NFL Week 2 Survival Pool Picks, tips, strategy, and more ft. Packers and 49ers
Every team, including the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers, will play a game by the end of Monday Night Football. As such, the options for survivor pool leagues are vast. There are plenty of easy options, but there are also plenty of probable landmines as well. Here's a look at some teams worth buying into and those to avoide in Week 2.
NFL Week 2 Survivor Pool Picks
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are riding high after shellacking their rivals the Las Vegas Raiders 22-10 in Week 1. The Panthers, meanwhile, are coming off undoubtedly the worst loss of Week 1, falling to the Saints 47-10. While the Chargers won by a big margin, it won't be enough to have them heading into the week with an air of hubris.
Meanwhile, the Panthers lost big enough and already had enough pressure on them after last season. This sets the Chargers up to win is spades, handing Jim Harbaugh the second win of his coaching career with LA.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens looked overwhelmed and out of sync for most of their first game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, this week, they take on the 0-1 Raiders.
Expect the Ravens to get things right this week and get their first win of the season.
NFL Week 2 Contrarian Pool Picks
San Francisco 49ers
Sam Darnold will host Kyle Shanahan in Minnesota this week. After spending the entirety of the 2023 season working with the head coach, some may think that Darnold has figured out the defense better than anyone else. This idea gains momentum after looking at Darnold's nearly 80% completion rate and two touchdowns in Week 1.
However, Shanahan should know how to mess with Darnold's understanding of the scheme. In other words, the 49ers know Darnold better than he knows the 49ers. Expect a somewhat tight contest, especially if Christian McCaffrey doesn't play. However, the 49ers will come out on top. This is a good choice for those hoping to leave the easier choices for the end of the season.
New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers is staring down the barrel of 0-2 this week, as his team takes on the Tennessee Titans. After losing in ugly fashion in Week 1, many are jumping ship. However, the matchup against the 0-1 Titans in their building is winnable.
At least, it is a shorter trip to Tennessee than it was to San Francisco. The Jets won't be facing the NFC's Super Bowl representative this week, so expect Rodgers to look much more in command.
NFL Week 2 Teams to Avoid
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are riding high after dismantling the Panthers, but don't buy in this week. The Saints take on the Cowboys, who also are coming off a blowout victory against the Browns.
At this point, either team could win but the Saints are more likely to ride high going into Week 2 than the Cowboys, who have had impressive regular seasons for the last several years. Expect the Saints to come into the game too confident.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers lost last week, but also most likely have lost Jordan Love for at least a chunk of the season. This week, the Packers will most likely be trotting out Malik Willis, who doesn't inspire much confidence for Packers fans without much of a sample size.
Put simply, play it safe by avoiding the Packers. Don't expect Willis to match Jordan Love and as such, don't expect the Packers to win against the Colts.