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Callum’s Week 14

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We’ve finally made it!! No more bye weeks!! Hallelujah. We’re really into the home straight of the season now, as the playoff picture gets ever clearer… except in the NFC East perhaps. The Rams strengthened their hold on the NFC West last night, and in doing so may have ended the dream for the Cam Newton-led Patriots team. It looks like Bill Belichick will be missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and the first time they won’t have a 10 win season since 2002. You really have to feel sorry for them right? (Spoiler – No, you really really don’t)… Anyway, after the Steelers’ inexplicable defeat to Washington (I still hate them) last week, the #1 seeds in both conferences are still in play, and only really the Packers, Saints and Chiefs appear to have their divisions all wrapped up. So much could change this week, and we’ve got a couple of GREAT PrimeTime games that we’ll discuss later. Here we go!

1st and Goal from the 1yd Line

This is my nailed on – has to happen – pick of the week. 

Last week, I wrote this about the Las Vegas Raiders: “What do you want when you’ve had a horrible loss the previous week? To face the New York Jets this week. That’s the right answer.” 

Now ADMITTEDLY it was a lot closer than it should have been, and were it not for Gregg Williams being either desperate to get fired or desperate to secure Trevor Lawrence for the Jets, the Raiders should have lost. However, now that the Jets have failed to successfully use their “almost win a game card,” you have to believe they’ll be fully committed to the tank.

So THIS WEEK we have to ride with Seattle. The Giants shut them down for some reason, and long gone are the “Russ for MVP” takes that everyone – myself included – were peddling in early October. However, I think they get back on the right track this week. Jamal Adams is going to be out for blood, and I think all things considered we get a pretty pissed off Seahawks team coming out here. Chris Carson running angry, DK Metcalf catching angry, Pete Carroll coaching angry… I see no chance the Seahawks don’t retaliate fiercely this week. And the Jets won’t mind a bit.

Seahawks to win.

45yd Field Goal

So the Seahawks just decided to forget how to play offense against the Giants last week sadly… this week, we’ve got a double, two slight underdogs, built around one team I believe in, and one team I’m just not buying.

Browns +2.0 & Raiders +3.0

Cleveland – in my opinion – are for real. No OBJ and still putting up 38 points in the first half against the Titans. Baker looked GREAT last weekend and their defense largely held Derrick Henry in check. If you can stop the run, you can have success against the Ravens. The Cowboys couldn’t do it… but the Browns can. Myles Garrett is ready for battle. Lamar is not the same Lamar as last season. I think Cleveland wins this game outright to solidify it’s playoff status, but I’ll gladly take the +2.0 for some safety and leeway. 

Equally, Indianapolis – in my opinion – are not for real. I think their defense is very very good, but Phil Rivers and the offense cannot be trusted. They should have lost to the Texans last week. I think Carr, Waller and the speed merchants on the outside for Vegas can cause them problems down the field. I like Vegas +3.0 for sure. I think the Colts fall behind the Titans in the race for the AFC South again, as the Raiders keep their playoff hopes alive with a win here. 

TD Treble

We went 2-1 last week, with Gesicki and Carson getting their scores but sadly TJ Hockenson failing to find the EndZone… This week we’re leaning on one breakout star, and two established Vets.

CeeDee Lamb – Dallas’ star rookie had a quieter game last week, but has developed a nice connection with QB Andy Dalton. I think the Bengals will zone in on Amari Cooper, leaving CeeDee plenty of space to work. He could repeat that incredible catch he had against the Vikings a few weeks back. CeeDee is going to be a big player in this league for years and years to come.

DeAndre Hopkins – I’m backing the Cardinals to get back on track this weekend, so I have to back their star receiver to find the EndZone again too. DHop has been stifled a bit as Kyler has struggled over the past few weeks, but not this week. The Giants don’t have anyone who can cover Nuk. Hopkins to score.

Michael Thomas – Thomas’ injury ravaged season is finally starting to get going. Thomas has built a decent repertoire with Taysom Hill in his first few starts with the Saints. He’s so good at getting open, he has to have a good chance of scoring, even when he’ll likely draw shadow coverage from Darius Slay. 

£10 on this treble pays about £160 depending on your bookmaker. At this price, I think this treble is well worth it.

If you don’t like the above options, I think Derrick Henry & Aaron Jones are equally good options, but with considerably shorter odds.

The Overs

Over 49.5 – Falcons @ Chargers – This is THE ultimate Choke-Off. I don’t know what would be more perfect than this game ending in a tie. Who knows. All I do know is that neither of these defenses are good. Points everywhere, for everyone. The Chargers need to rediscover their mojo following the embarrassment against New England, and I expect them to do so. The Falcons won’t have Julio, but will have Gurley, who will lend some balance to their offense. They also have a kicker who can make any kick on the field. Younghoe Koo has to be the Falcons’ MVP this year. You see that video of him hitting a Field Goal whilst doing a backflip?! I like that. I also like points in this game.

Over 43.0 – Saints @ Eagles – This is a risky one, as the Saints D shut down our over bid against the Falcons last week, but Philly HAS to try and win this one to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs. It’s Jalen Hurts’ first start in the NFL… so it could be AWFUL. BUT he looked good in relief of Wentz last week, and NEARLY brought them back into the game against the Packers. I still see the Saints winning this game, but I think Hurts is good enough to get the Eagles 20+ points… that should be enough to hit the over in this game. 

The Parlay

Who felt like an idiot last Sunday after backing the Chargers? Yep, me. I did. Also, heartbreak for the Texans fumbling at the 1… madness. Let’s reload:

Cowboys -3.5 – No doubt in my mind about this one. Andy Dalton revenge game!!! Zeke looked a bit better against the Ravens on Monday… Cowboys NEED this (and a lot of other things to go their way… but… you never know). 

Texans -1.0 – They really should have beaten the Colts last week. The Colts are MUCH better than the Bears. Therefore, the Texans are a no-brainer pick. Bears are dead.

Panthers -3.0 – Looks like no McCaffrey for another week sadly – the world is just a better place with RUN CMC doing ridiculous things in the NFL – but I still like the Panthers here. Teddy Bridge loves to cover, and Mike Davis has been a good fill in for the aforementioned McCaffrey. Robby Anderson has had a fantastic season since reconnecting with his college coach Matt Rhule, but I have no belief in the Broncos. Drew Lock just isn’t the guy. Sure they played the Chiefs close, but did you EVER seriously think Mahomes wasn’t winning that game!? Panthers please.

Titans -7.0 – Derrick Henry is going to run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run all over the Jaguars. Tractorcito Szn.

49ers -3.0 – Washington are NOT a good team. They’re not. I do not believe in them. Don’t get me wrong – I’m DELIGHTED that Alex Smith has found his way back and found some success. But every single bounce that could go their way DID go their way against the Steelers. The Niners D just got worked by Josh Allen and will be out for vengeance. 

£10 on this five-fold returns about £238 depending on your bookmaker.

The Full English (Season Record: 65-29)

9-6 last week; not the best, not the worst. Still keeping our winning record I’m getting progressively more and more proud of. 

Cardinals @ Giants – Cardinals 

Cowboys @ Bengals – Cowboys (It’s the Andy Dalton revenge game! If results go their way – like I think they will this weekend – then the Cowboys are somehow still alive…)

Broncos @ Panthers – Panthers

Texans @ Bears – Texans

Chiefs @ Dolphins – Chiefs (Maybe the most quietly interesting game of the weekend, as we might really learn if the Dolphins are at all for real. I think the Chiefs win, but I hope the Fins are able to keep it tight)

Vikings @ Buccaneers – Buccaneers

Titans @ Jaguars – Titans

Colts @ Raiders – Raiders (I don’t believe in the Colts. I’m sorry, I just don’t)

Jets @ Seahawks – Seahawks

Falcons @ Chargers – Chargers

Packers @ Lions – Packers (Rodgers wants that Bye. The Lions have no Golladay… think this is a straightforward Packers win)

Saints @ Eagles – Saints

Washington @ 49ers – 49ers

Steelers @ Bills – Bills (I think this is the day the Chiefs really start to sniff the #1 seed in the AFC, as Pittsburgh loses their second straight)

Ravens @ Browns – Browns

Week 15

Next week, we get the lesser spotted Saturday night NFL game! Fine, it IS the Bills at the Broncos, but it’s still the NFL on Saturday!! Furthermore, the Dolphins seek to confirm the end of the Patriots AFC East dominance, and – perhaps the best game of the entire regular season slate – as the Chiefs face the Saints. It should be electric. As always, I’m @CallumJDSquires on Instagram and Twitter. Come say hey. Have a great week. Stay safe and healthy. 

Callum Squires is a London based writer, Dolphins fan, and all around good guy. 

Romo’s Impressions

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Who knew that Tony Romo was good at impressions? It’s time for Romo’s Impressions! Talk show mouth Jimmy Kimmel had Tony on this week, and asked him if he could do some impressions of famous QBs.
Now, obviously this is a party trick that Tony likes to roll out to impress the babes and buds in the room, but it’s actually pretty funny.

Everyone thinks that they can easily transition from athlete to sportscaster, but it is actually Tony Romo that has set the template for all others to follow.
Not only does he have a nice voice that bounces of the nasal whine of Jim Nantz, Tony actually knows stuff about football!

Please enjoy this video before ABC forces us to take the sucker down.

Callum’s Week 13

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Welcome back to another edition of The Picks Six, where we look ahead to see if I can accurately predict the outcomes, and then the Dallas Cowboys let me down and ruin everything. Sorry for the lack of a column last Sunday – life got in the way. Probably a good thing overall, I would definitely have been backing . Don’t even get me started on the TRAVESTY that was the Cowboys on thanksgiving. Talk about ruining a great day. What a joke. I still hate Washington. Spoiler: Steelers by a million on Monday against the Football Team. Anyway, moving forward – we’re really into crunch time of the 2020 season with every win meaning so much from here on in. There’s a lot of games with large lines this week… I don’t really like many of the underdogs but you do wonder if some will be able to keep the games close. Let’s dive in and improve our 56-23 record on the Full English for the season. 

1st and Goal from the 1yd Line

This is my nailed on – has to happen – pick of the week. What do you want when you’ve had a horrible loss the previous week? To face the New York Jets this week. That’s the right answer. So we have to ride with Las Vegas this week. The Raiders are the only team to have beaten the defending Super Bowl Champs so far this year, and yet got absolutely destroyed by the inconsistent Falcons last week. Hard to read. However, facing the most consistent team in the league – the Jets – will help. They’ve been consistently atrocious. Yes, there’s no Josh Jacobs, but Devontae Booker will fill in fine. Derek Carr needs to stay calm, but that shouldn’t be tough against Adam Gase’s tanking trainwreck. Raiders to win.

45yd Field Goal

This one is not a straightforward pick, a bit more of a 50/50 shot. 

Seahawks -10.5 vs the Giants.

Seattle’s defensive woes are well documented but, now they have their star running back reinserted into their line up, they should be able to control the pace vs New York. Russ should be able to cook, even against a Giants defense that has sneakily been getting better as the season has gone on. Believe in Seattle, as they fight their way to the NFC West crown. Seattle -10.5.

TD Treble

This week, we like a couple of Tight Ends and the most underrated running back in the league:

TJ Hockenson – Still no Kenny Golladay for the Lions, and with D’Andre Swift potentially out too I like Hockenson as one of their go to guys.

Mike Gesicki – it’s still Fitzmagic in Miami, and Fitz loves Big Mike. Gesicki caught a touchdown last week, and I’ll back him to do it again against a poor Bengals defense.

Chris Carson – Please show this man the respect he deserves. He destroyed the Eagles on his way to the end zone last week. With Hyde out, you’ll see a lot of Carson. He should score.

£10 on this treble pays about £130 depending on your bookmaker.

If you don’t like the above options, I think Austin Ekeler & Justin Jefferson are equally good options, with slightly shorter odds.

The Overs

Over 51.0 – Jaguars @ Vikings – The Jaguars LOVE giving up points. Their defense is not that of the famed “Sacksonville” name. The Vikings were quite porous to the Cowboys a few weeks back themselves, so I can see this one going over, with Justin Jefferson having a big day and the Jags focus in on the returning Adam Thielen.

Over 45.5 – Saints @ Falcons – You could argue that the Saints D has been so good lately that taking the over here is foolish, but the Falcons have enough weapons to intrigue here, and Taysom and the Saints weapons have been rolling of late. Even Latavius Murray had a big game last weekend. Take the over here too.

The Parlay

Raiders -7.5 – Yes, I wish the line was a flat 7, or maybe even 6.5… but you’ve gotta believe Vegas has enough to shut down the Jets

Saints -3.0 – Taysom has filled in fantastically for Drew Brees, keeping the Saints’ winning run going. Hard to believe the Falcons will have grown so much from beating the Raiders to defeat the current #1 seed in the NFC. 

Texans +3.0 – Can’t trust the Colts (more on this later), so we’ll take the Field Goal as Deshaun Watson seeks to continue his nice little run of performances. 

Lions +3.0 – I actually think Detroit might win this game outright… but let’s take the +3 here against a Bears team that is lacking both confidence and quality on offense. 

Chargers -1.5 – I’ve been burned too many times by New England this year. This is probably the least secure pick here, but I’m just not trusting Cam Newton to be MVP Cam again right now.

£10 on this five-fold returns about £250 depending on your bookmaker.

The Full English (Season Record: 56-23)

Bengals @ Dolphins – Dolphins (who will now be 8-4…!!!)

Browns @ Titans – Titans (I’m leaning Titans largely because of how unstoppable Derrick Henry has been of late)

Lions @ Bears – Lions (the new coach bounce for Detroit? I find it hard to believe in anything Matt Nagy is selling right now)

Colts @ Texans – Texans (This is maybe the hardest game to call this week for me. I’m not convinced AT ALL by the Colts offensively, but they’re very stout defensively, and it’s hard to know how Houston will react to losing Will Fuller, but getting David Johnson back from injury… I’m taking a risk and leaning Texans).

Jaguars @ Vikings – Vikings

Raiders @ Jets – Raiders

Saints @ Falcons – Saints

Rams @ Cardinals – Cardinals (I like Kyler to get back to winning ways here. They really need it)

Giants @ Seahawks – Seahawks

Patriots @ Chargers – Chargers (this is also a toss up, but I’m thinking this could be a chance for Herbert to make a real statement against a sub par Patriots team. Having Ekeler back made a big impact last week. I’ll ride with LA)

Eagles @ Packers – Packers

Broncos @ Chiefs – Chiefs

Washington @ Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh (by the aforementioned MILLION)

Bills @ 49ers – Bills

Cowboys @ Ravens – Ravens (with how downright weird the Cowboys are, I won’t be surprised if they find a way to shock the world and win this game)

Week 14

So we’re finally done with Bye weeks and can look forward to a full slate as we turn the corner into the home straight, and the final quarter of the NFL regular season. Highlights include the AFC North Silver Medal game between Cleveland and Baltimore, and one of the tougher tests left for the Steelers as they face the Bills. Should be good. Enjoy your week 13! As always, I’m @callumjdsquires on Twitter and Instagram – should you wish to discuss any of this – or how good Bruno Fernandes is – hit me up! Stay safe and healthy. Have a good one.

Callum Squires is a London based NFL writer, and good friend of NFL in London.

Week 12 Preview

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The Turkey Bowl games are done, which leaves us with the rest of the games in our week 12 preview podcast.
Wade & Ryan look back at the two blow-out games we were treated to on Thursday night, as well as look ahead to the full run of games set for week 12 in the NFL.
There are a few teams looking to make some moves this week as the playoffs loom, and there are still a few plucky contenders out there looking to wreck havoc on the win columns of those looking to reach a bye in the first week.
Some of the big games the boys have there eyes on this week include:

Cardinals (6-4) vs Patriots (4-6)
Cardinals -2.5  +49.5

This could be the week that the Patriots are eliminated from the playoffs and Cam’s status for next week in jeopardy. Bill has failed to gel the team in the post TB12 days, so it might be time to pack it in and prepare for next season.
Cam Newton now runs like the Iron Giant, and he doesn’t have the running support to make the offence mush of a threat.
Kyler and the boys are fresh and feisty. They have a great scoring game, even if their D lets up almost as many points.
The weather could be  big factor here, but the Cardinals have enough of  squad to put this one to rest easily. Ryan & Wade both like Arizona.
Ryan- Cardinals 27 Patriots 20
Wade- Cardinals 31 Patriots 27

Browns (7-3) vs Jaguars (1-9)
Browns -6  +49

Cleveland is 7-3, but they sure don’t feel it. Like a used car you wonder what that clunky feeling is every time you turn right, they are barely starting and don’t look like they will go the distance.
Baker Mayfield has yet to fine his new OBJ, and his running game the only thing that’s keeping him the games, plus the occasional nice play from the D.
Jacksonville blows, and counters the Jets for their suck factor. Mike Glennon might be the best thing to get this team going again, as only their D has been making plays and rattling some of the top QBs to keep them close.
Wade & Ryan are both big on the Browns here, as they need a big W to start to feel like they can take down a team like the Steelers.
Ryan- Browns 24 Jags 20
Wade- Browns 30 Jags 18

Titans (7-3) vs Colts (7-3)
Colts-3  +51

The Colts are alive once again thanks to the return to health of most of their team, their comeback against the Packers showed that they have the mustard to spread it on when they need it.
Luckily for them they are playing the Titans….again. Way to go NFL to schedule two teams that so recently played, there will be little difference in the result.
Tennessee is still hurting across the board, as Tannehill struggles to find the time and openness to hit any receivers. Henry will be shown the same wall he was pushed into 2 weeks ago, as the Colts will just use the same playbook to rattle their bones.
Indianapolis is feeling the playoff smile now, with recent wins outplaying some of the struggles they had in the early part of the season.
Rivers is finally able to open up the field, and Taylor should improve on the previous performance of Nyheim Hines when they last played.
Ryan and Wade both like the Colts here, but with different results.
Ryan- Colts 24 Titans 23
Wade- Colts 30 Titans 24

Some of the other games that the boys like for your spread betting tips:

Ryan-Raiders, Giants, Panthers, Jets & Bears.
Wade-Falcons, Bills, Bucs, & Seahawks

That’s it for our week 12 preview podcast, hope you like it and keep listening. If you really like it, make sure you share it with your friends, after all-the best gift this holiday season is a free one.
We’re always looking for new guests and writers, so if you feel up for it please reach out and we will see what we can do. We reach over 130,000 people a week here, so your unpaid (for now) stuff will be at least published to more eyes than a local newspaper. That’s something.

Wade’s Week 10

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Like doing Charlie on a beach, the lines change as fast as the wind blows in week 10 of the NFL.
Having made my picks on our podcast for week 10, I have had to make some adjustments due to injuries, line-ups and weather for the games on Sunday.
Every good sports pundit should be watching the rosters and action prior to kickoff, even mediocre ones like me.
While I did take a bit of a beating in week 9, I’m still 24-4 on my upsets going into week 10.
Hopefully I can help you out here.

Week 10 is bringing some nasty weather with it. Predictions for middle America and the east coast point to strong winds and wet along the coast. Florida is also coming down from another late hurricane, which will make it moister than the front row of a Justin Bieber concert.

Here are some of my upsets for Week 10:

Texans (2-6) vs Browns (5-3)
Browns -4  +45.5

The line in this game has been changing all week thanks to the return of players on both sides.
Cleveland will have Nick Chubb and Wyatt Teller back, which will help them immensely to get the ball down the field. With OBJ out for the season. Mayfield is going to need to find some rhythm at home, which is predicated to be very windy and wet. Not too many long passes in this game, which is why the over/under went from 55 points to 45.5.
The Texans struggled against Luton and the Jags in week 9, and needed last minute heroics from DeShaun Watson to save the day. They will probably require that this weekend as well. Bradley Roby is due to return to the Texans D, which will help them out immensely.
The Bengals were able to toss the ball all over the Browns, so DW will also be looking to do that as well.
My initial prediction was that Cleveland should have no problems at home, and should easily cover. With the Texans getting healthier and the need for a crucial win, I like the Texans for an upset here.
I’m taking the under as well, as the weather looks very nasty.
Texans 21 Browns 18 

Broncos (3-5) vs Raiders (5-3)
Raiders -3.5  +50.5

Denver continues to thwart the paths of NFL teams in their wake, disrupting and demolishing teams that should beat them on paper. Despite numerous injuries, the horsey’s have been able to stay competitive, even though they have a losing record.
The Broncos are missing most of their defensive line, while the Raiders are missing most of their O-line. Fair trade? Denver should have some corner backs returning, which will allow them to pick off Carr when he does downfield with his wobblers.
While I picked Las Vegas initially to cover this game, I am turning more towards the antics of the Broncos to mess up their mojo in this game.
I like Denver to cover this one, and continue to cause waves in the league.
Raiders 26 Broncos 23

Washington (2-6) vs Lions (3-5)
Lions -4  +46

It really is a truly craptastic week of games on Sunday. There is a real ugly mess of matchups, and as someone who likes to wager, am looking to lay off on Week 10 given how many factors are up in the air.
Washington has played well for a bad team, their D has kept them in contests, while their quarterbacks spend most of their time breaking their own legs for fun. They have solid running backs, and Gibson should hopefully have a solid day against a Detroit D who is weak against RBs.
Detroit is as messy as the city itself, and with injuries to Flowers and Golladay, they will have to rely on the other guys to make the big plays. This could be too much for Marvin Jones and Hockenson, as the Washington team actually believe that they have a chance to win this division.
Washington Team is just playing too loose right now, and I like them to cover against a Lions team who continually disappoints at home.
Lions 27 Washington 25

Betting it

If you decide to parlay these picks, we suggest you try Bet365 which has some of the best NFL odds, as they offer bonuses for bigger parlays.
When you wager £10 on the 3 picks I made; Texans (-105) Washington (+110) Broncos (-110), you can get a return of £80.99, which is a tidy £70 profit.
Don’t bet what you don’t have, bet responsibly, don’t be an idiot.
Have fun, and good luck on Week 10!