Some big names are in the spotlight of prime time NFL this week.
BetDeluxe looks at four of the week’s key games to see what might come in a big week of NFL action.
Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore
28th October 11:15am
Despite being written off by just about every expert and fan, Tampa Bay is somehow tied for first in the NFC South and still holds a chance of being a playoff contender.
The other fact to consider here is that they have lost four of their past five games, including, most recently, a 21-3 upset loss at the hands of Carolina.
Tom Brady might just be falling off the cliff he has avoided for years now, and he is hardly being helped by his lack of support from his offensive teammates. The Bucs have some big names among their receivers, but all have been lacklustre this season, while the defense allowed far too much freedom to a Panthers team that had just sent Christian McCaffrey packing.
Baltimore comes into this game also tied for first in its division, but there seems to be far more upside to the Ravens.
They got back on the winner’s list, finally being on the upside of a close game against Cleveland. MVP candidate Lamar Jackson was well below his best, but that was countered with a strong running game even with J.K. Dobbins sidelined. The Ravens did allow Cleveland too many scoring options and will tighten its approach to a fading Brady and co this week.
Suggested Bet – Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: Baltimore win
Leg 2: T. Brady under 229.5 passing yards
Total: $7
LA Rams vs. San Francisco
31st October 7:25am
One of the significant anomalies with the NFL fixture is that some teams can go years without facing each other while others, like these two, can meet twice in one month.
The Rams will have their disappointing loss to the 49ers earlier this month firmly in their minds. They come into this game fresh from a bye weekend but still have some lingering doubts over their roster – particularly in the running game, with Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson struggling to generate momentum. Cooper Kupp has been the number-one target among the receivers and should see plenty of action this week. If the 49ers D doesn’t improve from the 44 points it allowed Kansas City last week, Kupp could be in for a big day.
While San Francisco’s loss last week was heavy, there are some positives to gain from it.
Linebacker Samson Ebukam is a frightening prospect in D. At the same time, Christian McCaffrey will be more familiar with his new surroundings and playbook after making his debut for San Francisco just days after departing Carolina.
Expect the 49ers to be a much-improved outfit this week.
Suggested Bet: – Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: San Francisco win
Leg 2: Total score under 43.5
Total: $3
Buffalo vs. Green Bay
31st October 11:20am
It might be hyperbole to say this could be the end of Aaron Rodgers, but everything seems to be in place for that.
Rodgers hasn’t got a great group of receivers or protection from his O-line, but he also doesn’t seem to have the self-belief we have become accustomed to seeing. But even outside of Rodgers and his issues, there don’t seem to be many areas in which the Packers are putting up a fight. They are now sitting below .500 for the season, and there may be some big changes ahead.
They won’t have life made any easier for them against a Buffalo team fresh off the bye, sitting comfortably with a 5-1 record. They rank first in the league for both offense and defense, and it’s hard to see them slipping from either rank after this game. If he gets the chance, ferocious linebacker Von Miller will undoubtedly look to do serious damage to the Packers and Rodgers, and it could be an ugly night for them.
Buffalo’s most recent win was against fellow title contenders Kansas City with Josh Allen throwing three touchdowns. He has plenty of receiving talent to choose from, not to mention his ability to move the ball on the run. The Packers will struggle to contain him, especially after letting Commanders’ backup, Taylor Heinicke, run wild last week.
Suggested Bet: Buffalo -11.5 at $1.94
Cincinatti vs. Cleveland
1st November 11:15am
After an indifferent start to the season Cincinnati was back to its best last week, with Joe Burrow and Ja’mar Chase absolutely dominating Atlanta.
On their day, the former Louisiana teammates can be one of the best combinations in the league, which will be a massive concern for a Cleveland team that has dropped three games they could win.
Their defensive team held Lamar Jackson pretty well in last week’s loss to the Ravens, but they struggled to contain the run, which is sure to have been noted by Bengals halfback Joe Mixon.
On offense, the Browns have looked shaky, conceding false starts and offensive pass interferences at crucial times.
They desperately need this win to claw their way back against their AFC North rivals, but it looks unlikely at best. Cincinnati in this one.
Suggested Bet: Cincinnati to win the first half at $1.58
