NFL Survivor Week 1 Picks and Contest Strategy (2025)

NFL Survivor Week 1: Kicking Off the Season

Every season, millions of football fans type in searches for the best week 1 NFL survivor picks, hoping to find the safest way to stay alive. But while traditional pools follow the same old format, Splash Sports has redefined the game with the NFL Survivor Contest — a legal, skill-based format built for friends, commissioners, and serious players.

Think of it as the evolution of the survivor pool — the same excitement, but more strategy, bigger payouts, and a community-first experience.

NFL Survivor contests on Splash Sports are all about strategic decision-making, not luck. In Week 1, where every team is a clean slate, your choices matter more than ever.

Let’s dive into the safest and smartest NFL Week 1 survivor picks for the 2025 season.

NFL Week 1 Survivor Safe Pick: Buffalo Bills

Week 1 opens with a heavyweight NFC East battle. While divisional games are usually risky, the Eagles have dominated the Cowboys at home in recent years and enter the season healthy and loaded on both sides of the ball. Their defensive front should pressure Dak Prescott early and often.

Why it's a strong choice: Philly at home, with their crowd and momentum under the lights, is a reliable start to your survivor campaign. It also allows you to save teams like Kansas City and San Francisco for future weeks.

NFL Week 1 Survivor Contrarian Pick: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are a trendy pick, but opening on the road against a fast, young Colts team could spell trouble. Anthony Richardson has had a full offseason to grow, and the Colts’ defense is built to contain speed.

Why it's a smart pivot: Few will touch the Colts in Week 1, giving you leverage if they pull the upset. Plus, Miami faces a tough early-season stretch, so burning them now may not be ideal anyway.

Why Survivor Contests Beat Traditional Pools

Yes, most fans start the year by joining an NFL survivor pool in Week 1, but Splash Sports brings a better way to play:

• Play Against Friends, Not the House — perfect for commissioners and groups.
  
• Skill-Based Gameplay — every decision matters, not just blind luck.
  
• Massive Payouts — contests at every level, from casual to high stakes.
  

Check out the featured NFL Survivor Week 1 contests:

1. The Big Splash $2.5M NFL Survivor — $150 entry, $2.5M in contest prizes, 18,519 entrants.
   
2. Splash High Roller $1M+ NFL Survivor — $1,000 entry, $1M in contest prizes, smaller 3,334 entrant field.
   
3. Splash X Phil NFL High Stakes Survivor World Championship — $5,000 entry, $1M in contest prizes, elite prestige hosted by Nick Wright & Phil Hellmuth.
   
   

Final Thoughts: Survivor Week 1 Picks

If you’re searching for NFL Survivor Week 1 picks, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most popular ways fans kick off the season. But instead of sticking to a traditional pool, test your strategy and NFL knowledge in a Splash Sports Survivor Contest.

It’s like your old survivor pool, but smarter, skill-based, and built for today’s players.

👉 Learn more about NFL survivor contest formats and see why Splash Sports is the best way to play in 2025.