Preseason Power Rankings: Survivor Pool Edition
William Flaiz • August 4, 2025
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, survivor pool players are gearing up to make their weekly picks with one goal in mind: outlast the competition. Unlike traditional power rankings, our Survivor Pool Edition focuses on teams with favorable early-season schedules, matchup advantages, and upset potential to help you navigate those critical first few weeks. With the Spreadwise app’s advanced algorithms, we’ve analyzed team strength, game spreads, and schedules to deliver rankings tailored for survivor pool success. Here’s our take on the top teams to consider for your 2025 survivor pool picks.
Why Survivor Pool Rankings Differ
Traditional power rankings focus on overall team strength, but survivor pools require a strategic lens. You need teams that can secure wins in specific weeks, ideally against weaker opponents, while saving stronger teams for later.
Our rankings prioritize:
- Early-season schedule strength: Teams facing softer opponents in Weeks 1-4.
- Upset potential: Underdogs with a high likelihood of stealing a win.
- Team reliability: Squads with consistent performance to avoid early elimination.
With the Philadelphia Eagles coming off a Super Bowl LIX victory and a reloaded roster, they’re a natural starting point. But let’s dive into the full rankings and explore which teams can carry you through the early weeks.
2025 NFL Preseason Survivor Pool Power Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning champs sit atop our rankings, thanks to a potent offense led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Despite losing key defensive players like Josh Sweat and Darius Slay, GM Howie Roseman’s draft haul—including Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba—bolsters their depth. The Eagles face a favorable Week 1 matchup against the rebuilding New Orleans Saints, who are adjusting to life without Derek Carr. Philadelphia’s early schedule also includes winnable games against the Giants and Falcons, making them a safe Week 1 pick.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat dominance keeps the Ravens in the elite tier. Retaining Ronnie Stanley and adding DeAndre Hopkins in free agency strengthens their offense, while rookie Malaki Starks fortifies the secondary. Baltimore’s Week 1 clash with the Browns, who are mired in quarterback uncertainty, gives them a high win probability. With a manageable early schedule, the Ravens are a strong early pick but may be worth saving for a tougher matchup later.
3. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen’s ability to elevate the Bills’ roster makes them a survivor pool staple. Additions like Larry Ogunjobi and Joey Bosa deepen their defensive line, and their early schedule is kind, starting with a home game against the Cardinals. Buffalo’s consistency and Allen’s playmaking make them a reliable choice for Weeks 1 or 2, especially against teams with offensive line issues.
4. Detroit Lions
Despite losing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, the Lions remain a top NFC contender. Their roster, bolstered by D.J. Reed and Tyleik Williams, is built for balance. Detroit’s Week 1 matchup against the Chargers, who are integrating new pieces, offers a winnable game. The Lions’ tough NFC North schedule later in the season makes them a prime early pick.
5. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ offseason moves—retaining Alaric Jackson and acquiring Davante Adams—signal their intent to contend. Matthew Stafford’s health is a concern, but their early schedule includes games against the Seahawks and Cardinals, both of whom face quarterback questions. The Rams’ offensive firepower makes them a sneaky Week 2 or 3 pick if Stafford is ready.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and company are never a bad bet, but their early schedule is trickier, with a Week 1 tilt against the Ravens. Additions like Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons bolster the offensive line, but losing Joe Thuney hurts. Consider saving the Chiefs for a softer matchup in Weeks 3 or 4, like against the Panthers or Falcons.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs’ offense, led by Baker Mayfield and Chris Godwin, remains potent despite losing coordinator Liam Coen. Their Week 1 game against the Panthers, who rank low in our power index, is a prime survivor pool opportunity. Tampa Bay’s early schedule avoids top-tier opponents, making them a safe early pick.
8. Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels’ breakout rookie season has Washington on the rise. Additions like Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel enhance their offense, but their defense still needs work. A Week 1 matchup against the Saints gives them a high win probability, making them an intriguing early pick for risk-takers.
9. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ shift to J.J. McCarthy at quarterback introduces some uncertainty, but Kevin O’Connell’s system and additions like Ryan Kelly and Will Fries solidify their line. Their Week 1 game against the Giants, who are breaking in Russell Wilson, is winnable. Minnesota’s early schedule is manageable, but their defensive regression risk makes them a mid-tier pick.
10. Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love’s growth and a deep draft class keep the Packers competitive. Their early schedule includes a Week 1 game against the Colts, who are still sorting out their offensive line. Green Bay’s balanced roster makes them a solid Week 2 or 3 pick, but their NFC North gauntlet looms later.
Teams to Avoid Early
- New Orleans Saints: With Derek Carr retired and unproven quarterbacks like Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler, the Saints face a brutal rebuild. Their Week 1 game against the Eagles is a likely loss.
- Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward’s potential is exciting, but their lack of a pass rush and tough early matchups (e.g., Broncos in Week 1) make them risky.
- New York Giants: Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart bring intrigue, but their defense is still gelling, and a Week 1 matchup against the Vikings is tough.
Strategy Tips for Survivor Pools
- Plan Ahead with Spreadwise: Use the Spreadwise app to evaluate cumulative odds for picks across multiple weeks. Its algorithms help you map out a path to the endgame.
- Balance Risk and Reward: Save elite teams like the Eagles or Ravens for weeks with tougher matchups, and use mid-tier teams like the Bucs or Commanders early.
- Monitor Injuries: Stafford’s back issues and Aidan Hutchinson’s health for the Lions could shift their reliability. Check updates before locking in picks.
- Consider Upsets: Teams like the Commanders or Vikings could capitalize on weaker opponents, offering value in larger pools.
The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a thrilling one for survivor pool players. By focusing on teams with favorable early schedules and upset potential, you can gain an edge in your pool. The Eagles, Ravens, and Bills top our rankings for their reliability, while teams like the Bucs and Commanders offer early value. Download the Spreadwise app to analyze game spreads, compare team stats, and optimize your picks for the long haul. Stay sharp, plan strategically, and good luck surviving the 2025 season!
What makes a good survivor pool pick in the early weeks of the NFL season?
A good survivor pool pick in Weeks 1-4 hinges on matchup favorability and team reliability. Teams like the Eagles or Bucs, facing weaker opponents like the Saints or Panthers, are ideal because they have high win probabilities. Using tools like Spreadwise to analyze game spreads and schedules helps identify these opportunities. Avoid teams with tough early matchups, like the Chiefs against the Ravens, to minimize risk. Always check injury reports, as key absences can shift a team’s outlook.
How do I avoid getting knocked out early in a survivor pool?
To avoid early elimination, prioritize teams with easy Week 1-2 matchups, like the Eagles or Commanders, and save stronger teams for later. Diversify your picks by avoiding the most popular choices—check pool trends to see what others are picking. Use Spreadwise to evaluate future weeks and avoid picking teams with upcoming tough games. Monitor quarterback changes and injuries, as they can drastically affect outcomes, especially for rebuilding teams like the Saints or Titans.
Should I pick a favorite or an underdog in a survivor pool?
Favorites are safer for early weeks to avoid elimination, as they have higher win probabilities (e.g., Eagles vs. Saints in Week 1). Underdogs like the Commanders or Vikings can be valuable in larger pools to differentiate your picks, but only if their matchup is favorable. Spreadwise’s algorithms can highlight underdogs with upset potential by analyzing spreads and team stats. Always balance the risk of an upset with the need to survive early rounds.
