NFL Tipsheet: Mini previews and recommended bets for all Week 7 fixtures

Luca Bercelli
17 October 2014

Andrew Luck's Colts are in action against the Bengals this weekend

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Week seven in the NFL throws up some juicy betting opportunities. Luca Bercelli takes a quick spin through all the fixtures...

"Dolphins' QB Ryan Tannehill has a huge squiggle next to his name in my book but even I was impressed with him last week. He's worth chancing with the points."

Recommended Bet
Back the Miami Dolphins +3.5pts @ 1.910/11

Atlanta Falcons @ Baltimore Ravens
Sunday 18:00

The Ravens have really hit their stride in recent weeks with QB Joe Flacco back to his best (and sporting the best fake hand-off in the league). They should make mincemeat of the disappointing Falcons.

Carolina Panthers @ Green Bay Packers
Sunday 18:00

There was only one Superman out of Cam Newton and Aaron Rodgers last week, and it wasn't Cam. Rodge the Dodge plucked a victory from nowhere versus the Dolphins and was nothing short of sensational. The key to this match-up, however, is can the Panthers running game take advantage of the Packers porous run defense? I'm betting that they can't.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday 18:00
TV: Sky Sports 2

Either Andrew Luck comes into this game directly after a stag weekend in Vegas or the -2.5pts spread on the Colts is an absolute joke. Young Andy is no Johnny Football so we're pretty sure he'll be tucked up in bed with the playbook and nothing else Saturday night. Steam in.

Recommended Bet
Back the Indianapolis Colts -2.5pts @ 1.758/11 Best Bet

Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday 18:00

Despite the fact that the Jags are improving under rookie quarterback Blake Bortles and have been playing tough without winning: the Browns are three and two, a serious force in the AFC North, and should crush the Jags.

Miami Dolphins @ Chicago Bears
Sunday 18:00

After a heartbreaking last-gasp loss to the Packers last week I reckon the Dolphins will rebound and keep it close against the Bears, possibly handing them their third straight home defeat of the season. Dolphins' QB Ryan Tannehill has a huge squiggle next to his name in my book but even I was impressed with him last week. He's worth chancing with the points.

Minnesota Vikings @ Buffalo Bills
Sunday 18:00

The Vikes got stuffed by the Lions last week but that doesn't mean I've changed my mind about the next big thing in football (that nobody's talking about, yet)...Teddy Bridgewater. He was a sitting duck against the league's top defense, but this kid is absolute quality and he'll hang on in there against the much-improved Bills. The secret will be well and truly out soon, but not before we've hoovered up all the 2.01/1 on a handicap win.

New Orleans Saints @ Detroit Lions
Sunday 18:00

I love the Lions in this one. Drew Brees, QB for the Saints, has been well below par this season and he'll be colouring in his pants at the thought of the league's number one defense crawling all over him come 6pm this Sunday. This inevitable loss will finally scupper the Saints' season for good.

Seattle Seahawks @ St Louis Rams
Sunday 18:00

The 'Hawks look rattled to me. Team spirit seems to be fraying, and when you add to that the fact that officials seem to be clamping down on Seattle's overly aggressive D, opponents now feel they have a chance. Of course they're still an exceptional outfit but there are 6.5 points on offer, and I'm taking them.

Tennessee Titans @ Washington Redskins
Sunday 18:00

This is a clash of whatever the opposite of Titans is. Two misfiring franchises marking time until next year's draft adds up to a contest that is not exactly one for the notebook, especially since the handicap seems spot on. A poor betting proposition, but if you have to, it has to be the 'Skins minus the points.

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers
Sunday 21:05

San Diego seem to be the 'it' team of the week, with column inches exploding with regard to their season and particularly high-flying QB Philip Rivers. The only things missing from 'it' on Sunday will be an S and an H as they get dumped by the Chiefs. San Diego have injuries, only managed to sneak past a poor Oakland last week, and don't match up well against a resurgent Kansas. Take the points.

Arizona Cardinals @ Oakland Raiders
Sunday 21:25

The Cards sit atop the strongest division in the NFL and the Raiders haven't won a game all season. Market makers have gone out of their minds by making this only minus three points on the handicap. Okay so the Raiders showed some spirit in their narrow loss last week and they're at home but no, I'm not having it; backing the Cards is buying money.

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday 21:25
TV: Sky Sports 2

The Giants lost their best receiver (Victor Cruz) to injury and got thumped 27-0 last week. Conversely the 'Boys beat the Superbowl champs in their own back yard. This can only mean one thing and it's not what you think. The Giants punch their way out of adversity and the 'Boys come down to earth with a bang.

San Francisco 49ers @ Denver Broncos
Monday 01:30
TV: Channel 4

The Broncos are way, way, way, too short at 1.384/11 for this one. Champagne corks are ready to fly, and cigars are ready to be puffed should Peyton Manning take the record for most touchdowns thrown (he needs three); but it will be the 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (CK Max) who steals the limelight. A six and a half point start against a team who struggled against the Jets last week is too good to miss.

Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Tuesday 01:30
TV: Eurosport

Human highlight reel J.J. Watt seems to get better each week. He's the sort of player who will thrive on national TV coverage and looks all set to ruin Ben Roethlisberger's Monday night. The Steelers' QB is a sack waiting to happen, and believe me, sacks will happen. This is a no-brainer with the points.