In a week in which NFL favorites finished 11-2 SU, most survivor pools were safe havens. Unless, of course, you followed my advice and took the Atlanta Falcons.
Hopefully, you opted for my “safer” option and selected the Indianapolis Colts.
If your NFL survivor pool entry is still alive and kicking in Week 9, congrats. You’ve made it to November. And if you’re taking part in Covers’ $10K Pro Football Survivor Pool, you can’t help but start making plans for that prize money.
Well, SNAP OUT OF IT!
Favorites have been on a run, which can only mean regression is about it rear its ugly head in the second half of the schedule. And with the options dwindling each week, you’re going to have to make tough decision when it comes to which teams to burn and which ones to save for the final stretch.
Here is my favorite NFL survivor pool pick for Week 9, and the safest selection according to the NFL odds. Good luck!
Best survivor pool bets for Week 9
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams
My pick: Los Angeles Chargers
Opponent: at Tennessee Titans
Moneyline odds: -500 (Implied win probability 83.33%)
Fading the Titans is pretty much a proven strategy for survivor pools at this point. Tennessee has an average margin of -15 entering Week 9 and is getting 10 points at home to the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday.
Los Angeles has enjoyed a mini-bye since smashing the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday, and Justin Herbert is probably the best quarterback the Titans has taken on all year. Tennessee has allowed the second-most passing touchdowns per game.
This is also lopsided coaching matchup with Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman matching wits with interim coach Mike McCoy, who was the final head coach for the “San Diego Chargers” before the move to L.A.
The Bolts are a good team to burn in Week 9 given their future value. Los Angeles has a tough slate ahead, including a home stretch that features plenty of other clubs pushing for the postseason.
Read our full Chargers vs. Titans predictions.
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Safest pick: Los Angeles Rams
Opponent: vs. New Orleans Saints
Moneyline odds: -1000 (90.91% implied win probability)
The Los Angeles Rams are fresh off a bye and licking their lips with a rival rookie quarterback scheduled to make his first pro start on the road.
New Orleans puts Tyler Slough under center in Week 9, playing behind a banged-up offensive line ranked 32nd in pass block win rate at ESPN and 23rd in pass blocking at PFF. The Saints have allowed 11 sacks over the past three games.
Los Angeles is one of the elite defenses in the league, getting solid pressure on the passer with just the front four (26 sacks) and leaving the linebacker corps to plug up the passing lanes. The Rams allow the seventh-lowest completion rate, the sixth-lowest passer rating against, and have given up only 19 completions of 20-plus yards.
Sean McVay & Co. do have some softer matchups later in the year, but travel to spots like Carolina and Arizona for those games. Los Angeles does have a home game with Arizona in Week 18, but if the Rams are parked in a playoff spot, McVay won’t hesitate to rest his starters.
Read our full Saints vs. Rams predictions.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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