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Week 14 Preview

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What a wild week of upsets we had on Sunday! The Seahawks & Steelers took some big ‘L’s’, Bears blew it, Bills nailed it, Belichick was at it again, all this and more in our Week 14 Preview.
Wade & Ryan look back at all of the week 13 games, lamenting how much they got screwed on their fantasy teams.
The boys also look ahead to week 14 from Thursday to Tuesday, but anything can happen in a 2020 Covid-led NFL season.
What are some of the big games that the guys have their eyes on to this week?

Cardinals (6-6) vs Giants (5-7)
Cardinals -2  +44

It looks like people have figured out Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offence. They went from dazzling to dull in a few games, and defences have learned that he’ll sweep right under pressure, so have some guys there. Larry Fitzgerald is a shadow of his former glory, and they have a weak o-line that allows Murray to face constant pressure.
Pressure is something the Giants D has been cooking up lately. Flourishing with 5 straight wins, this New York team is starting to feel a bit of a burn.
If Wayne Gallman Jr. can get the run stuffed in the face of the Cardinals, they might find themselves in a deficit that requires them to make mistakes.
Wade & Ryan both like the hometown New Yorkers to take it to Arizona in this game on a cold December day.
Ryan- Giants 24 Cardinals 20
Wade- Giants 23 Cardinals 20

Vikings (6-6) vs Bucs (7-5)
Bucs -6.5  +57.5

Minnesota is fresh off a few close wins, too close if you really look at it. Their secondary is horrible, and you can only rely on Dalvin Cook if you’re in the game. Justin Jefferson is putting up ROTY type stats to help out. But-if you crush Kurt Cousins and stamp out Cook, then they are pretty weak.
Tampa Bay has exactly the remedy to what ills the Vikings. Fresh off a bye week TB12 will be looking to lay a bruising on the rest of their cruising schedule. This week off is a blessing for a playoff run, they will have been studying for perfection, and will likely bring it this game.
The Bucs are just far too strong and angry to keep this one close.
Ryan likes a close game, while Wade sees this getting ugly in a fun to watch way.
Ryan- Bucs 34 Vikings 30
Wade- Bucs 35 Vikings 24

Falcons (4-8) vs Chargers (3-9)
Falcons -2.5  +49.5

Atlanta has had such an off season. Their 8 losses had some close games as well as some absolutely dumb ones. You have to wonder what motivates the team going into 2021, with many of the guys looking for greener pastures, especially Matty Ice.
They lost to Taysom Hill last week and are prone to defences that rattle the QB. Enter Joey Bosa.
Los Angeles has to feel numb after the drubbing they took at the hands of the Patriots on Sunday, and fingers should be pointing at Anthony Lynn for moronic coaching. WTF is he thinking sometimes?
The Chargers will be looking to fight back for pride this week, as unlike Atlanta, many of their losses have been close.
Justin Herbert and Allen will be hitting Atlanta hard on Sunday, the only real question will be ‘can the Falcons retaliate?’
Ryan has gone against past words and is taking the Falcons for a big win here. Wade on the other hand thinks that the loss to Bill Belichick will motivate them to kick ass at home in front of the Santa Anna winds. According to the movie ‘The Holiday’, they’re crazy and bring change. Something LA desperately needs right now.
Ryan- Falcons 26 Chargers 23
Wade- Chargers 31 Falcons 24

Some of the other big betting tips the boys have for you on Sunday include:

Ryan-Patriots Win, Texans Win, Panthers Win, Lions Cover, Chiefs Cover.
Wade-Jets Cover, Dolphins Cover, Cowboys Cover, 49ers Cover.

Listen to the whole podcast for all of our betting predictions, as well as silly thoughts on nonsensical things. Like all good things our podcast is free and addictive. Take a free sample and pass it on.

Ravens vs Steelers

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It’s week 12 on a Wednesday, as we update our previous pick on this weird and wild game, as the Ravens visit the Steelers on a midweek night.
Obviously it’s a bonus to get another NFL game, especially one that airs in primetime UK time. Too bad this one will be a beating.

Ravens (6-4) vs Steelers (10-0)
Steelers -10 +42

The Covid fairy has kissed a bunch of Ravens, meaning they will barely be fielding a team at all. RG3 gets his comeback comeback in primetime, let’s see what he can do with a box of broken toys. Baltimore has to feel gutted going into this one, reeling from losses and infected with Covid to the point of throwing this one. At least they have a QB.
The Steelers must be laughing, they’re the China in this whole thing. Not sure if they started it, but they sure are enjoying the ride. Pittsburgh has benefitted from a healthy team and easy schedule. Sure they’re good, but not a perfect team good. I guess that’s the way the NFL Gods shuffle it.
Both Ryan & Wade like Pittsburgh in a romp here. They’re too strong & healthy that they might even give Rudolph a go if this one starts to coast.
Ryan- Steelers 27 Ravens 13
Wade- Steelers 33 Ravens 18

Enjoy the game, we will have another podcast up this week as well.

 

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.

Baby Murray

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Baby Yoda might be the hottest, cutest Christmas toy, but have you heard of Baby Murray?
This decorative, darling figure is the perfect gift for the NFL fan in your household.

Standing just under 6 feet tall, this beaming figure is sure to be the envy of your friends this holiday season.
Just put a ball in front of him, say ‘hike’, and watch Baby Murray do his thing.

Baby Murray is programmed for hours of fun! Tap on his head, and he will perform a series of spin moves to juke his way out of any defence. Double tap and watch his little arm fire a rocket of a pass downfield. And for pure joy, triple tap his helmet and he’ll perfectly execute a Hail-Murray pass, a heave-ho chuck to the end zone where (hopefully) Hopkins will be waiting arms outstretched to make the score.

Order now, and we’ll through in some Groaning Bills Fans, who will made audible screams as the game falls apart in one play.

Baby Murray is a limited time offer, so make sure you get yours exclusively from NFL in London, just one payment of £999.00.

(figure may just be a Cameo message of Kyler Murray laughing at you for believing this was real)

Callum’s Week 11

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Hello! Welcome back to another edition of the Picks Six. Last week, we had some good (both Overs), some bad (Nick Chubb running out at the 1yd line…), and an 11-2 record in the Full English section! Pretty good. This week, there are genuinely the most games for a while where I’m scratching my head saying “I really don’t know which way I think this will go.” This is a dangerous position to be in, because I could either be perfect or awful due to these toss ups. I’m concerned, but excited. Let’s go. 6 sections, lots of picks and tips, have fun and enjoy. 

The 1st & Goal from the 1yd Line. (Season Record: 6-2) 

The Packers tried their best to make us sweat a little on this one last weekend, but managed to repel the surprisingly stubborn Jake Luton and the surprisingly stout Jacksonville defense in the end. We’re on a bit of a roll here in this section – so let’s keep it going!

After a brief one week break… We’re back to picking against the Jets gang!! It’s too easy – but how can you go against it? Justin Herbert has been great in his rookie season, and the Jets have been nothing short of abysmal almost from start to finish. The Chargers aren’t the most normal or reliable of teams – every game with them involved seems to have some weird quirk or another – but they’re more than talented enough to beat New York here. LA Chargers to win.

The 45yd Field Goal (Season Record 1-7)

CURSE YOU, NICK CHUBB. Running out at the ONE YARD LINE? This failure to cover Browns -3.5 ruined many people’s Sundays – not just mine – and also ruined my 2-0 bid in this category last weekend. Fortunately, Alvin Kamara was on hand to FINALLY drag us to a win!! The Saints -10.0 would not be denied, even with a somewhat concerning injury to Drew Brees. 

Anyway – finally – we’re on the board. This week, there are quite a few tight games across the board. I like TWO very slight underdogs. They are listed below:

Packers to win (@Colts)

I’m really unsure why the Colts are favoured here. Yep, they’re riding high off a nice win against the Titans, but their offense hasn’t really been electric this season. They’re relying on their defense to hold the opposition close and allow Rivers and his RBs (mainly) to slowly chip their way down the field. This week, Aaron Rodgers (who WILL have Davante Adams active) comes to town to try and tear down their castle walls. For me, that Packers offense is good enough to breach the Colts’ D. It is a toss up, but I’m leaning Cheese-Head. Packers to win.

Bengals to win (@Washington)

Joe Burrow is a big time player. He’s had an up and down first season in terms of results, but has shown more than enough to get the Cincinnati faithful excited about their future with Joey B as the face of the franchise. Conversely, Washington still seem to be struggling to find their identity. Yes, it’s great to see Alex Smith back starting games. I’m delighted he’s back healthy. However, it does also show that the Football Team are on their third starting QB of the season, and haven’t yet found the stability they would have hoped under first year head coach Ron Rivera. I’m riding the Bengals this weekend, largely because I trust Cincy’s QB, and don’t trust most of Washington’s team at all. Bengals to win.

The Hail Mary Touchdown Treble
(Season Record 0-2, Individual TD Picks 1-6)

This is my longshot from half field. Unlikely, but you never know. A Touchdown scorers Treble.

AB, Ruggs & Andrews all failed to find the endzone last week – frustrating and annoying! This week, we’re riding some Tight Ends to success…

Jonnu Smith (Titans, @ Ravens) – The Ravens HAVE to load the box to stop Derrick Henry. This opens up play action. Smith is very athletic and a great red zone target. I see it. 

Austin Hooper (Browns, vs Eagles) – This is the riskiest leg here, based on the weather and Cleveland leaning on the run, but Baker sure loves a TE target in the end zone. We saw Harrison Bryant catch two from Mayfield a few weeks ago, and Hooper is an elite receiver when given targets. Let’s ride it.

Taysom Hill (Saints, vs Falcons) – The Joker of week 11. You think Sean Payton is going to start his mobile QB and not have a couple QB runs scripted in the game plan for the red zone? No chance. Gimme Taysom to score (and probably throw for another couple too!).

£5 on this treble pays £140 depending on your bookmaker.

The Overs (Season Record: 5-4-1)

2-0!! We went 2-0!! The “Hail Murray” may have stolen the headlines, but Bills vs Cardinals was always guaranteed points, and TB12 on a bounce back against the Panthers didn’t let us down either. It’s nice when both the tips win!! This week…

Over 50.0 (Falcons @ Saints) – THIS is maybe the most intriguing game of the week. I was BUZZING to see Jameis Winston turned loose in Sean Payton’s offense… until they announced he wasn’t starting!? And… Taysom Hill IS?! It’s some strange voodoo down in NOLA… but maybe it might work?! I think Hill has shown enough in flashes to suggest he could be an interesting offensive weapon – best believe I’m starting him in multiple fantasy leagues this weekend – and the Falcons LOVE scoring and conceding points. I have no idea what to expect from Taysom, but I expect points from these two teams.

Over whatever the line is (Lions @ Panthers) – So at the time of writing, this game is “off the board,” which makes including it in my picks very difficult. Anyway – whatever the line is – I like the over. Matt Stafford is confirmed to be playing, looks like Teddy Bridgewater will be also. Both QBs are having good years, and both defenses are fairly suspect. I’d envisage the line being somewhere around the 50 mark, maybe a little below, but I like that. Detroit tried their best to let Washington steal one last week, and even without DeAndre Swift AND Kenny Golladay, they should have enough weapons (I’m looking at you both, TJ Hockenson and Marvin Jones…) to push this total up and over.

(SECRET PICK – I refuse to bet Unders on principle, but the weather is supposed to be bad in Cleveland again this weekend… so Under 47.5 Eagles @ Browns feels like a great pick. BUT life’s too short to bet the under. It really is)

The Parlay (Complete Parlays 0-5, Correct Legs 14-10-1)

3-2 last week… would’ve been 4-1 if not for, y’know… Nick Chubb… The Seahawks laying an egg vs the Rams was a surprise but softened the Chubb blow a bit. Anyway, the parlay…

Browns -3.0 (vs Eagles) – I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW. But yes – we’re back on the Browns. No Myles Garrett is a bit annoying, but the rest of that defense has stepped up in recent weeks, and the two-headed monster of Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the run game should be enough to dominate a subpar Philly team. Don’t be surprised if Baker looks good with play action after the run’s been established too. Browns please.

Bengals +1.0 (@ Washington) – As previously mentioned, I believe in Joseph Burrow. I don’t believe in Washington. It’s really that simple. I’m surprised that the Bengals are the underdogs, though I guess the lack of Joe Mixon contributes to that. Washington are the team that just refuse to die; they’re down 14 at half time every week, and end up coming back. This week, I think Burrow will want to outshine Chase Young – a battle of the 1 & 2 picks from last year’s draft – and light the Football Team up. Tee Higgins looks set to play which helps as well. Gimme the Bengals.

Titans +5.0 (@ Ravens) – Lamar needs a bounce back… but I don’t think this is the team he wants to face. The Titans are coming off a mini bye (haven’t played since last Thursday), and completely bamboozled the Ravens in the playoffs last year. There may also be no Calais Campbell for the Ravens run defense, which leaves so much opportunity for Derrick Henry to really start rumbling. The Ravens may well find a way to get some revenge for last year and win this one, but I think Tennessee will keep it close regardless. Take the Titans and the points.

Dolphins -4.0 (@ Broncos) – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Dolphins are roooooooooolling. Now, has Tua played in altitude before? I dunno. Are the Broncos still bang average at best? Absolutely. Brian Flores is putting together a “Coach of the Year” season resume, and the Dolphins should be 7-3 after Sunday. 

Chargers -9.5 (vs Jets) – We’ve already touched on this;I like the Chargers… So, let’s not waste time. Despite the fact that last time out, Joe Flacco pushed the Patriots close… and the Chargers seem incapable of winning a game in normal fashion… which makes this is perhaps the secretly riskiest pick in the parlay this week. That said, it’s still the Jets. They’re 0-9. Justin Herbert wants to come out and make headlines for something other than his haircut. Believe in LA this week.

£10 on this Parlay pays around £270 depending on your bookmaker. 

The Full English (Season Record: 48-18)

A nice 11-2 again last week pushes the season record to a (even if I say so myself) respectable 48-18. A little over 72%. Decent all things considered. 

Here’s the week 11 slate:

Falcons @ Saints – Saints (This is the weirdest game of the week. Who knows what Taysom is going to do, but I believe the Saints are a good enough team to win without Drew Brees).

Bengals @ Football Team – Bengals

Lions @ Panthers – Panthers

Patriots @ Texans – Texans (I think this might be a “Deshaun Watson” game. Texans would be better off if they lost, but Deshaun ain’t up for tanking)

Eagles @ Browns – Browns

Steelers @ Jaguars – Steelers (10-0, perfect season alert, not sure if they make it to 16 wins, but they’ll add a 10th this weekend. 

Titans @ Ravens – Titans

Dolphins @ Broncos – Dolphins

Jets @ Chargers – Chargers

Cowboys @ Vikings – Vikings (But I wouldn’t be surprised if there WAS a little upset here… the cowboys are due for a bounce back and are not as bad as their record suggests they are)

Packers @ Colts – Packers 

Chiefs @ Raiders – Chiefs (they’re just too good)

Rams @ Buccaneers – Buccaneers

Week 12

Moving forward, week 12 gives us BOTH Thanksgiving Football AND NO BYE WEEKS! A full slate for our feast. I will endeavour to be back with a Thanksgiving Special (three interesting games!) before Thursday, and then the regular column for next weekend. 

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts. As always, I’m @callumjdsquires on Twitter & Instagram. Enjoy week 11! Stay safe, stay healthy. 

Callum Squires is an English writer, former NCAA athlete and Miami Dolphins fan.