Munaf Manji, Mackenzie Rivers and Dave Essler discuss NFL Week 8 contest selections.
Munaf Manji hosts the NFL Week 8 Contest Podcast on RJ Bell’s Dream Preview with Mackenzie Rivers and Dave Essler, discussing ATS and Survivor contest picks. Munaf opens by reviewing Week 7 results: 204 Circus Survivor entries were eliminated, leaving 4,214 alive, and the top-five Circa Millions picks went 4-1. Mackenzie opens with his ATS pick, taking the Commanders +12.5 versus the Chiefs, citing overreaction to quarterback changes and favorable historical data for double-digit underdogs after losing as road favorites. Munaf agrees, saying Mariota can manage the game if turnovers are limited, while Dave supports them, noting key receivers’ returns and the Chiefs’ tough schedule ahead. Dave’s pick is the Patriots -7 versus the Browns, backing New England’s home advantage and Drake Maye’s strong play since Week 1; he cites Cleveland’s poor road record and rookie QB Dylan Gabriel’s first hostile start. Munaf expands that the Browns are 1-11 straight up and 2-10 ATS on the road, losing by double digits frequently, while Mackenzie notes past “home-after-road-trip” data is now neutral. Munaf’s pick is the 49ers +1.5 at Houston, calling it a “wrong team favored” game, criticizing the Texans’ O-line, injury issues (notably Nico Collins), and inconsistency. Mackenzie admits concern about San Francisco’s defense post-Bosa but likes their matchup versus Houston’s weak front, and Dave agrees, joining the 49ers side. They promote Pregame.com contests, including Beat Dave Esler NBA and discounts using codes “touchdown20” for football access and “NBA75” for Mackenzie’s NBA package. Transitioning to Survivor strategy, Munaf reviews Week 8’s large favorites: Patriots, Bills, Eagles, Bengals, Falcons, Ravens, Colts (-14), and Chiefs (-12.5). Dave recommends Dallas as a gutsy Survivor pick, citing Denver’s vulnerable defense and Dallas’s offensive weapons, while acknowledging risks. Munaf supports that approach, also suggesting the 49ers and Falcons as alternate Survivor plays, emphasizing the need for strategic diversification instead of burning elite teams early. Mackenzie jokes that he never picks underdogs in Survivor but recalls Fezzik’s accidental underdog win that clinched a contest. He mentions saving the Colts for Week 8, the largest favorite, while Dave argues underdogs can be valuable if used selectively. Munaf concludes that multiple entries allow experimentation with smaller favorites and strategic conservation of power teams for later weeks, reinforcing the depth of Survivor planning discussed in Mack and Dan’s dedicated Survivor Pod. The episode ends with camaraderie among the hosts—Mackenzie, Dave, and Munaf—signing off with humor about dinner and their usual “good luck with your bets” closing.

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