Not only might it help get him in Paul’s good graces (it won’t, but worth a shot), but considering Paul is most likely not going on the block anyway, it would eliminate a non-target from nomination rather than an alternate target to Mark.
From something Christmas said, I think this might be a “pick an apple” situation, and you get what you get.
In absence of allies to protect, best to put up a person who’s least likely to be nominated anyway.
Assuming that means Paul is safe from eviction this week, it’s actually not a bad choice.