UK-based NFL fans get another opposrtunity to take in the action this weekend as the Rams and the Benglas fly in to take over Wembley. That clash, along with two others, is the scope of broadcaster and journalist Nat Coombs who has scanned the card to pluck three promising punts from across the weekend.
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LOCK
The Rams got back in business last week – having lost three in a row – by shutting up the critics with a devastating performance against the Falcons, which many (including yours truly) saw as a trap game for them. Now they play in London against an equally vanilla Bengals side who are currently winless, rank 32nd in total defense and just 24th on total offense – the only challenge they’re mounting is the one to Miami and Washington for the worst record in football and the number one overall pick.
London games can be a leveller because of the unusual venue and preparation and the West Coast time difference is further accentuated by the clocks changing in the early hours of Sunday, which may mean the Rams could take a while to get in their groove, but in the end the Bengals D will be no match for a revived LA offense that has so many playmakers in Cooks, Gurley, Woods & Kupp. Indeed, reports of QB’s Jared Goff’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Jury may still be out on sterner tests, but against the Bengals, he’ll be fine and so will the Rams. So, despite the hefty spread, I like them to cover.
Pick Rams -13
“We here in London, baby!” – @AyoItsND pic.twitter.com/7wbr35Jrnn
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 25, 2019
PUNT
I liked the Lions to put up points on Minnesota last week and they did, 30 against one of the better defenses in the NFL, and I think we’ll see more of the same against the Giants. Marvin Jones was the welcome recipient of 4 TD’s from Matt Stafford, who also has WR Kenny Golladay and TE TJ Hockenson as favourite targets. RB Kerryon Johnson has been placed on IR, so they’ll probably move to mixing carries between Ty Johnson & JD McKissic, but this offense is primarily about the aerial attack up against a mediocre Giants D.
Detroit ranks 28th against the run, and the NY Giants offense is led by superstar running back Saquon Barkley, back from injury and close to his best, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. The Lions dealing safety Quandre Diggs to Seattle weakens their hand, so expect points on both sides.
Pick: Over 49.5 points
LONGSHOT
Philly are banged up, missing a revived Desean Jackson, and Tackle Jason Peters, and are suffering after a bruising defeat last weekend against the Cowboys after head coach Doug Pederson had guaranteed the win. But whilst the Bills have had an impressive start to the season, their QB Josh Allen is talented (particularly on the ground) but far from secure and prone to fumbling.
Plus, they were hardly convincing against a poor Miami side last week, and Philly are in must win territory, I fancy the Eagles offense to step up to the challenge in a close game, so the points look tempting.
Pick: Eagles +2
