Our best bets for Sunday's NFL action include two teams from the NFC East, while we also preview an all-NFC North contest.
Commanders to go toe-to-toe on the road
The Washington Commanders are up against it in the NFC East and, after three straight defeats, coach Ron Rivera will need to work his magic to get his team back on the winning trail.
They are now 2-3 for the season, but they face an Atlanta Falcons team who have lost two of their previous three.
Their 21-19 win over the Houston Texans last week went down to the wire, and they are far from the finished product.
While picking a winner looks difficult, this match should cover the overs line. Washington have seen 60 or more points scored in three of their five matches, and they have conceded 33 points or more to four opponents.
With Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts playing for Atlanta, they have the potential to score at any point, so we expect a high-scoring encounter.
Vikings can keep their season alive
After reaching the playoffs last season, the Minnesota Vikings are hoping to return to the promised land, but after starting the campaign 1-4, they are up against it.
NFC North rivals Chicago Bears have also started the season with the same record and the loser of this tie will likely be picking early in next year’s draft.
Both teams have been involved in some exciting games of late, with the last three Bears matches all containing over 50 points.
Minnesota’s matches have been close and entertaining; over 45 points have been scored in three of their five matches.
Saints may struggle to back up Pats win
The New Orleans Saints are on a high after they beat the New England Patriots 34-0 last week, but they may not have it all their own way against the Houston Texans.
Yes, the Saints looked good last week, but most teams have against the Patriots.
The Texans have given up the fourth-fewest points per game (14.7) on average over the previous three weeks, and they slowed down Atlanta’s rush attack last week, which is the Saints’ best weapon.
The Texans should be without Tank Dell and Robert Woods for Sunday’s game due to injury, so neither team should be able to rack up the points.
Hurts to punish the Jets
The New York Jets pride themselves on a tough defence and, while they are good, they have struggled to stop the run through the first five weeks.
Robert Saleh’s team have conceded 731 rushing yards this season, the fourth-most in the NFL.
While Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift should excel this week, so should quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The Jets have struggled to contain mobile QBs all season, and Hurts has rushed for nearly 30 yards per game in every one of his five appearances.
With the Jets unlikely to stop him this week, he can improve that record and rush for over 50 in this crucial encounter.
Picks
Over 42.5 points – Washington Commanders v Atlanta Falcons @ 10/11
Over 43.5 points – Minnesota Vikings v Chicago Bears @ 20/23
Under 42.5 points – New Orleans Saints v Houston Texans @ 10/11
Jalen Hurts 50+ rushing yards vs New York Jets @ 5/4
Accumulator 15/1
