If you are unaware of what NFL survivor picks are, the basic concept is you make NFL picks throughout the season, but you can only pick a team once. Once you lose, you’re knocked out, so choose your Week 17 NFL Survivor Pool picks wisely.
If you are new to reading my survivor articles, what I do is outline my “lock of the week,” my “value of the week” and my “high-risk, high-reward pick.” The lock of the week details what team I think has the best chance of winning their matchup. This would most likely be a good team that plays a bad team. The lock is also the official pick for NFL Survivor Pools, meaning we will not reuse a “lock.” My value pick of the week details a mid-tier team that has a good matchup. And finally my high risk, high reward pick details a bad team that has a good matchup.
Last week, I went 1-2 on my picks. Somehow, the Chargers lost to the Houston Texans. I assume that if you were still alive last week and there not being a better matchup than this, you are out of your pool. With that being said, we are getting limited on teams left to pick for the lock of the week.
Teams Used for “Lock of the Week”
- San Francisco 49ers
- Green Bay Packers
- Arizona Cardinals
- New Orleans Saints
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Carolina Panthers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Indianapolis Colts
- Baltimore Ravens
- New England Patriots
- Washington Football Team
- Minnesota Vikings
- Seattle Seahawks
- Miami Dolphins
- Los Angeles Chargers
Week 17 NFL Survivor Pool Picks
Lock of the Week | Week 17 NFL Survivor Pool Picks
Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons
This is where strategy comes into play. For Week 17, let’s take number 17, Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills are in the midst of a playoff push, as they are trying to lock up a playoff spot. The Bills currently are leading the AFC East. With the Patriots matched up against the Jaguars, it seems likely that the Bills need a win here. As Atlanta is preparing to enter a rebuild, you have to imagine that the Falcons are looking for a playoff spot.
Buffalo has struggled to run the ball this year. The Falcons are currently 30th in the league against opposing quarterbacks. Buffalo runs so much of their offense through Allen, that they should have no problem moving the ball against the Falcons. Buffalo’s run defense has also been solid this year. Given that, Cordarrelle Patterson should not have too much success on Sunday.
Look for the Bills to move the ball at will against the Falcons this weekend.
Value Pick of the Week | Week 16 NFL Survivor Pool Picks
San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans
Much like the Bills, the 49ers are in the thick of the playoff push. With a matchup against a bad Texans team, they should be able to continue making a push to the playoffs. With reports that Jimmy Garoppolo is injured, Trey Lance may start for San Francisco this week. I do not believe that to be a bad thing for the 49ers. Lance was a top draft pick for a reason. This is Lance’s first true opportunity to show that he can take over the reins of the 49ers.
The Texans are coming off of a huge win and are in prime position for a loss. The Texans are close to last against the run this year. With the 49ers offensive philosophy of running the ball, there should be no problem moving the ball.
Look for Elijah Mitchell and Trey Lance to run all day and control this game.
High-Risk, High–Reward | Week 16 NFL Survivor Pool Picks
Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants
This one is a toss-up. I feel confident though about the Bears, due to their recent win over the Seahawks. Mike Glennon is projected to start for the Giants this week. This bodes well for a Chicago defense who has actually played solid this season. Look for the Bears’ pass rush to be on point on Sunday and give Glennon a long afternoon.
The Giants are 25th against the run this season. With David Montgomery healthy, running lanes should be open for the Bears. With the run game going, Justin Fields should be able to use play-action to his benefit. Also, if Montgomery gets going, eyes should be diverted from Fields. This opens Fields to running the ball and getting outside of the pocket.
Look for Fields to run the ball and get outside of the pocket to find open receivers. The defense should be able to give Glennon trouble and the Bears should win in a sloppy, low-scoring game.
