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NFL survivor pools are a fun way to enjoy football. They don’t take a lot of time, but the payout can be big — depending on the number of entries in your contest.
Last season, this column suggested the top options each week. Well, we’re going to do things a bit different this time around where my “chalk” selection will be my play in the USA TODAY NFL Survivor Pool — which is free to enter.
Unlike last season, I won’t list a “chalk” team more than once. It only seems fair as you won’t be able to take the same team twice in your contest — though some survivor games allow up to 3 losses.
However, I might suggest an already used team later in the season as my “No. 2 option” for those who might still have that team available, but a team will not be the “chalk” pick more than once.
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The chalk: Baltimore Ravens
Who they play: Home vs. Houston Texans – 1 p.m. (CBS)
In the past 2 head-to-head meetings, Baltimore won by a combined score of 74-23. The Ravens cruised to a 41-7 home rout in 2019 and won 33-16 in Houston 3 seasons ago.
With the running ability of Baltimore, the Ravens will control the clock and keep the Texans and rookie QB C.J. Stroud off the field. When the Texans do get on the field, it will have a banged up offensive line attempting to keep Stroud upright. This could be futile as the Ravens will get to him early and often.
Houston offensive linemen Kenyon Green, Tytus Howard, Scott Quessenberry and Juice Scruggs are out. This will leave Stroud vulnerable.
For the Ravens, QB Lamar Jackson is back … and potentially happy. His talent will make it difficult for a young Texas defense, which includes CB Derek Stingley Jr. the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Even if Stingley Jr. and Co. succeed in shutting down the Ravens passing game, Jackson and RB J.K. Dobbins will have a field day on the ground. Stopping them will not just be less than easy, it may be impossible.
There is not much to go on in Week 1 besides feelings. Well, my feeling here is the RAVENS are the safest bet to get your survivor pool stated.
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No. 2 option: Washington Commanders
Who they play: Home vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1 p.m. (FOX)
Washington is not a world beater of a team, but it is better than Arizona, which has made trades to look like a team preparing for the next season.
While Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon came over from the Philadelphia Eagles — where he was the defensive coordinator — and knows to trust the process, a difficult season is in store for Arizona fans in 2023.
Washington has some talent on offense. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, the Commanders have a solid base at the WR position. With RBs Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson coming out of the backfield, new QB Sam Howell will have options to check down to when needed.
Washington will look to win its 1st game under new ownership.
While the Cardinals are heading in the wrong direction in hopes of returning to the playoffs in future seasons, the Commanders are hoping the future is now. A win against the Cardinals will be the 1st step in making this happen.
Other to consider
Philadelphia Eagles: At New England Patriots — 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
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