As we approach the halfway point of the NFL season, some key questions reamain unanswered.
BetDeluxe looks at four of the week’s key games to find the trends and form ahead of Week 9.
Houston vs. Philadelphia
4th November 11:15am
This might not be everyone’s idea of an ideal prime-time match-up, the Texans, with the second-worst record in the league, up against the undefeated Eagles.
But there could be value in this one, and much of it might rest on second-year Quarterback Davis Mills, who has struggled to show anything so far. The Thursday night lights have a way of putting an intense spotlight on those struggling for form.
He will get no respite from a tenacious Philly D this week, namely, Javon Hargrave, who scorched Pittsburgh’s offensive line to secure two sacks last week, with another four coming from teammates.
As dangerous as the Eagles are in defence, they can cause even more trouble with the ball in hand. AJ Brown is fresh off his strongest performance in the season to date and could be set for a picnic against the shaky Texans.
Suggested Bet – Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: Philadelphia -13.5
Leg 2: AJ Brown to score a touchdown
Leg 3: J. Hurts to throw 2+ passing touchdowns
Leg 4: Total Points Under 54.5
Total: $5.75
NY Jets vs. Buffalo
7th November 5:00am
Not so long ago, this would have been easily dismissed as a guaranteed win to Buffalo. While that may still be the case, the Jets have five wins for the season and would be disappointed not to make it six against arch-rivals New England last week.
This is their biggest test so far and the biggest test for talented young quarterback Zach Wilson. For various reasons, Wilson hasn’t been able to get much momentum into his season, and after throwing three interceptions last week, he could be prime meat for the Bills.
Buffalo is still the number one defense in the NFL and made light work of Green Bay. They know how to apply pressure all across the gridiron, and if they get the early ascendancy here, the Jets will be in trouble.
Suggested Bet: – Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: Bills -12.5
Leg 2: Total score under 47.5
Total: $3.90
Kansas City vs. Tennessee
7th November 12:20am
Coming off the bye, Kansas City may have had a perfectly timed week off, with their thumping win over the 49ers still fresh in the memory banks.
Patrick Mahomes is finding his groove, while Travis Kelce consolidates his status weekly. Tennessee may have winning form in the lead-up, but that could be a false economy with the Texans an easy kill at the moment.
Their chances rest on the availability of Ryan Tannehill, who missed last week and still is under a cloud ahead of this one. If he does miss, there won’t be much confidence in his backup, as Malik Willis looks a long way off the level required from what we have seen so far.
This is one of the bigger games of the season, with both teams leading their divisions at 5-2, but the gulf in class is evident, and the Chiefs should not have any problem getting the job done here.
Suggested Bet: First quarter total points +9.5 at $1.86
New Orleans vs. Baltimore
8th November 12:15am
Alvin Kamara is currently in unstoppable form, fresh off three touchdowns in last week’s demolition of the hapless Raiders.
The big question around him this season has been his durability, but after some trade buzz around him failed to materialise ahead of the trade deadline, it seems the Saints have faith in him.
What still does seem to carry some uncertainty is the offensive team around Kamara.
Jameis Winston is considered healthy but is now not the Saints’ preferred QB, with Andy Dalton and Taysum Hill sharing the load there in what doesn’t seem to be inspiring a lot of certainty.
And then there’s the defense. Even though the Saints didn’t concede a score last week, they are still one of the shakier defensive teams going around, which doesn’t bode well against the multi-pronged Lamar Jackson, who set the tone for last week’s win over the Bucs. The Ravens have some concerns around Jackson, though Mark Andrews and Gus Edwards were both injured in the win. Edwards is a day-to-day prospect, while Andrews is fortunate to have a long break between games. If they are both absentees, it changes the landscape of this one a little.
Suggested Bet: Baltimore win at $1.64
