X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

NFL Survivor Pool Picks (Week 4) - Targets and Avoids

As good as football has been this young season, the game is also laughable. The league wants these referees to call these ticky-tacky penalties. On the winning touchdown drive for the Chargers, they had a 4th-and-9 from the Chiefs 35 when Justin Herbert's pass was incomplete. But of course, a pass interference was called. It was good hand fighting that should have been allowed. The Packers-49ers Sunday night game had several PIs called where the ball was uncatchable. These offensive players all whine and complain about getting a flag. It's getting harder and harder to bet when you have these ridiculous penalties constantly called.

If you had the Ravens in survivor and you end up winning the whole thing, thank Justin Tucker. Even throw him a tip. 66 yards is unfathomable. When the ball hit the crossbar, time seemingly stopped. I thought it had fallen short but then the refs put their hands up and...  jubilation. The game should have been lost before that. From the Ravens converting a 4th-and-19 earlier in that drive to them even blowing a 13-nothing lead. But give the Lions credit, they used three long drives to score on their final possessions (11 plays, 75 yards, 6:55, touchdown; 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:25, touchdown; 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:21, field goal). Detroit is not the walkover we thought they would be. Nearly all the other big favorites won except the Chiefs which were an avoid because why use Kansas City that early.

All season long, I'll be bringing you weekly columns on teams to target and avoid each week. Strategy is a major part of winning this pool and this article will help you through the season. 

Featured Promo: Get any Props Premium Pass for 50% off using code WINNING. Win more with our two new Props Optimizer tools -- one for PrizePicks Props, and one for Sportsbook Betting Props. Find optimal prop bets and get our recommended picks daily! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Survivor League Strategy

I wrote this before Week 1. I'll leave this section up until Week 5 when strategies change:

There are several ways to play this contest.

Week-by-week: What it sounds like. Don't look ahead, take it week-by-week choosing a team that will advance you.

The Long-Game: People plot out the entire season from Week 1-18. They look at the entire schedule determining when it would be best to choose teams based on opponents and other scheduling factors. I've personally never done this because injuries to star players can throw the whole plan into disarray. If you like this strategy, I'd advise looking ahead a maximum of three weeks and plotting the season a month at a time.

Contrarian: Don't take the big popular favorite each week. For Week 1, that would be avoiding the Bucs or Niners. The reason why people like this strategy; when one of the big favorites gets knocked out, the majority of entrants are eliminated and you avoid it.

Teams to Fade: Find the team that will be the worst and constantly fade them. Last year it was the Jets. This year it'll likely be the Texans.

My strategy: A combination of the above. I obviously want a team I'm confident in weekly. I like to look ahead but not too far ahead. And I don't like to be with the majority of people. For example, the Bucs and Chiefs are expected to be so why waste them in Week 1? Plenty of better opportunities later in the year. For example, the Bucs play the Giants in Week 11.

 

Teams favored by 7+ in Week 4

Lines are consensus from The Action Network (home team in caps); BILLS -16.5 vs. Texans, SAINTS -8 vs. Giants, Titans -7.5 at JETS, BENGALS -7.5 vs. Jaguars, STEELERS -7 vs. Packers.

If you're reading this article on Thursday or later, know that these lines are from Tuesday. Check the current spreads and see how the line moved.

With gambling now legal for some of you, I'm going to be giving out my three top plays against the spread. They'll be at the bottom. I'll also be giving my predicted score for games written about.

 

Top Survivor Picks for Week 4

Some very good and interesting options this week:

BILLS -16.5 vs. Texans

This is my most confident and surefire pick. Buffalo is firing on all cylinders. Their offense does not let up and will continue scoring all game. It doesn't matter if either Tyrod Taylor or Davis Mills starts at quarterback, they stand no chance.

Now, is this the best tactical play? No, because they have some easy opponents later on; at Jaguars in Week 7, at Jets Week 8, vs. Falcons in Week 17, vs. Jets in Week 18.

Bills 41 - Texans 17

SAINTS -8 vs. Giants

Are the Giants one of the most unwatchable teams in the league? RedZone barely showed their game against the Falcons. Daniel Jones can't have two or more good drives in a row. Saquon Barkley is not himself. Their offensive line is not good. They lost starting linebacker Blake Martinez for the season due to a torn ACL. Their play is going to get sloppier.

The Saints are a well-rounded team. They established the run this past Sunday and Jameis Winston did everything he was asked to. Their defense is top-10 in yards per play. This will be an ugly game to watch, but the Saints will take care of business.

If you do not use New Orleans here, Week 13 at the Jets is the only other option.

Saints 26 - Giants 20

BENGALS -7.5 vs. Jaguars

I can't believe I'm writing this but Cincinnati is my play this week. There are other spots to use them; Week 6 at Detroit, Week 8 at the Jets. But those are both on the road. This is a home Thursday night game. Their defense is fifth in opponent yards per play. The offense is not dynamic, but the Jaguars' defense is giving up six yards per play, 25th in the league.

Jacksonville had a very good chance to win Sunday. They returned a missed field goal for a 109-yard touchdown as time expired. Their kicker missed two extra points. But Trevor Lawrence has looked shaky and turned the game on a horrible pick-six at the end of the third. They can't play a complete game.

Bengals 23 - Jaguars 14

 

Top Survivor Picks to Avoid 

Titans -7 at JETS

Tennessee should not be fully trusted and there are other options to use them; Week 11 vs. the Texans or Week 18 at Houston. The Titans' offense is all about Derrick Henry. Ryan Tannehill cannot put the team on his back if the offense becomes one-dimensional. The Jets are 11th in opponent yards per play and 14th in rushing defense. But their offense is so bad. They've scored three points the last two weeks, have given up 15 sacks (most in the league), and have no weapons.

The Titans should be able to squeak one out but I'd tread cautiously.

Titans 16 - Jets 14

PACKERS -7 vs. Steelers

This is an avoid because Green Bay should be saved.

Packers 24 - Steelers 20

 

Best Bets

  • Vikings +1.5 vs. Browns -Minnesota looked dead after going down 17-7 to Seattle but they then rattled off 23 unanswered points to win comfortably. Kirk Cousins has played like an MVP thus far, throwing for 918 yards and eight touchdowns while completing 74 percent of his passes.
  • Dolphins -1.5 at Colts- Carson Wentz is absolutely awful. He was 19-37 Sunday for 194 yards, no touchdowns, and no picks. He's completing 60 percent of his passes through three games. Miami is a tough team that will bounce back from their heartbreaking loss to Vegas. I don't understand how this line is not three minimum.
  • Patriots +6.5 vs. Bucs - This will be one of the most unpopular plays which is why I love it. Bill Belichick as a touchdown underdog at home on Sunday night? Sign me up!

 

Running Totals

  • Last week: 1-2
  • 2021 season total: 5-3-1
  • 2020 season total: 24-27
  • 2019 season total: 23-26-2


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Weekly Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

MMA7 mins ago

Cong Wang Puts Undefeated Record On The Line At UFC Macau
Deiveson Figueiredo10 mins ago

Looks To Extend Win Streak At UFC Macau
Petr Yan12 mins ago

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Yves Missi38 mins ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
CJ McCollum50 mins ago

Not Likely To Play Friday
Alexander Mattison1 hour ago

Zamir White Miss Practice Again
Brandon Ingram1 hour ago

Questionable For Friday
Shohei Ohtani1 hour ago

Named National League MVP In 2024
Aaron Judge1 hour ago

Wins American League MVP Award
Ja'Kobe Walter1 hour ago

Ready To Go Thursday
Donte DiVincenzo2 hours ago

Available Thursday
Mike Conley2 hours ago

Will Not Play Thursday
Jordan Clarkson2 hours ago

Sits Out Thursday's Game
Ausar Thompson2 hours ago

Won't Play On Thursday
Zach Collins2 hours ago

Cleared To Play Thursday
Domantas Sabonis2 hours ago

Gets Through Full Practice
Chris Paul2 hours ago

Good To Go Thursday
Brock Purdy2 hours ago

Limited Again On Thursday
Malik Monk2 hours ago

Making Progress
George Kittle2 hours ago

Limited Again On Thursday
Tre Mann2 hours ago

Good To Go On Thursday
Miles Bridges2 hours ago

Won't Play On Thursday
Vince Williams Jr.3 hours ago

Out At Least A Month
Scottie Barnes3 hours ago

Returning On Thursday
Alex Ovechkin3 hours ago

To Miss 4-6 Weeks With Fractured Fibula
Paul George3 hours ago

Out At Least Two Games
Aaron Gordon3 hours ago

Availability In Question For Friday
Zach Hyman3 hours ago

Expected To Miss 4-7 Days
Kent Johnson3 hours ago

Back For Blue Jackets Thursday
Dorian Finney-Smith3 hours ago

Uncertain To Face The Sixers
Yaroslav Askarov3 hours ago

Makes Sharks Debut Thursday
Jalen Hurts3 hours ago

Practices In Full On Thursday
Nicolas Claxton3 hours ago

Questionable Versus Philly
Nikola Jokic3 hours ago

Absent From Practice On Thursday
Mikael Granlund3 hours ago

Good To Go Thursday
Alexandar Georgiev3 hours ago

Returns To Action Versus Capitals
TB4 hours ago

Nicholas Paul Will Miss Thursday's Game
Frederik Andersen4 hours ago

To Miss 8-12 Weeks
Jake Ferguson4 hours ago

Still Not Practicing
Sam LaPorta4 hours ago

Looking Good For A Week 12 Return
Sam Darnold4 hours ago

Upgrades To Full Participation, On Track To Play
Isiah Pacheco4 hours ago

Remains Limited On Thursday
D'Andre Swift4 hours ago

Upgrades To Limited Participant On Thursday
CeeDee Lamb4 hours ago

Sidelined During Thursday's Practice
Ladd McConkey5 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Thursday
Mike Evans5 hours ago

Logs Full Practice On Thursday
DeVonta Smith6 hours ago

Misses Another Practice
6 hours ago

Rich Hill Wants To Pitch In 2025
Andrew Painter6 hours ago

Phillies Could Play It Safe With Andrew Painter
Wilyer Abreu6 hours ago

Red Sox Could Be Looking To Trade Wilyer Abreu
Cody Bellinger7 hours ago

Cubs Looking To Trade Cody Bellinger?
Brandin Cooks7 hours ago

Preparing To Play In Week 12
CeeDee Lamb7 hours ago

Not Seen At Thursday's Practice
JJ Bleday7 hours ago

A's Don't Want To Trade JJ Bleday
7 hours ago

Blake Snell Has Met With Red Sox, Dodgers
Aaron Rodgers7 hours ago

Jets Owner Suggested Benching Aaron Rodgers
Mike Evans9 hours ago

Practicing Again On Thursday
Chandler Stephenson10 hours ago

Registers Three Assists Versus Predators
Jason Robertson10 hours ago

Totals Three Points In Wednesday's Win
Nils Lundkvist10 hours ago

Exits Early With A Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Knies10 hours ago

Sustains An Upper-Body Injury
Mikael Granlund10 hours ago

Exits Late With Injury Wednesday
Patrik Laine11 hours ago

Returns To Practice
MLB21 hours ago

Roki Sasaki Expected To Be Part Of 2025 International Class
Jahmai Jones21 hours ago

Tigers Sign Jahmai Jones To Minor-League Deal
Nate Eaton21 hours ago

Signs Minors Deal With Boston
Seth Brown21 hours ago

Avoids Arbitration With A's
Chris Sale22 hours ago

Wins National League Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal22 hours ago

Wins 2024 American League Cy Young Award
Matt Thaiss22 hours ago

Cubs Acquire Matt Thaiss From Angels
Austin Eckroat24 hours ago

Heads To The RSM Classic After Win
Harris English24 hours ago

Finding Form Heading To The RSM Classic
Ben Griffin24 hours ago

Continues Playing Well Heading To The RSM Classic
Denny McCarthy24 hours ago

Returns to The RSM Classic
Josh Jacobs1 day ago

Limited With Multiple Injuries
DeVonta Smith1 day ago

Misses Practice On Wednesday
Seth Jones1 day ago

Expected To Miss Four Weeks
Sam Darnold1 day ago

Limited With Foot Injury
Max Domi1 day ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Jalen Hurts1 day ago

Limited On Wednesday
Connor Ingram1 day ago

Out Day-To-Day With An Upper-Body Injury
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen1 day ago

Returns To Action Versus Kings
Alex Tuch1 day ago

Available Wednesday
Tage Thompson1 day ago

Remains Out On Wednesday
Jordan Eberle1 day ago

To Remain Out On Wednesday
Ludvig Aberg1 day ago

Looks To Defend RSM Classic Title
Si Woo Kim1 day ago

An Intriguing Option At RSM Classic
Maverick McNealy1 day ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of RSM Classic
Eric Cole1 day ago

Chasing First Tour Victory At RSM Classic
Matt Krook1 day ago

A's Sign Matt Krook, Jason Alexander
Trenton Brooks1 day ago

Signs Minors Deal With Padres
Jacob Stallings1 day ago

Rockies Re-Sign Jacob Stallings
1 day ago

Patrick Wisdom Pushed Off 40-Man Roster
Eli Morgan1 day ago

Cubs Acquire Eli Morgan From Guardians
Austin Shenton2 days ago

Mariners Acquire Austin Shenton From Rays
Charles Oliveira3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Chandler3 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 309
Karine Silva3 days ago

Suffers Her First UFC Loss
Viviane Araujo3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Mauricio Ruffy3 days ago

Extends His Win Streak To Six
James Llontop4 days ago

Loses Clear-Cut Decision In Thrilling Fight At UFC 309
Paul Craig4 days ago

Loses Decision At UFC 309
Bo Nickal4 days ago

Remains Undefeated With Lackluster Performance At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic4 days ago

Retires After UFC 309 Loss
Jon Jones4 days ago

Gets TKO Win At UFC 309 To Defend Heavyweight Title

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Najee Harris - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

NFL Week 12 Predictions: Picks and Analysis for Every Game Including Thursday Night Football

After some high-octane matchups over the last couple of Thursday nights, Week 12 kicks off in a more old-school fashion with a classic rivalry game between the Steelers and Browns. There are some fun matchups on this Week 12 slate, however, "Bye-Mageddon" certainly does take a little of the sizzle away, as six teams will […]


TJ Watt - IDP, Pittsburgh Steelers, DST, Defense, Fantasy Football Def

Week 12 Fantasy Football Team Defense Rankings: Steelers D/ST, Chiefs D/ST, Vikings D/ST, Eagles D/ST, Commanders D/ST, Texans D/ST, Broncos D/ST

Fantasy football defenses are largely matchup-dependent, so many fantasy managers opt to stream a different defense each week. If you're in that boat, use our Week 12 fantasy football defense (D/ST) rankings for 2024 to find the top available option. There are just three weeks of the fantasy football regular season left, so it's never […]


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL injury News

Steelers vs. Browns TNF Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Jameis Winston, Nick Chubb, David Njoku, Jerry Jeudy, Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens

The Week 12 TNF game between two bitter AFC North rivals (Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers) is not likely to end up like the Thursday night game from two weeks ago when two different AFC North teams (Bengals and Ravens) battled to a 35-34 shootout. Somewhere deep in the charter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, I […]


DJ Moore - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 12 - Thursday Updates for Deebo Samuel, D.J. Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jonathon Brooks, Jauan Jennings, Tank Dell

Many fantasy managers are in must-win situations down the stretch, so it's never been more important to ace your start-or-sit calls. Our Week 12 TNF fantasy football overall rankings for 2024 are here to help. Ahead of the critical Week 12 slate of action, let's find out where players on the start-sit bubble such as […]


Calvin Ridley - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football FLEX Rankings (RB, WR, TE) - Week 12 Thursday Updates for Chuba Hubbard, Calvin Ridley, Cedric Tillman, Jonnu Smith, Austin Ekeler

It's always tough to compare two flex options at different positions, but bye weeks and key injuries have made those start-sit decisions even tougher. We're here to help guide you with your lineup calls with our Week 12 TNF fantasy football FLEX rankings for 2024. Navigate the rankings below to find out where top flex […]


Tua Tagovailoa - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football Superflex 2QB Rankings for Week 12 - Thursday Updates for Tua Tagovailoa, Bo Nix, Russell Wilson, Austin Ekeler, Jayden Reed

Time is running out to collect "Ws" before the fantasy football playoffs begin, and if you need assistance, our Week 12 fantasy football Superflex rankings (2QB) for fantasy football can assist your start-or-sit efforts. Let's get to it! To begin Week 12 preparation, let's dig into the rankings to find out where key Superflex options […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday RB Updates for Jonathon Brooks, J.K. Dobbins, Bucky Irving, Najee Harris, Kareem Hunt

We're onto Week 12 of the NFL campaign, which can only mean the fantasy football playoffs are just ahead. Whether you're at the top of your league standings, fighting for a playoff spot, or are just trying to play spoiler, our Week 12 TNF fantasy football running back rankings for 2024 are here to help you […]


Cedric Tillman - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

TNF Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday WR Updates for Cedric Tillman, Jauan Jennings, Josh Downs, Jerry Jeudy, DJ Moore

At the wide receiver spot especially, bye weeks and injuries are major factors in Week 12. If you don't have an excess of must-start WRs and need help identifying the top available options, we're here to help with our Week 12 TNF fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2024. Let's dive in below to see […]


Jonnu Smith - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Tight End Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday TE Updates for George Kittle, David Njoku, Will Dissly, Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry

In most leagues, only three weeks of the fantasy football regular season remain. If you desperately need a win to clinch a first-round bye or quality for the playoffs, use our Week 12 TNF fantasy football tight end rankings to help you with tough start-or-sit calls at the challenging TE spot. Ahead of the critical Week […]


Tommy DeVito- Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Not All Heroes...Play On Good Teams - Giants, Patriots, and Cowboys Fantasy Football Outlooks

It's well-known at this point that good offenses can help their players light up the scoreboards in fantasy football leagues. The mantra "trust in good players on good offenses" rings true, and some of the best seasons in fantasy football history have been aided by things like good playcalling and a good supporting cast. The […]


Baker Mayfield - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

TNF Quarterback Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday QB Updates for Anthony Richardson, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, C.J. Stroud

It's a critical week for fantasy football, as the playoffs are just around the corner. If you need help to nail your optimal lineups this week, our Week 12 TNF fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2024 are here to assist. Ahead of the all-important Week 12 slate, let's navigate the rankings below and find out […]


Jaylen Waddle - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Football Outlook - What's Wrong With Waddle?

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was widely pushed as a potential league-winner in fantasy football in 2024 due to a variety of factors. The explosiveness and big-play ability of the Dolphins offense, the good play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and his talent were a few of them. It's not worked out that way. It's […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Running Backs

Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Week 12 Updates for Isiah Pacheco, Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, Jalen Hurts, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Hurts, George Kittle, Calvin Ridley, more

Week 12 of the NFL's 2024 slate is coming up, and as the fantasy football playoffs draw closer, it's becoming more important than ever to stay ahead of injury news for key players. Leaving a hurt player in your lineup can result in disaster. The author of this article missed out on the fantasy playoffs […]