Week 18 of the NFL season is here, and it is the final week for regular-season survivor pools. If you made it this far in your season-long survivor pool, that is an incredible accomplishment. Even those who joined second-chance survivor pools have a chance to win big with a final win this week. There are still plenty of fun weekly pools to join on DraftKings, and there will be even more for the postseason.
Week 18 Survivor Best Pick
Broncos over Chargers
The Broncos are one win away from securing the top seed in the AFC. Their path looks even easier than imagined, as the Chargers announced that Justin Herbert will be sitting out for this game. The Chargers could still fluctuate around the different Wild Card spots. However, with the division out of reach and a postseason spot secured, Jim Harbaugh is prioritizing health over a potentially better matchup in the playoffs. The Broncos have been remarkable all season and sport a 7-1 home record. The Chargers actually delivered one of their three losses this season when the teams met in Los Angeles. This is a chance for Denver to get its revenge and cement itself as the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Week 18 Survivor Bold Pick
Bills over Jets
On paper, this is not a bold pick at all. However, it seems likely that the Bills will be resting some starters. Sean McDermott is trying to play coy, likely trying to not make things too easy for the other Wild Card teams to decide what they want to do. However, with Josh Allen already banged up, it’s unlikely that he plays longer than a drive or two. Mitchell Trubisky will take over for Allen, and he is very experienced in this offense. Trubisky can’t create the same type of magic as Josh Allen, but that won’t be necessary against the Jets. The Jets have lost four consecutive games, all by at least 23 points. New York is actively in tank mode, so Trubisky and the Bills’ backups should still comfortably win this one at home.
Week 18 Survivor Favorite to Avoid
Eagles over Commanders
The Eagles have locked up the NFC East and have no chance to get the No. 1 seed. Adding on the fact that all three NFC Wild Card teams are expected to be highly competitive, there is little motivation for the Eagles to win this game. Philadelphia could theoretically get the No. 2 seed, but with some combination of the 49ers, Seahawks, Packers and Rams in the Wild Card spots, there is no ideal matchup to be chasing. The Eagles already announced that they will be resting a few key starters, while others will be limited. The Commanders have nothing to play for either, but they are coming off a competitive game against the Cowboys and have a lot of young players that they want to keep giving playing time to. The Eagles could easily win this game, but with the uncertainty around how much time their starters will be on the field, they should be avoided in the final week of the regular season.
