follow it ourselves. Also, check out The FFU Survivor Pool Crash Course tutorial.
Week 6 Pick Distribution
The Safe Route
Houston Texans, 24.44% ownership (-7.0) vs. New England Patriots, 0.06% ownership: At this point, the Safe Route may be the most cursed spot in football. The biggest favorite on the week has lost in three of five weeks and has been a weekly struggle, so look out Houston! The Texans were a surprise contender last season but haven’t taken a big step forward this season like they were expected. Despite being less impressive and banged up across the offense, they are still in a whole different class from the bottom-feeding Patriots. The track record of favorites winning this season hasn’t been good, but this is as safe as they come.
Risk= 1
The Sneaky Value Pick
Baltimore Ravens, 2.24% ownership (-6.5) vs. Washington Commanders, 0.16% ownership: This battle of two teams close in proximity features two surprising records. The Commanders are 4-1 but are probably overachieving frauds, while the Ravens are 3-2 and are likely a much better team than their record would indicate. Despite the Commanders having the better record, they are 6.5-point underdogs. This spread would likely be far wider if it weren’t for the fact that Washington is playing over their head so far. This can serve as a statement game for the Commanders if they can escape with a win, but I expect the Ravens to handle them easily.
Risk= 3
The Upset Special
Chicago Bears, 3.18% ownership (+2.0) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 0.14% ownership: This matchup features teams who appear to be going in different directions but with Caleb Williams still having so much to learn I will take the underdog Jaguars to pull out a win. This one is a tale of two bipolar teams and could see either team win, so if I have to find an upset, I will roll with the Jags. If this matchup were to take place later in the season, I think it would be all Bears. However, the young and new-look Bears are still a work in progress at this point.
Risk = 7
The Must Avoid
Detroit Lions, 0.83% ownership (-3.0) vs. Dallas Cowboys, 0.14% ownership: As always, I’m going to avoid the most high-powered matchup of the weekend. Two contending teams with offensive firepower to spare, who both lack consistency is not a formula for an easy game to pick. Detroit should be the better team in this one, but the Cowboys can transfer into world-beaters at a moment’s notice and shouldn’t be bet against.
Risk = 9
If you enjoyed NFL Survivor Pool Guide: Week 6, check out how last week’s picks fared on The Fantasy Football Universe Survivor Pool Home Page.
