NFL Week 2 Survivor Picks, Predictions & Pool Strategy

Below, NFL survivor pool players can find my Week 2 picks based on NFL odds at BetMGM.

For those new to the format, survivor contests ask players to pick one straight-up winner each week. However, players can only use each team once during the season.

Best NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 2 2026

San Francisco 49ers (-13.5) vs Miami Dolphins

Is the biggest favorite on the board going to lose two weeks in a row? I’d argue it’s statistically unlikely.

Truthfully, the only concern with San Francisco is possible jet lag. Save for an uncomfortable spot, Miami poses little threat to San Francisco, especially on defense.

Miami goes from facing the Raiders (31st in 2025 offensive DVOA) to the 49ers (second in 2025). While the defense showed some encouraging signs in Vegas, it’s unlikely to continue.

Last year, Miami struggled to win games whenever the defense failed to stop the run. The Dolphins finished 5-0 when allowing under 100 rushing yards vs 2-10 when its opponent cleared 100.

That trend continued in Week 1. While it took the Raiders an overwhelming number of attempts to get there, Las Vegas still rushed for 130 yards.

San Francisco showed encouraging rushing metrics, even if the Rams looked clearly jet-lagged. Additionally, only four teams posted a superior offensive DVOA percentage.

The San Francisco defense has me questioning if they can cover a big number. However, an outright loss would stun me. That said, the 49ers could offer future value in pools.

Baltimore Ravens (-8.5) vs New Orleans Saints

New Orleans found itself down 21-0 against the Lions before storming back to force overtime. I struggle to foresee them doing the same against the Ravens.

Baltimore possesses a superior secondary that should help mitigate Tyler Shough & Chris Olave. Additionally, New Orleans performed horrifically against the run.

Only two teams – Indianapolis and Carolina – posted a worse rush defense DVOA rating than New Orleans in Week 1. Coincidentally, Indy did so against a powerful Ravens rushing attack.

New Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle rode Derrick Henry to 144 yards and three touchdowns. Since last year, the Ravens are 5-4 when Henry clears 100 yards.

The record looks bad until you realize it includes some improbable losses against Buffalo, New England and Pittsburgh.

There’s also the small matter that Lamar Jackson has completely dominated the NFC in his career. Since joining the league, Jackson is 25-3 SU against the opposing conference.

With the Saints playing back-to-back road games after an overtime game, I predict the Ravens will capture a straight-up win at home.