WEEK 7 NFL REVIEW
Order was restored in week seven as most of the favoured teams ended up with the chocolates.
Here, we had a great week with the game picks and even selected a few accurate betting opportunities – I hope a few of you made a buck.
The early games took some time to ignite but a couple went into overtime, there was a comeback or two and yes, as always, a big upset (Long trip home for the Panthers and Cam).
Here is a storyline from each game.
BILLS 30, BUCCANEERS 27
We gave Tampa one last chance and through three quarters most associated with the Floridians would have been disgusted. Winston and Evans led a comeback but eventually, Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy (2 TD’s) shared the spoils in western New York. Tampa has free agent acquisitions complaining in the media – things are getting ugly!
RAMS 33, CARDINALS 0
We are beginning to expect high scoring from Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and the new and improved Rams but holding Arizona to naught was a surprise.
Carson Palmer broke his arm and will miss two months. The Cards are in a deep, dark hole.
JAGUARS 27, COLTS 0
Another shutout! Newly named ‘Sacksonville’ are electrifying on defence with elite pass rush and elite cover corners.
Even without superstar rookie Leonard Fournette, the Jags posted points thanks to great play from QB Blake Bortles and third-string RB TJ Yeldon (122 & TD).
Young Jacoby Brissett is beginning to feel the pinch but Andrew Luck seems far from healthy.
DOLPHINS 31, JETS 28
This was a cheeky good AFC East clash.
Josh McCown looked like another AFC East QB early before Miami made a run. Before a rib injury, Jay Cutler threw a few nice balls then back-up Matt Moore led the comeback.
Jay Ajayi still cannot shake loose but somehow the Fins are 4-2.
BEARS 17, PANTHERS 3
What scoreline would you predict IF you were to know rookie Mitch Trubisky would only compete four passes ?
Remarkably, the Bears topped Carolina thanks largely to the defence – well Eddie Jackson at least.
Jackson had a 75-yard fumble recovery score which he followed up with a 76-yard interception to the house.
Cam looked the part in the post-game but he was a mess for the sixty minutes on Soldier Field.
VIKINGS 24, RAVENS 16
I thought Baltimore had a chance and despite a late TD, Minnesota had this covered most of the way.
Latavius Murray found some running room and the defence again played lights out.
They’re 5-2 and Teddy Bridgewater is getting healthy – exciting times!
SAINTS 26, PACKERS 17
I was quietly confident the Saints would go into Lambeau and win this one. Brett Hundley was on debut and NO are rolling.
The Packers are in strife because the rest of the roster cannot pick up the slack for Aaron Rodgers’ absence.
TITANS 12, BROWNS 9
This was a really, really tough game to watch. And I watched most of it! Marcus Mariota was sloppy and the rest of the offence followed suit.
Cleveland switched QB’s again but an overtime FG from Ryan Succop sealed an ugly Tennessee win.
COWBOYS 40, NINERS 10
Ezekiel Elliott, say no more.
He ran wild early and often and despite being unable to play as of five days ago, his preparation seemed on point as he rumbled to 219 total yards and a trifecta of visits to the paint.
STEELERS 29, BENGALS 14
Always entertaining and vicious, this AFC North hook-up clearly left everyone understanding who was the division’s top dog.
Big Ben played a great opening half and Lev Bell did the rest with a whopping 35 carries for 134 yards, adding 58 yards through the air – MVP anyone ?
CHARGERS 21, BRONCOS 0
Reverse this scoreline and perhaps I could believe you.
But, LA played excellent in all phases whilst Denver struggled mightily on offence.
Just 69 rush yards and four turnovers. A bad recipe in the Mile High City.
SEAHAWKS 24, GIANTS 7
Russell Wilson was brilliant as Seattle returned to the scene of its Super Bowl crowning.
Jimmy Graham got going and the ‘Hawks defence gave Eli Manning nothing.
There was little to see at MetLife Stadium this Sunday.
PATRIOTS 23, FALCONS 7
Atlanta are officially reeling. Steve Sarkisian is struggling as the new offensive coordinator and just about every player on the offence is playing far worse than last season.
Across the road, New England’s awful defence played better and Tom Brady guided, without dominating, his team to a comprehensive win.
The numbers look okay but the eye test tells you that ATL is in some pain.
Game Picks;
10/13 (Missed on Bills v Tampa, Falcons v NE, Denver v LAC)
Best Bets;
Yay: Ezekiel Elliott 1st TD ($7), Chris Ivory 1st TD ($10), David Njoku +24.5 yards ($1.87), CIN/PIT +40.5 points ($1.87), Jay Ajayi +20.5 rush attempts ($1.87).
I am travelling to country Victoria tomorrow so there will be no MNF preview but feel free to post or tweet a few thoughts/questions and I’ll hit you back.
Enjoy!
Josh Jenkins Sports 