Sport
NFL £200,000 PICK 7: WEEK 13
Another week down and another week closer to the Super Bowl. With a handful of regular season fixtures left, the £200,000 Pick 7 jackpot window is running out. Once again, I’m here to tackle the beast…
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS @ CHICAGO BEARS
Colin Kaepernick has been much improved as of late and the 49ers quarterback could be the difference maker in this contest. San Francisco have a much stronger offense than Chicago and while the Bears rank highly against the run, they find it difficult against pass- heavy offensive units. It could be close but the 49ers will emerge victorious.
The Bears are doomed for yet another playoff-less season and head coach John Fox may be on the verge of losing his job at Soldier Field. With Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery and Zach Miller out through either injury or suspension, Chicago should give up on this year and begin to focus on building a championship-winning side in 2017.
Selection: 49ers by 1-6
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Dolphins are widely described as one of the NFL’s most inconsistent franchises. Capable of beating the likes of New England and Seattle on their day, Miami have fallen short against the weaker sides too many times in recent years – especially when the going gets tough. If Jay Ajayi struggles to get going early, Ryan Tannehill may come under intense pressure.
Baltimore have the best run defence in the NFL and I’m fully expecting the Ravens to shut Ajayi down. Their secondary isn’t bad either and Joe Flacco should have enough experience and talent to lead Baltimore down the field. The hosts will keep the scoreboard ticking over; whether that is through touchdowns or via the boot of Justin Tucker at field goals.
Selection: Ravens by 7-12
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ ATLANTA FALCONS
Kansas City are looking playoff-bound once again and Andy Reid deserves plenty of credit for the excellent work at Arrowhead Stadium. With Alex Smith under center, they have a solid quarterback that can keep plays alive and move the chains on a regular basis – although they do lack a potent threat in the passing game.
Dan Quinn’s side need to step up and be counted in what could be the game of the week. The Chiefs were impressive when beating defending Super Bowl champions Denver in their most recent encounter but the Falcons pose a completely different threat. I’m backing Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman to get the job done… just.
Selection: Falcons by 1-6
BUFFALO BILLS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS
Buffalo’s gameplan? Run, run and run again. Whether it is LeSean McCoy, Tyrod Taylor or Mike Gillislee, you know that the Bills are going to run the football. With their solid defence and Sammy Watkins offering support in the receiving game, Buffalo are a well- rounded side and they could yet reach the playoffs if results go their way.
The Raiders are currently leading the way alongside the New England Patriots at the top of the AFC and quarterback Derek Carr is arguably a viable candidate for the regular season MVP award. This young star is on the verge of greatness and Oakland will be relying on him to dissect one of the most aggressive defensive units in the NFL on Sunday.
Selection: Raiders by 7-12
WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS
Kirk Cousins was named the November MVP in the NFC and Redskins fans will be hoping that their quarterback can maintain this form in the build-up to the playoffs.
Washington won the NFC East last year and they look destined to feature in the postseason once again; especially if tight-end Jordan Reed is able to shake off his latest injury.
The Arizona Cardinals have been very disappointing this year and Bruce Arians has come under scrutiny for his failure to adapt after their successful 2015 campaign. Whilst young running back David Johnson has been phenomenal, the rest of Arizona’s playmakers have struggled for form and that’s why I’m backing Washington for the win.
Selection: Redskins by 1-6
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Tampa Bay shocked the world when they beat Seattle last weekend but San Diego will be keeping a close eye on Mike Evans this time around. The Bucs receiver has been targeted more than any other player in the NFL and Jameis Winston will be looking for his close friend once again here. If San Diego shut him down, Tampa will need a Plan B.
Philip Rivers is one of the greatest quarterbacks in the modern era and the Chargers won’t sway from their pass-happy offense despite the latest run of injuries. With Hunter Henry and Antonio Gates in the side, Rivers has plenty of options in two tight-end sets or he can use Melvin Gordon out of the backfield. This could get ugly…
Selection: Chargers by 13-18
CAROLINA PANTHERS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
It just hasn’t been Carolina’s year, has it? The Panthers have failed to inspire confidence after their Super Bowl run in 2015 and Cam Newton has struggled to shake off a number of bruising hits. Injuries have hindered Carolina’s chances but their failure to replace key members on both sides of the ball hurt their hopes before the season even started…
Russell Wilson very rarely loses and he tends to bounce back when needed – and that is exactly what the Seahawks need after their demoralising defeat to the Bucs last weekend. If Thomas Rawls and Doug Baldwin play to their full potential, Seattle may have too much offensive prowess for the struggling Panthers.
Selection: Seahawks by 7-12
