SIX teams are on bye in the NFL this week but there's still a whole load of football to enjoy, and a whole load of betting opportunities to check out. To help you navigate that world, once again we've asked Nat Coombs – whose weekly NFL podcast you can check out here – to select three tips for the weekend's action. Enjoy!
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LOCK
Two genuine contenders slug it out on Sunday Night Football, in a game that could shape the playoff race quite signficantly. Dallas have a resurgent Philly team, with back to back wins, snapping at their heels in the NFC East, whilst inconsistent Minnesota sit behind the Packers in the North – another defeat may mean a Wild Card will be the only option to the post season for them, not an enviable task in a hyper competitive NFC.
Much will be made of Vikings QB Kirk Cousins inability to win big/prime time games – not an altogether fair criticism, though he was unable to get past a Patrick Mahomes-less Chiefs last week in a thriller, when the game was in his hands to win. Dalvin Cook is having an MVP level season but this a solid Dallas run defense, aided by Michael Bennett, and they kept elite RB Saquon Barkley quiet last week. Furthermore Cousins is likely to be without leading receiver Adam Thielen, and if Dallas can get their number one ranked offense moving quickly in Arlington, which should include key receiver Amari Cooper despite his limited practice, they’ll force Cousins to chase the game, and I think he falls short.
Pick: Cowboys -3 (17/20)
Cowboys will face NFL rushing leader Dalvin Cook this week with Vikings.
Dak asked DeMarcus Lawrence: “He’s the top rusher in the league?”
Lawrence: "Not this week."
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) November 7, 2019
PUNT
Matt Moore deputised very capably for Patrick Mahomes but the reigning MVP is likely back, and if he is, Kansas City will be too strong for a still contending Titans side who are probably in must win territory. Tennessee’s offense looks much more balanced under Ryan Tannehill, going 2-1 under their new QB.
If they can get RB Derrick Henry building a solid running game to establish the play action they will have a fighting chance. But Kansas City have led the league in sacks in last three games and the Titans have given up the most all season. Won’t be easy but I like the Chiefs by a TD.
Pick: Chiefs -6 (10/11)
LONGSHOT
Miami know they’re a weak side, but as many have noted, they play with spirit and have a number of offensive playmakers capable of delivering a sucker punch to opponents who underestimate them, not least with veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick who’s an explosive slinger on his day.
Buoyed by their first win of the season, they come to Indy, and face a solid team that has injury concerns, most notably to QB Jacoby Brissett, hurt against the Steelers last week and limited in practice. Back up Brian Hoyer is a capable deputy, and the Colts should win irrespective of who starts, but I think Miami has a shot to keep this no worse than two-score game, so as we’re in longshot territory….
Pick: Miami +11.5 (17/20)
