NFL Week 7 Preview with Hamish Girvan
0NFL Week 7
The Predictable AFC East
Ah the Patriots – always the Super Bowl favourites – always written off after a slow start – always around is it Brady or Belichick or the owner Robert Kraft that picks the team. The AFC East other contenders may as well give up. Let’s look at this week’s match ups
“Let me call the next play as your owner”
New England Patriots at Chicago Bears – Monday 6am NZ time
Last week the Patriots won a shootout against the Kansas City Chiefs in true New England tradition. Brady dominated and always finds a new target that pops out of nowhere. Last week it was receiver Chris Hogan who made big plays down the stretch. Here they face a Bears in chilly Chicago who play a real college style of football – fast with a high powered offence. Belichick will have seen these styles before and should have no issues overcoming. The Patriots are 3.5 point favourites on the road. They should easily the cover that. Take the Patriots -3.5
Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets – Monday 6am NZ time
The rabid fan base of the New York Jets has been relatively quiet this season. Reason – things are pretty stable and a respectable 3-3 record. Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold looks competent enough to be the Jets franchise player for a number of seasons yet and head coach Todd Bowles is not only seemingly improving the team, he also has great respect amongst his peers. The Vikings come to New York as 3.5 point favourites however the Jets will make it tough. The points are about right so take the Vikings – it will not be much more then that victory wise though. Pick Vikings -3.5
Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins – Monday 6am NZ time
The Miami Dolphins have the same record as the Patriots – 4-2 – however you would not have believed that 3 weeks ago when they were roundly thrashed 38-7 by their division rivals. An injury to Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill meant a start (and an overtime victory) for back up Brock Osweiler who seems to turn everything he touches to gold in his first start – then regresses afterwards. The Lions head to Miami as 3.5 point favourites (a common theme in the AFC East this week) however this will not be easy. Buoyed by their overtime victory last weekend against the Chicago Bears the Dolphins could easily cause an upset here. Take Miami +3.5
Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Monday 6am NZ time
The Buffalo Bills head into Indianapolis in what could be the blowout of the NFL this weekend. Injuries and form have resorted to the Bills signing 35 year old perennial back up Derek Anderson who was with no team coming into this season. He’s been with the Bils for 10 days and the Colts who themselves only have one win against their name this season should easily take advantage of this. Surprisingly the Bills have had two victories to their name however the season realy looks a bit of a lost cause. The Colts have a 7.5 point start here and it should be more then that. Take the Colts -7.5
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