WHILE domestic and international football have been beset with coronarivus outbreaks so far, the NFL has impressively made it to Week 7 without any major derailment so far. Sure the less than perfect conditions have contributed to an increase in injuries but in terms of the action on the field, there has been no let up whatsoever. As we approach the halfway point in the 2020 season, Nat Coombs picks through the bones of this week's action.
Washington Football Team vs Dallas Cowboys
Sunday October 25, 17:00 GMT
It’s been a turbulent week for the Cowboys, where a heavy defeat to Arizona in primetime was followed by multiple unattributed player quotes criticising the coaching staff. Throw in further injuries to the already banged up offensive line that’s missing Lael Collins and Tyron Smith for the season, including Brandon Knight the LT who came in for Smith and now needs surgery of his own and veteran guard Zach Martin whose status for Sunday is unclear at the time of writing.
With starting QB Dak Prescott also gone for the season, back up Andy Dalton, a seasoned vet, is capable of steadying the ship, even behind a porous line that will be tested by an impressive Washington front seven, and even with an under par Zeke Elliot struggling to lead a strong ground game – the o-line troubles are not disconnected – Dalton can fire off to a receiving corp that is one of the strongest in the league with Amari Cooper, Cee Dee Lamb and Michael Gallup. Four of Washington’s six opponents this season have put up over 30 points on them, and Dallas have given up 15 turnovers this season (ranking them 32nd) with a turnover ratio of -12 which should, in principle, start to level out through the season with offensive personnel this talented.
The Cowboys defense is struggling – ranked 25th ranked in passing yards allowed and allowing over five yards a carry, Washington don’t possess a potent offense by any stretch, but Kyle Allen looked reasonable against NY last week and connected well with the impressive Terry McLaurin. Washington have punched in seven rushing TDs so far this season (9=) and will feel confident in putting up points on a team that’s freewheeling its way into complete dysfunction. As such, the total seems attainable to me.
Match odds: Washington (23/25) Cowboys (23/25)
Handicap: Wasington -1 (49/50) Cowboys +1 (5/6)
Total points: Over 46 (10/11) Under 46 (10/11)
Tip: Over 46 (10/11)
Look at these GRABS
Some of the best catches from Week 6! pic.twitter.com/zTEHqQzQBN
— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2020
Cinccinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns
Sunday October 25, 17:00 GMT
Next up a money line double, with a bounce back win for the Browns, and a tight win for Seattle. Cleveland face a lively but flawed Cincinnati side, led by number one overall pick Joe Burrow, that blazed into a 21-point lead over the Colts, before ultimately falling short. Philip Rivers sliced and diced the Bengals defense, with a lot of short and mid-level throws, and despite Cleveland’s dud performance against a rampant Steelers defense, this is very much the plan for Baker Mayfield under Kevin Stefanski. Keep it simple, don’t force the issue, protect the ball.
There’s too much talent on this Browns offensive side of the ball for Cincy – who’ve allowed over 1500 passing yards and 10 TDs to opposition QBs – and even without Nick Chubb, they can a viable run game courtesy of Kareem Hunt who averaged 8.6 yards a carry when the two met earlier in the season. The Browns defense can exploit a poor offensive line in front of Burrow, and whilst the young QB will land some blows as he did in the 35-30 thriller in Week 2, the Browns will have enough for the W and for their season to be back on track.
Seattle, unbeaten, off a bye week are bona fide contenders for the Super Bowl, with Russell Wilson playing some of the best football of an already impressive career. They face Arizona off a short week after the Cards dynamic takedown of the Cowboys. Kenyan Drake ran roughshod over Dallas but this is a much sturdier Seattle run D. Jamal Adams may be back too to bolster the pass D, which has improved in recent weeks in terms of giving up big plays, which tracks favourably against Kyler Murray.
Match odds: Bengals (29/20) Browns (3/5)
Handicap: Bengals +3 (19/20) Browns -3 (17/20)
Total points: Over 50 (22/25) Under 50 (23/25)
Tip: Money Line Double – Seahawks (11/20) and Browns (3/5) – 6/4
For all NFL Week 7 betting markets, click here
Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday October 25, 21:25 GMT
Denver ground out a victory over New England despite being banged up on both sides of the ball, and they welcome one or two defensive pieces back against. This however is a Chiefs offense that has potentially even more upside than last year's Super Bowl winning side, with the addition of rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who ran for 161 yards against Buffalo (6.2 yards per carry) and now Le’Veon Bell, set to make his first start since his release from the Jets, re-uppping a run game that’s giving defenses even more to contemplate.
Mahomes is slick and solid this year, if not as consistently explosive as last season, but at any time is capable of a big-time knockout blow, and whilst Denver may keep it closer than the line suggests, I think KC hit 30+ points.
Match odds: Broncos (18/5) Chiefs (2/9)
Handicap: Broncos +9.5 (10/11) Chiefs -9.5 (10/11)
Total points: Over 46 (10/11) Under 46 (10/11)
Tip: Chiefs over 27.5 total team points (19/20)
Fourfold odds: Washington/ Cowboys – Over 46 total points (10/11), Money Line Double – Seahawks and Browns (6/4), Chiefs over 27.5 total team points (19/20) – 8/1
Check out the Nat Coombs Show podcast on ESPN right here.
