The end has arrived.
If you’re still alive in your Survival pool, then this week will be one full of nerves and anxiousness.
Regardless, Week 18 of the NFL season offers us one last opportunity to survive the chaos. Given the upsets that were delivered along the way, especially early on, doing so has been no easy assignment.
With playoff spots still to be decided and teams positioned to rest their starters, this is an awkward, difficult week to handicap. It is, however, the assignment we’ve been given, and handicap we shall.
If you’re still in, we’re all rooting for you.
NFL Survivor Pick Record: 27-7
All Week 18 NFL odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan 4.
Survivor Week 17 Best Picks
1. San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Both teams lost their starting quarterbacks. One has floundered. The other has thrived. For the Cardinals, the season can’t end quickly enough.
The 49ers should be in a position to dominate this game. Rookie Brock Purdy has not looked at all like the last pick in the draft, and Christian McCaffrey has shined in the scarlet and gold. They will be a problem for Arizona.
The even bigger problem for the Cardinals, however, will be scoring points. Although they have kept the last few games tight, they haven’t eclipsed the 20-point mark in a month. Against a team that is really hitting its stride, that feels like a problem.
No drama. No intrigue. Just a blowout.
BET: 49ers (-14) vs. Cardinals
Wager: 1 Unit
It shouldn’t be close. The 49ers head into the playoffs blazing hot with a massive win.
2. Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
The Giants are in the playoffs, and that pretty much says it all.
First and foremost, congrats to New York. Given where this franchise has been, it’s a tremendous achievement. Second, with the sixth spot locked up, there’s a good chance the Giants sit a ton of starters against their rivals.
Philly, meanwhile, is playing for the No. 1 overall seed. The situation couldn’t be much better. The team is also loaded with firepower, plus QB Jalen Hurts appears to be healthy once again.
If you haven’t played the Eagles yet, you know what to do. The planets align on this one.
BET: Eagles (-14) vs. Giants
Wager: 1 Unit
Like the 49ers, the Eagles absolutely clobber the opponent in the final Week. With the Giants locked in, Philly takes advantage.
Week 17 Survivor Sleeper Pick
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is in the playoffs.
Now what?
Well, the oddsmakers believe that “now what?” could include some starters resting. Given where the Bucs sit from a seeding standpoint, it makes some sense.
Tom Brady isn’t too keen on the idea of resting, although it is likely the smart thing to do. He also doesn’t speak for the rest of a roster that has been hit hard by injuries.
The Falcons finally won after beating the Cardinals, which doesn’t tell us much. But playing against mostly backups should be a good way for rookie QB Desmond Ridder and rookie RB Tyler Allgeier, who has had a nice season, to finish.
BET: Falcons (-4.5) vs. Buccaneers
Wager: 1 Unit
It’s not a pretty pick, but it could be a strategic finish for anyone in a bind.
Survivor Pick to Save for Future Weeks
None. We’re out of weeks.
Use ‘em if you got ‘em.
Chalk Team That Could Lose
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
It doesn’t sound like the Chargers plan to sit their starters against the Broncos. They’re locked into the playoffs, although they would still like to hang onto the No. 5 seed. Well, at least that is the sentiment being shared right now.
Whether they all play, some play or they’re featured in only a portion of the game, one thing is clear: You don’t want any part of this one.
Yes, Justin Herbert versus Russell Wilson might sound alluring. But Denver’s defense is still a force, and the lack of motivation on the Los Angeles sideline is a variable you don’t want to count on.
There are too many other games with favorable matchups to pick this one.
Survivor Week 18 Rankings Grid
| Rk | Team | Opp |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49ers | ARI |
| 2 | Eagles | NYG |
| 3 | Chiefs | @LV |
| 4 | Bills | NE |
| 5 | Jaguars | TEN |
| 6 | Seahawks | LAR |
| 7 | Bengals | BAL |
| 8 | Packers | DET |
| 9 | Colts | HOU |
| 10 | Saints | CAR |
| 11 | Cowboys | @WAS |
| 12 | Chargers | @DEN |
| 13 | Falcons | TAM |
| 14 | Steelers | CLE |
| 15 | Bears | MIN |
| 16 | Miami | NYJ |
| 17 | Jets | @MIA |
| 18 | Vikings | @CHI |
| 19 | Browns | @PIT |
| 20 | Buccaneers | @ATL |
| 21 | Broncos | LAC |
| 22 | Commanders | DAL |
| 23 | Panthers | @NO |
| 24 | Lions | @GB |
| 25 | Texans | @IND |
| 26 | Ravens | @CIN |
| 27 | Rams | @SEA |
| 28 | Titans | @JAX |
| 29 | Patriots | @BUF |
| 30 | Raiders | KC |
| 31 | Giants | @PHI |
| 32 | Cardinals | @SF |
