WE find ourselves right at the business of the NFL regular season, and as you'd expect, there's no shortage of intrigue heading in to Week 15. The Patriots could really do with bouncing back from consecutive defeats – Cincinnati seems like a good place to pursue that plan.
Broadcaster and journalist Nat Coombs is on hand to disect that clash, plus two others, with his best three picks this weekend. And word to the wise, Nat landed three from three last week, so if you're looking for an NFL betting tip this weekend, look no further.
Click here for full Week 15 card
LOCK
Patriots @ Bengals, Sunday 6pm
The Patriots have been in the headlines for the wrong reasons this week, accused of filming Cincinnati, their opponents in Week 15, during the Bengals defeat to the Browns. The champs deny any wrongdoing, and any frustration that Bill Belichick may be feeling in another reputation tarnish won’t come out in any media interview, rather via the Pats dominating proceedings, with the old master teaching rookie head coach Zac Taylor a lesson.
Sure, New England are struggling offensively against good defenses, but Cincy are weak, and the Pats are not as far off synching as some critics are suggesting. If one of Mo Sanu, N’Keale Harry and Philip Dorset steps up, they’ll be a different proposition and what better time to do it than against the 31st ranked defense in the league. Plus the Pats own defense (ranked number one) will be far too strong for a lukewarm Bengals offense.
Pick: Patriots -10 (10/11)
No wonder the Patriots are playing horribly…
They spied on the Bengals.
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 10, 2019
PUNT
Rams @ Cowboys, Sunday 9:25pm
The Rams are starting to motor again, looking much more like last seasons incarnation against Seattle. Todd Gurley is a factor once more, and his production has the dual effect of unleashing the play action, with receivers Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks a strong trifecta. When Jared Goff is given time, he’s a top drawer QB, and if Dallas fail to pressure him, he’ll make them pay.
The Cowboys should be far more effective than we’re seeing given the talent on show, hence why head coach Jason Garrett is likely to lose his job at the end of the season. Dallas are 0-6 against teams currently above .500 and QB Dak Prescott is 0-4 vs Top 10 defenses this season. Since Jalen Ramsay has joined the Rams, they’ve allowed 15.4 ppg (second fewest in the league) and LA should keep Dallas in check on Sunday.
Pick: Rams -1.5 (10/11)
LONGSHOT
Bears @ Packers, Sunday 6pm
The Packers gave an odd performance against Washington, surging to a two-score lead then slowing considerably, and they’re still erratic on both sides of the ball, enabling the Vikings to get right back into the race for the NFC North division. Chicago is improving, because QB Mitchel Trubisky is finally starting to play, 6 TD/2 INT and a passer rating of 116.9 in his last two games.
If they can neutralise Aaron Jones, they have a fighting chance and if Akiem Hicks returns, it’s possible they will, but I’m backing the Packers and in particular the number, which for home field advantage seems low.
Pick: Green Bay -4 (5/6)
