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 of the week.”
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. It may be worth it to look at the NFL betting odds for these games and place some bets as well.
Week 17 NFL Survivor Pool Picks
Lock of the Week | Best Pick for NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 17
Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Giants
The Indianapolis Colts take on the New York Giants as they open the week as 7.5-point favorites. The Colts are currently in must-win mode as they sit two games back in the AFC Playoff Picture. They are going to need some help, as they need the Broncos to lose in order to make the playoffs, but that is only if the Colts win out. Indianapolis has a great chance to start that journey on a hot note in this game as the Giants have been one of the worst teams in the NFL this season.
We saw the Colts ride their run game to a big win over the Tennessee Titans last week. I am expecting that to be replicated this week, as the Giants are 31st in rushing yards given up this season, at 2,139. Jonathan Taylor should be involved early and often, as once the run game gets going, Anthony Richardson won’t be relied upon to carry them to a win. Getting Taylor going will only help Richardson’s passing and rushing.
In a must-win game, I am always going to take the better team for my NFL Survivor Pick for Week 17, especially with their playoff lives on the line.
Lock of the Week: Indianapolis Colts
Value Pick of the Week | Week 17 NFL Survivor Pool Picks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
After getting upset last week by the Dallas Cowboys, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in need of a win as they are in the midst of a tight playoff push. The Bucs are currently behind the Atlanta Falcons for the lead in the NFC South. With the Falcons taking on the Commanders this week, the Buccaneers have a real chance to take the lead in the division with one week remaining in the season. This is not a must-win game, but it is as close as any team is going to get this week.
Luckily, the Buccaneers take on a Panthers team who at times as looked alright. But in general, this is still one of the worst teams in the NFL. I am expecting the Buccaneers to ride their two-headed backfield in this game with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. The Panthers are last in rushing yards given up this season, so the run game should be available for the entirety of the game. With the run game going, Baker Mayfield should be able to play well off of the play action with Mike Evans not having to difficult of a matchup in this game.
Value Pick of the Week: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
High Risk, High Reward Pick of the Week | Week 17 NFL Survivor Pool Picks
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints
Last week, the New Orleans Saints were the first team shutout this season as they absolutely got destroyed by the Green Bay Packers. The Packers were able to move the ball very effectively on the ground, as the Saints currently rank 30th in rushing yards given up this season. Now, the Raiders are not nearly as good as the Packers, but the Saints inability to put together any sort of team makes me like the Raiders.
This is a game of two really bad teams. But, in general, the Raiders have more playmakers on offense. Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah should find success on the ground, which only spells good news for Brock Bowers and Jakobi Myers to work in the passing game. I am expecting New Orleans’ inability to stop the run, partnered with their lack of playmakers, to be in the downfall in this game.
High Risk, High Reward Pick of the Week: Las Vegas Raiders
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