We’ve reached a big moment in the 2024 NFL season. Week 5 is upon us and that brings with it the first byes of the season. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans are all sitting out this weekend’s slate.
As you prepare to figure out Survivor decisions, the Titans were the one you’d be most likely to pick against, while the other three have enough questions that you might pass on them. That is assuming you’re even still alive in your pool!
Last week saw another big upset as the Jets lost to the Broncos 10-9 in an ugly one. New York had plenty of opportunities to win this game, but wouldn’t put it together. They were a popular pick, but for the first time this season, most of the favored picks survived. The 49ers led in a lot of leagues, and they handled their business at home against the Patriots. The Texans barely managed to come back, but they beat the Jaguars. And the Bengals and Cowboys both got Ws.
I overestimated some possible upsets in last week’s Survivor advice column, but if you’re still swinging, I’m back with more picks for Week 5. There are plenty of options to consider and every week this season we’ll be breaking down the safest picks, the best value picks, and the potential trap picks.
Safest picks
49ers over Cardinals
Seahawks over Giants
There’s not as much reason to save teams as there has been in the past, so some would consider both the 49ers and Seahawks decent values. The downside with both is they are likely to be popular picks this week. The 49ers were the most popular in a lot of leagues last week, but the Seahawks are expected to be the most popular this week. The only reason to avoid them is if you’re concerned about too many other folks grabbing them.
Best value picks
Commanders over Browns
Washington is turning into a popular play, and the one drawback this week is a lot of people will probably ride with Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. However, unless you want to use them in Week 7 against the Panthers, or maybe Week 13 against the Titans, now is a good time to play them.
Trap picks
Bears over Panthers
I don’t see how anybody can trust the Bears right now. They’re facing a bad Panthers squad, but Carolina is also showing some life with Andy Dalton at quarterback. Stay away from this one.
