Sport
NFL £200,000 PICK 7: WEEK 11
The playoffs are fast approaching and we are now into ‘do or die’ time for a number of NFL franchises. This week, the Colossus Bets Pool includes a number of postseason-bound teams and fans could be set for a high-scoring week of intense action. Check out my views on this weekend’s fixtures below…
ARIZONA CARDINALS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Bruce Arians’ side have struggled this season and Carson Palmer’s poor play under center has been a major reason for their troubles. The Cardinals quarterback has a 6:8 touchdown-interception ratio since Week 3 and Arizona may decide to give running back David Johnson a large chunk of carries as they look to wear down this tired-looking Vikings defence…
It has been a topsy-turvy year for Minnesota. Losing Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson in pre-season left the Vikings in a precarious position and those injuries are starting to take their toll on Mike Zimmer’s side. The Vikings are now looking very average indeed after losing four matches in a row – and I can’t see them picking up the win here…
Selection: Cardinals by 1-6
CHICAGO BEARS @ NEW YORK GIANTS
It’s all going wrong for the Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler is back under center but wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has now been suspended for the next four weeks. If Jordan Howard is ruled out, Jeremy Langford may have to carry the Chicago offense on Sunday and it is hard to see the Bears challenging New York’s dominance in this clash. It could get very ugly indeed…
The Giants are still in with a chance of snatching a wildcard playoff spot and Eli Manning will be quietly confident of tearing Chicago’s defence apart. Odell Beckham Jr has hit top form in recent weeks and New York could prosper in the passing game. And with Jeffery out, the Giants secondary should have enough to cope with Chicago’s limited offensive threat…
Selection: Giants by 7-12
TENNESSEE TITANS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Tennessee offense has been firing in recent weeks, scoring over 30 points in each of their last three games. Marcus Mariota is playing incredibly well and running back DeMarco Murray has been a breath of fresh air this season. With added support on defence, the Titans could well spring a shock in this all-AFC South affair…
Meanwhile, the Colts are coming off their Week 10 bye and Andrew Luck will be raring to go as Indianapolis hunt down the Houston Texans at the top of the AFC South. With the likes of Jack Doyle, Donte Moncrief and T.Y Hilton in the side, Indy will go pass-heavy on offense and this one could be very high scoring if the Titans bring their A-game…
Selection: Colts by 7-12
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Dolphins have won four in a row and Ryan Tannehill is beginning to make much better decisions under center. Miami aren’t the strongest side in the NFL but they should be able to beat a bang-average Rams side if they perform well. Ultimately, this one could be quite low-scoring and Adam Gase’s men may need to make a few big defensive plays…
LA Rams fans, listen up: number one overall pick Jared Goff WILL start ahead at quarterback this weekend. Head coach Jeff Fisher has finally decided to drop Case Keenum and the Rams offense will prosper directly because of this call. Todd Gurley, arguably one of the strongest running backs in the NFL, may be the biggest beneficiary…
Selection: Dolphins by 1-6
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Carson Wentz has been a revelation for Philadelphia this year and the Eagles have almost certainly found their franchise quarterback. However, he has struggled since Philly’s bye week; throwing 239 yards or more just once in six games. With a bit of help in the running game and on special teams, Doug Pederson’s side could surprise the ‘Legion of Boom’…
Seattle tend to find their best form in the second half of the season and Pete Carroll’s men will be confident of securing yet another win as they look to secure home advantage in the NFC. With Russell Wilson looking back to his brilliant best and Thomas Rawls returning from injury, the Seahawks may be about to show exactly what they are made of…
Selection: Seahawks by 13-18
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The Patriots fell short against Seattle last weekend and Bill Belichick will expect an instant response on Sunday night. With injury doubts over tight-end Rob Gronkowski, LeGarrette Blount could be instrumental. With 12 rushing touchdowns this season, the Patriots running back could have a key role to play against San Francisco’s susceptible rush defence…
The 49ers are 1-8 this season and their campaign is all but over. With Colin Kaepernick back under center, San Francisco have a genuine dual threat quarterback at their disposal and Chip Kelly could try a few trick plays. Realistically, the 49ers are now in direct competition with the Cleveland Browns for the first overall pick in next year’s draft…
Selection: Patriots by 19-24
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Green Bay’s defence has been virtually non-existent in recent times and the Packers will still be reeling from their 47-25 defeat to the Titans last weekend. If Aaron Rodgers gets rolling early on, Green Bay could earn a shock victory in the US capital; especially as James Starks’ return to the line-up should bring some much-needed balance to the Packers offense…
However, I’m backing Washington to get the better of their NFC North opponents. The Redskins have lost just once in their last seven outings and Kirk Cousins is finding his receivers on a regular basis. With Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis and Jamison Crowder firing on all cylinders, Washington might have just about enough to continue their fine run of form…
Selection: Redskins by 1-6
