2. Lauren O’Connell
When it comes to a player-neutral Final Six, you could reasonably expect a 50% shot at making it to the Final Tribal Council. Guaranteeing safety for at least one of two rounds leading up to the Final Four increases the odds dramatically, making Lauren O’Connell a strong player and a top candidate to win Survivor: Edge of Extinction before knowing who makes it back from the Edge.
Lauren had a strong start, taking out who has become the biggest target in the game in Rick Devens. If he’s able to vote him out a second time, that will be a huge leg up on the rest of the competition, especially with a jury of players that may feel betrayed by the Kama players like Gavin and Victoria who played it safe and ensuring their inability to make the Loved Ones’ visit.
Plus, if a Manu member does make their way back from the Edge of Extinction, with the exception of Kelley Wentworth, they become the consensus target for elimination. Even in that scenario, Lauren would likely remain a person of lesser interest in taking out, and against most player scenarios minus Rick Devens, I believe she wins the game.