Some players in NFL survivor pools have either proceeded or been knocked out after the early games. With 14 matchups remaining, it’s crucial to finalize your selections for Week 1 if you haven’t done so already. Last season, a shocking upset saw the New England Patriots defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in week one, eliminating numerous contenders from their pools early.

This week features four matchups with spreads larger than 5.5 points, highlighting contests like Bengals vs. Browns (+5.5), Cardinals vs. Saints (+6.5), and Broncos vs. Titans (+8.5). These are the critical games for survivor players, but among the favorites, which offers the best value?

Before deciding, check out which team the highly accurate SportsLine Projection Model heavily supports this week.

The SportsLine model simulates every NFL game 10,000 times and has shown significant returns, over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its introduction. With a record of 31-15 on top-rated picks throughout 2024, anyone following these selections could have enjoyed notable profits.

This week, the model advises against backing the Arizona Cardinals against the New Orleans Saints, despite them being 6.5-point favorites with a money line of -292. The Saints are projected to be one of the weakest teams this season, yet the model sees the game as closely contested, estimating Arizona’s chances of victory at only 58%. The Cardinals have struggled historically, particularly in their slow starts from last season, losing three of their first four games, contrasted with the Saints’ initial success in 2024.

Top Week 1 NFL Survivor Pool Predictions

The model confidently backs a surprising team in nearly 80% of simulations. Now is the time to make that pick! Discover which team to support for optimal chances of a win in your survivor pool.

Which team stands out as a must-pick for Week 1? Find out at SportsLine, with additional offers available through the DraftKings and FanDuel promo codes.