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 8) - Targets and Avoids

Betting expert Seth I. Finkelstein gives his top NFL survivor pool picks for Week 8 of the NFL season and 2019 fantasy football survivor leagues.

Disaster averted. The Bills found themselves trailing against the lowly Dolphins but pulled it out late. Had Buffalo lost, more than 50 percent of remaining entrants in survivor pools would have been knocked out. The 49ers did their part in the monsoon in D.C while the Patriots cruised against the Jets. All my picks to avoid - Chiefs, Jaguars, Packers - all won and covered.

It usually gets tough to pick survivor pool winners this time in the season, but luckily this week, there are several options. The Vikings are 15.5 point home favorites against the Redskins on Thursday night, the Rams are favored by 13 against the Bengals in London, the Patriots -13 vs. Browns, and the Steelers are -14.5 vs. Dolphins on Monday night. Then there are more massive favorites like the Saints -9.5 vs. Cardinals and the Lions -7 vs. Giants.

If you are reading this article on Thursday or later, the lines below are correct as of Wednesday. The teams I like against the spread will be italicized, with my three best bets against the spread able to be found on the bottom of the column. Teams on bye this week are the Cowboys and Ravens.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Top Survivor Picks for Week 8

Steelers -14.5 vs. Dolphins

Keep fading the Fins! It's been such a great strategy and now you get to use a team that you will not use again. Pittsburgh's defense is fourth in opponent yards per play the last three and fifth in team sacks. Old man Ryan Fitzpatrick will be in for a tough Monday night.

Steelers 28 - Dolphins 10

 

Vikings -15.5 vs. Redskins

Ever since the Vikings six-point outing in Chicago in Week 4, they've scored 28, 38, and 42 points. They are clicking on all cylinders an rank third in yards per play. The Redskins hideous defense hasn't played really difficult offenses recently, but they are one to allow Mitch Trubisky to complete 25 of 31 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. I do think Washington covers because 15.5 is a ton to cover.

Vikings 27 - Redskins 13

 

Seahawks -3.5 @ Falcons

All the Seattle and Russell Wilson love is gone after one poor game. It's truly amazing how recency bias can play such a factor in a game like this. Seattle is an above average team that didn't play its best Sunday. So be it. Wilson will have no problem getting his groove back against the atrocious Falcons Defense. Atlanta has given up the second most yards per play through its last three games, as well as 31st in opponent points per game, and 32nd in opponent third down percentage. I think Wilson struggled last week because Baltimore kept pressuring him, but he won't have that issue against Atlanta's pass rush that is non-existent; they rank dead last in team sacks with just five on the season.

On the offensive side for Atlanta, Matt Ryan is questionable, they just traded Mohamed Sanu, and head coach Dan Quinn will be getting fired any day. The Falcons are a dumpster fire and I'm shocked Seattle isn't a bigger favorite.

Seahawks 35 - Falcons 13

 

Rams -13 vs. Bengals (in London)

I hate London games that start at 1 p.m. What's the point of going over there if it's not a stand-alone game at 9:30 a.m.? Anyway, the Rams seemed to find their groove against the Falcons while Cincinnati is win-less and looking more and more pathetic each week.

Rams 30 - Bengals 13

 

Saints -9.5 vs. Cardinals

It's pretty remarkable New Orleans is 5-0 since Drew Brees got injured, but they can thank their defense who's allowing 4.2 yards per play through their last three games, ranking fifth. The defense is also eighth in getting off the the field on third down, and fifth in sacks.

Arizona has won three in a row against the Bengals, Falcons, and Giants. That's not murderers row by any means. Kyler Murray is in for a big awakening Sunday in the Dome.

Saints 31 - Cardinals 13

 

Patriots -13 vs. Browns

I can not wait until Baker Mayfield gets destroyed by the Patriots Defense. New England is rolling and this Browns team will not cause them a hiccup.

I know I put New England in the picks every week and you've probably already used them, but if you're still alive in a loser pool where you pick the loser, the Browns are the picks. I know they're my pick.

Patriots 30 - Browns 16

 

Top Survivor Picks to Avoid

Lions -7 vs. Giants

I understand the Giants are bad but the Lions shouldn't be a touchdown favorite. They can't get out of their own way and their defense is 27th in opponent yards per play. The defense also ranks 26th in opponent third down conversion percentage, 18th in red zone defense, and have allowed 33 points per game the last three. The Giants offense was just getting all their skill players back last week like Saquon Barkley and Even Engram, and looked rusty. This week they won't.

Giants 17 - Lions 16

 

Colts -6 vs. Broncos

Indy is off a huge win against division rival Houston and are a contender in the AFC, yet this line is only six against the 2-5 Broncos who were trounced on national television by a Mahomes-less Chiefs team. This line is the perfect teaser number and I like teams who were just embarrassed on national television bouncing back.

When I dug into the stats, I was expecting to see Indy overwhelmingly better than Denver, but that isn't the case at all. The Colts are 23rd in yards per play while Denver is 26th. The Broncos Defense is sixth in opponent yards per play while Indy's is 29th. The Broncos defense also gets off the field on third-downs ranking sixth while the Colts are 23rd.

An easy way to throttle the Broncos offense is to pressure Joe Flacco, who really can't move anymore, but the Colts are only 19th in team sacks. This has a letdown feel for the Colts.

Denver 23 - Colts 20

 

Jaguars -6 vs. Jets

This game is just like the one above; falls into teaser category and the Jets are off an embarrassing blowout on national television. I also can't lay six points with Gardner Minshew and an offense that averages 20.6 points per game. The Jets Defense also ranks seventh in opponent yards per play the last three weeks.

Jets 20 - Jaguars 17

 

Texans -6.5 vs. Raiders

Another teaser game! Oakland had one of the closest 18-point losses I've ever seen against the Packers. They turned it over twice inside the one-yard line and threw a pick in the end zone. Derek Carr is competing 74 percent of passes and the Texans have allowed quarterbacks to complete 67 percent of passes, 22nd in the league.

The Raiders Defense is 30th in opponent yards per play while Houston is fourth in yards per play. But for some reason their offense doesn't seem to always click.

Raiders 30 - Texans 28

 

The Rest

Chargers +4 @ Bears - Both teams are trending downward, but how can you back Mitch Trubisky. His yards per attempt is 5.2 which is abysmal (7.5 is average).

Bucs +2.5 @ Titans - Both of these teams are so hard to figure out so I'll just take the points.

Eagles +1.5 @ Bills - Carson Wentz has not looked good this season and I think it's because of all the pressure he's received (hit 38 times, 13th most). The Bills rank 22nd in team sacks so Wentz should have time to throw. Philly's backs are against the wall and can't go to 3-5.

Panthers +5.5 @ 49ers - These are two of the hottest teams in football, the Niners are undefeated and Panthers have won four in a row and come off their bye. This line opened at six and has been bet down to 5.5 signaling sharp money taking Carolina.

Chiefs +4.5  vs. Packers - This is a very contrarian play without Patrick Mahomes. But I think the Andy Reid will have Matt Moore ready to go with 10 days to prepare for this Sunday night showdown. Plus, Green Bay's defense has given up the most yards per play the last three games with 7.3.

 

Best Bets for Week 8

  • Seahawks -3.5 
  • Jets +6
  • Chiefs +4.5

Last week: 1-2

Season total: 11-10

More Week 8 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

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Pittsburgh Steelers

Cameron Heyward, Steelers Reach Agreement on Revised Deal, Will Play in Week 1
Bubba Chandler

to Make First Start on Sunday
Samuel Basallo

Exits Early with Hand Injury
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Travis Hunter

to be Every-Down Wide Receiver
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
Shedeur Sanders

Unlikely to Play in 2025
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Leaves Early on Saturday After Fouling Ball Off his Knee
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
Christian McCaffrey

RapSheet: Signs Pointing Towards Christian McCaffrey Playing in Week 1
Quinshon Judkins

Signs Fully Guaranteed Deal with Cleveland
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Carey Price

Canadiens Trade Carey Price to Sharks
Quentin Johnston

Scores Twice in Brazil
Justin Herbert

Spectacular in Win Over Chiefs
Marquise Brown

Sees Absurd Target Share Friday
Bobby Witt Jr.

Dealing With Back Spasms
Bobby Witt Jr.

Exits Early on Friday
Xavier Worthy

Injures Shoulder Early in Brazil, Questionable to Return
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Placed on Injured List With Quad Strain
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched on Friday With Back Tightness
Jayden Reed

Questionable to Play in Season Opener
Christian McCaffrey

Listed as Questionable for Season Opener With Calf Issue
Tyreek Hill

Cleared for Week 1
Rasmus Hojgaard

Finishes Tied For Second at Omega European Masters
Tyrrell Hatton

Finishes Tied for 32nd at LIV Indianapolis
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Fifth at Omega European Masters
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied For Second in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Xander Schauffele

Finishes 42nd in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched From Friday's Start for Undisclosed Reasons
Christian Kirk

Ruled Out for Week 1
Shohei Ohtani

Returning to the Mound on Friday
Kyle Finnegan

Lands on Injured List With Adductor Strain
Aaron Judge

Returns to Right Field on Friday
De'Von Achane

Without Injury Designation Heading Into Week 1
Christian McCaffrey

Seen Working on Side Field During Friday's Practice
Malik Nabers

Cleared to Play on Sunday
Willson Contreras

' Suspension Reduced, to Start Serving it on Friday
Kodai Senga

Mets Send Kodai Senga to Triple-A to Get Right
Chris Godwin

Officially Ruled Out for Week 1
Malik Nabers

' Reps Limited Friday Due to "Tight" Back
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card
Axel Sola

Alex Sola Set To Make His UFC Debut
Saquon Barkley

Scores Touchdown in Low-Yardage Outing
Jalen Hurts

Rushes for Two Touchdowns on Thursday
Javonte Williams

Salvages Inefficient Outing With Two Touchdowns
Pablo López

Pablo Lopez Expected to Return on Friday
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Exits With Knee Contusions
Will Smith

Unlikely to Play This Weekend
Shohei Ohtani

to Pitch on Monday
Jon Rahm

Looks to Prove His Importance on European Ryder Cup Team
Tommy Fleetwood

Among Leaders of European Ryder Cup Team
Brandon Sproat

to Start for Mets on Sunday
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Close to Triple-Double Versus Serbia
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Fills Box Score Against Turkey
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Shakes Off Minor Injury
E.J. Liddell

Inks Two-Way Deal With Nets
NBA

Ben Simmons Reportedly Considering Retirement
P.J. Washington

Agrees to Four-Year, $90 Million Extension
Mike Trout

Plans to Return on Thursday
Will Smith

X-Rays Negative on Will Smith's Hand
Will Smith

Exits With Hand Contusion
Sepp Straka

Gets Captain's Pick to Join Team Europe
PGA

Victor Hovland to Make Third Ryder Cup Appearance for Team Europe
J.J. Spaun

Set to Represent Team USA for First Time at Bethpage
Russell Henley

Makes First Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Harris English

Named to Ryder Cup Team for Second Time
Justin Thomas

Making Fourth Ryder Cup Team Appearance at Bethpage
Ben Griffin

Making First Career Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Bryson DeChambeau

Set to be Part of Team USA at Bethpage
Santi Aldama

Bags Double-Double in Losing Effort
Guerschon Yabusele

Erupts for 36 Points Against Poland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Leads Slovenia Into Next Round at EuroBasket
San Antonio Spurs

Stanley Umude Signs Training Camp Deal With Spurs
Reece Beekman

Joins Magic for Training Camp
Justin Minaya

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Magic
Alexandre Sarr

to Miss Rest of EuroBasket
Jared McCain

"On Pace" for Training Camp
Luke Hughes

Devils Optimistic About Signing Luke Hughes
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Dylan Holloway

Good to Go for Start of Season
Josh Morrissey

Fully Healthy for Start of Season
Dennis Hildeby

Signs Three-Year Extension With Maple Leafs
Franz Wagner

Collects Double-Double in Blowout Win
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Achieves Rare Numbers at EuroBasket
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Dominates Against Sweden
Kristaps Porzingis

Finding Form at EuroBasket
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Suffers Minor Injury at EuroBasket
Victor Wembanyama

Looking "Quite Stellar"
Denny Hamlin

Ends Eventful Day at Darlington in Seventh Place
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Almost Earns a Top-Five Finish at Darlington
John Hunter Nemechek

has His Best 2025 Performance at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Has An Underwhelming Performance At Darlington
Josh Berry

Crashes Early and Suffers A Playoff Setback at Darlington
Chase Elliott

Under Playoff Pressure After 17th-Place Darlington Finish
Kyle Larson

Despite Hendrick Mediocrity, Kyle Larson Remains Pretty Safe in Playoffs
Alex Bowman

Opening-Lap Crash and Botched Pit Stop May Have Sunk Alex Bowman's Playoff Hopes
Erik Jones

Darlington Master Erik Jones Comes Up Short but Still Finishes Third
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Impresses at Southern 500