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Joey's top Week 5 NFL survivor pool selections, his 3 best NFL Survivor/Eliminator picks for 2025. Target and avoid these NFL teams in Week 5 Survivor contests.
The name of the game is survive and advance. It sounds easy, right? All you have to do is pick the right winner each week, and you will advance. Once you pick a team, though, you won't be able to use them the rest of the year. So, there is a bit of strategy involved in your survivor pool selections each week.
In this article, we will go through three of my favorite survivor picks to trust in Week 5. All three of these teams are safer picks this week and could help you advance in your pools. This article will also feature two teams that you can't trust to pick this week.
So, let's dive in and look at the best and worst survivor pool selections for Week 5.
Editors Note: RotoBaller's NEW Survivor Grid Tool provides an easy-to-use color-coded interface with each team's full schedule, including Vegas spreads. Plan your picks, create multiple entries, and save your progress. Click here to use the Survivor Grid today.
Survivor Pool Tools and Resources
Love survivor pools as much as we do? Of course you do. Be sure to check these out:
Survivor Picks Tool
Optimize your weekly picks and plan your future picks with our free new Survivor Pool Picks Tool!
Survivor League Guide
For detailed Survivor Pool strategy and tips to help you win, check out our "How To Win Your Survivor League" guide!
Detroit Lions (-10.5) at Cincinnati Bengals
If you didn't pick the Lions last week against the Cleveland Browns, they are arguably the best pick for your survivor pool this week. Detroit is the biggest favorite of Week 5, and the Bengals have had a hard time moving the ball since Joe Burrow (toe) has been out. Cincinnati scored 10 points in Week 3 and three points last week. That's encouraging for a Lions defense that ranks 10th in total defense through four weeks.
Additionally, this Bengals defense might not be able to stop the Lions offense. Detroit has scored above 30 points in three straight games, and Cincinnati ranks 27th in points allowed per game (27.8). With a bottom-five rushing defense as well, look for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to have big games on the ground.
Touchdown Sonic 🦔
CLEvsDET on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/jW04B3Ssew
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
As a result, the Lions are an easy pick in your survivor pool if you haven't chosen them yet. They also have a few tough games upcoming against the Chiefs in Week 6 and the Buccaneers in Week 7 before going on a bye in Week 8. That makes this the perfect time to use them.
Buffalo Bills (-8.5) vs. New England Patriots
The Bills have been the best team in the NFL through four weeks. They will enter the week with a 4-0 record and a +43 differential. Although the Patriots have been a surprising team so far with a 2-2 record, it's hard not to roll with Buffalo in a primetime game at home.
The Bills have been unstoppable both through the air and on the ground this season. They have the No. 2-ranked offense in the NFL to go with a top-15 defense that has allowed the ninth-fewest total yards per game. That gives Buffalo a huge edge in this game, especially at home, where they have won their last 14 regular season games.
Allen. Kincaid. SIX.
The @BuffaloBills answer right back.
MIAvsBUF on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/O8P2pVhx0j— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2025
That means the Bills are a safe pick in Week 5. They are at home with a top-15 defense and one of the best offenses in the NFL. However, something to keep in mind is that they have some favorable matchups upcoming. Buffalo will be big favorites against the Falcons (Week 6), Panthers (Week 8), and Dolphins (Week 10) in the coming weeks. So, it could be wise to save them if possible.
Arizona Cardinals (-7.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
The Cardinals are one of the best survivor picks in Week 5. They will go up against a winless Titans team that has looked all out of sorts on offense. Tennessee ranks dead last in points per game (12.8), 31st in yards per game (210.5), and second in sacks allowed (17). Even though Arizona will be starting Michael Carter or Emari Demercado at running back this week, it's tough to pick against them.
The Cardinals are just a better all-around team than the Titans. They have the better, more experienced quarterback, a better offensive line, and a better defense. That should be enough reason to roll with them confidently this weekend. Even if cornerbacks Will Johnson (groin) and Max Melton (hamstring) don't suit up, Arizona is still a strong pick in most survivor pools.
things Kenny did. THAT.
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/oiVVDtOaUR
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 21, 2025
This might also be one of the last times that you will be able to pick the Cardinals this year. After this matchup, they will play the Colts (Week 6), Packers (Week 7), Cowboys (Week 9), Seahawks (Week 10), and 49ers (Week 11) over their next five games. As it stands now, Arizona would be underdogs in each of those five contests. Therefore, it might be a good time to pick them this week.
Other Survivor Picks in Consideration:
- Indianapolis Colts (-7) (vs. LV)
Top Survivor Pool Picks to Avoid for Week 5
- Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) vs. DEN
- Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) at CLE (London)
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