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Playing in an NFL Survivor Pool is always a fun way to start the season – that is, if you keep your pool alive. It's a game that requires a lot of strategy and forward-thinking, even if, at first glance, it feels like just a game to pick a winner.
With another season starting, let's start dwelling on which teams you should consider for your Week 1 pool.
NFL Week 1 Survivor Pool Picks
#1. Cincinnati Bengals
This is going to be one of the most used picks in Week 1, but don't worry – they're a safe pick to start your season on the right foot. If you are looking to just get through the weeks as they come, the Bengals are a good pick to start the season red hot, with a point to prove following a turbulent 2023.
The Patriots just aren't good enough to compete with them, and with Jacoby Brissett playing, their offense isn't going to be a threat.
#2. Seattle Seahawks
This is a classic survivor pick and one for those whose strategy involves thinking ahead. The Seahawks are a good team, but more often than not, you're going to skip them. If you don't want to use one of your trump cards in Week 1 and keep the Bengals available in a further opportunity, then Seattle could be the team for you.
They're playing the Denver Broncos, and you can imagine Bo Nix playing for the first time in the NFL. He'll be starting in one of the loudest stadiums and against a team motivated by a fresh start with their new coach. This is a good pick.
NFL Week 1 Contrarian Pool Pick
Los Angeles Chargers
If they don't play hard with Jim Harbaugh right out of the gate, then the Chargers just aren't going to play well at any point in 2024.
They'll play the Raiders at home, and Harbaugh could make hell for Gardner Minshew. Plus, even if it's fair to have many doubts about them, the Chargers have Justin Herbert and he should never be written off. It's a fun – albeit risky – survivor pick.
NFL Week 1 Team to Avoid
Philadelphia Eagles
Although they're considered the favorites for the São Paulo game, the Eagles aren't the home team in this situation, and they'll play against a strong team that's coming hot into the season.
The expectation is that Philadelphia will be a good team in 2024, but more likely than not, the atmosphere will remind people of an away game, as the Packers have the biggest fanbase in Brazil. Until we have better proof of how Kellen Moore's offense will work, pump the brakes on the Eagles in your survivor.
