NFL Betting: Manning's Miracle, Vick's Dog, and possibly Ryan's Revenge

Richard O’Hagan
18 October 2012

It was an interesting week for Peyton Manning

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It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the regular NFL season, but here we are in Week Seven. Divisional battles are hotting up and there's also one very meaningful game this weekend.

"Manning played like a man possessed, whilst Rivers melted like an Action Man left in front of the fire for too long"

It has been an absurd week in the NFL. We've had Michael Vick being allowed to own a dog again (yes, really!), a Facebook conversation between quarterbacks going viral, the Browns winning, the Texans losing and a team overcoming a 24-0 first half thrashing to win 35-24.

We begin with that last game. If you want any further proof that Peyton Manning is back, then look no further. In the first half he hardly got going, largely because the Bronco's defense couldn't get San Diego off the field and their offensive line couldn't give Manning enough time to throw the ball. As a result, Philip Rivers had an easy ride and threw two touchdowns, whilst a harassed Manning threw an interception to Quintin Jammer that was returned for a third six-pointer.

Things were different in the second half. Manning played like a man possessed, whilst Rivers melted like an Action Man left in front of the fire for too long. It was an important win for the Broncos as it keeps them in the race for the AFC West title. They are still only level pegging with the Chargers, but with probably only one side making it to the playoffs wins against divisional rivals will be decisive.

Elsewhere, the Patriots 23-24 loss to the Seahawks has thrown the AFC East wide open. For years the fight has been to finish second behind New England and hope that you record a winning record good enough to make those playoffs. Not this year. Every side in the division is now 3-3. Whilst the Patriots will probably still take that title - especially as the Bills and Dolphins have yet to beat anyone from the division - there's never been a better time to back them for it, even at [1.26] as you can always lay them later if their up and down season continues

The other intriguing division is the NFC West. So long the runt of the NFL litter - two years ago Seattle won the division and made the playoffs despite having a losing record - they now boast three sides with 4-2 records and another at 3-3. The Seahawks were the only side from the division to win at the weekend as the Cardinals, after being 4-0, lost a second straight game and the 49ers suffered an embarrassing 26-3 home loss to the Giants. However, Seattle have lost both their inter-division games so far, putting them at a disadvantage should the title go to a tie-break, so the smart bet is the Cardinals at [10.0] as they have two divisional wins already.

Looking to the games this weekend, there are some good value bets on visiting teams. Tennessee are currently [2.8] to win on the road in Oakland and although the Titans have underperformed this year, disrupted by the loss of second year quarterback Jake Locker to injury, veteran Matt Hasselbeck seemed to have them on the right road last week in their last minute win over Philadelphia and against Raiders side who have been very inconsistent this year you have to fancy their chances.

At even longer odds you will find the Redskins, RGIII and all, [3.35] to beat the Giants at the Meadowlands. There's something different about Washington this season, almost a belief that they can win any game, anywhere, from anywhere and Eli Manning and co have looked vulnerable at times this year, with a lot of injuries in their secondary to deal with no matter how effective the offense has been.

The real humdinger, though, is that the Jets are only [5.5] to beat the Patriots. Whilst it is human nature to expect that New England, at home and wounded after that loss to Seattle, will come roaring back, do not underestimate the enmity between these two sides. The 'Spygate' scandal cut deep and the wounds are unhealed, at least so far as coaches Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan are concerned. Ryan has repeatedly shown that, if nothing else, he can put together a game plan to win in Foxboro and with that in mind these odds look generous in the extreme.