X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

NFL Survivor Pool Picks (Week 17) - Targets and Avoids

NFL expert Seth I. Finkelstein gives you his top NFL survivor pool picks for Week 17 of the NFL season and his best bets against the spread.

The final week of the regular season is here. Fantasy is now over, but survivor pools are still going on. This is the final week of them and if you are still alive, are surely trying to find a winning team for this one last week.

Week 17 is usually a week where many teams bench their starters because they are locked into their playoff seed, but 10 out of 16 games this week have playoff implications.

Also, included in this column; good tidbits to help you with your daily fantasy and my best bets against the spread.

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.

 

Nuggets from Week 16

  • The Ravens have run for 100+ rushing yards in every game since Lamar Jackson took over as the starter (six games)
  • Philly has scored 30 points in back-to-back games under Nick Foles; they only did that once this season with Carson Wentz
  • The Dolphins opened Sunday with a 78-yard touchdown drive. The rest of the game, they gained a total of 105 yards
  • Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers combined for 783 passing yards, five touchdowns, and no picks

 

Survivor League Strategy

For those of you unfamiliar with survivor pools it’s very simple; pick a team to win each week. If they win you move on to the next week. But you cannot use that team ever again. There is no point spread involved. Teams italicized are my best bets.

Before making any picks, look at the point spreads. Vegas has the best minds, smarter than any of us. Use them to get a glimpse at how each team is projected to fare that week.

Teams favored by more than seven in Week 17 per The Action Network app (home team in caps):

  • STEELERS -14.5 vs. Bengals
  • CHIEFS -13.5 vs. Raiders
  • PATRIOTS -13.5 vs. Jets
  • RAMS -10 vs. 49ers
  • PACKERS -7.5 vs. Lions
  • TEXANS -7 vs. Jaguars

If you're reading this article on Thursday or later, these lines are from Tuesday. Check the current spreads and see how the line moved.

 

Top Survivor Picks for Week 17

In order of my favorite selections:

STEELERS -14.5 vs. Bengals

Not sure I need to really delve into the stats for this one. Pittsburgh needs to win and Baltimore to lose to make the playoffs. Pittsburgh is going to come out and smoke one of the worst defenses in football.

Steelers 38 - Bengals 19

 

CHIEFS -13.5 vs. Raiders

If Kansas City wins, they lock up home field throughout the playoffs. If they lose, and Chargers win, KC then falls to the five seed and must play on the road to open up the playoffs.

Since 2014, the Raiders are 1-7 in games played in 45 degrees or less. That's bad news for Oakland because it's supposed to be a high of 42 Sunday. They also just played in their Superbowl crushing the Broncos in what may have been their last game in Oakland.

Chiefs 42 - Raiders 10

 

Jets +13.5 @ PATRIOTS

I like the Jets this week. They are playing with nothing to lose. Sam Darnold has the highest QBR over the past three weeks. Their defense may stink, but they can move the ball. New England needs to win to get a bye, and they will win in this spot, just not cover. I expect a heavy dose of the run like last week when they ran for 273 yards.

Patriots 27 - Jets 17

 

BILLS -3 vs. Dolphins

I love Buffalo this week. Miami needed to beat the lowly Jaguars last week to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. It all looked good after they scored a touchdown on their first drive, but were then outscored 17-0 from then on out. Now they travel to frigid Buffalo where they've mostly struggled. In Miami's last six, they are 1-5. In December games, they are 1-2, but in those losses have been outscored 43-16. Buffalo will want this more, while Miami will want to get back to the warmth for the off-season.

Bills 24 - Dolphins 10

 

Eagles -6.5 @ REDSKINS

Philadelphia is a different team with Nick Foles under center. They've had back-to-back 30 point games with Foles, that's one more than all season with Carson Wentz as the quarterback. Josh Johnson has been serviceable, but they've scored 16 points in each of their last two games. Philly needs to win coupled with a Vikings loss to make the playoffs. They'll take care of business in this spot.

Eagles 31 - Redskins 13

 

Top Survivor Picks to Avoid

Jaguars +7 @ TEXANS

Houston must win to clinch the division, yet this line opened at nine and is now down to seven. That seems strange considering how bad the Jaguars are. The Texans are vastly overrated but should win this one because they need to. However, something weird is going to happen with this game.

Texans 21 - Jaguars 20

 

49ers +9.5 @ RAMS

If the Rams win, they clinch the two seed. This is a game they will win, but their defense stinks. They give up the fourth-most points at home and 24th most yards allowed. Kyle Shanahan will call some plays that'll produce big gains. The Niners are sixth-most in passing plays that go for 40+ yards, while The Rams allow the most 40+ yards plays through the air.

Rams 31 - 49ers 23

 

Bears +5.5 @ VIKINGS

The Bears need to win and the Rams to lose to get the two seed. Otherwise, they'll get the three seed. If Mitchell Trubisky does sit, Chase Daniel isn't that big of a difference. He was fine when he played this year. Even though the Bears really don't have much to play for, do you really trust Kirk Cousins? I can't forget when Cousins was attempting to lead the Redskins to a playoff berth two years ago against a Giants team that was already locked into their playoff spot. Cousins proceeded to throw two picks in a 19-10 losing effort. Until Cousins proves himself in a game like this, I can't pick the Vikes.

Vikings 21 - Bears 19

 

Browns +5.5 @ RAVENS

If the Ravens win, they are in. If not, a Steelers win knocks them out. Cleveland has won five of their last six and now having nothing to lose in this game. This will be a real test for the Browns offense against one of the best defenses in football. Baltimore has a tremendous rushing attack, but the Browns have only given up 76 yards on the ground their last three.

Ravens 20 - Browns 17

 

Cowboys +6.5 @ GIANTS 

Dallas is locked into the four seed, but as of this writing on Tuesday, say they are playing their starters. If that's the case, Dallas should definitely stay within the number, and perhaps win outright.

Cowboys 21 - Giants 20

 

The Rest 

Lions +7.5 @ PACKERS - This game is meaningless. Green Bay has no defense and won't be able to cover a touchdown spread. That's why I like the Lions.

BUCS -1.5 vs. Falcons - Another meaningless game. I'll take the home team laying less than the normal three.

SAINTS vs. Panthers - No line listed.

Chargers -6.5 @ BRONCOS - San Diego has an outside shot at the one seed, needing to win and a Chiefs loss. The Broncos can only score 14-17 points in a given game, and the Chargers will be able to hit 30 against them.

SEAHAWKS vs. Cardinals - No line listed.

TITANS vs. Colts (Sunday night) There is no line listed on this game because of Marcus Mariota's injury. With or without Mariota, I like the Titans. Their defense will win them this game. They allow 17 points per game at home, second-best in the league, and third least opponent yards. Indy is a totally different team on the road than at home. They are fifth in total yardage at home, but 13th on the road. In points, they are sixth at home, but 17th on the road.

 

My Running Season Total

  • This week: Bills -3, Chiefs -13.5, 49ers+9.5
  • Last week: 1-2
  • Best bet ATS record: 23-25-1

 
Good luck RotoBallers, and I'll be back next week previewing the Wild Card Round.

More Weekly Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups