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 12) - Targets and Avoids

Jaylen Waddle - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

The top NFL survivor pool picks for Week 12 of the 2022 NFL season. Betting expert Seth I. Finkelstein's weekly survivor league pool targets and avoids.

Recency bias. The Eagles, who were the most dominant team in football through nine weeks, lost at home to a division rival and then squeaked by the Colts. Now all of a sudden, there are those wondering if the Eagles are for real. Another example is the Dallas Cowboys. After losing a game to the Packers, a game the Cowboys had no business dropping, they came back Sunday with a rout of the Vikings. Now, Dallas is back. But what about the Vikings? They've been one of the best all year, but now critics are doubting them. Football is a week-to-week game. When betting, try to remember how the team has played the last month, not just the last week.

Feast week is here and it's a sports bonanza with the NFL, college football, college basketball, NHL, NBA, and World Cup soccer. The NFL is king though and the Thanksgiving Day games feature the Bills at Lions, the Giants at Cowboys, and the Patriots at Vikings. As Bill Parcells used to say, now is when we find out which teams are for real.

You may be out of your survivor pool, or maybe you're in a second chance contest. Or maybe you're just looking for analysis, or just want my best bets. In this article, you'll find it all. 

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.

 

NFL Teams Favored by 7+ in Week 12

Lines are consensus via The Action Network: Chiefs -14.5 vs. Rams, Dolphins -13.5 vs. Texans, Cowboys -10 vs. Giants, Bills -9.5 at Lions, 49ers -9.5 vs. Saints, and Eagles -7 vs. Packers.

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

Teams on bye this week: No byes! We have a full slate.

My best bets are at the bottom of the column.

 

Top Survivor Pool Picks to Target for Week 12

Dolphins -13,5 vs. Texans

Houston is the worst team in football, ranking 27th in yards per play, and a lot of that has come from garbage time, being 30th in scoring, and 27th in opponent yards per play. The move at quarterback to Kyle Allen may spark the offense but not enough to compete with the Dolphins. Miami has one of the most electric offenses in the league with arguably the best wide-receiving duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. They've averaged 35 points per game in their last three. Tua Tagovailoa should come out firing after their bye.

Dolphins 38 - Texans 17

Chiefs -14.5 vs. Rams

Patrick Mahomes is the MVP frontrunner after he led another game-winning touchdown drive, this time on Sunday Night Football against the division-rival Chargers. It really looks like he hasn't missed a beat since Tyreek Hill left. They're averaging a league-best 30 points per game this season.

The Rams are reportedly expected to be without Matthew Stafford, who's in concussion protocol. We've seen John Wolford and Bryce Perkins play already and they are way below average. The Rams can't even use their running game to try and make it easier for the quarterback as they average 76 yards on the ground per game, 31st in the league. There’s no way the Rams will be able to move the ball at the level KC will.

Chiefs 38 - Rams 13

49ers -9.5 vs. Saints

San Francisco is rolling. Once they get a lead, they run the ball and their defense takes over. That's what happened Monday night against the Cardinals. It took two months but the Niners have finally figured it out.

The Saints struggled to beat the Rams on Sunday. Only when Matthew Stafford went out did New Orleans take control. But it still required two touchdown drives in the second half to do so. They are a mediocre team looking to beat one of the best.

49ers 30 - Saints 17

Bills -9.5 at Lions

Buffalo has been a team with such high expectations that failure to win by double-digits each week is not good enough for the talking heads. After losing toss-up games to the Jets and Vikings, they came back and took care of business against Cleveland. They started off slow but scored on their last seven possessions.

Detroit has won three in a row and always plays their hardest under Dan Campbell. You’d have thought their defense was playing better in recent weeks but in their last three games, they're giving up 6.1 yards per play, fourth-worst in that span.

I expect this game to be close for the first 1.5 quarters before Buffalo puts them away. Buffalo’s offense is made for a fast turf and gets to showcase it again Thursday.

Cowboys -10 vs. Giants

Originally, this was in the avoids section, but seeing the Giants will be without four offensive linemen changed my mind. Dallas has the most sacks in the league with 42. Defensive Player of the Year favorite Micah Parsons is expected to play.

The Giants will try and get Saquon Barkley going early, but it really depends on how this makeshift offensive line travels and plays on a short week.

Cowboys 27 - Giants 14

Eagles -7 vs. Packers

Green Bay appeared to get their season back on track two weeks ago coming from behind to beat the Cowboys. But the way Aaron Rodgers and the offense looked last Thursday night against Tennessee, it seems they’re done. Rodgers had 5.82 yards per attempt against the Titans. For comparison, seven or so yards per attempt is the standard. Looking at the stats, they are an average team at best.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are off a close win in Indy. It was a good rebound after losing their first game of the season to the Commanders. They have the best defense in the league in terms of yards per play, which should throttle Rodgers. Their offense can chip away enough to get points.

Eagles 26 - Packers 16

 

Top Survivor Pool Picks to Avoid for Week 12

Bucs -3.5 at Browns

Tampa is in a spot I love, a road favorite off a bye. But I don't see how you can trust them with how they've played through 10 games. The offense is 24th in yards per play. Tom Brady has not looked himself, but will that change after a week off? A lot of questions and the Bucs are a wait-and-see approach before backing them.

Bucs 21 - Browns 20

Broncos -2.5 at Panthers

If Denver scored 19 points per game, they'd be 9-1. Let that sink in. Their defense has been dominant; third in yards per play, fourth in third-down conversion percentage, and first in red zone defense. The problem is the incompetent offense. Russell Wilson and co. are averaging 14.7 points per game, the worst in the league.

In the past when you had such a dominant defense with a terrible offense, they sometimes lose it later in the season. The unit realizes how much they need to do to stay in the game, which creates super-high expectations, and the pressure gets to them. For example, over the last three games, Denver has given up the 19th-most yards per play. Derek Carr was 23-37 for 307 yards and two touchdowns and Josh Jacobs ran for 109 yards on 24 carries in Week 11.

Sam Darnold will be starting for Carolina, which has to be an upgrade from Baker Mayfield. How much worse could their offense look than they did this past Sunday? If the Panthers' defense does its part, they will likely win.

Panthers 16 - Broncos 10

 

NFL Best Bets for Week 12

  • Raiders +3.5 at Seahawks - Las Vegas finally won a close game. Will that propel a little winning streak? Seattle is off the bye. Both teams have very different records but have similar talent levels.
  • Jaguars +4.5 vs. Ravens - If Lamar Jackson is not himself, Baltimore is in big trouble. Jacksonville should come out with a good script out of their bye.
  • Chiefs -14.5 vs. Rams - I usually avoid big favorites like this, but how will the Rams be able to score with John Wolford or Bryce Perkins?

 

Running Totals

  • Last Week: 2-1
  • 2022 season: 19-12-2
  • 2021 season: 27-26-1
  • 2020 season: 24-27
  • 2019 season: 23-26-2


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

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

Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Jalen Williams

will Undergo Surgery on Right Wrist
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Deandre Ayton

Finalizing Contract Buyout With Portland
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Jaylin Williams

Signing Three-Year Extension
LeBron James

Accepts Player Option
Anfernee Simons

"a Possible Re-Trade Candidate"
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Milwaukee Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr. Declining Player Option
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Toronto Raptors

Garrett Temple Returning to Toronto
Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Declines Player Option
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Garrett Mitchell

to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez in Guardians Lineup on Saturday
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Chase Burns

Slated to Make Next Start on Monday
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Josh Naylor

Exits Friday's Contest Early with Neck Stiffness
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
José Berríos

Jose Berrios Tosses Seven Scoreless Innings in Fourth Win
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
Eric Cole

Hoping for Better Times at Rocket Classic
Beau Hossler

Searching for Form at Rocket Classic
PGA

Byeong Hun An in Good Form Heading into Rocket Classic
Cameron Young

Looking For Redemption and Possible First Career Victory in Detroit
Collin Morikawa

is The Headliner This Week in Detroit For Good Reason
Si Woo Kim

Back in Competition After Last Week's Withdrawal
PGA

Alex Noren Finishes Tied For 30th at Travelers Championship
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open