

As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, millions of fans are meticulously planning their NFL survivor pool strategies. Week 1 is notoriously tricky, with many tempting matchups that could either launch your pool run or end it prematurely. One popular early consideration is the Philadelphia Eagles (-7) facing the Dallas Cowboys, a pick many might jump on given their home advantage. However, with Dak Prescott healthy and Dallas’s competitive history against Philadelphia, is it wise to burn a high-value team so early?
Other intriguing Week 1 matchups include the Arizona Cardinals against the New Orleans Saints, the Denver Broncos battling the Tennessee Titans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting the Atlanta Falcons. Navigating these choices requires careful consideration, especially in a format where you can only use a team once. To help you make the smartest picks, we turn to the proven expertise of the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Edge: A Proven Track Record
The SportsLine Projection Model is not just another prediction tool; it’s a powerhouse that simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, offering unparalleled insights. This model has a stellar track record, having generated well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. In 2024 alone, it boasted an impressive 31-15 record on top-rated picks, delivering significant returns for anyone following its recommendations on sportsbooks and betting sites.
The model’s success extends directly to survivor pool formats, where the goal is to pick one winning team each week without repetition. Now, with the Week 1 NFL schedule locked in, the model has revealed its top survivor pool pick, and perhaps more importantly, a team to avoid.
Week 1 Warning: Steer Clear of the Arizona Cardinals

Despite the Arizona Cardinals coming off an 8-9 season and being 6.5-point favorites against the New Orleans Saints in the latest NFL odds, the SportsLine model is strongly advising against picking them for Week 1 survivor pools. While picking against the Saints might seem like a popular choice, the Cardinals present a significant risk, especially on the road.
Road Woes and Historical Context
The Cardinals’ 2024 season saw them struggle away from home, finishing with a disappointing 2-6 road record. Furthermore, they lost five of their last seven games overall, indicating a team that struggled with consistency. The Saints, despite their 5-12 overall record last year, managed to secure three wins on their home turf, making them a more formidable opponent than their overall record suggests.
Historically, the matchup between these two teams has been tight. New Orleans has won five of the last eight head-to-head contests dating back to 2007. Arizona has only covered the spread in three of those games, highlighting the competitive nature of these encounters.

The SportsLine model projects only a 1-point difference between the two teams, with the Cardinals winning a mere 55% of simulations. This narrow margin makes Arizona an incredibly risky Week 1 NFL survivor pick, especially when safer, more confident options are available.
The Model’s Confident Pick: A Surprise Team Emerges

Instead of the Cardinals, the SportsLine model has confidently backed a surprising team to win outright in a remarkable 80% of its simulations. This is the team to pick now, offering a high-probability start to your survivor pool journey. To discover which team the model is recommending and to see its full Week 1 survivor pool pick, you’ll need to visit SportsLine.
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Final Thoughts for Week 1 NFL Survivor Pools

Making smart decisions in Week 1 is crucial for long-term success in NFL survivor pools. While popular picks might seem appealing, the data-driven insights from the SportsLine Projection Model highlight the hidden risks and opportunities. Avoiding the Arizona Cardinals, despite their favoritism, is a strategic move to preserve your entry. Trust the advanced computer model that has consistently delivered victories and significant returns since its inception. Visit SportsLine now to unlock the Week 1 survivor pick that will carry you to victory.