The NFL survivor pool graveyard is filling up just in time for Halloween.
‘Spooky Season’ is in full swing and this Week 7 slate is evidence that there are more tricks than treats available to us. Navigating bye weeks, planning ahead and limiting risk are the foundation of any good run in survivor.
It’s the reason why that person in your pool with the Kansas City Chiefs still available can’t wipe that grin off their face. As that person will learn in Week 7, sometimes it’s just about living to fight another day.
For the less fortunate, there are still some spots to take advantage of in the coming days. Just buckle up for what promises to be a wild ride.
Here are the best survivor picks for Week 7.
NFL survivor picks Week 7
Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
The Chiefs are finally getting back to full strength. Xavier Worthy is back in the fold and now the team will welcome Rashee Rice back in Week 7. Kansas City has been a difficult squad figure out through six weeks, which is fitting considering their 3-3 record.
They are in the perfect spot to finally get above .500 in Week 7 as the Raiders come to town. Geno Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league with 10 interceptions in just six games. The 35-year-old has been sacked 18 times in that span – tying him for third-most. The Chiefs’ defense should have a fun day at the office.
New England Patriots (at Tennessee Titans)
Under normal circumstances, we’d be inclined to back the Titans in their first game after firing Brian Callahan. However, this week is far from normal. Mike Vrabel makes his return to Tennessee after his shocking firing after the 2023 season. Revenge should be on the mind for the now-Patriots coach, who doesn’t appear to have any mementos from his time with the Titans, telling reporters that the Goodwill in Nashville likely got a good haul.
The Titans are overmatched on both the field and sideline. This one shouldn’t be close.
Carolina Panthers (at New York Jets)
The Panthers are trending in the right direction and the Jets are not. While the belief is that the Jets are due for a win, that is not a strategy. New York still trails in the talent department, especially on offense. Garrett Wilson is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a hyperextended knee, leaving an already below average receiver room in a tough spot. Couple that with the fact that Justin Fields’ struggles and it’s a recipe for disaster. It’s risky, but Carolina could be a good way to zig when everyone else zags.
Denver Broncos (vs. New York Giants)
Somehow even riskier than the Panthers, we have the heavily favored Broncos. Denver’s defense should be able to slow down Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo, but can their offense score enough to find a win at home? After returning from a disappointing offensive showing in London, we’ll trust the Broncos to get back on track.
What team should you pick in NFL survivor pools this week?
The Kansas City Chiefs.
After weeks of hearing about the Bills having the inside track to finally winning the AFC, Buffalo dropped two straight and here come the Chiefs again. The Week 7 slate is one of the tougher ones we’ve seen in the season to this point, especially if you want to stand out from the crowd.
While we certainly endorse going off the board and taking the Panthers on the road, picking the Chiefs is about surviving and advancing.
And, barring some event commonly listed in an act of God clause or an alien abduction, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will improve to 3-2.
Kansas City gets it done and we’re on to Week 8.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.