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
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