When you plunked down your cash late last summer, your survivor hopes and dreams being alive as Christmas trees began to be decorated was all you could have hoped for. Well, here we are.
The Circa Survivor contest had 104 entries alive heading into Sunday; after Sunday, 103 remain (sorry, Rams backer). The Browns and Giants were popular picks, and both provided unnecessary drama late in their games, but both ultimately prevailed. As the calendar flips to December, the chess game that is “survivor” intensifies. Early-season strategy is now rewarded as the list of attractive options dwindles late in the season.
Here are my NFL Week 13 survivor pool picks:
GAMES TO CONSIDER
Minnesota Vikings (-9.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars
You know the drill: Any team playing the Jaguars or the Jets is a viable option. The Vikings stumbled in a survivor spot two weeks ago against the hapless Cowboys and were lucky to escape with a win Sunday against the Panthers. The Jaguars, albeit with a ton of good fortune themselves, were feisty and hung tough as big ‘dogs against the Browns. Probably a winning choice, but as a Vikings fan, it’s in my nature to distrust them.
Seattle Seahawks (-9) over New York Giants
The Seahawks are a perfectly fine choice as the Giants may wheel out Colt McCoy as their starter after Daniel Jones suffered a hamstring injury against Cincinnati on Sunday. The Giants have played spirited ball and were even a trendy survivor pick themselves last week because, well, 2020. My only objection to using the Seahawks this week is they have yet to play the other New York team we love to pick against. With a date against the Jets in Week 14, the Seahawks might serve you better if you save them for later.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-10) over Washington Football Team
The Steelers face a short week, but that’s not a big concern for me considering the matchup. Alex Smith, the story, is fantastic. Alex Smith, the football player, is going to have a tough time hiding his lack of mobility against this athletic and aggressive Steelers front. My only reason for not choosing the Steelers is I have used them already, and I assume many of you have as well. If they are available to you, they are a safe choice to get past a Washington team that will struggle to score two touchdowns.
Las Vegas Raiders (-7) over New York Jets
Wow, I don’t think we’ve had a week with this many viable survivor options. Let’s face it, what’s a survivor column in 2020 without at least kicking the tires on picking against the Jets? The reason I’m looking elsewhere is the Raiders lost 43-6 on Sunday and return to MetLife Stadium, where they were dismantled 34-3 last season. Josh Jacobs suffered an ankle injury, and his availability is unclear at the moment, plus Derek Carr looked like the quarterback we all had doubts about the last few years. Wouldn’t it be typical Jets to screw up this tanking job? It’s going too well for them. Tempting, but we will pass.
THE PICK
Miami Dolphins (-11) over Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are a terrible team with an outstanding young quarterback … who is out for the season. The Dolphins need this game to stay on track for a playoff berth, and they’re not in a position to overlook anyone. My guess is many of you may have used the Dolphins in one of their two matchups against the Jets, but I did not, so I will play that card right here in what should be a cakewalk. The Dolphins should be able to turn the Bengals over and win comfortably to get to 8-4. The biggest favorite of the week is also my pick to get you home safely to Week 14.