If you're reading this, you're most likely still alive in your Survivor pool. Avoiding elimination for 16 weeks is no small feat in the NFL, so give yourself a well deserved pat on the back.

Week 17 usually requires a careful look at the NFL Playoff picture, who is playing for something, and who isn't. A perfect example this week is Houston who, win or lose, are locked into the 3rd seed. Likely to sit their starters, I wouldn't risk a pick on them this week. A careful review of the playoff picture would be a wise move.

Attractive Picks for Week 17

Denver (vs. Kansas City) - After getting CRUSHED by the Bills last week, this pick might surprise you. However, I've had good luck trusting my gut the last few weeks so I'll roll the dice one last time. I like Denver's outlook at home this week in a must win game for them. I love the irony of Tebow facing Orton, also. If there was ever a game to pull off some Tebow magic, this is it.

Atlanta (vs. Tampa Bay) - If you took the Bucs last week getting 31 points, you still lost! While Atlanta's defense is certainly shaky, it would take a huge effort for the Bucs to break their nine game losing streak on the raod. Tampa Bay is a complete disaster and Atlanta would have to have a heck of a collapse to lose this one. If you've got the Falcons available, you're looking awfully good.

San Francisco (@ St. Louis) - The Niners need this win to have a shot at the #2 seed ... and it shouldn't be difficult to get against the lowly Rams. Yes, the games on the road but St. Louis has nothing to play for and, frankly, couldn't win any games this season when they did.

Picks to Avoid in Week 17

Philadelphia (vs. Washington) - The Eagles are a nine point favorite this week and the overwhelming consensus favorite among Eliminator pool members, with almost 40% picking Philly. I avoid NFC East divisional games whenever possible, and this week is no different. While the Eagles are clearly playing like the better team here, I've been burned too many times to get anywhere near this stove again.

Jacksonville (vs. Indianapolis) - I understand that pickings are slim this time of year, but I'm amazed that almost 6% of our members are picking the Jags this week. No matter how bad Indy is, I'm not taking a 4-11 team that has lost two straight over a team that has won two straight. If Indy was really trying to get Luck that badly, they wouldn't have won the last two games.

Oakland (vs. San Diego) - Hard to see the rationale behind taking the Raiders this week. Picking them in a divisional game against a San Diego team that has played better, as of late, doesn't seem wise. If not for a weak 16-13 win over the Chiefs last week, the Raiders would have lost 4 straight. Again, there aren't many teams left to pick from, but look elsewhere if you can.

My Week 17 Pick

Like many of you, the obvious choices this week (Atlanta and New England) are off the table for me. The Broncos, in my mind, are the best among a bunch of weak choices. Such is life in Week 17 of an NFL Survivor pool. I've got my fingers crossed that Tebow can use his legs this week to take down the leagues 2nd lowest scoring team.

Finally, I'd like to thank all of you that followed my Survivor posts this year. As you know, I don't write these posts for the Playoffs as most pools are already over or are regular season only. I hope these articles did more good than harm for you all. Enjoy week 17, the Playoffs, and have a happy and safe New Year!

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