Survival comes in many forms.
Perhaps you are stranded on an island without the television production crew from CBS’ hit show. Or maybe there’s something bigger at stake. Maybe it’s just about getting through the grocery store without fighting someone for a loaf of bread.
Or maybe, just maybe, you’re trying to survive the 2025 NFL season.
After a slow start to the year, survivor pools have come under attack as big favorites fall left and right. It’s an unavoidable reality in this ‘any given Sunday’ life we live.
The pendulum swings and obstacles arise, but some sound strategy and a little bit of luck goes a long way. Luckily for us, the NFL Week 5 slate promises to be a good one that’s littered with opportunity.
While you survive another day on this floating rock in space, allow us to guide you through another week of NFL action. Here are the best survivor picks for Week 5.
NFL survivor picks Week 5
Indianapolis Colts (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
The Pete Carroll experiment in Vegas hasn’t yielded the results that many expected. Geno Smith has been a turnover machine and it took three weeks for Chip Kelly to finally let Ashton Jeanty stand how he wants. Vegas is coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Bears, who blocked the game-winning field goal attempt.
Meanwhile, the Colts are rolling through the early part of the year and were one stop away from being 4-0. Daniel Jones has been everything Shane Steichen could’ve asked for and more. Back at home, the Colts get the job done.
Dallas Cowboys (at New York Jets)
Dallas is only favored by a field goal in this game, perhaps making them a risky pick in Week 5. However, Dak Prescott is back to his old ways and the Cowboys offense is dominating. After posting 40 points against a solid Packers defense last week, they get the generous Jets this time around. Steve Wilks’ defense looks like it’s been operating with two players on the field through the first month, rather than the standard 11.
The Cowboys might put up 40 more in this game and the Jets offense – even against a leaky Dallas defense – won’t have the ability to keep up.
Arizona Cardinals (vs. Tennessee Titans)
It feels bad to keep picking on Cam Ward and the Titans, but they haven’t shown the ability to win games – or really even come close. They have lost by at least two scores in each of the last three weeks and now travel to the desert for a matchup with a rested Cardinals group.
Arizona is far from inspiring as a team, but they shouldn’t struggle to claim victory here.
Detroit Lions (at Cincinnati Bengals)
The Lions were considered frauds after their Week 1 blowout loss to the Packers. Dan Campbell’s team has done nothing but dominate in the time since and Week 5 should be no different.
What team should you pick in NFL survivor pools this week?
The Dallas Cowboys.
It hasn’t been an easy road these last few weeks, especially with some major upsets being sprinkled in. We already trusted the Cowboys in Week 2, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put your faith in them if Brian Schottenheimer’s team is an option.
Dallas is far too talented on offense and New York’s defense too big of a liability. As frustration grows within the Jets fanbase, you can expect MetLife Stadium to feel like a Cowboys’ home game, meaning we don’t even have to worry about them being on the road.
Aaron Glenn’s Jets have continued to find ways to lose, beating themselves and now have a short week to go with it. Trust the best unit in the game to get the job done.
The Cowboys roll in Week 5.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.
