If you survived last week, it was a roller coaster ride with a few teams. The Buccaneers didn't force a sweat, but the Patriots and Vikings caused major stress. The Vikings led 16-6 with more than two minutes left and the Lions scored late and converted a two-point conversion for a one-point lead. The Vikings kicked a field goal as time expired to survive. The Patriots trailed the Texans 22-9 before coming back to kick a field goal with 17 seconds left and win, 25-22. While I didn't give out Baltimore last week, they were popular and rallied from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to win in overtime over the Colts. Let's hope it's easier in Week 6. Only two games have a spread of more than seven points.
Here are my top survivor picks for the week.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are coming off a difficult loss against the Ravens on Monday night in which they led by 16 points in the fourth quarter and lost in overtime, 31-25. They are the biggest favorite, laying 10 points, and have played the last three games on the road. Carson Wentz had one of his best games of the season with 402 passing yards and averaged 11.5 yards per attempt. The Colts are 1-4 but have played a difficult schedule and get a bad Texans team at home. Despite being 1-4, the Colts are still in contention for the division title since the Jaguars and Texans are in the division. The Titans lead at 3-2 and host the Bills. If the Titans lose and the Colts win, they will be one game out of first. Davis Mills played well last week against the Patriots but looked awful in the other games. The Texans have been outscored 71-21 in their two road losses. The Colts have appealing survivor plays in Week 9 and 10 with home games against the Jets and Jaguars if you're looking to go in a different way.
- Los Angeles Rams: The Rams are 9.5-point favorites on the road. The line has fluctuated since it's unclear if quarterback Daniel Jones will be cleared from a concussion. If he's out, Mike Glennon will start for the Giants, who will be without Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay. The Giants' defense has allowed the fourth-most yards per game (408.6). The Rams lead the NFL in yards per play with 6.7. The Rams also have good spots in the next two weeks with a home game against the Lions and then a road game in Houston.
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are 2-3, have a bad defense, and are in last place in the AFC West. They are last in points allowed per game and the opponent, Washington, is 31st. The Chiefs have problems but faced a difficult schedule, losing to the Ravens, Chargers, and Bills. Each of them is 4-1. Washington has allowed at least 29 points in four straight games. The Chiefs offense will put up points and while Washington will move the ball, they don't have the staunch offense the other teams do that beat the Chiefs.