Week 2 in the NFL is shaping up to be a battle of the Harbaugh brothers’ teams, as they are both favored by plenty of points this Sunday, making them prime picks for Covers’ survivor pool. After a tumultuous start to the NFL season, survivor pools have been decimated faster than a blind crab fisherman in the midst of typhoon season.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ surprising 16-10 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 1 wiped out almost 40% of entries in Covers’ free-to-play Pro Football Survivor contest, despite the Bengals having an implied win probability of over 80%. It goes to show that following the herd may not always be the best strategy when it comes to survivor pools.
One survivor pool enthusiast shared his experience, stating that he went against the grain and picked the Buffalo Bills instead. While the Bills made him sweat during their matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, they ultimately pulled off a win, advancing his entry to Week 2.
Looking ahead to Week 2, there are some interesting matchups on the table. One standout pick is the Los Angeles Chargers, who are facing off against the struggling Carolina Panthers. The Chargers are heavily favored with a win probability of 73%, making them a popular selection for survivor pools.
Some experts are hesitant about the Chargers as a Week 2 pick, but they see it as a strategic move that could pay off in the long run. The Panthers were demolished by the Saints in Week 1, and fading the lowest-performing team each week can be a successful survivor pool strategy. While the Panthers may not be as bad as they looked in their opener, the Chargers have a solid chance to secure a victory without having to resort to any flashy plays.
Defensively, the Chargers are in a strong position, having dominated the Raiders in Week 1. With quarterback Bryce Young struggling and a lackluster supporting cast, the Raiders could be in for a tough matchup against the Chargers.
On the other side of the field, the Baltimore Ravens are looking to bounce back after a close loss to the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Ravens are heavily favored against the Las Vegas Raiders, with a win probability of 83%. After a few extra days of rest and preparation, the Ravens are poised to unleash their frustration on the Raiders in a Sunday afternoon showdown.
As the Week 2 matchups unfold, survivor pool enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on the Harbaugh brothers’ teams and hoping for favorable outcomes. With unpredictable twists and turns in every NFL season, survivor pools continue to be an exciting and challenging test of football knowledge and strategy.
