The NFL enters Week 3 with several surprising results already reshaping early standings. The Raiders and Vikings both hold 2-0 records, while the Chargers and Buccaneers start 0-2, creating unexpected scenarios for survivor pools heading into October.
Safest Picks for Week 3
The safest option appears to be the Chiefs hosting the Dolphins. Kansas City travels to Miami, where the Dolphins have struggled significantly this season. While the Chiefs might be reserved for later weeks, they remain a reliable choice given Miami’s current performance.
Odds for the favorite in each game were provided by FanDuel.
Best Value Picks
Another strong value pick is Packers against Falcons. Despite the Packers not impressing early, the Falcons have been genuinely poor. Concerns exist about quarterback Michael Penix improving Atlanta’s performance, but Falcons fans have placed little confidence in him. The short week and QB change initially suggested a trap game, but the assessment remains low on Atlanta.
Trap Options to Avoid
Bills versus Chargers and Seahawks versus Commanders represent trickier choices. Buffalo is favored by 7 points, but saving them for Week 14 against the Dolphins might be wiser. Similarly, Seattle’s cross-country travel for a 1 p.m. ET start against Washington presents challenges. The Commanders lost Jayden Daniels to a dislocated elbow, with Marcus Mariota now starting. While Seattle should win, the circumstances make this a less ideal survivor pick compared to other options.
Seattle’s best opportunities come in Week 9 at home against the Cardinals or Week 14 against the Giants.
Personal Strategy and Selections
In one double-elimination pool with four entries, the writer saw one entry eliminated after selecting the Chargers in Week 1 and the Buccaneers in Week 2. Another entry had one strike after the Buccaneers loss, following a Week 1 pick of the Steelers. Two entries remain fully alive, each having chosen different teams in the first two weeks.
The writer planned to use the Chiefs this week, noting their next viable opportunities come in Week 9 against the Jets and Week 11 against the Cardinals, where comparable or better options exist. The 49ers over the Cardinals was another consideration, given their strong play but manageable schedule. The Packers were tempting but deferred due to their Week 15 home game against the Dolphins.
Game day updates confirmed selections: the Chiefs and 49ers were locked in. With three entries still active, two with no strikes and one with a single strike, the strategy involved diversifying based on previous week’s choices. One entry used the 49ers in Week 2, necessitating the Chiefs for that entry, while the other two went with the 49ers.