J.J. freaking McCarthy. The new New York Giants quarterback was a survivor pool wrecking ball last week. Especially this one.
McCarthy drew a tough Houston Texans defense in his first start of the season, and made them look anything but tough. It helped that he got 188 rushing yards and four touchdowns from his rushing attack.
Regardless how it happened, it was a tough blow for survivors, with Houston a popular pick as the biggest favorite of Week 7 by an entire field goal. For those lucky enough to avoid that pitfall, these are my hopefully better suggestions for Week 8.
The Week 8 survivor pick most likely to win
- New England Patriots (at Miami Dolphins)
The Dolphins should be feeling great about themselves after their first win of the season over the Jets, but things get a little tougher this week. The Pats had extra time to prepare
for this game after last playing Thursday, and they may be a little ticked off after losing that game to Chicago. I expect them to come out focused and ready to beat a rival team they're decidedly better than.
Patriots, Bengals, Bills, Jaguars, Cowboys, Commanders
Record: 4-3
The most strategic Week 8 survivor pick
- Washington Commanders (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)
I can't think of a better spot to use Washington. Sure, it's against a divisional rival, but it's a battered rival, playing with a backup quarterback against a defense that's actually solid against the run. Plus, the Commanders are home and coming out of the bye, with a ton of pressure to win their first game in a month. I think Dan Quinn's team will get the job done.
Record: 5-2
My Week 8 survivor pick
- Commanders
Although I've made two bad picks, I'm still playing this game to win. So rather than take a more sure team to win, like say the 6.5-point favorite Rams, I'll follow my own advice and save those picks for later in the season. Give me the team I may not have a chance to use again.
Record: 5-2
Already used: Jaguars, Eagles, Lions, Packers, Cowboys, 49ers, Texans
This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL survivor pool Week 8 picks: Really, the Commanders?!
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