All articles by: Howard Knowles

NFL – Gameweek 5 Preview

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NFL – Gameweek 5 Preview – With 4 Teams Going on a Bye this week (saints, broncos, falcons and redskins) here are my Week 5 NFL Season Predictions & Stats:

 

Thursday Night:

Patriots at Buccaneers

The defending champs have struggled on defense all year, and after their loss on Sunday they will be looking to rebound. Meanwhile the Bucs’ offense, which we believed would be explosive, have yet to have the game that showcases all of their offensive talent. This will be a shootout, but it’s hard to see the Pats losing back to back games.

Patriots to Win –  31-27

Brady: 300 YDS, 4 TDs

Gronkowski: 88 YDS Rec, 2 TDs

 

Sunday Games:

Chargers at Giants

Both teams have struggled out the gate; the Chargers have been the more impressive team, while the Giants have struggled on offense, in particular their offensive line. The Giants have a top defense and I expect the offense to finally get going.

Giants to Win –  24- 17

Manning: 245 YDS, 2 TDs

Beckham: 110 YDS: 1 TD

Giants Defense: 1 TD via Turnover

 

Bills at Bengals

The Bills have looked impressive the year, while the Bengals, 2 Games in with their new offensive coordinator, have improved. I see the Bills continuing their momentum here

Bills to Win –  14-10

Taylor: 200 YDS, 1 TD

McCoy: 88 YDS Rushing, 1 TD

 

Jets at Browns

Two of the worst teams in the past decade face off, and while the Jets are 2-2 and the Browns are 0-4, I expect a game where two teams are looking to give a good showing.

Jets to Win –  13-7

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Jaguars at Steelers

The Steelers have been up and down this year, while the Jags have improved on both sides of the ball. At home however, it’s always a tough bet to go against the Steelers.

Steelers to Win –  24-14

Roethlisberger: 250 YDS, 1 TD

Bell: 115 Total Yards: 2 YDs

Brown: 85 YDS Receiving

 

49ers at Colts

Both teams have been Struggling, however each team has been competitive in recent weeks. I expect a good game.

Colts to Win –  13-7

 

Cardinals at Eagles

The Eagles have been soaring and are atop of the NFC East, I expect them to keep the momentum going against the injured Cardinals.

Eagles to Win –  24-14

Weinz: 250 YDS Passing, 2 TDS

 

Panthers at Lions

Both teams have looked impressive to start the season, and this will be an exciting matchup. The Panther’s offense is injured, and will be facing a hot Lions defense who have already topped their turnover total from last year. Both QB’s in Newton and Stafford are off to great starts, so expect an explosive big play game.

Lions to Win –  28-21

Stafford: 315 YDS, 3 TDS

Tate: 88 YDS , 1 TD

Abdullah: 100 YDS rushing, 1 TD

Skybet Home Points Under/Over – Lions Over 24.5 Points – 11/8

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Seahawks at Rams

Division game here with both teams looking to make a statement. The Rams have looked impressive under new Coach Sean McVay and are leading the division at 3-1, while the Seahawks at 2-2 are looking to get some momentum. This will be a key test for QB Jared Goff against the vaunted Seahawks defense, and the Rams defense will be looking to gain their footing against the struggling Seahawks offense.

Rams to Win –  21-17

Goff: 215 YDS, 1 TD

Gurley: 150 Total Yards: 2 TD’s

 

Ravens at Raiders

Both teams have struggled out the gate, and with the Raiders QB Derek Carr out on injury, the Raiders will be looking to use RB Marshawn Lynch heavily. Predictability is always difficult in the NFL, I believe the Ravens will take this one.

Ravens to Win –  14-7

 

Packers at Cowboys

In my game of the week, I expect a showdown between these teams. The Cowboys will be looking for revenge after their NFL Playoff loss to the Packers. The Packers are coming in injured but at a solid 3-1 record, while coming off a loss at 2-2, the Cowboys will be looking to turn the corner. An entertaining game.

Packers to Win –  28-24

Rodgers: 315 YDS, 3 TDs

Nelson: 115 YDS Receiving, 2 TDS

 

Chiefs at Texans

With the Best record in the League, the Chiefs will be facing the hot Texans Sunday night in primetime. Rookie QB for the Texans, Deshaun Watson looked impressive in their smashing last week against the Titans, however will be in for a tough matchup with the Chiefs defense.

Chiefs to Win – 24-14

Smith: 25o YDS, 2 TDs

Hunt: 100 YDS total, 1 TD

Kelce: 115 YDS, 1 TD

 

**7 Fold Win Accumulator – Patriots, Jets, Lions, Giants, Eagles Steelers and the Chiefs ALL to WIN – 20.64/1 – Skybet**

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NFL – Gameweek 3 Preview

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NFL – Gameweek 3 Preview – We preview and predict the games taking place over the weekend from the NFL. We came close with our 8 Fold Acca last week, missing by one in the last game as The Cowboys were beaten convincingly against Denver Bronco’s. We go again this weekend!

 

Ravens at Jaguars

In London so no home crowd advantage for the Jags in this one, both teams have good defenses, but the Ravens have a few more weapons on offense that will give them the edge in a tight game.

Ravens to Win – 17 – 7

Flacco: 225 YDS, 2 TDs

Maclin: 89 Receiving YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Winning Margin – 7-12 Ravens – 4/1

Browns at Colts

Two of the worst teams in the league, both teams need a win. I’m going with the Browns in this one.

Browns to Win – 10 – 7

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Cleveland Browns -2.5 and Under 42.5 Total Match Points – 9/4

Giants at Eagles

Until Further notice, the Giants have the worse offensive line in the league, and as a result their defense has to stay in the field much too long and they tire out. The Eagles have looked better at 1-1 while the Giants are 0-2.

Eagles to Win – 20 – 14

Wentz: 250 YDS, 2 TD’s

Jeffery: 100 YDS Receiving, 1 TD

Ertz: 77 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Skybet Winning Margin – 1 – 6 Eagles – 11/4

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Dolphins at Jets

Dolphins looked good in their opening game last week and while the Jets are competitive, the Dolphins will carry over their momentum.

Dolphins to Win – 21 – 10

Cutler: 200 YDS, 1 TD

Ajay: 115 total YDS, 2 TDs

Landry: 88 YDS Receiving

Skybet Home Team Points – New York Jets Under 12.5 Points – 7/2

Broncos at Bills

The Broncos defense continues to impress, requiring the offense to do little. I believe that will continues here, due to the Bills not having enough weapons to wear down the Broncos.

Broncos to Win – 14 – 3

D Thomas: 100 YDS, 1 TD

Broncos Defense: 1 TD

Skybet Handicap Betting – Broncos (-7) – 2/1

Saints at Panthers

Division rivalry with the top ranked defense in the Panthers against the top 5 ranked offense in the Saints. Bree’s and the Saints aren’t scoring in the redzone for as many yards they gain. TE Greg Olsen is out for the Panthers, however against the worst ranked defense in the league, he shouldn’t be missed much.

Panthers to Win – 28 – 20

Newton: 300 YDS, 3 TDs

K Benjamin: 100 YDS Receiving, 2 TDs

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Carolina Panthers -5.5 and Under 50.5 Total Match Points – 15/8

Steelers at Bears

The Steelers offense is rounding into form, against the struggling Bears, they will continue to develp the chemistry with all of their weapons.

Steelers to Win – 21 – 3

Roethlisberger: 300 YDS, 2 TDs

Bell: 110 YDS: 2 TDs, 1 Receiving, 1 rushing

Skybet Total Points Band – 0-36 Points – 9/4

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Falcons at Lions

The two best NFC teams go at it and this should give us fireworks. Both offenses have been very impressive, while both defenses have improved. This will be a shootout featuring two of the top 4 NFL offenses and QB’s this year.

Falcons to Win – 31 – 24

Ryan: 300 YDS , 3 TDs

Jones: 125 YDS, 1 TD

Freeman: 100 YDS total, 1 TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Atlanta Falcons -2.5 and Over 50.5 Total Match Points – 9/4

Buccaneers at Vikings

Tampa looked impressive in their opener, while the Vikings with QB Sam Bradford healthy looked great week 1, him missing time in week 2  showed that their offense struggled mightily. For now he’s questionable to play, and while the Vikings defense is top 5 in the league, they will not be able to contain The Bucks all game.

Bucks to Win – 20 – 13

Winston: 225 YDS, 2 TDs

Evans: 100 YDS Receiving, 1 TD

Skybet Match Result – Bucaneers to Win – 5/4

Texans at Patriots

The Texans defense will show up, however as they do historically their offense will not be able to matchup with the Pats, thus leaving the defense out too long to tire. It will be tight early, but in the 2nd half I see the Pats Pulling away.

Patriots to Win – 24 – 13

Brady: 250 YDS, 2 TDs

Gillislee: 77 YDS Rushing, 1 TD

Skybet Total Points – 0-38 Points – 2/1

Seahawks at Titans

The Seahawks offensive line has been terrible to start the year, and while the defense has played up to par, they are facing a Titans team that will be looking to establish the run, and therefore ball control for the game. This game will be a close one with both teams looking to get their offense on track, in the end I’m going with the Titans at home.

Titans to Win – 17 – 13

Mariota: 200 YDS, 1 TD

Murray: 85 YDS Total, 1 TD

Skybet Total Points – Under 35.5 Points

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Bengals at Packers

The Packers have 11 players on the injury report, however WR Jordy Nelson will play, and their offense line has a few key guys returning to action as well. The Bengals meanwhile haven’t scored a TD so far this season, and with the firing of their offensive coordinator they will be looking to get on the board. I have the game competitive early, with the Packers pulling away down the stretch.

Packers to Win – 24 – 14

Rodgers: 300 YDS, 3 TDs

Nelson: 88 YDS Receiving, 1 TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Green Bay Packers -8.5 and Under 46.5 Total Match Points – 11/4

Chiefs at Chargers

Alex Smith and the Chiefs have been impressive to start the year, on both sides of the ball, while the Chargers lost each of their games due to missed FG’s in the last minutes of the game. This will be competitive, I think the Chiefs have a few more weapons, and will pull it out down the stretch.

Chiefs to Win – 24 – 17

Smith: 270 YDS, 2 TDS

Hunt: 115 Total Yards, 1 TD

Kelce: 88 YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Kansas City Chiefs -4.5 and Under 47.5 Total Match Points – 3/1

Raiders at Redskins

Sunday night primetime game with a matchup we don’t often see. The Raiders are coming in looking impressive to start the year at 2-0, while the Redskins are 1-1and are looking to have the big offensive game from QB Kirk Cousins they expect. Both teams are struggling on defense, so for this game I’m expecting a shootout. The Raiders in the end will continue to impress.

Raiders to Win – 28 – 21

Carr: 300 YDS, 2 TDs

Lynch: 85 YDS rushing, 1 TD

Cooper and Crabtree, 1 TD each

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Oakland Raiders -3.5 and Over 55.5 Total Match Points – 7/2

Cowboys at Cardinals

Monday night prime time game, after the Cowboys struggled and their blowout loss to the Broncos, its hard to imagine that type of performance two weeks in a row. The Cardinals have struggled and with RB David Johnson on IR, their offense won’t be able to keep pace with the Cowboys, I also expect a better and more motivated performance from RB Ezekiel Elliott.

Cowboys to Win – 24 – 10

Prescott: 200 YDS, 1 TD

Elliott: 125 YDS, 2 TDs

Skybet Home Team Points – Arizona Cardinals Under 15.5 Points – 7/2

 

6 Fold Win Accumulator – Steelers, Patriots, Dolphins, Packers, Raiders and Panthers All to Win – 4.37/1 – Skybet**

NFL – Gameweek 2 Preview

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NFL Gameweek 2 Preview – We preview and predict the games taking place over the weekend from the NFL.

Browns at Ravens
Browns are improving however without a developed offensive attack I expect the Ravens to pull this one out at home.
I have the Ravens winning 21 – 10
Flacco: 250 YDS, 2 TDs
West: 100 Total Yards, 1 TD

Cardinals at Colts
After the Colts performance last week, it’s hard to pick for them, and while Arizona wasn’t overly impressive either, along with the injury to Pro Bowl RB David Johnson, I am still picking them to win.
I have the Cardinals winning 10-3
Fitzgerald: 75 YDS, 1 TD

Eagles at Chiefs
Both teams are coming off impressive wins in week 1 and are looking to continue the momentum. I believe even with the injury to FS Eric Berry, the Chiefs defense is still elite and will contain the Eagles offense better than vice versa.
I have the Chiefs winning 24-17
Smith: 250 YDS, 2 TD
Hunt: 89 YDS Rushing, 1 TD
Kelce: 100 YDS, 1 TD

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Patriots at Saints
Both teams are coming off a week 1 loss and are looking to rebound, with both future hall of famer QBs and each team with questionable defenses, this will be a shootout. The Saints play much better at home than on the road, however I feel the Pats will be better adjusted this week.
I have the Patriots winning 35 – 27
Brady: 300 YDS, 3 TDs
Gronkowski: 100 YDS, 2 TD
Cook: 88 YDS, 1 TD
Gillislee: 75 YDS Rushing, 1 TD

Titans at Jaguars
The Jags defense looked impressive along with a great debut from rookie RB Fournette last week, while the Titans came out the gate slow with a loss in week 1. I believe the Jags defense will hold it to a low scoring game, however the Titans will rebound from last week.
I have the Titans winning: 17-10
Mariota: 200 YDS, 1 TD
Murry: 100 Total YDS, 1 TD

Vikings at Steelers
Vikings were impressive in their week 1 win, while the Steelers looking out of sync in their win. The Steelers defense has improved, and they will be tested. The key matchup will be the vaunted Steelers offense vs the top 5 Vikings defense. Close Game
I have the Steelers Winning 20 – 17
Roethlisberger: 225 YDS, 1 TD
Bell: 100 total YDS, 1 TD
Brown: 100 YDS Receiving

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Bills at Panthers
Panthers will win this one easy, and continue their week 1 momentum. The Bills will fight hard but in the end, not enough weapons to outscore the Panthers.
I have the Panthers winning 24 -14
Newton: 250 YDS, 2 TDs
McCaffery: 88 YDS Total, 1 TD

Bears at Buccaneers
Being on Bye for week 1, the Bucks make their season opener against a competitive Bears defense. Too many injuries on the Bears offense will be there downfall.
I have the Buccaneers winning 21 – 10
Winston: 300 YDS, 2 TDs
Evans: 100 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Rodgers: 75 YDS Rushing, 1 TD

Jets at Raiders
This can get ugly quickly, Jets are in full tank mode, I expect the Raiders to remain impressive in week 2.
I have the Raiders winning: 28 – 7
Carr: 300 YDS, 3 TDS
Lynch: 100 YDS Rushing, 1 TD
Cooper: 90 YDS Receiving, 1 TD

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Dolphins at Chargers
Dolphins were on bye week 1 and will be making their debut against a Chargers team that looked a lot better than expected in week 1. QB Jay Cutler’s Dolphins debut will not lead to success this week; I think the Chargers’ Los Angeles debut will be a good one.
I have the Chargers winning: 21 -14
Rivers: 225 YDS, 2 TDs
Gordon: 100 Total Yards, 1 TD

Redskins at Rams
The Redskins were unimpressive in week 1, and the Rams may have been overly impressive in their win week 1 against the Colts. I believe this game will meet in the middle. Kirk Cousins gets back on track, however I’m taking the underdog in this one at home.
I have the Rams winning: 21 -20
Goff: 225 YDS, 2 TDs
Gurley: 75 YDS, 1 TD

Cowboys at Broncos
The Broncos top 5 defense will show up, however as the game progresses, the Cowboys Offensive line and running game will wear down the Broncos. Denver’s offense isn’t strong enough to outscore the Cowboys either.
I have the Cowboys winning 17 -10
Elliott: 115 Total YDS, 2 TDS

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49ers at Seahawks
Seahawks get back on track in this one at their home opener.
I have the Seahawks winning 21 – 7
Wilson: 200 YDS, 2 TDs
Baldwin: 88 YDS, 1 TD
Rawls: 75 YDS Rushing, 1 TD

Packers at Falcons
My game of the week, Sunday night primetime, at the new Falcons stadium featuring two explosive offenses! Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will have bounce back games after their tough win in week 1, however the Packers defense has improved and won’t get torched. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense will open up after a slow start out the gate in their win in week 1 one. This will be a shootout!
I have the Packers winning: 34- 31
Rodgers: 315 YDS, 4 TDs
Nelson: 135 Receiving YDS, 2 TDS

Lions at Giants – Monday Night
The Lions were the Lions with another 4th QTR comeback win last week and are looking to carry over that momentum into week 2. While the Giants defense was strong last week, the loss of Odell Beckham showed with the Giants offense. In a back and fourth game, at home I believe the Giants get back on track.
I have the Giants winning 20 – 17
Manning: 225 YDS, 2 TD
Beckham: 100 YDS, 1 TD

**8 Fold Win Accumulator – Ravens, Cardinals, Chiefs, Patriots, Panthers, Buccaneers, Raiders and Cowboys All to Win – 9.64/1 – Skybet**