Week 13 in the National Football League
While understandably many will be tuning in to a certain round ball football match this early evening, there’s the usual host of NFL delights to consider too.
I’ve penned a piece looking at the Saints intriguing trip to Tampa in a day or so, but let’s take a look at some of Sunday’s standouts.
The Bills beat the Patriots on Thursday, and they currently share Super Bowl favouritism with the Chiefs @ 7/2.
Such a wide-open look to this season – although the 10-and-1 Eagles can still be backed at 13/2. Interesting …
First up – Miami Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara. 9.05pm Sunday night UK.
What a cracker. Tua is in great synch with his receiving corps at present for Miami, but the ‘niners D are very tough. They’ll need to be, with Hill and company in town. Miami’s D are no slouches either, and are hounding QBs for fun recently.
SF stand at 7-and-4, while for the Dolphins it’s 8-and-3. Different Conferences of course, but both are very much in the postseason conversations. Money line betting sees SF @ 4/9, and Miami 7/4. It’s ‘niners -4.5 on the spread, with Dolphins +4.5 (both 10/11). Prices and lines can of course fluctuate between now and game time.
The game total is delicately pitched at 46.5. Looks shrewd enough to me. SF have the top-rated D in football, while intriguingly on the other side of the ball it’s Miami who are more potent. Something’s got to give!
Both teams are riding hot winning streaks, and I’m really hoping that game total can come under some serious pressure. If it does we’re in for an entertainment treat. As for the outcome I just favour the ‘niners D to be skinnier than their counterparts, and home field advantage is a definite plus.
Selections – Game total points over 46.5 @ 20/21
Anytime touchdown scorer – George Kittle @ 7/4
Let’s take a look at another tasty dish later tonight ..
Kansas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday 9.25pm UK
Two brilliant QBs when on-song in Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. Expect lots of aerial action – but both can scamper and more if the occasion demands.
Mahomes’ collaboration with Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce is already the stuff of NFL legend, while I believe Ja’Marr Chase is back in harness for Cincy. What an elusive, attacking threat he is.
Betting is tight – Chiefs 8/11, Bengals 23/20. It’s Chiefs -2.5 @ 10/11, same price Bengals plus the 2.5. Game total – 52.5 (10/11 both under and over).
Initial thoughts – let’s take that total on. Neither side has convinced of late on the defensive side of the ball, and there’s so much attacking talent on display.
Tough to call for the win, but I just favour Cincinnati with home advantage, and will take that money line price.
Selections – Game total over 52.5 @ 10/11
Bengals win, money line, @ 23/20
Could be ultra-tight – let’s try winning margin, Bengals 1-6 points inclusive, @ 10/3
Have a brilliant NFL weekend – take care, and enjoy.
Alan.
