Sport
NFL £200,000 PICK 7: WEEK 10
It was a case of so close yet so far for my selections on last week’s NFL Pick 7 as I nailed five results but managed to call just two margins correctly. But, to paraphrase Chumbawamba, when I get knocked down, I get back up again so here I am to try my hand at the £200,000 jackpot – check out my thoughts below.
HOUSTON TEXANS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Brock Osweiler has struggled for form in recent weeks, throwing for less than 200 yards in three of Houston’s last four games. The Texans quarterback hasn’t lived up to the hype since joining on a mega-money contract in the offseason and it is hard to have any confidence in Houston’s offense right now.
The Jaguars have also failed to inspire confidence on offense this season but their effort in the fourth quarter of last week’s defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs will give fans hope ahead of this AFC South clash. If Jacksonville’s running game continues to improve, Blake Bortles and co will string a run of results together eventually…
Selection: Jaguars by 1-6
DENVER BRONCOS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Broncos were disappointing against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9 and Gary Kubiak’s men will be up against it in New Orleans. Trevor Siemian’s honeymoon period is over; the Denver rookie has passed for two or more touchdowns in just one of the last six games. If Von Miller and co show up on defence, they could yet spring a shock.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been phenomenal at home this season, recording a 12:2 touchdown-interception in their first four games. This New Orleans defensive unit isn’t the most reliable but they may have just about enough to hold off Siemian and co – I’m backing the Saints to come up trumps…
Selection: Saints by 1-6
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ TENNESSEE TITANS
Aaron Rodgers may have coined the term ‘R-E-L-A-X’ but Green Bay fans are beginning to ‘P-A-N-I-C’ after a miserable start to the campaign. The Packers were tipped to reach the Super Bowl this season but it just hasn’t gone to plan. However, James Starks’ return from injury will give the offense a huge boost ahead of the business end of the season.
The Titans offense was very impressive last weekend, scoring 35 points on the road against the San Diego Chargers. Unfortunately, Tennessee’s defence gave up 45 points as they fell to a fifth defeat of the season. If Mariota can move the chains and keep the offense on the field, they could surprise the Packers but I fancy Green Bay to get back to winning ways…
Selection: Packers by 7-12
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
This one might as well be renamed Jay Ajayi vs Melvin Gordon. The Dolphins running back has emerged as an elite threat out of the backfield and he has rushed for over 500 yards in the last three games. If the Dolphins defence can step up and restrict the Chargers, they could get a positive result – especially if Ryan Tannehill controls the clock.
San Diego have won three of their four home games this season and Gordon is finally showing why the Chargers selected him with the 15th overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft. Gordon has already recorded over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns and Philip Rivers could feast on this Dolphins defence if the San Diego running game holds up…
Selection: Chargers by 13-18
DALLAS COWBOYS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Dallas Cowboys are rolling but they could come unstuck in Pittsburgh. Dak Prescott has been simply sublime so far this season but this may be his biggest test yet. If the rookie can inspire Dallas to a road win against a genuine Super Bowl contender, it will be time to start talking about the Cowboys in the same bracket.
Unfortunately for Prescott and co, I fancy Pittsburgh to snap their three-game losing streak on Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown should have too much for the Cowboys defence; especially if the Steelers show up with a big play or two. It won’t be easy but Pittsburgh could send out a statement of intent here…
Selection: Steelers by 7-12
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS
The 49ers are in contention… for the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. San Francisco might as well call it quits now and begin to plan ahead for next season; they aren’t going to feature in the playoffs this year. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has helped to reignite the offense to a certain extent but they remain very weak on both sides of the ball.
David Johnson will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing this San Francisco defensive unit. The Cardinals running back has been outstanding this year and will be fresh off a bye week as they welcome a rushing defence that has allowed 100+ yards to a rusher in seven of their eight matches so far. Watch this space, it could get very ugly indeed…
Selection: Cardinals by 19-24
CINCINNATI BENGALS @ NEW YORK GIANTS
For me, the Bengals take this one. Coming off their Week 9 bye, Cincinnati look very strong offensively and Tyler Eifert’s return will give Bengals quarterback another reliable receiving option. If they can produce another consistent effort on defence, Cincinnati will be difficult to beat at MetLife Stadium – even if it is a tight-knit affair.
Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr have found their feet in recent times but the Bengals will be determined to shut the Giants’ top receiver down if possible. On defence, New York’s reformed secondary will come under intense pressure and Pat McAdoo’s side will need to be at their brilliant best to come away with the victory in this one. It’s certainly going to be close…
Selection: Bengals by 1-6
