The start of the NFL season means the return of survivor pools. They are a fun way to make the 2022 campaign more interesting. Unlike betting against the spread, survivor pools only require entrants to pick straight-up winners weekly.

Here's a ranking of the top-10 survivor picks for Week 1.

1) Baltimore Ravens (at New York Jets)

This is arguably the biggest mismatch on the Week 1 schedule. The Ravens might finish seven or eight games ahead of the Jets at the end of the season. Lamar Jackson has dominated subpar opponents in season openers.

2) Tennessee Titans (vs. New York Giants)

Tennessee is the ideal survivor pick: the AFC's reigning No. 1 seed at home against a last-place team. Even if the Titans take a step back in 2022, they'll be a playoff contender. There is little hope for the Giants to make the postseason.

3) San Francisco 49ers (at Chicago Bears)

The only reason San Francisco isn't atop the list is the uncertainty regarding Trey Lance. The talent gap between these two teams is massive. Chicago has surrounded Justin Fields with very little help.

4) Indianapolis Colts (at Houston Texans)

As the biggest Week 1 favorite, the Colts might be the most popular survivor pick. Indianapolis shouldn't have trouble winning in Houston, but Frank Reich's winless record in openers is a concern. Going with a road team in a divisional matchup is never ideal for a survivor pool.

5) Kansas City Chiefs (at Arizona Cardinals)

It's usually a safe pick to take the Chiefs, no matter the opponent or the location. Patrick Mahomes has been virtually perfect in season openers. Arizona will have a hard time keeping pace with Kansas City with DeAndre Hopkins serving a suspension.

6) Philadelphia Eagles (at Detroit Lions)

The Eagles won nine more games than the Lions in 2021 and had one of the NFL's best offseasons. Philadelphia blew out Detroit 44-6 on the road a season ago.

7) Miami Dolphins (vs. New England Patriots)

The Dolphins should finish ahead of the Patriots in the AFC East, and it starts with a Week 1 victory. Bill Belichick and New England often have trouble in Miami, even when the Dolphins aren't playoff contenders.

8) Denver Broncos (at Seattle Seahawks)

Denver could be vulnerable to an upset in what should be an emotional game for Russell Wilson. The quarterback does give the Broncos an enormous edge at the most important position. Denver's defense is much better than Seattle's, as well.

9) Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)

Expect this to be a tough AFC North battle that comes down to the wire. Cincinnati has the edge at home with a much better quarterback.

10) Minnesota Vikings (vs. Green Bay Packers)

There aren't any great options this far down the schedule. Minnesota could be on its way to an NFC North title, given Green Bay's lack of proven receivers. If Allen Lazard can't start because of an injury, the Packers may be in some trouble.

Derrick Henry Tennessee Titans Ryan Tannehill
Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans takes the hand-off from quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 and runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Frederick Breedon/Getty Images