Each week Dan Barber, Fergus Head, Reece Mowlem and Owen Turner pick one team who is a lock and certain to win their game and one team who will cause a shock and win their game despite being the underdog. Below are this week's picks.
Fergus Head Lock: PANTHERS over Packers OOOOH Aaaaron, mmmmm, yeahhhh, you're gonna save our season, mmmmm, 10-6, oooooh take us to those playoffs. I've had it with this s***. I don't even care if he does. Hooray for him, but I hope and think the Panthers are on a roll with momentum far stronger than the wisps of Christmas magic people keep spouting about the Packers making the playoffs. I want to see a complete dismantling of a one man team of epic proportion. In fact, I want to see Rodgers benched for Hundley, and everyone having to scrabble around looking for an excuse that relates to an 'unexpected pain' in his dodgy collarbone, even though he's actually fine and just being trashed by a decent team. KEEP POUNDING (Aaron Rodgers' collar bone pls thanks). Shock: 49ERS over Titans Yep, it's those pesky Niners showing off their new toy again. "Can I have a go?" squeaks Mike Mularkey, as his Quarterback pummels another pass into the back of his O-line, while making 3 yards on 12 carries with his shot to f*** knee. "NO" replies an indignant Shanahan, arms folded in childish refusal. Even Belichick is sulking in the corner of the playground as Jimmy G hits Marquise Goodwin in stride for the 8th time. It feels all too much like that time he said he wanted one of those toys that show on Saturday morning child TV adverts, but when all his other toys got given to charity, that toy wasn't as great as he thought. Ok so that analogy may have been bit long/wrong, but I think Jimmy G goes 3-0. Reece Mowlem Lock: VIKINGS over Bengals Despite a tough loss against the Panthers last week, I still think the Vikings are the real deal and there's a good chance the NFC will go through Minnesota this January with the Eagles without Wentz for the rest of the season. The Bengals are out of the playoff race and have nothing to play for so I highly doubt they'll give Keenum and co. any trouble as the Vikings get back on track with a comfortable home win. Shock: 49ERS over Titans Jimmy G has an 100% win rate as win rate as a starter in the NFL and I expect him to continue his impeccable record against an overrated Titans outfit. If Garoppolo carries on like this, the Pats may just regret letting him go so easily. Owen Turner Lock: SAINTS over Jets Tough break for the Jets losing Josh McCown for the year. Sure they weren't in playoff contention but think about the fans, they finally get to see some exciting football to have it snatched away as abruptly as it arrived. And the whole 'Scam for Sam' is long gone as well. New Orleans on the other hand still holds playoff positions but are coming off a disappointing loss to the division rival Falcons. Look for Drew Brees and Co to bounce back with a W against the reeling Jets. Shock: BROWNS over Ravens That's right, it's gonna happen... The worst team in NFL history over a four year span will get their first win of the season. The Browns actually played well last week before we saw the most Brownsian ending ever imaginable against the Brett Hundley led Packers. The Ravens on the other hand played well against the Steelers Sunday night before narrowly losing out at the death. To be honest, a small part of me wants to see the Browns go 0-16, but it's so statistically unlikely over a whole season I'm betting on this being the week they catch a break.
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Each week Dan Barber, Fergus Head, Reece Mowlem and Owen Turner pick one team who is a lock and certain to win their game and one team who will cause a shock and win their game despite being the underdog. Below are this week's picks.
Dan Barber Lock: JETS over Broncos Who’d have thought that in Week 14 of the 2017 NFL Regular Season, I would be putting the New York Jets as my lock to pick up a win in Mile High. Yet, here we are, with the Jets sat at 5-7, and looking far, far more impressive than a miserable Broncos outfit. Although the Jets have been pretty abysmal on the road this year (1-4), I’m calling for McCown to wipe the floor with a surprisingly suspect Denver defence, and (I can’t believe I’m saying this), pick up another win to push towards playoff contention. Shock: RAVENS over Steelers Now it may just look like I’m picking on my own team again (I know, valiant supporter that I am) but there is a real chance that the Ravens come in and upset their ferocious rivals this Sunday. The Steelers are extremely distracted right now, rightfully concerned about the health of their star linebacker Ryan Shazier, and similarly rightfully angry (not biased) about the JuJu suspension. I expect a cool-headed Ravens team to pick up a win in Heinz Field this weekend over an emotional and somewhat depleted Steelers team. Fergus Head Lock: PANTHERS over Vikings Well well well, would you look at that. Ferg backs a Cam Newton led team against a very stout Vikings in Week 14. I've got to say, for a lock I'm a bit nervous and I mean no disrespect to Keenum and Minnesota, but I just think Kuechly and the Panthers defence will do more than enough to hold off the boys in purple this week, and Cam could have one of those weeks...anyway, it's all a bit of fun in the end, so who knows? Nobody knows that's who. Nobody. Shock: JAGUARS over Seahawks WHAAAAAT. Seahawks looked better than they are last week as desperation can do that to teams from time to time, but the Jaguars look tasty when Bortles throws the ball to his own team. I'm going to ride what will inevitably be a short coaster with some fresh Advent hope. Go on Blake, do it for the vine. Reece Mowlem Lock: PATRIOTS over Dolphins I've been very vocal over the last few weeks about my thoughts on Tom Brady and my belief that he is the clear MVP favourite this year. Due to this, It will come as no surprise to you Mr. Reader, that I'm backing TB12 to crucify the Dolphins on Monday night and all but guarantee the number one seed in the hopeless AFC. Shock: BROWNS over Packers I'll give you a few seconds to get your breath back as I'm sure you can't quite believe what you just read. That's right, the Browns will win a game. Josh Gordon looked surprisingly good in his NFL return and, if he can establish a good connection with Kizer, they could become a reasonably effective duo. Pair this with the fact that the Browns defence has been above average recently and I think Cleveland could give Hundley and the Packers quite a bit of trouble. The 0-16 dream dies this week. Each week Dan Barber, Fergus Head, Reece Mowlem and Owen Turner pick one team who is a lock and certain to win their game and one team who will cause a shock and win their game despite being the underdog. Below are this week's picks.
Dan Barber Lock: STEELERS over Packers The Packers got shut out a week ago. Aaron Rodgers is clearly everything to the teams, and without him, they look a shadow of their former selves. Brett Hundley is evidently not the answer at quarterback in a distant future beyond A-Rod, and I'm expecting the dismal performances to roll on over into week 12 against an impressive-looking Steelers unit. Shock: COLTS over Titans The Titans got absolutely demolished by the Steelers a week ago, and I'm backing the Colts to take advantage of the huge hole that was exposed in the Titans' secondary. Big days for Jacoby Brissett and T.Y Hilton incoming as the Colts sneak a shock win against a division rival at home, who are desperately seeking to keep a grasp of their wildcard spot. Fergus Head Lock: PATRIOTS over Dolphins The Brademeisters lead by no other than Tom B. R. Ady demolish the endangered species that is the Miami Dolph-in. Expect lots of muy bueno Quarterbacking from one side and some very muy not bueno Cutler/Mooring on the other. Enjoy the culling of the Dolphin folks. P.E.T.A. ADVISES THAT PARENTS DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO WATCH THIS FOOTAGE AS IT MAY CONTAIN HARROWING OR SEVERE CONTENT. Shock: GIANTS over Redskins The Giants capitalise on a hungover Washington team who will have had a tough week recovering from being 15 points up with 3 minutes to play and still losing. The Giants have become the team that are like the guy in your fantasy league who didnt set his lineup all year, and then when he plays you, he starts all his studs. Expect another win for Big Blue and a continued turnaround. Reece Mowlem Lock: CHARGERS over Cowboys My love for the Chargers has yet to waver and I genuinely believe they will end up making the playoffs. No seriously! With the Cowboys still depleted on both sides of the ball I expect the Chargers to continue their playoff push with a thanksgiving win. Shock: LIONS over Vikings Case Keenum will finally flop on the biggest of stages as Matt Stafford leads yet another 4th quarter comeback win on turkey day. Each week Dan Barber, Fergus Head, Reece Mowlem and Owen Turner pick one team who is a lock and certain to win their game and one team who will cause a shock and win their game despite being the underdog. Below are this week's picks.
Dan Barber Lock: STEELERS over Colts Now I haven't been the best with my locks of late. Nonetheless, I am confident of success with this pick. The Steelers are just getting fired up, and are slowly realising that they have the firepower to be a real contender this season. They are coming fresh off a bye, and the Colts have just shut down both Andrew Luck and Vontae Davis for the season. I predict a win for the Black and Gold. Shock: FALCONS over Cowboys The Falcons have been terrible of late and are truly feeling the Super Bowl hangover. Meanwhile the Cowboys have been extremely impressive, as was clear in their dominant win over the Chiefs a week ago. Potentially, this could be the first week that Ezekiel Elliott doesn't play, which would massively help the Falcons' chances. Regardless of that, the Falcons have to turn things around quickly, and I'm calling for that to happen this week, as Jones and Ryan emphatically impress against America's team. Fergus Head Lock: PATRIOTS over Broncos The Patriots win. Shock: REDSKINS over Vikings The Redskins win. Reece Mowlem Lock: LIONS over Browns I'm sorry to be boring but I need to get back on track with my locks so this week I'm staying safe. The Browns continue to be bad, simple as that. Shock: CHARGERS over Jaguars I picked the Chargers to win their division in the off season and although that doesn't look likely, I do think they'll find a way into the playoffs. The Jaguars haven't won in back to back weeks all year (their bye separated their back to back wins) and I expect them to fall short in Week 10 against a Chargers team that really need to win to keep their season alive. It will be a low scoring contest but I see the Chargers edging it. Owen Turner Lock: RAMS over Texans Still 100% on my locks this year and hoping the red hot Rams will roll over the post Watson Texans. It's simple really, Sean McVay's offense will be too hot to handle for a Texans defence that can't rely on it's offense to put up points and bail them out. Rams at home all day. Shock: BRONCOS over Patriots Yup, the resident Patriots fan is picking his own team to lose on the road in what has been a historically bad matchup for New England in recent times. There is no love lost in this rivalry and you can be certain that Mile High will be the loudest stadium in the NFL this weekend. Tom Brady has only won 1 of his last 4 visits, granted Peyton Manning isn't around anymore, but he has still struggled greatly to put up points on the notorious Denver secondary. If the Broncos can run the ball effectively and generate a turnover or two, I can easily see Denver winning this one. Each week Dan Barber, Fergus Head, Reece Mowlem and Owen Turner pick one team who is a lock and certain to win their game and one team who will cause a shock and win their game despite being the underdog. Below are this week's picks.
Dan Barber Lock: 49ERS over Cardinals Granted this is a bit of a bold lock, but nonetheless, the Cardinals are falling apart. They just lost starting Quarterback Carson Palmer for a considerable amount of time, and having witnessed them at Twickenham two weeks ago I can confirm they were absolutely rubbish. Shanahan is bound to pick up a win eventually, and there is no better opportunity than this week, at home, against a weakened, ageing side. Shock: BRONCOS over Eagles I took a bit of slack for my shock last week - something about it not being a shock or whatever. REGARDLESS, I'm going for the mother of all shocks here - I'm calling for a loss for the 7-1 Philadelphia Eagles. Osweiler took a lot of slack last year because he was terrible. Truly terrible. But now, returning as the starting Quarterback for his old team, he has a chance to recapture the glory he experienced during the run-up to the Bronco's impressive SB win two years ago. Eagles fans will be writing this one as a blowout - I however, am not too sure. Fergus Head Lock: SAINTS over Buccaneers A southerly showdown ends in death at dawn for the Bucs in this NFC Divisional game. The Saints' unexpectedly balanced team helped majorly by the impeccable Lattimore defeat the misfiring cannon of the unstable ship that the Bucanneers are currently riding. (Oooh puns) I'm not suggesting a blow out, but controlled football seals a sturdy and important victory for the New Orleans lot. Shock: JETS over Bills More divisional rivalry revelry for the fans this week, with the Jets providing an even more convoluted football landscape after this unexpected conquest. Josh the man continues his purge of past ghosts with a multiple touchdown performance against a usually stingy Bills D. Expect to see the Jets take advantage of the Bills' all or nothing approach, this is a winnable game for the boys in Green if they can take care of the rock. Reece Mowlem Lock: RAIDERS over Dolphins The Dolphins didn't have many elite players at the start of the year and, after Tuesday, they have one less. It seems the Miami front office decided that Jay Ajayi was the reason they got shutout by the Ravens last Thursday and so shipped him off to the Eagles for a 4th round pick. With the backfield now consisting of Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams and Jay Cutler returning to the lineup, I see no hope for the Dolphins this week, despite the Raiders not playing their best right now. Shock: PACKERS over Lions I struggled to come up with a shock this week but have eventually decided to take a stab on Brett Hundley. The Packers are coming off their bye which should have given time for Mike McCarthy to tailor the offence more to Hundley's skill set, one very different to that of Aaron Rodger's. Green Bay also have an underrated running back duo with Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery both performing well this year. As much as I like the Lions, I'm calling for a first Lambeau win for the rookie. Owen Turner Lock: EAGLES over Broncos Was all set to go for the Texans here but then he ard Watson may have a ruptured ACL. Devastating news for the Texans there and football fans in general. So instead I'm taking the 6-1 Eagles to knock off the Brock Oswieller lead Broncos. I'm fully on the Wentz wagon and he is currently my vote for MVP (not that my vote means anything mind you)... Either way think it's safe to assume he can put up enough points on this tough Broncos D and that the Philly defense will turn up to play. Shock: COWBOYS over Chiefs Poor pick last week despite it being a one possetion final. Looking to get back on track this week, I'm taking the Cowboys to top the Chiefs. I seem to be picking on Kansas as this is the third time I've picked them to lose a shock this year, but I think the 'secret' to beating them is ah it straight forward. Throw the damn ball away from Marcus Peters... The pro bowl corner is playing at All-Pro level but is the only person to fear in that secondary with Eric Berry on IR. The Raiders and Steelers figured it out and won, somehow the Broncos didn't... Anyway, the Cowboys without Zeke will need to trust Dak to air it out and allow Dez to feast on the left hand side since Peters doesn't travel. If they do that, I think they'll take the W at home. |
Reece MowlemMowlem is a sports writer from Reading, United Kingdom. All articles are written by Reece Mowlem (unless stated otherwise). Categories
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