Here's how much money Chargers cost Survivor pool players after Week 1 upset to Cardinals

Of any NFL Week 1 game, the safest pick on the schedule appeared to be the Los Angeles Chargers' opening matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

After all, each team carries much different expectations and levels of talent into 2026; the Chargers still have one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, Justin Herbert, with the offensive talent around him to succeed and a defense that has some big names. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are rolling out a bridge quarterback in Jacoby Brissett, were one of the NFL's worst defenses in 2025 and will likely struggle to keep up in a loaded division this season.

Of course, nothing goes as planned in the NFL. Arizona stunned Los Angeles, 26-14, as Brissett torched the Chargers for 277 yards. For many bettors and Survivor pool players, it was the most shocking result of the week.

Here's a look at how many Survivor pools were ruined by the Chargers' loss to the Cardinals.

MORE NFL WEEK 1:

• Bears look unstoppable, Chargers are cooked and more Week 1 overreactions
• Ranking every NFL head coaching debut from best to worst
• Bills, Baker Mayfield among biggest winners, losers from Week 1

How many people picked Chargers in Survivor pools?

In the Circa Sports Survivor pool, more than 7,500 of the 25,000 entries were eliminated by the Chargers losing alone, according to Ben Fawkes.

According to Yahoo Sports, the Chargers were also the most popular pick of the week on Yahoo's Survival Football platform at 32.5% of picks.

It was Los Angeles' defense that largely let the matchup slip away, allowing Cardinals points on four of their first five possessions. With a number of other miscues — including an Omarion Hampton fumble and a blocked punt — and Justin Herbert throwing for just 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception, Arizona padded its lead late and pulled off a surprise win.

How much money Chargers cost Survivor pool players

Per Dustin Swedelson, the Chargers' loss was historic for Circa Sports' platform. A total of $10.3 million was lost between Survivor and Grandisimo, the most on any single pick in contest history.

Circa Sports' Survivor pool includes a $1,000 entry fee, making it one of the most prestigious, high-stakes pools out there.