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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

NFL Survivor Pool Picks (Week 12) - Targets and Avoids

Bill Belichick - NFL Head Coach New England Patriots

The top NFL survivor pool picks for Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season. Betting expert Seth I. Finkelstein's weekly survivor league pool targets and avoids.

When it looks too easy, sometimes it is. The Commanders were 7.5-point favorites against Tommy Devito and the Giants. The G-Men could not have looked worse in recent weeks. Washington, with a losing record, was more than a touchdown favorite. But New York came out and played really good football, winning outright and dealing the biggest blow to survivor pools. All the other big favorites in Week 11 won, but not all covered.

Now we get to see what teams are really made of. Bill Parcells famously said, "The real season begins after Thanksgiving." And we'll get to see how the Lions, Cowboys, and 49ers, all the top NFC teams, fare on Thanksgiving day.

It's a full slate of games this week. If you're still alive in Survivor leagues, you'll have some options this week but not next so pick carefully and try to strategize by looking ahead.

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

 

NFL Teams Favored by 6+ in Week 12

  • Cowboys (-11) vs. Commanders
  • Dolphins (-10) at Jets
  • Chiefs (-8.5) at Raiders
  • Lions (-7.5) vs. Packers
  • 49ers (-7) at Seahawks

Teams on bye: None

 

Top Survivor Pool Picks to Target for Week 12

Patriots (-3) at Giants

You're reading that correctly. New England would be my top play in Survivor this week. Not only are they a road favorite off a bye that hits at a more than 60 percent clip, but this is Bill Belichick going against an undrafted rookie quarterback. Belichick is 22-6 all-time against rookies. Tommy Devito just had his big game but that won't happen against this defense off a bye. The Pats rank seventh in opponent yards per play and with the extra week, could hold the Giants to less than 14.

Will the Patriots offense be able to get 20 points on the board? That should be enough to win the game. I say yes.

Patriots 20 - Giants 13

Chiefs (-8.5) at Raiders

The Chiefs dominate the Raiders, having beaten Vegas in 10 of the last 11. Chiefs fans travel well and going to Las Vegas is no different. It's virtually a home game for Patrick Mahomes and company. Their offense should have no problem moving the ball on the Raiders, who rank 20th in opponent yards per play and 244 passing yards in their last three. Their second-half struggles will end.

Aidan O'Connell has played well for the Raiders but they've scored 13 and 16 in their last two games. That's not going to cut it.

Chiefs 31 - Raiders 17

Dolphins (-10) at Jets

It took this long for the Jets to bench Zach Wilson and replace him. It won't matter now. The season is over. Tim Boyle will get the start with Trevor Siemian as the backup. Wilson will be the third-stringer. It's too late though. The Jets have scored two touchdowns in their last four games. What a joke. You don't get many seasons with a top defense like this one and young star players on rookie deals. Teams need to make the most of these situations and the Jets failed. Aaron Rodgers went out and the Jets were content with Wilson.

The Jets' best defense in this game will be the cold weather. Can the warm-weathered Dolphins handle a cool 45-degree day in windy New York? Miami will need to win games like this one when they gets to the playoffs. Either way, 21 for Miami is enough.

Dolphins 27 - Jets 17

Titans (-3.5) vs. Panthers

What a mistake Carolina made taking Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud. And the Panthers don't even have their first-round pick, which could very well be the first overall pick in the draft.

Tennessee is not much better but they can play defense and are off a bye.

Titans 23 - Panthers 17

Lions (-7.5) vs. Packers

It's going to be hard for Green Bay to score without Aaron Jones, their only reliable offensive player. They rank 15th in yards per play, 19th in passing, and 21st in rushing while averaging 20 points per game. Their defense is good but the Lions are scoring 27 points per game, the eighth-best in the league. Detroit already boat-raced the Packers earlier this season, 34-20. Expect a similar result to kick off Thanksgiving day.

Lions 30 - Packers 17

 

Top Survivor Pool Picks to Avoid for Week 12

Cowboys (-11) vs. Commanders

I say it every week when you expect the Commanders to play well, they play poorly and vice-versa. They are not expected to stand a chance in this game and that is exactly why Washington will play this game right down to the end. Look, the Commanders had no business being more than a touchdown favorite against anyone. They did turn the ball over six times, which was the reason why they lost.

Dallas beats up on bad teams but Washington is not bad and they're not good, just average. The Cowboys should be able to move the ball as should the Commanders. Sam Howell is a chucker and will continue to throw even when they're down a lot. 11 is way way way too much in this one.

Cowboys 34 - Commanders 24

49ers (-6.5) at Seahawks

This line seems a little high. Seattle has an offense that can compete with anyone. They rank 11th in yards per play and 13th in passing. Geno Smith is not as good as he was last year but he surely can move the ball with dynamic receivers such as D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The Niners are one of the top teams in football and they should win but this match on Thanksgiving night will be a close one.

49ers 27 - Seahawks 24

 

NFL Best Bets for Week 12

  • Patriots (-3) at Giants
  • Titans (-3.5) vs. Panthers
  • Commanders (+11.5) at Cowboys

2023 Season Running Totals

  • Last week: 1-1-1
  • 2023 season: 19-13-1
  • 2022 season: 28-23-3
  • 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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

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

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Lamar Jackson

Throws for Four Touchdowns in Week 2 Win
James Cook

Scores Two Touchdowns in Rout of Jets
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Rome Odunze

Scores Twice in Loss
Ja'Marr Chase

Snags 14 Receptions, Finds End Zone in Week 2
Russell Wilson

Throws for 450 Yards, Three Touchdowns in Loss
Jared Goff

Throws Five Touchdowns
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Scores Three Touchdowns
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
Ryan Preece

Seems Slower on Concrete Than on Asphalt
NASCAR

Legacy Motor Club's Short-Track Speed Will Likely Hold John H. Nemechek Back
Erik Jones

Definitely Faster This Year, but Short Tracks Still a Liability
Daniel Suarez

Despite Poor Qualifying Run, Daniel Suarez Might Not Be a Great Choice
Noah Gragson

Unlikely to Be Fast at Bristol but Still Might Be Worth Considering for DFS
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
Zach Neto

Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Masyn Winn

Shut Down for Rest of Season
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Imaging on Saturday
Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent