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 7) - Targets and Avoids

NFL expert Seth I. Finkelstein gives you his top NFL survivor pool picks for Week 7 of the NFL season and his best bets against the spread.

Week 6 wrapped up with the Green Bay Packers giving survivor entries a huge scare. It looked like the Packers were done. Their defense was so bad allowing 7.3 yards per play, yet Aaron Rodgers did it again. He should win the MVP. For those of you saying Pat Mahomes should win, they were a playoff team with Alex Smith last year that also started the season 5-0. Without Rodgers, the Packers would be a dumpster fire.

The other big favorite of the day were the Houston Texans and they did everything they could to lose the game, but Nathan Peterman handed it to them.

With nearly all participants in survivor pools eliminated, you may not find a need to read this column. However, some survivor pools have restated. there's still plenty of good tidbits to help you with your daily fantasy squads. Plus, my best bets against the spread at the bottom of this column.

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 6

  • Baltimore had more sacks, 11, than completions allowed, 10
  • The Titans have failed to score a touchdown in half their games
  • Once again, the Falcons don't turn it over, and the game comes down to the last play
  • One punt in the Chiefs-Patriots game
  • The Bucs are tied for first in yards per play, but last in opponent yards per play

 

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.

I will also be giving out my three top plays against the spread. I will italicize those three teams. It will look like this: Patriots -7 vs. Jets. The team I like in any given game against the spread will be first.

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 7 per The Action Network app (home team in caps):

  • Rams -10 @ 49ERS
  • COLTS -7.5 vs. Bills

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

Teams on bye: Packers, Raiders, Steelers, Seahawks

 

Top Survivor Picks for Week 7

In order of my favorite selections:

Rams -10 @ 49ERS

The Niners just played the game of their lives and lost in heartbreaking fashion. Now they're on a short week for a game against the best team in football. Despite being an average defense, the Niners won't be able to stop the Rams. LA has already had their scares against the Seahawks and Denver the last two weeks. This should be a cakewalk.

Rams 37 - 49ers 20

 

JAGUARS -5 vs. Texans 

This is more about how lucky the Texans have been than how awful the Jags have been the last two weeks. Houston was 0-3 when Frank Reich decided to go for it on fourth down from his own 40. The Texans ended up winning the game. The week after, Jason Garrett decided not to go for it in overtime on fourth-and-1 on the opposing 40. They punted and Houston won. Last week, Nathan Peterman was Nathan Peterman. Those are three of the luckiest wins I've seen.

I can't stand backing Blake Bortles because he is as Mike Lombardi says, "The Great Equalizer." But, Houston struggles to get off the field on third down as they rank in the bottom five. The Jags defense will revert to their old ways and dominate the Texans anemic offensive line. That unit's allowed Deshaun Watson to get sacked 25 times, second-most in the league, and hit an insane 65 times. That's worst in the league and 18 more than the next. The Jags will get pressure and win this one.

Jaguars 23 - Texans 14

 

FALCONS -6 vs. Giants

Atlanta has had a typical Falcons season. They find ways to lose in different ways and this past Sunday could have been one of the most unimaginable ways to lose on a quarterback draw with some laterals. They've lost four games. The first one because they couldn't score in the red zone, the second to the Saints in overtime, the third to the Bengals on the last play, and the fourth to the Steelers in what was a bad game.

They've turned the ball over a league-low three times. That's better than the Chiefs and Saints, five each, and the Rams, six. We all made fun of their touchdown scoring in the red zone last season, but it's been fixed up this season as they are in the top-five in that stat. They also average the ninth most points per game. The issue is their defense. They've had probably the most injuries, but that shouldn't be an excuse because it's next man up. They're 29th in opposing yards per play, 31st in opponent third down conversion percentage.

I'll try not to let recency bias get in my head after the Giants dreadful Thursday night performance, but it's really hard not to. Eli Manning won't throw it down the field. Odell Beckham Jr. would rather talk and do his usual antics than play. They are average in the important stats, but when it comes scoring they rank 27th. They also rank 29th in red zone touchdown scoring and that's the way to beat the Falcons because they rank 30th in opponent red zone touchdown scoring.

The Falcons are 3-0 in home prime-time games since 2015, and they'll make it 4-0.

Falcons 34 - Giants 24

 

Plus, here's a great gambling nugget:

 

Bills +7.5 @ COLTS

I originally had this game as an avoid, but then the news came out Josh Allen is going to be out for some time. That means Nathan Peterman gets the start. The Bills defense will keep them in it, but Peterman will throw the game away somehow.

Colts 26 - Bills 20

 

Top Survivor Picks to Avoid 

Titans +6.5 vs. Chargers (London)

I've learned my lesson enough taking the Chargers as touchdown favorites. They underwhelm when they're getting the respect from the public. The Titans have looked so bad failing to score a touchdown in their last two games and three of their last four. It doesn't make sense the Titans can keep pace with the high-octane offense of the Chargers, but Tennessee has a good defense. They're fifth in opponent yards per play and third in opponent red zone touchdown scoring. The Chargers are 10th in scoring touchdowns in the red zone. That's where this game will be decided. The Chargers will move the ball, but can the Titans hold them to field goals. If so, this game is going to be a lot closer than people expect.

Chargers 23 - Titans 21

 

The Rest 

Broncos -2.5 @ CARDINALS (Thursday night) - What an awful game. If Vance Joseph sticks to the running game, the Broncos should have no problem winning. They rank 10th in rushing offense, averaging 124 yards on the ground. The Cards rushing defense ranks 31st. The Broncos rank last in rushing defense, but it's not like the Cardinals can run the ball themselves as they are dead last in rushing.

Patriots -3 @ BEARS  - Bill Belichick will design a way to slow down Khalil Mack. The Patriots are rolling and it's foolish to go against them until they lose.

Browns +3 @ BUCS - The Bucs are two completely different teams. They have one of the best offenses and probably the worst defense. That's why they just fired their defensive coordinator Mike Smith. The stat that will decide this game is turnovers. The Browns are tied for first in turnover differential at plus seven while the Bucs are 30th, minus six.

EAGLES -4.5 vs. Panthers - Can the Eagles get pressure on the quarterback as they did to Eli last week? If so, Cam Newton will be in a lot of trouble. I have a feeling the Eagles are about to go on a winning streak.

Vikings -3 @ JETS - Who would've thought the Jets would be one of the hottest offenses in football? Now the Vikings and their ferocious defense comes to town. I think Mike Zimmer will confuse Sam Darnold and force him into several interceptions.

RAVENS -2.5 vs. Saints - I'm always nervous of taking the Saints on the road outdoors. Sean Payton is 7-4 against the spread off a bye, and the Saints are 3-2 straight-up off a bye since 2013. I've been to Baltimore's stadium and it's one of the loudest stadiums I've been to. With an opponent like the Saints coming to town, this will be a raucous crowd. If the Ravens can get half the pressure they got on Marcus Mariota last week on Drew Brees, they'll win. This will be a very tight game.

REDSKINS -1.5 vs. Cowboys - Both of these teams are so Jekyll and Hyde. I just can't trust the Dallas offense especially Jason Garrett to put together two good games in a row.

Bengals +6 @ CHIEFS (Sunday night) Perhaps the Bengals are overcoming their bad prime-time history after their win over the Ravens in Week 2. The Bengals have a great interior pass rush and that may stymie Pat Mahomes. Six points is a lot to give with a defense as bad as the Chiefs. Plenty of room for a backdoor cover.

*There is no line on the Lions at Dolphins game because of Ryan Tannehill's injury. However, if the Lions are favorite, I love them. I gave out a stat last week about road favorites off a bye.

Despite the Bears blowing it, I'm going right back to it ONLY IF Detroit is a favorite.

 

My Running Season Total

  • Best bet ATS record: 7-10-1
  • This week: Rams -10, Falcons -6, Lions (ONLY IF ROAD FAVORITE) if not, then Titans +6.5
  • Last week: 0-2-1

 
Good luck RotoBallers, and I'll be back next week previewing Week 8.

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

Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs With Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal With Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NYI

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NJ

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
SJ

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
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
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
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
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
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