NFL picks, Week 10: Straight up, and considering Survivor pool strategy

The San Francisco 49ers are back in action this weekend, hosting the New York Giants in one of the worst NFL matchups in recent memory. The 49ers are a slim favorite in what could very well be C.J. Beathard’s last start at quarterback this season. Jimmy Garoppolo is waiting in the wings, and while the offensive line has had its problems, the 49ers are likely to give Garoppolo a shot before the end of the season.

This is very much a winnable game for the 49ers, and is currently their most winnable remaining game. The Giants are a bad team in their own right, but can the 49ers overcome that to actually manage a win? It’s going to come down to how the 49ers defense holds up against Eli Manning. The Giants quarterback has struggled, and might be nearing the end of his time in the Meadowlands. But the 49ers inconsistency has been maddening, to say the least.

While we wait for the 49ers on Sunday, it’s time to ponder options in NFL Survivor pools. I was knocked out of my own double elimination pool thanks to back-to-back picks of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos in Weeks 6 and 7. That ended ... poorly.

In a Survivor pool, you pick a different team each week. You can only pick a team once. If your team wins you stay alive. I have set it up so you get two strikes. If you lose once, you get another chance. If you lose twice, you’re out. Once you pick a team, you can no longer pick them this season.

I’m out of my pool, but I’m down to offer some strategy for your pool. The Detroit Lions will be the most popular pick by a long shot, sitting as a 13-point home favorite against the Cleveland Browns. If you have not used the Los Angeles Rams, a home against the Houston Texans is a decent consideration. The Carolina Panthers host the Miami Dolphins, in what might be the last best time to consider Carolina. That being said, if you have Detroit, you use Detroit.

Tonight, things get going with the Arizona Cardinals hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. It’s a fun NFC West affair, and the short week NFC West games regularly end up going a little crazy. The Seahawks are favored, with the line ranging between 5.5 and 6.5 points. The Cardinals beat the 49ers last week, but I just don’t see Drew Stanton and company hanging with Seattle, even on a short week. I’m inclined to lay the points with Seattle.

Who are you taking?

Seahawks @ Cardinals: Seahawks
Saints @ Bills: Bills
Packers @ Bears: Bears
Browns @ Lions: Lions
Bengals @ Titans: Titans
Steelers @ Colts: Steelers
Jets @ Buccaneers: Bucs
Vikings @ Washington: Vikings
Chargers @ Jaguars: Chargers
Texans @ Rams: Rams
Cowboys @ Falcons: Falcons
Giants @ 49ers: 49ers
Patriots @ Broncos: Patriots
Dolphins @ Panthers: Panthers