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NFL £200,00 PICK 7: WEEK 14
With just a few weeks of the regular season remaining, the window of opportunity to win the £200,000 jackpot is starting to close. I’m back to tackle the seven selection pool once again – check out my views on this weekend’s games below…
ARIZONA CARDINALS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS
It is do or die time for the Arizona Cardinals. The NFC West outfit need to win all of their remaining games in order to compete for a playoff spot – and Bruce Arians will give running back David Johnson plenty of work once again. With Carson Palmer struggling, the Cardinals will expect Johnson to carry the offense this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins lost their first game since early October when falling to Baltimore last weekend and Ryan Tannehill will try to bounce back at the first time of asking. If their defence steps up and stops the run, Miami could prosper; especially with young wide receiver Devante Parker making huge plays in recent weeks.
Selection: Cardinals by 1-6
MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
The Vikings will be boosted by the news of Adrian Peterson’s possible return in the playoffs and Mike Zimmer’s men shouldn’t have too much trouble dispatching a very poor Jaguars side. With Xavier Rhodes on defence and Minnesota’s efficient offensive unit, I’m expecting the visitors to keep the scoreboard ticking over on Sunday.
Blake Bortles has been very disappointing this year and the Jaguars are now officially out of playoff contention. With that in mind, I’m expecting a half-hearted effort and the Vikings could feast on this underperforming Jacksonville defence. The Jaguars franchise could look very different at the beginning of next season.
Selection: Vikings by 7-12
WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Kirk Cousins was named as the NFC Player of the Month in November and he will have to find his best form if Washington are to beat Philadelphia here. The Redskins have upped their game in recent weeks but Philly are very strong at home and it is hard to see the hosts letting up as they look to secure a wildcard spot.
Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz has been outstanding in his rookie season but he isn’t done yet – the Eagles will be quietly confident of snatching a playoff spot. With the New York Giants facing NFC East leaders Dallas Cowboys this weekend, Doug Pederson’s side have the chance to close the gap in the playoff battle.
Selection: Eagles by 1-6
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS
Russell Wilson is getting hot at the right time and Seahawks fans will be quietly confident of yet another road victory this weekend. Seattle won at New England a few weeks ago and another win at an iconic venue will do their Super Bowl chances no harm at all. Thomas Rawls and Jimmy Graham will both play key roles in Sunday’s clash…
The Packers have blown hot and cold this year and Mike McCarthy could lose his job if Green Bay miss out on the playoffs. With Aaron Rodgers under center, anything is possible but I can’t see the Packers exploiting Seattle’s aggressive secondary too often here – even with Earl Thomas ruled out.
Selection: Seahawks by 1-6
ATLANTA FALCONS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS
Julio Jones and Matt Ryan could go off here. The Rams defence is solid but Atlanta should see plenty of offensive opportunities on Sunday and Matty Ice is just too good. Given time, the Falcons could feast on this LA defence; especially as Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are both back to 100% fitness…
For the Rams, it is all but over. Los Angeles need a minor miracle in order to reach the playoffs and Jeff Fisher’s job is on the line – despite recent reports discussing a contract extension. Todd Gurley has been a major bust and Jared Goff isn’t quite NFL-ready just yet; and that is why I fancy the Falcons to run riot.
Selection: Falcons by 13-18
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints have struggled as of late but they could get back to their best in this all NFC South affair. With so many mouths to feed, Sean Payton could look for a big game from Willie Snead and Brandin Cooks on the outside; especially as this mean Buccaneers defence are strong down the middle…
Tampa Bay’s chances on offense rest solely on Mike Evans and Jameis Winston but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Bucs have started to put a bit of a run together and Evans has been targeted more times than anybody else in the NFL. With Doug Martin offering some support in the running game, Tampa Bay can win once again.
Selection: Buccaneers by 7-12
DALLAS COWBOYS @ NEW YORK GIANTS
Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott fell short against the Giants on the opening weekend but the Cowboys will be desperate to get their revenge in prime time. The Dallas rookies have both played key roles in their franchise-record winning run this year and Jason Garrett won’t be looking to change too much ahead of this clash.
If Eli Manning plays at his best, he will keep this one close and that is why I’m backing Dallas to win by less than a touchdown. Odell Beckham has been phenomenal in recent weeks and the Cowboys secondary will be tested to their limits in this clash. Dallas could fall short once again but I think they will just about get the job done in what could be the game of the week…
Selection: Cowboys by 1-6
Fancy your chances at £200,000 in this week’s NFL Pick 7? Enter here.
