About this episode
Mackenzie Rivers and Dan Rivera talk NFL survivor for Week 15. The conversation opens with Mackenzie and Dan reviewing their NFL survivor failures, noting the Buccaneers’ back-to-back losses and frustration over missing the Dolphins as the optimal play the prior week. They discuss Thursday Night Football, highlighting Atlanta and Tampa Bay trading mistakes, poor defense under Todd Bowles, and uncertainty about his future despite repeated NFC South titles. Turning to Week 15, they analyze Seattle vs. Indianapolis, debating whether Riley Leonard or an aging Philip Rivers will start, concluding Leonard is more likely while acknowledging Rivers may appear the following week. They consider whether the Colts have quit, ultimately believing the team remains energized but unlikely to make the playoffs given a brutal remaining schedule. Discussion shifts to organizational futures, with Dan criticizing GM Chris Ballard’s drafting, doubting Anthony Richardson, and predicting ownership will run it back due to lack of QB alternatives and sunk costs from the Sauce Gardner trade. They move to San Francisco vs. Tennessee, with both strongly favoring the 49ers due to matchup advantages and the Titans’ limited offensive upside, identifying the Niners as their would-be Week 15 survivor selection. They evaluate Jaguars-Jets, citing the Jets’ collapse, third-string QB issues, and Jacksonville’s need to maintain division position, making the Jaguars a viable survivor choice. They consider larger favorites such as Philadelphia, Houston, and Chicago while expressing concern about weather, QB instability, and inflated lines. They also touch on the Chiefs and Cowboys as sharp alternatives depending on injuries and usage. Dan proposes the Giants as a deep contrarian survivor option due to Washington’s historically bad defense and team morale issues. They close by noting the volatility of late-season survivor pools and emphasizing the advantage of identifying fading candidates such as the Commanders or Jets while expressing confidence in the 49ers as the strongest theoretical Week 15 play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices