Chris Sutton and Martin Keown believe Newcastle's survival hopes are dependent on the business they do in the final week of the window.
The Magpies picked up their second win of the season in all competitions against Leeds United, a huge result given Norwich's win over Watford a day prior.
Eddie Howe's side leapfrogged the Hornets as a result and are just one point behind the Canaries, with a game in hand.
The Toon are currently in Saudi Arabia on a warm-weather training camp but that hasn't stopped transfer speculation growing more intense as Deadline Day fast approaches.
Newcastle remain in the market for Diego Carlos, while talks are ongoing with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for loan moves for Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli.
There's plenty work to be done to ensure the Magpies evade the drop, something Keown and Sutton are quick to stress.
When asked by Sportsmail, ' Who survives out of Norwich, Newcastle, Watford and Burnley?' Keown said: "If Newcastle can get the right players - and this is going to be a very big week for the club - then they can get themselves out of trouble under Eddie Howe.
"But I have to give great credit to Dean Smith. He must be giddy looking at that table showing Norwich above the red line right now.
"If Smith can guide them to safety, after the disappointment of being sacked by Aston Villa, he deserves the freedom of the city!"
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Newcastle do not have a game until February 8th, when they face fellow strugglers Everton, who could be dragged into the relegation battle with defeat against the Magpies.
Sutton added: "And let's not discount Everton as a relegation contender. They're in such a bad state, surrounded by toxicity, that they aren't out of the woods yet. The same goes for Leeds.
"But I take the point that the bottom four are currently the prime candidates to go down.
"Burnley have the experience. Newcastle have the money. Watford have sacked Claudio Ranieri and, who knows, they may yet burn through another manager or three before the end of the season.
"It won't be easy but I'll back Norwich to stay out of that relegation zone. You may say I'm biased because I played for the club and live in Norfolk. To that I say - you're right!"
