With just two games remaining, the season is all about which teams have given up, and which are still going to play out the season.
This is an opportunity to find some teams that previously wouldn’t even be on the Survivor Pool radar that are squaring off against teams that have decided to pack it up for the season. Here’s my week 16 NFL Survivor Pool best bets.
Teams Used: Green Bay, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota (loss), Jacksonville, Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago, New England, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Baltimore
Best Bet
Cleveland Browns
I can’t believe I’m actually betting on the Browns in a Survivor Pool. Just last year, this would have been an all-time great team to pick against.
However, the Browns are playing as well as any team at the moment and the week 16 matchup is just too juicy to avoid. The Bengals have been one of the most disappointing teams in the second half of the season, while the Browns are ascending.
And that won’t stop this week. The Bengals didn’t look great in week 15, but defeated a bad Raiders team. Even with that victory, the Bengals are 30th in yards per play in the last three weeks, while the Browns are the top team in the NFL in that period.
Yes, the Browns are averaging the most yards per play in the last three games. I didn’t know when I would ever write that phrase after years of futility.
The Browns have a good enough defense to stymie the Bengals, and the offense will feel comfortable at home to move the ball consistently against the Bengals.
Sleeper Pick
Tennessee Titans
If you’re looking for two teams to complete your Survivor Pool, the Titans offer a nice opportunity.
The Redskins have been terrible in recent weeks and it’s just a matter of time before Washington falls off the playoff map. Washington is averaging just 4.8 yards per play in the last three games, compared to Tennessee’s 6.1, which is ranked third during that time.
And the defense for Washington isn’t much better. Washington is giving up 5.6 yards per play in the last three games, while Tennessee is allowing 4.1, the best mark in the NFL during that time period.
Tennessee is a 10-point favorite for a reason. That’s why they should be considered your second choice for the Survivor Pool in week 16.
Be Careful
Los Angeles Chargers
I believe the Chargers are one of the best teams in the NFL.
But this is a tough matchup after such an emotional victory in week 15. The Ravens are the No. 1 defense in the NFL and will be fighting for a playoff spot. The offense has been able to run the football better in recent weeks with Lamar Jackson at the helm, and the Chargers have been dealing with injuries.
Los Angeles has seen its offensive production dwindle in recent weeks, so that should give you pause with trusting the Chargers. If you’ve been waiting on the Chargers, wait another week, since there are several other matchups capable of trusting in week 16.
