Hi everyone. Welcome to Week 15 in the National Football League
We’ve already seen some action this week – more than usual – with wins for the 49ers, Vikings, Browns, and Bills. Thrilling finishes, and drama all the way.
We’ve had and continue to have plenty of joy on the Nostradamus front, though missing the Vikings by half a point yesterday was tough to swallow. We’ve looked at a few Week 15 clashes then already. Let’s pop another couple under the microscope today.
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints, Sunday 6pm UK, Superdome, N.O.
NFC South rivals clash in New Orleans. It’s a grim Division, with Tampa leading at 6-and-7. These two could yet challenge but need few mistakes between now and the regular season’s end.
Atlanta QB Desmond Ritter is slated to make his first NFL start tonight. He might have an uncomfortable baptism against the Saints, well-versed in playmaker hounding.
These two met in Week 1, and there was just a point in it. Saints prevailed 27-26, and it could be just as tight tonight.
Not sure about that number of points though. Much depends on the new boy under centre for Atlanta. Saints have a higher-rated defense, conceding fewer points and attacking yards. That sways me here.
Plus they’ve got Taysom Hill, always a threat in his multiple guises, especially against a suspect D.
Betting – which can of course fluctuate between now and game time. Saints 1/2, Falcons 13/8. Game total points 42.5 … over 5/6, under Evens. On the spread it’s Saints -4.5 @ 20/21, Falcons + 4.5 @ 20/23.
Selections – Saints -4.5 @ 20/21, and under 42.5 total points @ Evens.
Detroit Lions @ New York Jets, 6pm UK, Metlife Stadium New York
The Jets did us a favour last time by hanging in there, and as we said at the time are enjoying a smashing campaign.
The Lions again rewarded our faith recently, so this could and should be a cracking, close-run affair. Betting is instructive – we go 5/6 Jets, Evens Lions, with total points at 43.5 (over 20/21, under 20/23). On the spread, it’s Jets -1.5 @ 10/11, Lions +1.5 @ 10/11.
At 7-and-6 the Jets are in the wildcard hunt, with the AFC East seemingly tied up by the Bills (11-and-3). Similar comments apply to the Lions, 6-and-7 in the NFC North behind the 11-and-3 Vikings. Loads at stake then, as the season reaches its climax.
The Jets have a superb, top three-rated D; while the Lions are entirely at the other end of the competence scale. Offensively it’s Detroit who hold the compelling cards – which adds hugely to the fascination. Can’t wait for this one.
Selections – Total points over 43.5 @ 20/21; Jets -1.5 @ 10/11; 1st half total points over 20.5 @ 20/23
Enjoy your NFL weekend, and as always, take care.
Alan
