NFL Week 6 Betting Preview

Colts came from behind to get an emotional victory, the Jets losing streak continues and Drew Brees broke an NFL record. These were just some of the fantastic things which occurred in Week 5 of the NFL. Teams are still enjoying a bye week and it is allowing them to come back with players fresh and fit. But all is not going to plan for every franchise but teams are trying to make the most of what they have. For some teams though, time is definitely running out and having a small margin of time to gather some momentum, the next loss could spell the end of their season. Included heavily in this outcome would definitely be the Packers, Cowboys, Saints and Lions. There is some cracking games this weekend that include a blockbuster game of the 49ers and the Giants. Lets have a look at a few games that we can look to win some money on.

Oakland Raiders @ Atlanta Falcons

Raiders 1-3 and Falcons 5-0...this game seems like a forgone conclusion and it probably is. The Falcons have been hot this season and there has been no one better for them than Matt Ryan at QB. But Ryan isn't the only player that is churning out the numbers with some decent performances. Receiver Roddy White is among the NFL leaders with 31 receptions for 481 yards and 3 TDs. Then there is TE Tony Gonzalez, who at age 36, leads the league with 39 catches and totals 388 yards and 4 TDs. It is the best start for them in the franchises history and they will look to increase this to 6-0 against a side that hasn't exactly set the world alight with their play. On the other side of things, there isn't many positives for the Raiders. There is a range of problems including the running game one averaging 3.4 yards. They need to improve on a season low of 237 yards on September 30th in a 37-6 loss to the Broncos. A must win game for them but the Falcons should be too strong at home. They're also a chance to cover the 9.5 line in this one.

TAB Sportsbet = Raiders $4.50 Falcons $1.18

Centrebet = Raiders $4.40 Falcons $1.22

Sportsbet = Raiders $4.50 Falcons $1.22

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Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

This punter was definitely one person that was frustrated with the Bengals offensive performance last week where they went down to the Dolphins 17-13. But you have to like their chances to get things back on track this week against a Browns team that is looking to avoid the sides 12th straight defeat. It will be a franchise record if they don't but should have inspiration by playing at home. The Bengals were producing some very impressive numbers in their three game winning streak and they need to rediscover there momentum to make this happen again. The Browns will have a few players returning on defence but it looks a little unlikely they they will get the win. If they were to, it would be a very close game and the Bengals would have taken a giant leap backwards. There are much safer games for you to focus on this weekend.

TAB Sportsbet = Bengals $1.75 Browns $2.00

Centrebet = Bengals $1.74 Browns $2.13

Sportsbet = Bengals $1.70 Browns $2.21

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St. Louis Rams @ Miami Dolphins

The Rams are in a place that they have not been to in 6 years...holding a record above .500 and it would be the first 3 game winning streak since 2006 also. In their two recent wins, their defence has been the main contributing factor to their success. They have allowed a combined total of 16 points for their opponents and will only look to further trouble the Dolphins. They beat the undefeated Cardinals in their last start and they were able to restrict them to only 45 total rushing yards. Lucky their defence has been good though, because the production of their offence isn't exactly hot. QB Sam Bradford has been criticised for not leading their team and their attack is rated 29th overall in the league. For both sides, defence is their strength. Miami has been able to get to the QB on a number of occasions and the pressure they bring has opposition QB's on notice.Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill is tied 4th in the league for INT and the Rams secondary will look to pick him off more than once in this game. There is also added pressure on him with a "banged up" backfield lacking any potency. Again, this is a game to be wary of and perhaps one that you should stay away from. St Louis are a value bet as Miami aren't a team that will provide too much trouble for them around the field. If you want to back this game, go for the upset or take the Rams with the start.

TAB Sportsbet = Rams $2.80 Dolphins $1.40

Centrebet = Rams $2.95 Dolphins $1.42

Sportsbet = Rams $2.73 Dolphins $1.48

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Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This game features two sides who are on struggle street. While the Buccaneers are in a very tough situation, they are certainly far better of than the Chiefs. Hopes and expectations for the Chiefs were high but things have definitely not gone to plan. There was a lot made about the departure of Cassel from last Sunday's game and the backup Brady Quinn is expected to make his first start in the NFL in almost three years. But the Buccaneers aren't exactly over the line in this one. Their defence ranks 27th overall and allow an average of 419 yards but perhaps can take a positive away from the fact that they have only allowed 3 second half FG's in their last two games. Josh Freeman needs to fire and play consistently along with the rest of the Buccaneers roster. If they weren't playing at home I would lean towards the Chiefs, but am going to go with the Buc's to get the win.

TAB Sportsbet = Chiefs $2.65 Buccaneers $1.45

Centrebet = Chiefs $2.60 Buccaneers $1.52

Sportsbet = Chiefs $2.67 Buccaneers $1.50

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Dallas Cowboys @ Baltimore Ravens

Sitting at 2-2, you would hardly think that this game is a "season defining" game for the Cowboys, but somehow it is. They are in a very tough division and can ill-afford to let the Giants and Eagles to get a lead on them in the race for the NFC East. They have had a week off to think about their woeful performance against the Bears and incase you have forgotten, Romo threw 5 INT's. It is an uphill battle already for the Cowboys who have to face the Ravens in Baltimore. For the record, the Ravens have not lost a regular season game at home in two years. To make matters worse, the Ravens weren't too convincing in their win over the Chiefs and will want to prove themselves as an offensive force to be recognised. Dallas have a few injuries to contend with as well, so who do you go with? The team that will be desperate, or the proven side so far this season. Another tough game but I am going to suggest the Ravens to get another win and continue their great home record. Be careful though, the Cowboys could be very galvanised and lift their performance. 

TAB Sportsbet = Cowboys $2.50 Ravens $1.50

Centrebet = Cowboys $2.50 Ravens $1.55

Sportsbet = Cowboys $2.46 Ravens $1.58

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Buffalo Bills @ Arizona Cardinals

The Card's are banged up on their roster and need to get some momentum back after suffering the first loss of their season last week to the Rams. They are now missing their two tops rushers and need to lift after a performance where QB Klob was sacked 9 times. Before this loss, they believed that they had a team to be a serious contender, but now they have some serious offensive concerns. They are ranked 31st in rushing and need to lift. The Bills do not have things going to plan either. Last week, they became the first team in NFL history to let 300 yards in passing and rushing in the same game., in the 45-3 loss to the 49ers. Mario Williams has suggested that he and his side need to focus on the positives in their performances. The Card's will see this as a game where they can rectify their problems but as the Bills have elected to stay in the west for this game, so perhaps they will be better prepared in this game. It is a long shot, but I think that the Bills will rally behind their performance last week and surprise a depleted Cardinal's roster. Get on the upset.

TAB Sportsbet = Bills $2.90 Cardinals $1.38

Centrebet = Bills $2.65 Cardinals $1.50

Sportsbet = Bills $2.67 Cardinals $1.50

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New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

The last time these two teams met, a Superbowl berth was on the line and it was the Giants that prevailed on the back of crucial turnovers committed by the 49ers. This time, while there is less riding on the outcome, it should be a vastly different result. The 49ers seemed to have learnt from their mistakes and they look like a force to be reckoned with. They are my early pick (and have been since the start of the season) to win the Superbowl, or make it at the least. Then again, I am also worried that they may have peaked too early in the season. But it is always better to be winning games at this stage as opposed to losing them. Perhaps the Giants have also learnt how to play the 49ers despite their win in that game. At the end of the day, it was an OT victory that was given hope by two muffed punts. 

The 49ers frustrated Manning through sacking him 6 times in that game. Expect the same pressure in this game. The Giants are always a team to be very wary of, but the 49ers should get a victory and some payback for that loss.

TAB Sportsbet = Giants $3.30 49ers $1.30

Centrebet = Giants $3.55 49ers $1.31

Sportsbet = Giants $3.35 49ers $1.35

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Green Bay Packers @ Houston Texans

Along with the Flacons, the Texans are the only other unbeaten side this season. Despite this, people are growing anxious about the Texans chances and after losing all star linebacker Brian Cushing, they appear to be a beatable side. While they are experiencing some troubles, it is a world away from where the Packers are at. They have a host of injuries and they are limited with their offensive output at the moment, despite the presence of MVP Aaron Rogers at QB. There is already a gap opening up in their division and if they are not careful, the Bears and the Vikings will get the jump on them. The Packers are looking a world away from the dominant team they were only a few seasons ago. They will have their hands full trying to hold the balanced Texans offence, and this game will be a true measure of where the Texans are actually at. Get on the Texans to follow the Falcons into the 6-0 realm. 

TAB Sportsbet = Packers $2.65 Texans $1.45

Centrebet = Packers $2.60 Texans $1.52

Sportsbet = Packers $2.61 Texans $1.52

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Other winners

Jets - Colts rallying behind their coach but the Jets looked ok in MNF. They have their problems, but are working towards a win each week. Don't bet on this game though, with everything that is going on at the Colts, you can never underestimate them. 

Eagles - The Lions travel to Philadelphia with a 1-3 record and they are desperate. They have their work cut out for them trying to hold Vick and his receivers. Then there is the running game. Lions can win this, but would be a big shock.

Patriots - Keep pressuring the Seahawks side that is finding each game a tough contest with an under performing offence. Brady will show them how its done. 

Vikings - Facing the Redskins at home and RG3 will be pressured like nothing else. Vikings look like a class side and while the Redskins are still build, they should sneak home a win.

Chargers - Facing the Broncos side that is gaining confidence with each game. Payton now fitting very nicely but the Chargers need to get past this game if they want people to take them seriously.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

Rugby League International Test Match Betting Preview

The final game of rugby league within Australian shores for the years will occur this Saturday up in Townsville. The eyes of the rugby league world will firmly be fixed on the clash between the Kangaroos and Kiwi's. One word on everybody's lips in the lead up to this game though has been motivation, and you cannot help but wonder where the motivation will come from for both sides. It has been said for a while that the Kiwi's struggle to "switch on" for a "one off" game against the Kangaroo's midseason. The only problem heading into this game is now that this is still a "one off" match that is being played at the end of the year. Normally there would be a Four Nations tournament but as their is a World Cup next year, international fixtures have been reduced to allow for extended playing time next year. So the real question will lie on the issue on whether or not this game will be a contest. Both sides are missing a host of players that probably would've played had it been the World Cup Tournament, but the game is what it is. Neither side will want to lose this clash as they have the opportunity to finish their playing season on a high, regardless of how they went for their club side. So "motivation" should not be a problem, that is until one side gets ahead on the scoreboard. It will be great to see two class teams that also feature a host of grand finals players. With no rugby league to watch or talk about, the rumor mill has been running high. There has been talk on everything from "Mad Monday's" to coaching futures involving Craig Bellamy and Tim Sheens. At least this game will give fans a temporary release from all the talk which has gone on. The only sad thing is that there is another long wait after this. This is also the last chance for punters to collect off a rugby league game, so let's aim to finish with a collect...or more!

Australia

There isn't too much to this squad other than there is a few injuries to key players that would otherwise be playing. Josh Morris will make his first start in a Kangaroo jersey on home soil in the centres and will team up along with his brother, Brett. One would think that Justin Hodges would be the player to fill this role but with his injury, Morris gets the chance to show his worth and continue a very impressive season of form. The forwards are completely different and again, players are missing through injury. James Tamou wil start up front with Matthew Scott and Paul Gallen moves back to the second row, while Dave Shillington goes back to the bench. There is a completely new back row as Thaiday, Dave Taylor and Luke Lewis are all out and they are replaced by Gallen, Bird and Myles at lock. After getting no minutes during the ANZAC Test, Daly Cherry-Evans is dropped and the utility role is filled by Robbie Farrah. It is a puzzling selection and one that could probably see Farrah not take the field either, as Smith can surely play the 80 minutes out. New faces on the bench include Tony Williams, Ben Te'o (18th man) and Ryan Hoffman. As state above, a very different looking forward pack.

New Zealand

The Kiwi's are an entirely different lineup from the side that went around in the ANZAC Test Match on their home soil. Again, injury is the main reason behind all of the changes. Players wearing jersey's 2-5 are all out, either through injury or poor form. The Kiwi's have made secret that they are picking their team on form and therefore a lot of players who featured in the Finals series will be rewarded with a start. Sam Perrett is named on one wing, with Gerard Beale on the other. The new centre pairing features two in form players in Krisnan Inu and Dean Whare. Whare will offer plenty and was hot for Manly, while Inu ressurected his career mid-season at the Bulldogs. You would never have picked him to feature in this game, midway through the season, but full credit must go to him. The halves remain the same and really need to gell. Jesse Bromwich is promoted from the bench and Sam Kasiano makes his first start in the NZ jersey and they are the two props. They will have their work cut out for them. Adam Blair has been dropped along with Jeremy Smith, they're replaced by Warriors captain Simon Mannering and Storm monster Kevin Proctor. Blair in on the bench and is partnered by three new faces to this side. Greg Eastwood is back into representative football after a stellar season and he is joined by Ben Matulino and Elijah Taylor. A completely different side that seems to be "blooding" a few youngsters, probably for next season.

Recent History

20th April 2012 - Kangaroos 20 d. Kiwis 12

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Kangaroos $1.16 Kiwis $5.25

Centrebet = Kangaroos $1.18 Kiwis $5.10

Sportsbet = Kangaroos $1.18 Kiwis $4.85

Betfair = Kangaroos $1.18 Kiwis $6.80

Verdict

It is hard to go past the Kangaroos in this game. They are the side with more experienced players and have the home ground advantage in the very hot and humid, Townsville. It will be a very high scoring game and not the usual close encounters that we have been accustomed to seeing in these battles. Back the Kangaroos to get a dominant win that will exceed the 13+ margin and go close to exceeding 19+.

Suggested Bet

Kangaroo's 13+ @ $1.68

A little bit more? = Kangaroos 19+ @ $2.40 - It is all mentioned in the verdict. If you want more value in your bet, then this is the option that you should be considering.

Try for a First Try = Greg Inglis @ $9 - He is back out to the centres and will give Dean Whare a very good workout in trying to stop him. He has been at his damaging best this season and after a decent rest once the Rabbitohs were knocked out, I like the chances of him scoring in this one. 

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NFL Week 5 Betting Preview

The NFL road show rolls into Week 5 and there is plenty of things that are beginning to take shape. For starters, no one would have predicted that the New Orleans Saints would be 0-4 at this stage, regardless of the problems that they had in the offseason. There were three undefeated team but that all changed after Thursday nights game and now there are two undefeated sides  going and they are 1st and 2nd in the Power Rankings. I am talking about the Houston Texans and the Atlanta Falcons, two sides that no one thought be where they are. Seems as though this season is one full of surprises. Teams will now have the chance to regroup following the bye and get their season back on track. Others are momentarily interrupted, but also use it as a chance to rest tired and injured players. This is the stage of the season where teams begin to make a charge and make their presence felt amongst the rest of the league.  If they don't, they risk falling behind in their conference and find themselves on the end of a losing record. It will only be a few more weeks until the US sport shows start throwing up the "Playoff Picture" and teams need to ensure that they are in the spot to make a charge.

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will look to build on a 3-game winning streak with a win here over the Dolphins. This all comes after they were handed a very embarrassing defeat to the Ravens in Week 1 and it appears that this has been the catalyst for their recent form. They are back home in this game and have averaged 33-points a game. Although, their defence hasn't been anything to write home about, it is improving and they were able to hold the Jaguars to one of their worst offensive performances last week. The Dolphins will not be an easy team to mov past and the Bengals will find it difficult to hold down the Miami offence with a few injuries to players within their side. The Dolphins have played well and can consider themselves unlucky after narrow losses to the Jets and the undefeated Cardinals. Miami will have their work cut out for them on defence as they are ranked 30th overall when trying to stop the pass and they face a QB ranked 5th in the league, Andy Dalton. Combine him with the Bengals other second-year star, WR A.J. Green, they look like they have built an efficient side. The Bengals should get a narrow win in a high-scoring shootout.

TAB Sportsbet = Dolphins $2.50 Bengals $1.50

Centrebet = Dolphins $2.40 Bengals $1.59

Sportsbet = Dolphins $2.45 Bengals $1.58

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Green Bay Packers @ Indianapolis Colts

With all the news that has gone on off the field for the Colts in recent weeks, this game hardly seems important. In case you missed it, their coach was diagnosed with cancer and could spend the remainder of the year away from their franchise. They will be definitely playing this game and the reset of their season for him. Their play on the field has been interesting to watch, as they are a team moving away from one style of play to another. The Colts have plenty of improvement within them still, but they have a fair way to go before they are to really make anything of their season. They can be dangerous and the Packers would not want to give them any room to move. For the Packers, their season is 2-2 and they are tracking along nicely after a very sluggish start to their season. Having beaten the Saints last week in a very close encounter, the Aaron Rogers lead team is building nicely. The Colts were unlucky themselves last start against Jacksonville and the team which isn't going to let mistakes ruin their game, will win this match. It should be a close encounter but expect the Packers to get a win.

TAB Sportsbet = Packers $1.33 Colts $3.15

Centrebet = Packers $1.36 Colts $3.20

Sportsbet = Packers $1.36 Colts $3.30

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Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs

The Ravens have enjoyed a week off to regroup and travel to one of the loudest venues, Arrowhead Stadium. It will be interesting to see how their no-huddle offense performs in this situation. They will try to pressure Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, a player who is a major reason why the Chiefs do not have a better record than 1-3. The interceptions have been a problem for the Chiefs and they will not want to give away possession easily as the Ravens could capitalise. The Ravens have a stronger defence that is capable of stopping the Chiefs running game. In their past two games, the Ravens have only allowed 2.4 yards per carry. They also have a far superior offence and with Flacco directing traffic, they should be too strong for the Chiefs. Be cautious though, the Chiefs will be hard to knock off at their home ground and if they don't turn over the ball, they could give the Ravens a scare.

TAB Sportsbet = Ravens $1.35 Chiefs $3.05

Centrebet = Ravens $1.38 Chiefs $3.10

Sportsbet = Ravens $1.39 Chiefs $3.12

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Philadelphia Eagles @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Despite being 3-1, there are plenty of people that are lining up to knock the Eagles form this season. There is no doubt that they have won ugly, but the Steelers would take their record even if is meant that they were ugly. The Steelers are coming off a bye week and will be thankful that a few of their players are returning to their lineup, two of them being previous Defensive Players of the Year. Despite being 1-2, the Steelers are quiet calm about their chances this season and are confident that they can stop blowing 4th-quarter leads. You have seen it before, everything can unravel quickly for the Eagles if they are not focused on their job. Turnovers were a big problem for the Eagles in the first three weeks but they were able to turn that around and not commit any in the win over the Giants. Amazingly they are ranked 5th in the league for average yards (417.8) but are 30th for points scored (16.5). This will be a very close game but I like the Steelers to get a win at home over the Eagles.

TAB Sportsbet = Eagles $2.40 Steelers $1.53

Centrebet = Eagles $2.38 Steelers $1.60

Sportsbet = Eagles $2.44 Steelers $1.59

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Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Redskins

After Friday, there are only two undefeated teams in the league after the Cardinals dropped one to the Rams. They already have built a sizable lead in the NFC South and they will look to get to 5-0 while the Redskins try to end a 7-game losing streak at home. Leading them around is the highest rated QB in the league, Matt Ryan. He has transformed the Falcons passing game and even drove them 77-yards down the field to get a last second field goal win over the Carolina Panthers. On the other side of things is RG3 and his Redskins. Being back at home will help their this franchise that is slowly, but surely, working to change the level of play. Their offence will definitely be on guard and look to cause the Falcons plenty of problems with their running game. But it is the Redskins defensive unit that will have to lift to another level and try and stop the Falcons who are producing an average of 31 points per game. Whilst there has been a lot written about the Falcons offence, it is their defence that needs some credit sent their way. They are tough and bring some heat when it is needed...this week its needed more than ever. I can smell a Redskins upset, but cannot buy into it unless the Redskins defence lifts their performances. Be careful when betting on this game.

TAB Sportsbet = Falcons $1.58 Redskins $2.30

Centrebet = Falcons $1.68 Redskins $2.22

Sportsbet = Falcons $1.65 Redskins $2.30

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Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were obviously very unlucky in their loss to the Falcons but QB Cam Newton has stepped up and excepted blame for what occurred. It was his fumble that cause the Panthers to miss a "game clinching" first down and they were forced to punt to the ball away. They will want to repay their home fans for that loss and are a side that is capable of scoring a lot of points. The one big problem for the Panthers though is that they struggle to hold opposing sides and average around 27 points allowed. Then again, the Seahawks won't exactly trouble the Panthers in this area. There are a few problems for them at the present time and majority revolves around the QB. They have the fewest yards in the league in their passing game and are ranked last in the league for red zone TD efficiency. unless they can rectify this problem, they are going to find it very tough against the Panthers. The Seahawks to possess a very good defensive unit but the Panther should bounce back from their disappointing loss last week.

TAB Sportsbet = Seahawks $2.20 Panthers $1.63

Centrebet = Seahawks $2.20 Panthers $1.70

Sportsbet = Seahawks $2.29 Panthers $1.69

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Chicago Bears @ Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are currently at 1-3 but you cannot help but think that they are lucky to even have won one game. They will certainly be tested here as the Bears will not be an easy side to beat. The key for them will be trying to pressure Cutler and break down the Bears offence. It is said that the Jaguars are have one of the worst defensive units in the NFL but then again, the Bears can be inconsistent as well. Whilst they are streaky, the Bears defence are one of the best in the league and strangle their opposition down to the point where they make simple mistakes. This is highlighted by the fact that so far this year, they have a league-high 11 interceptions, third with 15 sacks and ranks fifth in the NFL in scoring defence at 17.0 points per game. It would be extremely hard to see the Jaguars winning this game, the Bears are going to get a victory here.

TAB Sportsbet = Bears $1.38 Jaguars $2.90

Centrebet = Bears $1.42 Jaguars $2.90

Sportsbet = Bears $1.41 Jaguars $3.03

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Tennessee Titans @ Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are surprisingly sitting a top of the NFC North, tied with the Bears, thanks to star RB Adrian Peterson. He is back to full fitness and is as damaging as ever. In Sundays win over the Lions, he carried the ball 21 times and gained 102 yards. This game is even more significant because if the Vikings get a win against a weakened Titans team, they will surpass their record from last season. Although, there is still a lot of work for the Vikings to do. They didn't score an offensive touchdown in their 20-13 win over the Lions, but they did return a Punt and a Kick off for a TD. Perhaps things may get rolling for them against a side that allows 37.1 points per game. The Titans have problems on both sides of the ball and QB Matt Hasselbeck has to step up from the bench as they have lost Jake Locker with a separated shoulder. The one shining light for the Titans would be the development of their RB, Chris Johnson. He put in a good running performance last week and it is hopefully a sign of things to come for this talented player. All the problems for the Titans will not go away easily. Three times this season they have scored 14 points or less and can ill afford to hand over possession. Vikings will look to build consistency within their offence and while a lot lies with Peterson, QB Christian Ponder is also a key player. So far this season, he has 4 TD's and 0 INT's. Another consistent performance from him at home should lead the Vikings to victory. 

TAB Sportsbet = Titans $2.90 Vikings $1.40

Centrebet = Titans $2.90 Vikings $1.42

Sportsbet = Titans $2.92 Vikings $1.43

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Other tips:

Giants - Browns will struggle when they are pressured by this defensive unit.

Jets - Going the upset, a week after they were shutout by the 49ers.

Saints - Finally get a win and go 1-4 but will do it tough against the Chargers.

Patriots - Last possible meeting of Brady & P.Manning? Good game to follow but Pats have class and Denver are still builting

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips