Among the probable millions of fans who participated in NFL survivor pools, many of them must hate the AFC North division right now. After the Bengals laid an egg in Week 1 against the Patriots to explode many folks’ entries, it was the Baltimore Ravens’ turn to be an 8.5-point home favorite and lose outright.
That’s right. Minshew Mania has officially arrived in Vegas. Against all odds, Gardner Minshew went on the road to Baltimore and somehow squeaked out a 26-23 victory over reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the mighty Ravens.
The announcers were well aware what a Ravens loss meant to many crestfallen survivor pool players.
Andrew Catalon on the CBS call as the Raiders stun the Ravens in Baltimore.
"The game is over, and so are a lot of Survivor pools across the country! The Baltimore Ravens are 0-2 for the first time since 2015!" 🏈🎙️ pic.twitter.com/hczhibmZC1
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 15, 2024
With how volatile games can be week to week in the NFL, it’s especially difficult to forecast how the start of a season will go. Who would’ve thought that Baltimore, with extra time to prepare after their by-a-toe Opening Night loss to the Chiefs, would’ve had such a letdown today and blown a double-digit lead?
Look at the carnage the Ravens caused.
More @CircaSports Survivor pool CHAOS as most-selected team loses for second straight week
Ravens 2,304 ❌
Lions 859❌
Jaguars 259 ❌
Cowboys 255❌
Colts 187 ❌
49ers 96❌Pool has lost MORE THAN HALF of the entries in less than two weeks pic.twitter.com/u7ZLmmQvc0
— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) September 15, 2024
As you can see, though, there were multiple stunners few people saw coming.
40.86% of the players remaining in the Covers Survivor Contest were eliminated with losses by the Ravens, Cowboys and Lions this afternoon 😵💫 pic.twitter.com/w0bycbBG0y
— Covers (@Covers) September 15, 2024
Survivor pools, look away. #Ravens (-450)❌#Cowboys (-275)❌#Lions (-360)❌#49ers (-210)❌ pic.twitter.com/naxTdpDRid
— Pikkit (@pikkitsports) September 15, 2024
The Lions were believed to be a near-lock to win thanks to myriad injuries to the Buccaneers’ secondary. Instead, Jared Goff threw zero TDs, two interceptions, and Tampa Bay got revenge for that Divisional Round playoff loss with a 20-16 dub. Making matters arguably worse for Detroit, they squandered a 4.5-sack game by Aidan Hutchinson, and couldn’t get the “W” even though Baker Mayfield was the Bucs’ leading rusher with 34 yards.
As for the Dallas Cowboys, well, as Stephen A. Smith would say, they’re an accident waiting to happen.
How 'bout dem Saints? pic.twitter.com/P1uKlLk5yn
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 15, 2024
Watching the Dallas Cowboys when everyone expects them to win pic.twitter.com/4x8VudsYsh
— Matt Fitzgerald (@MattFitz_gerald) September 15, 2024
In addition to enjoying the hell out of yet another choke job by America’s Team, ya boii made a nice little profit on the proceedings.
*Taps mic*
I want you to put the word out there that we back up pic.twitter.com/vgw0kPWtev
— Matt Fitzgerald (@MattFitz_gerald) September 15, 2024
On the flip side, looks like I should’ve stuck with Derek Carr a touch longer instead of predicting he’d eventually be benched for Spencer Rattler this year. I saw a Carr interview with Jon Gruden right after I made that prediction, where he talked about his offseason and how he was really dialing in on improving his skittish footwork.
It’s paying massive dividends so far:
That’s your warning not to doubt Derek Carr going forward. Or you can read some of my old stuff about how the Raiders catastrophically failed him.
The 49ers losing to the Vikings was a pretty big shocker, too. I mean really my head is spinning trying to keep up with all these upsets.
Although I laughed at this little meme/reaction type deal from an Eagles fan, this individual should maybe take a chill pill and worry gravely about being a big favorite against the Falcons on Monday Night Football. Just saying, it’s been that kind of Week 2!
“You must be a sick person to enjoy the Saints beating the Cowboys and the Vikings beating the 49ers.”
Me: pic.twitter.com/xBIfEDu5jP
— Philly Dawgs (@PHLDawgs) September 15, 2024
