Zoneblitz Survivor Pool: Week 1

Playing in an NFL Survivor Pool? Zoneblitz has you covered. Our four writers are playing a slightly modified version to help you make your weekly decisions, and hopefully we’ll all make it through Week 17 unscathed. However, in our version, we’re giving each writer ONE strike to make things more interesting. Whoever’s left standing at the end will be declared the winner.

So take in our thoughts, ponder them yourself and then vote below on who you think made the best pick. If you don’t like any of them tell us who you’d pick.

Andy: Philadelphia over Jacksonville

Would I rather hang onto the Eagles for later in the season when they are playing some of their below average divisional foes? Sure. But in a one-and-done (or in this case, two-and-done) format, heading into what is usually the most unpredictable of professional sports, having Philadelphia host an improving-but-still-not-very-good Jacksonville team seems like as sure a thing as you can get.

Maggio: NY Jets over Oakland

The Oakland Raiders are trotting out a rookie quarterback on the road against a Rex Ryan defense? Yes, please! I’m no Jets fan, but I’m certainly a fan of (hopefully) saving some of the big-name teams for later in the season. J-E-T-S DON’T-EMBARRASS-ME!

John: NY Jets over Oakland

When in doubt, just pick whoever plays Oakland. The Raiders are my preseason pick for the NFL’s worst roster, and this week they’re starting rookie QB Derek Carr behind a revamped offensive line on the road in the Big Apple. (Plus, a Jets win this week lets you save the heavy hitters for later in the season.)

Tony: Chicago over Buffalo

The Bills are so concerned about EJ Manual that they paid Kyle Orton $5 million to come in and be their insurance policy. And that’s a policy that I would be shocked if they don’t cash in by midseason. They have a potential running game, but unless they’re running the wishbone, three running backs won’t help. Meanwhile, the Bears look to have one of the best passing attacks in the league (again), and a coach that made Josh McCown look good—no telling what he can do in his second year with a talent like Cutler at the helm (as long as he can keep Cutler’s head on straight).

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