NFL Survivor Pool Picks, Strategy Week 8: Back Lions, Ravens

What are the best NFL survivor pool picks for Week 8? Making the right NFL survivor pool picks is crucial and we're here to help with top plays, contrarian picks and teams to avoid. 

The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens are some of the biggest betting favorites in Week 8 at Caesars Sportsbook, but are they the best picks for your survivor pool? Which team should you avoid this week? We break down the best survivor pool strategy for NFL Week 8. 

NFL Survivor Picks for Week 8

Baltimore Ravens

I've faded the Cardinals the last two weeks with great success, so let's keep it rolling. 

As I keep pointing out, the Cardinals have been a punching bag since upsetting the Cowboys in Week 3. In its four games since defeating Dallas, Arizona has been outscored 115-55. Look for that trend to continue on Sunday when the Cards host a Baltimore squad hitting on all cylinders after blowing out the Lions last week. 

The Ravens are laying 8.5 points on the road at Caesars Sportsbook. Like I advised last week: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Keep fading the Cardinals for your survivor pool picks. 

Detroit Lions

As mentioned above, the Lions got lambasted in Baltimore last Sunday. That's one of those games you just throw out because it was obvious from the start Detroit never got off the bus. 

Don't let one poor performance sour you on the Lions. Detroit is a good football team that should easily win the NFC North. And you know what helps a team get back on track after a humiliating loss? Playing the lifeless Las Vegas Raiders. 

The Raiders are coming off an embarrassing loss of their own after the Bears and some guy named Tyson Bagent beat them 30-12. Las Vegas has lost its last three road games by a combined 53 points and now travels to Detroit to face the angry Lions. Good luck. 

This is a great spot to back Detroit if you still have them available. The Lions should roll at home on Monday night. 

Contrarian Pick

Los Angeles Chargers 

First, I would like to apologize in advance for suggesting you use any team coached by Brandon Staley in your survivor pool. Even if the Chargers win, you'll have to sit through three hours of bad coaching decisions and poor time management. I am truly sorry. 

Having said that, it's a good week to back the Chargers if you have already used some of the top teams. Los Angeles is an 8.5-point favorite over Chicago at Caesars Sportsbook and the Bears will be without starting quarterback Justin Fields for the second-straight game. 

Backup Tyson Bagent completed 21-of-29 passes last week but for only 161 yards. The Bears won that game in large part because of three interceptions thrown by Raiders quarterbacks. I don't expect Justin Herbert to be so giving against the NFL's 29th ranked pass defense. 

If you need a contrarian play this week, grab the Tums and hope Staley doesn't screw it up. 

Team to Avoid

Philadelphia Eagles

This is a tricky spot for the Eagles, laying close to a touchdown on the road against a division opponent they just played four weeks ago. It's also a sandwich spot for Philadelphia. The Eagles played a big game versus the Dolphins on Sunday Night Football and face the hated Dallas Cowboys next week. 

The other thing to keep in mind is Washington almost beat the Eagles in Philly, losing 34-31. Philadelphia may very well win on Sunday but there are better options on the board this week for your survivor pool.