The NFL season is here! After a long offseason, we’ve made it to the best time of year once again. It’ll all kick off Thursday night as the Philadelphia Eagles reveal their Super Bowl banner. Now it’s time to lock in our picks for the NFL Survivor Week 1. Whether it’s for your office pool or a big contest, we’ve got you covered with a look at the best picks to use in Week 1.
NFL Survivor Picks Week 1
Look Around the League Week 1 (All Times ET)
Thursday 8:20 PM
Cowboys at Eagles (-8.5)
Friday 8:00 PM
Chiefs vs (In Sao Palou) Chargers (+3)
Sunday 1:00
Bengals at Browns (+5.5)
Buccaneers at Falcons (+1.5)
Cardinals at Saints (+6.5)
Dolphins at Colts (-1.5)
Giants at Commanders (-6)
Panthers at Jaguars (-3.5)
Raiders at Patriots (-3)
Steelers at Jets (+3)
Sunday 4:05 PM
Titans at Broncos (-8.5)
Sunday 4:25 PM
Lions at Packers (-2.5)
Texans at Rams (-3)
Sunday 8:20 PM
Ravens at Bills (+1.5)
Monday 8:15 PM
Vikings at Bears (+1.5)
Lock Selection: Arizona Cardinals
There are quite a few good options in Week 1. The most popular will likely be the Broncos over the Titans, which we’ll get to in a minute. At home, especially, that’s a great spot for Denver. But they are a team I’d like to have in my back pocket later on, especially when nobody else does.
“I wanna be the best offense in the league.”
Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray says consistency is what he wants himself and the offense to improve on this season. @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/ZulzdbTrfw
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) September 3, 2025
A team that won’t have a ton of other chances to use later on is the Arizona Cardinals. They play the Saints in Week 1. While it is a road game, the Saints are starting Spencer Rattler at quarterback. I could really rest my case with that. Kyler and the Cardinals are known to slow down when Call of Duty comes out, but they start the season well. Last week, they almost beat Buffalo in Week 1 at Hi Mark Stadium. In Week 2, they went on to beat the Rams by 31 points.
New head coach, new quarterback, new system in New Orleans. They are piecing things together and may not win a game this season. They’ll be a less popular pick, but should cruise to a win in this one.
Bonus Selections:
Denver Broncos
As mentioned above, this will likely be the most popular pick for Week 1. For good reason, too. Denver at home early in the season has a massive elevation advantage. It’s year two of Bo Nix and Sean Payton together, and this team promises to be a good one. We’ll see what Cam Ward can put together as a rookie, but this Titans team is still projected to be one of the worst in the league. Cincinnati was the popular pick last year in Week 1, and they lost outright to the Patriots. So, just keep that in mind if you pick this one!
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is another team it would be nice to keep in your back pocket, but if you aren’t sold on the Cardinals or Broncos. Let me introduce you to Mike Tomlin. Tomlin is the epitome of winning the games you should win. He’s going up against a rookie head coach in Aaron Glenn, with time to prepare. And a quarterback in Justin Fields, who was in his quarterback room last year. The Steelers will begin their journey to just over .500 with an easy victory in New York Sunday, and are a team worth considering for your Week 1 survivor pick!
