American Football Wildcard Weekend

I have been involved in some wild card games in my time (Snap in particular can get pretty violent) though perhaps nothing is like the Wildcard Weekend in the NFL play-offs. Here is our guide to the four game this weekend.

Cincinnati at Houston, 21:30 (GMT) Saturday

These two sides met at this stage last year with Houston winning the game 31-10 last year though I think it will be much closer this time around. The Texans have won just one of their final four games this season which saw them slip from number one to number three seed. The problem for Houston has been with the offence which started badly misfiring and in Quarterback Matt Schuab. The pressure is on Schuab as the passing touchdowns have dried up and against a Bengals defence that is keeping opponents out. Going under on the Texans points could be the way to play it here. Cincy have conceded just 102 points in their last eight games, an average of 12.8ppg, while the Texans have grabbed just 53 points from their last four games. Take Houston to score under 23.5 points at 20/21 (Skybet).

Minnesota at Green Bay, 01:00 (GMT) Sunday

Those two sides met in week 17 where the Vikings saw off the Packers in a must win game on the back of a stunning performance by Adrian Peterson. Green Bay fans will be quick to point to the excuses, the game meant more to Minnsota or things will be different at home as Lambeau Field in winter is a difficult place to win. These might be true but none of them explain what strategy Green Bay will employ to stop AP. Peterson has carried for an incredible 409 yards combined in the last two meetings between these two and has to be backed to continue that this weekend. The total rushing yards line is set at 132.5 yards so take the overs at 10/11 (Skybet).

Indianapolis at Baltimore, 18:00 (GMT) Sunday

This is a contrast between two teams at differing spells, the veteran Ravens take on the young Colts. Defeat here for Baltimore would not only end their season but also the career of Ray Lewis who has announced his retirement. Bookmakers have the Ravens as the 10/27 (william hill) favourites for the game though I can not be backing them at this price as they enter the game on the back of four losses from their last five games. The Colts are 11/4 (boylesports) for the victory though the best way to side with them is on the handicap line. boylesports and pinnacle are giving Indianapolis seven points on the handicap at odds of 10/11 and this looks hard to ignore.

Seattle at Washington, 21:30 (GMT) Sunday

The last Wild Card game of the weekend could be the best games as two in-form teams do battle. The Seahawks have won their last five and seven of their last eight while the Redskins have won their last seven games. Bookmakers make the visiting Seattle the 9/13 (pinnacle) favourites to see off Washington 27/20 (betway). The key here could be the battle of the Quarterbacks as two of the best young talents in the game do battle as RG III leads Washington while Russell Wilson leads Seattle. The love for Griffin in the media has been well documented however Wilson is almost as good and the Seattle defence is much better than the Washington one. Take the 12/11 pinnacle are offering on the Seahawks -3 points on the point spread.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Seattle to cover -3 on point spread v Redskins, 12/11 (pinnacle)
SILVER: Adrian Peterson to rush over 132.5 yards v Packers, 10/11 (Skybet)
BRONZE: Houston to score under 23.5 points v Cincinnati, 20/21 (Skybet)

Go To bet365

#Ad

07/01/2013     © Frixo 2024