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ALEX MCMAHON’S GUIDE TO THE £200,000 NFL PICK 7
Christmas time is upon us but it isn’t just turkey you will be feasting on this year. Get involved in our NFL Pick 7 for the opportunity to win £200,000. Last week, we got off to a great start but just couldn’t get over the line. However, we’re back to try out hand at the coupon once again – our resident NFL tipster Alex McMahon is here to give you his thoughts on this weekend’s action.
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
Against all odds, Carolina Panthers are 14-0 on the year. Quarterback Cam Newton has been unstoppable so far this season and has won the NFC Conference Player of the Week four times. The Panthers showed their fighting qualities against New York Giants last week but may find this one a little more one-sided.
The Falcons have been incredibly disappointing in the second half of the season and their main play makers just haven’t showed up on a regular basis. Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman both found their rhythm against Jacksonville Jaguars last week and Atlanta will need both offensive stars to be at the top of their game to stand any chance in this one.
SELECTION: Panthers by 13-18
Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins
For Indianapolis Colts, this is a must-win game. If the Colts fall to Miami, they will be out of playoff contention and Houston Texans will represent the AFC South. Once again, Indy will be without quarterback Andrew Luck but they should have enough talent to get over the line against a struggling Miami side.
Miami have lost six of their last eight matches and are just trying to get through the season unscathed. Interim head coach Dan Campbell probably hasn’t done enough to keep his job on a permanent basis and the Dolphins are just going through the motions on both offense and defence. This one won’t be a classic but the Colts may just shade it.
SELECTION: Colts by 1-6
New England Patriots @ New York Jets
The New England Patriots have already sewn up the AFC East title, however they are now aiming to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Tom Brady has been sensational this season and is looking back to his best now that Rob Gronkowski has returned from injury. If the Pats win, they will secure a bye in week one of the postseason.
For the New York Jets, it’s crunch time. Three teams are in the hunt for a wildcard playoff spot and the Jets will feel that victory over their divisional rivals will give them the edge. It won’t be easy but with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker in superb form, they have a chance. However, we have to take the Patriots in this one – this is the time of year that they truly kick on.
SELECTION: Patriots by 7-12
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals are my tip for the Super Bowl and I fully expect them to win against an improving Green Bay Packers side. Arizona are the most complete side in the NFL and boast playmakers at almost every position on both sides of the ball. Tyrone Mathieu will be a big loss, however they still have a plethora of talent in their ranks and are very strong at home.
The Packers hold a slim advantage over Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North and will be desperate to win this one. For Green Bay to stand a chance, their offense MUST get going. They haven’t scored more than 30 points in a game since week three and you have to feel that needs to change if Mike McCarthy’s men are to get the win in Arizona.
SELECTION: Cardinals by 1-6 OR 7-12
St Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks are soaring and look a shoo-in to secure one of the two wildcard spots in the NFC conference. Despite losing tight-end Jimmy Graham, Russell Wilson has transformed in recent weeks and is playing the best football of his career – potentially the best football of all-time from a quarterback. Because of that, Seattle WILL win again.
Meanwhile, St Louis Rams are a team in transition and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see more coaching changes at the end of the season. It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Todd Gurley is the only ‘top’ talent on offense and the Rams need to start building around their star running back if they are to improve in the coming years.
SELECTION: Seahawks by 19-24
New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants pushed Carolina last weekend but fell short as the Panthers maintained their unbeaten record. In that contest, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr received criticism for his aggressive play against Panthers cornerback Josh Norman. The NFL suspended Beckham for this clash and the Giants may struggle without their main man on offense.
After a phenomenal start to the season, Minnesota have failed to inspire confidence in recent weeks but still sit just one win behind the Packers in the NFC North. Adrian Peterson is in the hunt to finish as the NFL’s leading rusher this season and the 30-year-old will be chomping at the bit to play a key role in this one. If Peterson performs, the Vikings will win. If not, they will lose – it’s as simple as that.
SELECTION: Vikings by 1-6 OR Giants by 1-6
Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos are coming under pressure from divisional rivals Kansas City Chiefs but should be strong enough to get the job done. Brock Osweiler will lead Denver once again as Peyton Manning continues to struggle with a foot injury. The Broncos defence will need to perform well against Cincinnati’s potent offense for Denver to get a crucial win here.
Two weeks ago, Cincinnati were favourites to finish as the number one seed in the AFC. Now, they’re struggling and could still be pipped to the AFC North title by Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals lost signal caller Andy Dalton to a season-ending injury and the inexperienced AJ McCarron has taken over at quarterback. The Bengals will find it difficult against a well-organised Denver side.
SELECTION: Broncos by 7-12 OR 13-18
