Week 2 NFL Survivor Pool Picks

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are several interesting options for your Week 2 NFL Survivor Pool picks. This week offers what appears to be a locked in pick with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers made it all the way to the Super Bowl last season, they should be able to defeat a San Francisco 49ers teams that finished 1-7 on the road last year. For those who do not want to pick the Panthers this week I offer another option for a Week 2 pick, the Detroit Lions. Let’s break down these picks.

CAROLINA PANTHERS OVER SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

The Panthers finished 15-1 last season and made the Super Bowl, the 49ers fell well short of the playoffs at 5-11. The Panthers are coming off a Week 1 loss to the team that bested them in the Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos. The 49ers are coming off a win in a game that left LA Rams fans feeling embarrassed, a 28-0 MNF trouncing.

The 49ers may be the team with a notch in the win column but they are inferior to the Carolina Panthers. Whether you are a Cam Newton lover or hater, it is hard to not admit that he leads a very strong football team. I expect a very convincing win from the Panthers. The Panthers are the safest team to pick in your Survivor Pool.

What if you don’t want to pick Carolina this week? What if you want to use the Panthers later on, well that means you are assuming you survive with other picks and are “saving” the Panthers. My alternative to picking the Panthers this week is…

DETROIT LIONS OVER TENNESSEE TITANS

The Detroit Lions are in their first season without perennial Pro Bowler Calvin Johnson. The team showed no ill effects, and started off the year right with a 39-35 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The game against the Colts was a messy, high scoring affair. The big take away for the Lions from that contest was that Matt Stafford looked amazing leading the Lions offense. The Lions finished 7-9 last season and are looking for an improved 2016 campaign.

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The Titans lost to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. The Titans were not very impressive in the passing game or on the ground against the Vikings. Last season saw the Titans go 3-13 with a 2-6 road record. The Titans may have improved from last season but I do not think by a large margin. The Titans have a poor defense ranking, their big weakness is defending the pass which the Lions excel at. I just cannot see the Titans coming into Detroit and winning this game.

Next: FanDuel Week 2 NFL Picks

TO SUMMARIZE

If you want what I consider a guaranteed Survivor Pool pick take Panthers, if you want a more off the wall pick for your Week 2 Survivor Pool pick go with the Detroit Lions. The Panthers offer an almost certain win against the 49ers, while the Lions SHOULD beat the Titans. As in life nothing is 100% certain (except the Panthers beating the 49ers), good luck with your Week 2 Survivor Pool picks!