Another week without a major sweat. The Rams did trail the Lions early on, but they were never in real danger of losing. There are three games with a double-digit spread in Week 8, one game at 9.5 points and every other game is at 6.5 or lower. It's clear where most people will go.

Here are my top survivor picks for the week.

  1. Buffalo Bills: The Bills are a safe pick. They are coming off a bye following a 34-31 loss to the Titans. Division games are always a concern, but the Bills are one of the top teams in the NFL and already beat the Dolphins, 35-0, in Week 2. The Bills are in good spots the next two weeks with road games against the Jaguars and Jets. The Dolphins have lost six consecutive games. The Bills are No. 1 in defensive DVOA. The Bills are allowing 16.9 points per game and 270.2 yards per game.
  2. Los Angeles Rams: Some may have used the Rams already, but I had them behind the Cardinals last week due to this week. While they are on the road and Tyrod Taylor could be back at quarterback for the Texans, it would be shocking to see the Rams lose. They are 14.5-point favorites. The Rams average 29 points per game and are second in offensive DVOA. The Texans have scored 39 points in their last five games. Like the Bills, the Rams have a few more good spots the rest of the season, including the Jaguars in Week 13.
  3. Cincinnati Bengals: It's usually best to take home teams, but this looks like the best spot to take the Bengals, who likely haven't been used. It looks like a let down spot after the Bengals won on the road against the Ravens. This is the third straight road game for the Bengals. The Jets haven't scored a point in the first quarter this season. Mike White will start at quarterback for the Jets, who are 10.5-point underdogs and averaging 13.3 points per game. The Bengals have won the last two road games, 75-28. The Bengals are fifth in defensive DVOA and average 27 points per game. The Jets have yet to intercept a pass. The Bengals will likely be the most popular pick this week.


Last week: 3-0

Season: 20-1