All articles by: Howard Knowles

NFL – Gameweek 15 Preview

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NFL – Gameweek 15 Preview – Both the NFC & AFC playoff races are heating up, with only 3 games left in the season before the playoffs, here are my top 5 predictions for the week.

Saturday Night Prime Time: Chargers at Chiefs

The Chargers have been hot and are tied with the Chiefs for the number 1 seed in their division, they are also in a 3-way tie for a wildcard spot in the playoffs. A loss would put the Chiefs out of the playoffs for the interim, so this is a must win for both teams. The Chiefs had a great start and have been up and down since. At home with their crowd, I expect them to be in sync on both sides of the ball. However, with the Chargers momentum I see them pulling away late.

Chargers to Win – 24-20

Rivers: 300 YDS, 2 TDS

Gordon: 86 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Allen: 115 YDS, 1 REC TD

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Patriots at Steelers

This game will determine the number 1 seed in the AFC along with home court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Pats are coming off a disappointing loss against the Dolphins and it is rare they lose back to back games. The Pats are also getting their pro bowl TE Rob Gronkowski back from suspension and will look to get their offense back on track. Meanwhile, the Steelers have been rolling as winners of 8 straight games, and with MVP Candidates, Antonio Brown and Le’veon Bell, their offense possesses the top WR and RB in the league. History shows the Steelers struggle on the road against the Pats, at home with their ultimate goal of home field on the line, in a close game I see the Steelers inching it out.

Steelers to Win –  31-28

Roethlisberger: 255 YDS, 2 TDS

Bell: 125 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD, 1 REC TD

Brown: 110 YDS, 1 TD

 

Rams at Seahawks

Coming off their loss to the Jags, the Seahawks are injured on defense and that won’t go well against the top 3 scoring offense that is the Rams. Meanwhile, the Rams lost a close game against the Eagles but are still in the hunt for the top seed in the NFC. Seattle won the first matchup between these two teams earlier in the season and will be playing for their playoff lives. The Rams are virtually in the playoffs with a win and with a loss, the Seahawks would be officially out of the playoffs. At home against a top division rival, I have the Seahawks winning a close one.

Seahawks to Win –  28-24

Wilson: 300 YDS, 2 TDS, 1 Rushing TD

Baldwin: 100 YDS, 1 TD

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Jets at Saints

The Saints lost a close game against the Falcons and are in a tight race with the Panthers for the lead of their AFC South Division. This is a must win for the Saints and star rookie RB Alvin Kumara should be back from injury giving them a boost. Next week the Saints will face the Falcons again, I expect them to get back on track this week, to gain momentum for next week’s showdown.

Saints to Win –  24-14

Brees: 275 YDS, 2 TDS

Kumara: 100 total YDS, 1 TD REC

Ingram: 85 YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Thomas: 75 YDS, 1 REC TD

 

Packers at Panthers

It’s the return of star QB Aaron Rodgers for the Packers but would need to run the table for any hope of getting in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Panthers upset the Vikings last week and are in a heat with the Saints on winning their division. The past two years the Packers have ran the table and with Rodgers back even at possibly 80% health, I believe that will galvanize the Packers defense and jumpstart their offense. In an upset, I have the Packers winning late.

Packers to Win – 24-21

Rodgers: 285 YDS, 3 TDS

Adams: 105 YDS, 1 TD

 

**5 Fold Win Accumulator – Chargers, Steelers, Seahawks, Saints and Packers All to Win – 17.1/1 (Skybet)**

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NFL – Gameweek 14 Preview

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NFL – Gameweek 14 Preview – With division races heating up and playoff seeding being determined, here are my top week 14 predictions.

Eagles at Rams

My game of the week. Top seeded Eagles are coming off a loss against the Seahawks and will be looking to rebound, meanwhile a win for the Rams could put them in striking distance to be the top seed in the NFC. Both teams have explosive offenses, and both teams have aggressive defenses, I expect a highly competitive game. The Rams home crowd hasn’t been to their advantage all year, I expect this week to be different.

Rams to Win –  24 – 20

Goff: 285 YDS, 2 TDS

Gurley: 115 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Los Angeles Rams -0.5 and Under 52.5 Total Match Points – 13/8

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Vikings at Panthers

This is a potential playoff matchup with the division leading Vikings and the wild card spot for the Panthers. The Panthers are coming off a loss to the Saints and cannot afford another loss in the tight wild card race. The Vikings are comfortable in their division and are in striking distance to be the number 1 seed in the NFC. The Vikings top rated defense will be hard to score on, however I believe the Panthers defense can do a solid job against the Vikings offense. Another close game expected here. At home I have the Panthers winning late.

Panthers to Win –  24 – 17

Newton: 250 YDS, 2 TDS

McCaffery: 85 YDS Total, 1 Rushing TD

Skybet Match Result – Panther to Win – 5/4

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Seahawks at Jaguars

Both teams are in dead heat playoff battles to get in, and each team cannot afford to lose. Seattle is coming off a big win against the Eagles. The Jags have been impressive this season, however will be entering unfamiliar territory in the upcoming weeks having to fight for playoff berth. MVP candidate QB Russell Wilson has put the Seahawks on his back the past few weeks. On the road on a cross country trip, I’m taking the experienced Seahawks in this one.

Seahawks to Win – 21 – 14

Wilson: 285 Total YDS, 2 TDS

Graham: 88 YDS, 1 TD

Baldwin: 100 YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Total Points – 35-38 Points – 5/1

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Sunday Night: Ravens at Steelers

The historic AFC North rivals meet here with both teams on winning steaks and in the playoffs. The Steelers are ahead in the division and will be looking to keep pace with the Patriots as the number one seed in the AFC. Meanwhile the Ravens have a wild card spot and will be looking to maintain it. Both teams have aggressive defenses, and historically when these two meet it will be a physical game. Expect both teams to look for ball control. At home, that is advantage Pittsburg.

Steelers winning – 21 – 17

Roethlisberger: 250 YDS, 2 TDS

Bell: 125 YDS, 1 Rushing TD, 1 REC TD

Brown: 100 YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Pittsburgh Steelers -5.5 and Under 45.5 Total Match Points – 5/2

 

**4 Fold Win Accumulator – Rams, Panthers, Seahawks and Steelers All to Win – 11.35/1 (Skybet)**

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NFL – Gameweek 13 Preview

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NFL – Gameweek 13 Preview – With playoff seedings coming into play, here are my week 13 Top 5 Predictions:

Vikings at Falcons

Both teams are hot coming into this matchup, and in what could potentially be a playoff matchup, each team will look to keep the momentum. The Falcons high powered offense matching up with the Vikings tough defense – expect a close game here. While WR Julio Jones won’t repeat his epic 253 YD, 2 TD performance from last week I expect the Falcons offense to keep their momentum.

Falcons to Win –  21–17

Ryan: 250 YDS, 2 TDS
Freeman: 88 YDS, 1 Rushing TD
Jones: 115, 1 TDS

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Atlanta Falcons -2.5 and Under 48.5 Total Match Points – 9/4

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Panthers at Saints

Division rivalry here with both teams in the playoffs, this game will help determine who wins the division and has home court advantage. The Saints won the first matchup and coming off a tough loss to the Rams last week I see them making the proper adjustments this week. Expect an offensive shootout.

Saints to Win –  28-24

Brees: 315 YDS, 3 TDS
Kamara: 115 Total YDs, 1 REC TD
Ingram: 88 YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – New Orleans Saints -3.5 and Over 49.5 Total Match Points – 5/2

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Rams at Cards

The Rams are hot and looking to potentially take the number two seed in the NFC, meanwhile the Cardinals upset the Jags last week and with this division rivalry they will be looking to do the same this week. I expect a closer matchup than advertised.

Rams to Win – 21-14

Goff: 275 YDS, 2 TDS
Gurley: 100 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Skybet Total Points – 0-39 – 13/8

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Eagles at Seahawks- Sunday Night

The Eagles are the best team in football and will be looking to continue their momentum. However, this is a cross country fight, against a Seahawks team that is fighting for their playoff lives. While the defense is injured, QB Russell Wilson is hot and will look to keep his team rolling. A loss will most likely eliminate the Seahawks playoff chances, and making the playoffs the last 5 years straight, and at home, I see an upset here.

Seahawks to Win –  21-20

Wilson: 275 YDS, 2 TDS
Graham: 88 YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Match Result – Seahawks to Win – 2/1

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Steelers at Bengals – Monday Night

The Steelers haven’t been extremely impressive, however are the winners of 7 straight games, and will be looking to keep even with the Patriots for the number 1 seed in the AFC. This rivalry always gives us fireworks and expect more here.

Steelers to Win – 24-17

Roethlisberger: 288 YDS, 2 TDS
Bell: 115 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD
Brown: 100 YDS, 1 REC TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5 and Under 44.5 Total Match Points – 11/4

 

**5 Fold Win Accumulator – Falcons, Saints, Rams, Seahawks and Steelers All to Win – 12.91/1 – Skybet**

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