About this episode
Mackenzie Rivers and Dan Rivera talk NFL Week 9 Survivor Contests NFL Week 9 Survivor Contest Strategy — Mackenzie Rivers & Dan Rivera | RJ Bell’s Dream Preview (0:13) Host Mackenzie Rivers opens celebrating another week survived and welcomes Dan Rivera as they hit the halfway point of the Dan and Mack Can Survive series, discussing remaining teams, equity, and the narrowing path ahead. (1:00) Dan lists viable survivor options—Cowboys, Seahawks, Broncos, Chargers, Rams, Commanders, and Eagles—and explains why Thanksgiving scheduling complicates planning. (2:49) Mack recaps Week 8 carnage with Bengals and Falcons upsets before pivoting to Week 9 double-digit favorites like Packers (-13 vs Panthers) and Rams (-14 vs Saints). (3:58) Dan details his mapping process: identifying “must-use” teams such as the Bears and keeping injured squads like the Chargers on ice until healthy. (6:37) They clarify contest structure—19 weeks, 19 picks with a special Thanksgiving slot. (8:00) Mack highlights Rams as top option vs Saints with rookie QB Tyler Shough replacing Spencer Rattler; cites PFF-EPA QBR composite ranking Dak Prescott #1 and Sam Darnold #2 to underscore metrics in QB evaluation. (12:23) Dan checks the Rams’ remaining schedule—Panthers (11/30) and Cardinals (12/7)—noting why this may be their optimal week to use them, while Mack calls the Saints “perfect tankers.” (17:10) They confirm Rams as official Week 9 pick and review Green Bay vs Carolina, agreeing the Packers are safe if available. (19:37) Dan dives deep on Josh Jacobs’ injury, Green Bay’s kicker issues, and Carolina’s O-line woes before Mack ranks Bryce Young around the 20th best QB. (24:57) Chargers (-9.5 at Titans) analysis: Dan argues L.A. “bullies bad teams,” Mack notes road risk and prefers home favorites. (29:07) They dissect Vikings-Lions: J.J. McCarthy returns, Carson Wentz out, Dan grades McCarthy as two-year project; Mack tracks line movement (7.5 → 9). (34:36) Other angles: Colts vs Steelers (Colts due for regression) and Seahawks vs Commanders (off bye, defense rolling, Terry McLaurin out). (38:22) Dan floats the “gross” alternative — Bears over Bengals if you lack elite teams — while Mack calculates the risk-reward gap (85% Rams vs 60% Bears). (41:13) They finalize the Week 9 Survivor Pick: ✅ Los Angeles Rams to beat New Orleans. (44:10) Dan pre-scouts Week 10 lookahead lines — Broncos (-9.5 vs Raiders), Bills (-8 at Miami), Colts (-7 in Germany), Seahawks (-6 vs Cardinals) — and both agree on early lean: Denver Broncos Week 10 . (47:00) They close with contest equity math, future weeks planning, and thank listeners for staying alive in Survivor. Strategy, data, and banter from two contest sharps who actually play it — subscribe and survive with Dan & Mack each week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices