Survivor pools have been more difficult the last few weeks with some big underdogs winning straight up. The picks here last week all hit, so hopefully you're still alive. It will get more difficult as the options for teams become fewer, although there are a couple of teams I like this week that should be available for many.

Here are my top survivor picks for Week 11.

  1. Cleveland Browns: The Browns got crushed by the Patriots last week, but are in a good spot for a rebound against the winless Lions, which played an overtime tie in Pittsburgh last week. Jared Goff has an oblique injury and could be out. The Browns run the ball well, averaging 154.1 yards rushing per game and the Lions are the worst team against the run, allowing an average of 135.7 yards per game. Nick Chubb could return from the COVID-19 list and even if he can't, D'Ernest Johnson has been excellent in his two starts. The Lions rank 30th in scoring, averaging 16.7 points per game and are last allowing 28.9 points per game.
  2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers lost before their bye week to the Saints and had a disappointing loss on the road against Washington last week as big favorites. It's rare for Tom Brady to lose coming off a loss. Brady has thrown four interceptions over the last two games. The Buccaneers get a bad Giants team coming off a bye, but in Tampa Bay where the Buccaneers average 40 points per game and are 4-0. The Buccaneers are the biggest favorites of the week at 11 points.
  3. Tennessee Titans: This seems like an obvious win for the Titans, but there are concerns. The Titans are 10-point favorites at home, but this could be a letdown spot. The Titans have lost to the Jets and the offense hasn't been great without Derrick Henry despite wins over the Rams and Saints. Over the last three games, the Titans are averaging 4.4 yards per play on offense. If it wasn't for an awful roughing the passer call against the Saints that nullified a Ryan Tannehill interception, the Titans could have lost. The defense has improved vastly and was a big part of the win against the Rams. The Texans are an awful team, but it is a division game. The Texans haven't won since Week 1 and have been outscored 258-128. Expect the Titans to win, but wouldn't be surprised if the game is close late.

Last week: 3-0

Season: 26-4