NFL Week 8 Survivor Pool Tips: Best Picks and Strategies to Stay Alive

Week 7 was another difficult slate for those engaged in NFL survivor pools. The Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers both lost as significant favorites, which likely sent a lot of participants home for the year.

It's been that kind of season in the NFL, as we've seen underdogs win with a fair bit of frequency. In traditional survivor formats, fans are running out of teams they can truly trust.

The good news for those still surviving, though, is that all 32 teams will be in action for Week 8, meaning there will be more options than there were a week ago.

Below, you'll find some advice for staying afloat for another week, using the latest Week 8 odds as a guideline.

---

Check the latest lines at DraftKings.

General Survivor Tips for Week 8

Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

49ers QB Brock Purdy

Last week, we noted that away games and prime-time games can be risky for survivor picks—and we suggested trusting the 49ers anyway.

While we're going to blame Steve Wilks' terrible coverage call at the end of the first half—one that yielded a 60-yard Jordan Addison touchdown with only seconds remaining—there are some lessons to be learned.

For one, it seems like opposing defenses have started to catch up to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Secondly, the absence of Deebo Samuel (shoulder) has limited what Kyle Shanahan can do offensively.

These are both reasons to not trust the 49ers against a Cincinnati Bengals team coming off the bye this week. We'd also caution backing the Buffalo Bills against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night or the Los Angeles Chargers against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.

The Detroit Lions are probably a safer pick against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, given Las Vegas' lack of offensive consistency. If you're in a pinch and haven't used Detroit yet, there are worse matchups to consider.

One game to avoid entirely is the Sunday afternoon matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jaguars are starting to find their way as a legitimate contender for the AFC's top seed, but the Steelers continue to find ways to win games they probably shouldn't.

One of Pittsburgh's biggest rivals, however, has a matchup that's hard to ignore.

Take the Ravens over the Cardinals

G Fiume/Getty Images

Ravens TE Mark Andrews

Look, the Baltimore Ravens are not a perfect pick. Baltimore has cost itself twice in games it should have won with turnovers, and after blowing out the Detroit Lions, there is the potential for an emotional letdown.

However, fans aren't going to find a perfect survivor pick at this point in the season. Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews and the Ravens passing game is heating up, while the Arizona Cardinals are cooling off.

Arizona was a competitive team early in the season, even knocking off the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. However, the Cardinals have lost their last four games by double digits, and they're likely to do it again this week.

Baltimore is an 8.5-point favorite.

Running back James Conner remains sidelined, and Arizona doesn't appear ready to put quarterback Kyler Murray back on the field.

"Sources say Murray's return is expected to take multiple weeks," NFL Media's Ian Rapoport wrote.

Trust the Ravens to win one on the road, even if they don't win big.

Consider Sneaking in the Texans

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Texans QB C.J. Stroud

The Ravens and Lions project as the two safest picks this week, but for those who don't have those options or who are willing to take a risk, now could be the perfect time to sneak in the Houston Texans.

The Texans and Carolina Panthers are both coming off the bye, and Houston is clearly the better team. C.J. Stroud has outperformed Bryce Young in virtually every measurable area, and the Texans have a much better defense.

Houston ranks eighth in points allowed, while the Panthers rank 31st.

Is there risk involved here? You bet. Houston is on the road and is only a three-point favorite, which doesn't scream "smart survivor pick."

At some point, though, participants have to start choosing teams like Houston, and this is the most favorable game on the upcoming schedule. The Buccaneers have been better than expected, and Houston faces the Bengals, a Cardinals team that might have Murray back, and the Jaguars after Tampa.

Carolina remains winless for a reason. It isn't good, and it has lost every game except for one by double digits. Now is as good a time as any to take a flier on the 3-3 Texans.

---

Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visiting ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), visiting OPGR.org (OR), or calling/texting TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.