Week 9 Pick in the Jazz Survivor Contest

The upsets of the Chiefs and 49ers last week were devastating to players who had held those teams and as we head to week 9 we are lucky to be alive, as Kansas City was our backup pick last week. NFL season is at the half-way point and, it's time for NFL Survivor pool participants who are still alive to use some picks that maybe they don't really want to make. As the pools start to dwindle due to upsets, making the right choice is critical. We have used up the Ravens, Cowboys, Chiefs, Vikings, Dolphins, Rams, Seahawks and last week, the Lions to sit at 8-0 with our NFL Survivor Picks in the Jazz Sports contest. We are looking at two lesser teams this week and both are in a great spot to win and keep us rolling into Week 10.

The Top Contenders

Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns (-9.5)

The Cleveland Browns are hosting the Arizona Cardinals, who will be starting backup quarterback Clayton Tune, now that struggling Josh Dobbs has been traded. The Browns are 3-1 at home and their defense should be able to keep the rookie in check.

The Browns are coming off a tough loss to Seattle after two big victories over the 49ers a and Colts. they need a win to keep up with the surprising Steelers in the crowded AFC North. Reports are that DeShaun Watson will be starting for Cleveland and the line has jumped up to 9.5 points since the veiled announcement. Still, if he doesn't go for some reason, the Browns have done well with PJ Walker under center.

Playing against the Cardinals is a strategy that some have used in their 2023 Survivor Pools and for the most part that  has worked out. Now, with Tune being the potential starter, they are an even bigger longshot to win ANY games the rest of the way. There have been some reports that Kyler Murray will play, but he hasn't taken a snap since an ACL injury on MNF vs the Patriots back on December 12th. IF he does he will be facing the #1 defense in the NFL, yielding just 260 total yards per game and just 167 via the air. Led by standout DE Myles Garrett, is expected to dominate the Cardinals' offense. It's hard to  imagine the Cardinals winning at Cleveland.

Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-8.5)

The Saints are at home in the Superdome as a big favorite, hosting the Chicago Bears and rookie QB Tyson Bagent. The Saints have dominated the Bears in recent years, winning their last seven matchups.

The New Orleans Saints are coming off a 38-27 victory against the Indianapolis Colts, putting up over 500 yards on offense to snap a two-game losing streak. Derek Carr has turned the corner it appears and has nearly 2,000 passing yards so far this season. The Saints D is sold and certainly can handle an offense led by Bagent. 

Making the Decision

Based on their overall performance and the matchup against the QB-less Cardinals, the Cleveland Browns emerge as my top pick for Week 9 in Jazz Sports NFL survivor pool. With the return of DeShaun Watson and a defense that can disrupt the any teams, the Browns have all the ingredients for a convincing victory. I a happy to use a team like Cleveland this late in the season and this is a great spot to use them and keep rolling into Week 10.

Survivor pools are all about making calculated choices, and the Browns provide an opportunity to gain an advantage while saving other top teams for future weeks. 

Recap of Top Survivor Picks for Week 

Here's a recap of the top survivor pool picks for Week 9 Survivor Pool at Jazz Sports:

Arizona Carrdinals at Cleveland Browns (-9.5)
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-8.5)

Get in on the contests

This year, player-favorite sportsbook, Jazz Sports is running a promotion where you can beat OSGA. We'll be posting our picks for Survivor here every week until we bust out and lucky Jazz Players who participate will cash in. Players can get a $25 free play just for outlasting us in the Survivor Pool. Head to Jazz Sports now for NFL betting and more. Both of these teams have a favorable matchup and a strong chance of securing a win in Week 9. Consider these picks when making your survivor pool selection, and may the odds be ever in your favor.