We’re back for Week 14 of the 2020 NFL regular season. The week opens with the Rams hosting the Patriots on Thursday Night Football. We had some huge upsets last weekend with the Steelers losing to Washington and the Seahawks losing to the Giants. It’s entirely possible most Survivor pools were decided with one of those two games, but there are potentially still a few still running.
If you’ve never played in a Survivor pool, it’s a pretty straightforward deal. You pick one team each week that you think will win. If your team loses in Week 1, you’re eliminated (unless it’s a double elimination pool). If your team wins in Week 1, you can make a pick in Week 2. If your team wins in Week 2, you can make a pick in Week 3, and so on. The catch is that you cannot pick the same team twice. You could use a heavy favorite in Week 1, but you would not have access to them later in the year if you’re alive in the closing weeks.
Survivor pools are usually either a single elimination contest or a double elimination contest. I was in one of each and got eliminated from both in Week 5. But, we’re still here to help you win your pools with a look at safe choices, value choices, and potential traps. Last week, both safe picks (Dolphins, Chiefs) and both value picks (Dolphins, Vikings) made it through — although the Vikings escaped a heck of a scare against Jacksonville. Meanwhile, my Raiders trap pick almost came true, but a last second touchdown saved those of you who picked the Raiders.
On to Week 14!
Safest picks
Seahawks over Jets
Titans over Jaguars
Now’s the time to use the Seahawks if you still have them. Yes, the Jets almost beat the Raiders and the Seahawks lost to the Giants, but this is a big bounce-back spot for Seattle. If you have used them, Tennessee offers some value as they are a significant step up in competition from the Vikings.
Best value picks
Seahawks over Jets
It’s now or never.
Trap pick
Packers over Lions
Chiefs over Dolphins
I think Kansas City probably handles this one, but if you still have the Chiefs, I’d rather save them for Week 16 at home against Atlanta. I’m less certain Green Bay wins this one on the road, especially if the Lions can get Kenny Golladay back.