About this episode
Mackenzie Rivers and Dan Rivera talk NFL Survivor for Week 6. Mackenzie Rivers and Dan Rivera recap their NFL Survivor Pool strategy following Week 5, where their Lions pick cashed but their Bills entry didn’t. They open by analyzing the Philadelphia Eagles’ unexpected loss, crediting Dan for advising against picking them due to injuries and lack of offensive identity. The pair dissect the team’s problems — a banged-up offensive line, absence of key defender Jalen Carter, and declining chemistry on both sides of the ball. Dan argues the Eagles’ coordinator is ineffective, their depth has eroded, and locker room morale appears fractured, with concerns over A.J. Brown’s happiness. Mackenzie notes Jalen Hurts’ post–players-only meeting regression, the team’s lack of cohesion, and that what once looked like a resilient contender now feels like a fraudulently strong 4–1 squad. Both conclude Philadelphia’s window of dominance may be closing fast. They shift to Survivor Week 6 planning, emphasizing that surviving and advancing outweighs saving teams for ideal spots. Mackenzie leans toward using the Green Bay Packers, 14-point favorites over the Bengals with Joe Flacco starting. Dan agrees, highlighting Green Bay’s upcoming favorable matchups versus Carolina in Week 9, comparing them to the Rams’ schedule. He prefers the Packers this week, saving the Rams for later. They analyze the Packers’ offensive form and potential risk from Jordan Love’s turnovers but agree Green Bay’s defense and motivation off a bye make them the top pick. Mackenzie supports the logic with data showing teams off a bye favored by 14+ are historically unbeaten straight up since 1989. He reviews Carolina’s schedule to justify saving the Rams, whose Week 9 home matchup versus New Orleans looks safer. The two discuss other options — Rams, Colts, Broncos, Steelers, and Raiders — but dismiss most for situational or scheduling reasons. The Rams could be dangerous if Baltimore rebounds; the Colts are better saved for Week 8; the Broncos are volatile in London versus the Jets; and the Raiders are too untrustworthy offensively. The sharp alternative is Pittsburgh, who face the Browns after a bye, holding the NFL’s largest rest advantage in years. The Steelers’ historical dominance over Cleveland (18–1 at home under Mike Tomlin) and Tomlin’s elite record versus rookie QBs make them a strong contrarian survivor play. Dan warns Pittsburgh might be needed in Week 7, but both rank them just behind Green Bay. They preview Week 7, identifying the Patriots at Titans as Dan’s “Game of the Year.” Citing coach Mike Vrabel’s revenge motivation against his former team and New England’s top-10 offense by efficiency versus Tennessee’s worst-in-league metrics, they agree it’s a must-use spot. Wrapping up, they lock in Packers for Week 6, tentatively Patriots for Week 7, and Steelers as a sharp alternative. They reject risky long shots like the Raiders or Titans, emphasizing staying disciplined with scheduling flexibility. Mackenzie signs off optimistic, confident in their survivor roadmap — Packers now, Patriots next, and eyes forward to midseason survival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices