NFL Week 2 presents several strong favorites, but survivor contests are about more than simply taking the safest team.
Our Week 2 Survivor Pool picks break down the top options, win probabilities, and future-value considerations to help you advance.
Check out our NFL picks for more analysis.
Week 2 Survivor Pool rankings
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Pick |  Win Probability |
Why They'll Win |
|---|---|---|
1.  49ers |
91% | This is the easiest game on the 49ers' schedule, who plays in the toughest division in the league. |
2.  Buccaneers |
81% | Their opponent, the Browns, have the worst power rating in the market, per a combination of several NFL analysts. |
3.  Ravens |
80% | Lamar Jackson is 25-3 straight-up in his career against the NFC. |
4.  Rams |
76% | The preseason Super Bowl-favorite Rams won't go 0-2 to start the season, right? |
5.  Chargers |
74% | Since hiring head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are 4-0 SU vs. the Raiders. |
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
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1. 49ers (vs Dolphins)
- Why to take them: San Francisco is mostly healthy for now and Miami has the second-worst power rating in the market, per NFL analyst Sam Hoppen
- Why to save them: The Niners could be the most popular pick this week and they host the Raiders after their bye in Week 9
2. Buccaneers (vs Browns)
- Why to take them: Baker Mayfield is out for revenge against the team who drafted him and took the biggest beating in the NFL last week
- Why to save them: Tampa Bay plays in the worst division in the league and still has home games vs. the Falcons and Saints
3. Ravens (vs Saints)
- Why to take them: Baltimore looked like a truck in 41-23 win over the Colts in Week 1 and Lamar Jackson owns the NFC
- Why to save them: The Ravens host the Browns in Week 16, who could be in tank mode at that point of the season
4. Rams (vs Giants)
- Why to take them: The Rams have a high win probability and won't be popular because the Giants beat the Cowboys on primetime last week.
- Why to save them: Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, is on the IR for the next four games
5. Chargers (vs Raiders)
- Why to take them: According to SurvivorAtlas.com, the Chargers have the fifth-highest ownership projection this week
- Why to save them: The Chargers were out-classed in a 26-14 loss to the Cardinals last week and their defense needs to gel after losing defensive coordinator Jesse Minter this offseason
Week 2 Survivor Pool strategy
I survived and advanced last week by using the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 20-13 win over the Falcons.
Despite the Niners have a higher win probability, I'm considering the Buccaneers this week instead out of concern for San Francisco's energy after playing in Australia in Week 1. I've heard people who've traveled to Australia say the return home is more exhausting than the trip there.
It probably won't matter because the Dolphins are terrible but the Niners are good enough to save in a tough week later this season. Also, Tampa Bay doesn't have many easy wins outside of its division, so it might be "now or never" with the Bucs.
Yet, the same can be said about Baltimore because we know Lamar's injury history. Plus, the Ravens are projected to be the third-most used team this week, and they could be the most popular in Week 4 when they host the Tennessee Titans or Week 16 vs. the Browns.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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