College Football Week 9 Picks 2024 (Saturday 26th October)

Has the expanded College Football Playoff contributed to some of the surprising results we have seen in the regular season?

It is a legitimate question now teams are not expected to go through the regular season unbeaten to earn a spot in the final four. These days it is going to be a twelve team Playoff and that means teams can take on tougher games and accept that even a single defeat will not spell the end of their chances of being crowed National Champions.

Two losses may be a different deal though and so there are some big games with real Playoff implications coming up.

There may not be a host of unbeaten teams, but there are a few around who will be looking to remain on track in Week 9 as we conclude the October schedule before the run to the Championship Games begin to take shape.

Washington Huskies @ Indiana Hoosiers Pick: There is an excitement building around the Indiana Hoosiers (7-0) who are one of three Big Ten teams that are still unbeaten as we approach the end of October. The run in and around the Bye Week sees Indiana face some of the top names in the Conference, although the likes of Michigan State and Michigan have not really played to any level that should worry an unbeaten team in the form the Hoosiers have displayed.

Even new Big Ten members Washington Huskies (4-3) are not looking like a team that could push for the Playoff places later in the year and the 2-2 record within the Conference leaves them under pressure.

Two weeks ago, the Huskies were crushed by the Iowa Hawkeyes, but they have had a Bye Week to try and get things worked out. The plan would have been about stopping Kurtis Rourke who has had almost 2000 passing yards with 15 Touchdowns and 3 Interceptions, but the Indiana Quarter Back has been ruled out with a thumb injury and may not be ready to return until the big game against the Ohio State Buckeyes next month.

Tayven Jackson came in as the backup Quarter Back against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and he had almost 100 passing yards while showing an efficiency completing his passes. Last year was a little tough for Jackson having started five games for the Hoosiers and finishing with a 2-3 record, but the team are confident that he can come in and do a job.

He had 2 Touchdown passes in the win over the Cornhuskers and Tayven Jackson may just be needed to remind the Washington Huskies that he can have an efficient day as a passer. If he can do that, Indiana can rely on their strong Offensive Line and rushing attack to keep the team moving forward and making sure the Quarter Back is ahead of the chains.

Stopping the run has not been easy for the Huskies as the competition has ramped up and even the Bye Week might not have been enough time to slow down a team that has played to the level that Indiana have. As long as Tayven Jackson can play up to the standard of Week 8, the Hoosiers have every chance to moving the ball and into a position to cover this mark, while also maintaining an unbeaten record.

This is not going to be an easy game for the Indiana Hoosiers, especially as the Huskies run out a strong passing attack of their own.

Will Rogers has done what he has needed to do at Quarter Back and he has largely been able to look after the ball when he has dropped back to make his passes down the field. The passing numbers are there and this Hoosiers Secondary have allowed teams to have success throwing against them, even if the Defensive Backs have then stepped up to the plate to pick up a turnover or two.

However, the bigger challenge for Rogers and the Huskies may be trying to keep things going from behind the chains and they may struggle to establish the run in this game. Making Washington look a little one-dimensional would be a huge boost for Indiana and it would also allow them to generate a pass rush that could force mistakes from a veteran Quarter Back.

Turnovers are likely going to play a big part in the final outcome and you have to believe this Indiana Defensive unit will want to show up and make sure they are putting their team in a position to win without their starting Quarter Back. The Hoosiers will need a bit more from Tayven Jackson just to keep the Huskies honest Defensively, but a week of preparation should help and Indiana can keep the unbeaten run moving through another game.

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Ohio State Buckeyes Pick: Several years of underachievement means the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2) have work to do if they are going to get back amongst the elite of the Big Ten Conference. One more win this season would mean Nebraska have put together their most wins in a single season since 2016, which underlines the slip around this school compared with the consistent winning seasons they were putting together.

Head Coach Matt Rhule oversaw five wins in his first season as Head Coach of the Cornhuskers and he has matched that in 2024, while his previous successes leading the Baylor Bears makes it feel he is well suited to College Football following a tough time as Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers.

There are plenty of positives from this season, but the Cornhuskers were just given a really harsh reminder about what the Big Ten is about when getting crushed by the Indiana Hoosiers in Week 8. It drops the Cornhuskers to 2-2 within the Conference and they now have to travel to face an angry Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) who are coming out of their Bye Week.

A single point loss to the Oregon Ducks ended the unbeaten start to the season two weeks ago and it has meant the Buckeyes have been stewing on the defeat. The Bye Week is a chance to just remind the players of what can still be achieved this season, and the Buckeyes will want to put a solid win on the board before a huge game at the Penn State Nittany Lions to take place in Week 10.

The Buckeyes will have spent the Bye Week making sure they are going to bounce back in Week 9 and they do have a balance Offensively that could make it very difficult for Nebraska to do the same after being crushed at Indiana.

Establishing the run against the Cornhuskers Defensive Line is always going to be a test, but this Buckeyes Offensive Line have been strong up front and they have continued to open up some big running lanes even as the Big Ten play has gotten underway. Ohio State will be pounding the rock, which can open the pass game, and Will Howard is a veteran College Football Quarter Back who has 14 Touchdown passes to go with 3 Interceptions.

It helps that Will Howard is standing behind an Offensive Line that has been just as convincing in pass protection as they have in run blocking. Being back at home should also help after the narrow loss on the road at the Oregon Ducks, and Nebraska's Defensive unit may have a few issues when trying to bounce back from the defeat to the Hoosiers.

The Line of Scrimmage is going to be important when the Nebraska Cornhuskers have the ball and it looks like a much more challenging task for the underdog to establish the run. And unlike the Ohio State Offensive Line, the Nebraska unit has not been as strong when it comes to protecting the Quarter Back and that is going to see Dylan Raiola under some real pressure.

That will only be furthered by a home crowd that is going to want to remind Dylan Raiola that he made a poor decision in opting out of his commitment to the Buckeyes and to eventually end up in Nebraska.

Early form displayed by Dylan Raiola was very encouraging, but the Big Ten Conference opponents have proven to be tougher to handle for the youngster. Despite their loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes Defensive unit may still be the best in the Conference and they can eventually show that off by dominating the second half and pulling clear of this spread set.

Texas Longhorns @ Vanderbilt Commodores Pick: There is a fear that the SEC might be 'eating itself' when it comes to the number of teams they can send to the College Football Playoff. Only two teams remain unbeaten within Conference play, but none of the teams involved have a perfect record overall.

The last of those records to slip was the one held by the Texas Longhorns (6-1) when they were beaten by the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ranking has dropped down to Number 5.

Time is still on their side to turn things around, but the Longhorns have to make sure they fully respect a Vanderbilt Commodores (5-2) team that have a 2-1 record in the SEC and who have already upset the Alabama Crimson Tide. That victory is perhaps not looking as strong as it did when Vanderbilt beat the Crimson Tide the week after the latter had knocked off the Georgia Bulldogs, but it is still a strong win for the Commodores and the fans will bring an intense atmosphere.

Vanderbilt have been set as the underdog four times this season and they have covered in each of those games.

There is no doubting the ability of the Texas Longhorns to bounce back, but this is a big spread and Diego Pavia and the Commodores Offensive unit will use the home crowd energy to push them forward. A narrower than expected win over the Ball State Cardinals will not be a big concern with Vanderbilt likely keeping some key plays under their hat ahead of a big game.

Putting together a strong Offensive game-plan against this Longhorns Defensive unit will be challenging, but Vanderbilt have to believe Texas could be a little short emotionally. The Longhorns will be going into their Bye Week in a bid to reset after this game and so there is very chance that this Defense is not as focused as they may have been with an unbeaten record to protect.

Texas should be able to move the chains with some confidence when they have the ball and they are likely going to lean on the Offensive Line to ensure a strong running game is produced. This will make things easier for the Quarter Back, whether that is Quinn Ewers or Archie Manning, although it should be noted that this Vanderbilt Secondary have played pretty well over their last few games.

There is a chance that Vanderbilt can generate a solid pass rush, which will help the Secondary make big plays, and the Commodores may be able to create a turnover or two which can keep this game close.

Vanderbilt have plenty of experience to help them in tough spots and they have shown they can be a very competitive underdog.

The Longhorns had been dominant before the upset loss to the Georgia Bulldogs and some may feel that this team is not fully focused with a Bye Week coming up. The fact that Alabama lost here will just serve as a reminder for Texas about what can happen against any team, but this is a big spread and it may be too wide for a team that has to still believe they can reach the SEC Championship Game and then have a big impact in the College Football Playoffs.

Florida State Seminoles @ Miami Hurricanes Pick: This may have been a game that had been circled by fans in the ACC as being one that could determine at least one of the Championship Game representatives.

Things have simply not gone that way for the Florida State Seminoles (1-6) whose unbeaten season in 2023 has been firmly left in the rearview mirror.

Too much reliance on the transfer portal has been criticised this season, even if it was key to the successes of last season, and the Seminoles have very little to play for.

One motivation will be to play spoiler for the Miami Hurricanes (7-0) who come through a couple of really tight games to remain unbeaten and who look on course to face the Clemson Tigers for the ACC Championship. Looking too far ahead would be a mistake for the Hurricanes considering how close some of their recent wins have been and the fans will try and keep Miami focused on the here and now.

Offensively the Hurricanes should be able to do what they want thanks to the Offensive Line opening up some big running lanes. They will be favourites to hit the Seminoles hard on the ground and that should open things up for Cam Ward at Quarter Back, who continues to play like one of the top players in the position.

Scoring points has not been the problem, but the Miami Hurricanes know the Defensive unit have to be significantly improved if they are going to reach the College Football Playoff and then have a deep run. This is a week in which they are facing a Florida State Offensive unit that has just lacked consistency Offensively and so you do have to wonder if the Seminoles are going to be able to score enough points to keep up with their rivals.

The Seminoles Offensive Line have not opened up too many big running lanes and that has allowed teams to bring a solid pass rush, which has just underlined other issues at the Line of Scrimmage.

Miami are not easy to trust with a line like this one after some of their recent wins, but the Hurricanes have been much better than Florida State and they can underline that gap with a much more convincing win in Week 9.

MY PICKS: Indiana Hoosiers - 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Ohio State Buckeyes - 25.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Vanderbilt Commodores + 17.5 Points @ 2.05 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Miami Hurricanes - 21 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Penn State Nittany Lions - 6.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Kansas State Wildcats - 9.5 Points @ 1.85 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Week 8: 2-4, - 2.23 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37.17% Yield)

Week 7: 6-3, + 2.55 Units (9 Units Staked, + 28.33% Yield)

Week 6: 3-2, + 0.82 Units (5 Units Staked, + 16.4% Yield)

Week 5: 0-5, - 5 Units (5 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)

Week 4: 3-2, + 0.73 Units (5 Units Staked, + 14.60% Yield)

Week 3: 3-5, - 2.35 Units (8 Units Staked, - 29.38% Yield)

Week 2: 2-4, - 2.26 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37.67% Yield)

Week 1: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

NFL Week 8 Picks 2024 (Thursday 24th October-Monday 28th October)

As we reach the end of October, the NFL regular season has very much begun to take shape with teams almost halfway through the schedule.

Barring significant injuries, the likes of Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore and Detroit look to be managing the expectations that would have been around those teams in the build to the 2024 season. All four look capable Super Bowl Champions and it would take significant injuries to Quarter Backs to prevent those teams making the Playoffs at the very least.

Strong trades have been made by a couple of those teams to further their ambitions for the season, and more moves are expected ahead of the deadline which will have the fans of those four teams planning a trip to New Orleans in February.

Others like the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles may be comfortable with their current positions, while surprises develop every year in the NFL.

Despite their loss to the Lions, the Minnesota Vikings remain on a good path and you can only be excited by what Russell Wilson brought to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their blowout win over the New York Jets. If they are able to bring in Cooper Kuup in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams, the Steelers will be all in for the season and the League is shaping up nicely.

Some teams have reached the level expected, but there are some, like my Miami Dolphins, that have a lot of work to do- Tua Tagovailoa looks set to return this weekend, but there will be concerns about the Quarter Back who cannot afford too many more big blows to the head. Mike McDaniels tenure as Head Coach looks to be linked with how well Tagovailoa can recover from his latest concussion, although the team have shown excitement about having their Quarter Back return and there is still time for Miami to turn things around.

That will also be the hope for teams like San Francisco, New York Jets and Cincinnati who have underachieved early on, but who have time to just turn things around. The Bengals at least have some momentum, and that is what the Dolphins, Jets and 49ers will be hoping as we move into Week 8 of the regular season.

Week 7 continued the really strong start to the 2024 season, although some meat was left on the bone.

The Cleveland Browns should have really turned things over to Jameis Winston instead of Dorian Thompson-Robinson when Deshaun Watson went down with an injury that will rule him out for the remainder of 2024. If they had done that, they would have covered, while the injury to Tyler Huntley meant the Miami Dolphins were unable to cover.

In reality, there is no way I would have picked the Dolphins if I had known that Tim Boyle was going to be needed at Quarter Back.

Denver, Jacksonville and Philadelphia covered easily and a late Field Goal helped Arizona beat the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football to keep the positive momentum going.

Seven weeks are in the books and six of those have returned with a plus number, which really cannot be seen as anything but a good start to the year.

The first selections from Week 8 will be from the Sunday games- with trade rumours around the Los Angeles Rams, I did consider backing the Minnesota Vikings. However, teams that have a long winning run snapped can struggle to pick themselves up and the short week will make it more difficult for the Vikings, who have been rumoured to make a move for Matthew Stafford if the Rams are in selling mode.

Ultimately there are too many uncertainties about Thursday Night Football and better picks can be made later in this week.

This thread will have those selections added to it and hopefully it will be another week of more winners than losers to keep the strong opening to 2024 going.

Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins Pick: After watching some of the Quarter Back play produced over the four games, you can understand why there is so much excitement within the Miami Dolphins (2-4) locker room that Tua Tagovailoa has been cleared from concussion protocol. Keeping Tagovailoa healthy was something that Miami managed to do in 2023, but questions remain about the long-term health of a player that has had far too many concussions already.

The Quarter Back will need to spark things for the Miami Dolphins who have lost four of their last five games and been a mess Offensively.

You cannot be that surprised about that when Tim Boyle is taking snaps for your team, but Miami want to be careful about asking too much of a player that is only just returning after a concussion. For most players that is challenging, but there is extra caution around Tua Tagovailoa because of his history and you can only hope that he can stay healthy, even if it eventually means retirement is better for his long-term well-being.

This may be a decent opponent to face on his return when the Arizona Cardinals (3-4) make the long trip east after playing on Monday Night Football and also in the early Eastern Time slot. A late win over the Los Angeles Chargers has just given the Cardinals momentum within the NFC West with just a game between the Cardinals and Divisional leaders Seattle Seahawks, but this is a tough scheduling spot.

Defensively there have been issues for the Arizona Cardinals and facing this Miami Dolphins team is going to be a lot different with Tua Tagovailoa at Quarter Back rather than those that have been starting of late.

It is important for the Offensive Line to continue opening up the running lanes to ease some of the pressure on Tua Tagovailoa, who will be playing with serious expectations after the way the season has been developing for Miami without him. The Dolphins should be able to hand the ball off to De'Von Achane to pick up some big yards on the ground and playing from third and manageable would make Miami very dangerous.

And it is not as if the Cardinals Secondary have played so well that they can sell out to try and stop the run and see if that can slow down the Offensive units being played. Instead the pass rush has been struggling to get going and the last few weeks has seen Quarter Backs pile up the numbers against the Arizona Cardinals, which can only be good news for Tyreek Hill and Jayden Waddle with a competent Quarter Back returning to take the snaps.

Miami's Defensive unit have kept the team competitive without their Quarter Back, although they have not been facing too many top Offensive teams. Much like Arizona, Miami have struggled to stop the run and James Connor is expected to have a big outing for the Cardinals and give the team an opportunity.

It also feels like a game in which Kyler Murray can have an impact as a runner out of the Quarter Back position, although Arizona will want his arm to do some of the heavy lifting too. Like Arizona, Miami have struggled to generate much of a pass rush of late and this Cardinals Offensive Line have offered protection when Murray has stepped back to throw, although the Miami Secondary have been able to deal with the limited passing threat offered by the likes of Will Levis, Mason Rudolph and Jacoby Brissett.

Kyler Murray will offer more and he does have some solid Receiving options as Arizona look to get Marvin Harrison Jr going. Everything depends on the run game though and Arizona should have their successes in this one too, which should make it a fun watch.

However, the schedule spot looks tough for Arizona and the Dolphins may have the balance Offensively that has been missing of late.

Backing a Quarter Back on his return from concussion is never idea, but the Miami Dolphins just need someone competent to play the position and Tua Tagovailoa might just make enough plays to see them to a win by around a Touchdown mark.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pick: At the beginning of October, the Atlanta Falcons (4-3) were able to get the better of a shootout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3).

They meet again in another NFC South Divisional game before the end of the month and this is a big opportunity for the Falcons to secure a tie-breaker, which could be crucial in what is expected to be a tight Divisional race. The injuries that the Buccaneers have suffered on Monday Night Football are going to have a big impact on the next few weeks and it may be tough for Tampa Bay to keep up if this develops into another high-scoring battle.

Both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans have picked up serious injuries- Evans may return around Week 11/12, but Godwin is expected to miss the rest of the season and so the Buccaneers passing game is going to need new faces to step up. There is some talent here, but those players can show up in spots when Defensive Backs are focusing on the big name Receivers.

Without them it will be tougher for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, although they may be able to lean on Rachaad White and Bucky Irving to move the ball on the ground. That may be the game plan to keep the Atlanta Falcons Offensive unit on the sidelines, while the weakness of the Falcons Defensive unit has been stopping the run rather than the pass.

It has been possible to have success throwing the ball against the Falcons, but finding consistency through the air against them has not been so easy. This would have been a challenge even with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the lineup, especially when adding the fact that Tampa Bay had less than 175 passing yards in the first game against the Falcons with those two Receivers available.

Baker Mayfield will have time to attack the Falcons and the running game will help, but this could be another tough match up against Atlanta unless the Defensive unit can pick up their level.

The Falcons put up 550 Offensive yards in the win over the Buccaneers and Tampa Bay just allowed the Baltimore Ravens to score 41 points.

The majority of the yards in the first game came courtesy of Kirk Cousins, but this should be a game in which Bijan Robinson can have a bigger impact than in the first meeting. Atlanta's Offensive Line have played well and we just saw the Baltimore Ravens run all over the Buccaneers, which should be music to the ears of Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, while also making sure Cousins is able to have a bit of pressure eased from his shoulders.

Atlanta were battered by the Seattle Seahawks last week and so this is a big bounce back spot for them.

Kirk Cousins threw two Interceptions in that defeat, but had four Touchdown passes and a single Interception in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Running the ball should mean the Falcons are playing in front of the chains, which will open up the passing game for the Quarter Back, and Kirk Cousins should have a performance that is similar to the one he did earlier this month.

You do have to expect the Buccaneers to try and step up and cover for the absence of their two top Receivers, but this may not be a good match up for them.

Both teams should be able to run the ball, but Kirk Cousins might outplay Baker Mayfield and another win for the Falcons over the Buccaneers would mean taking command of the NFC South, even at this early stage of the season.

Atlanta have found a bit of form, even accounting for the loss to Seattle, and the short week for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may see them come up a little short at home against their main rival within this Division.

Green Bay Packers @ Jacksonville Jaguars Pick: There was a fear that the return from playing two games in London would have been at a time when a new Head Coach would be needed, but the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) were able to get the better of the New England Patriots in Week 7. That was important for Head Coach Doug Pederson just seven days after a pretty poor showing against the Chicago Bears, but the Jaguars have plenty of work to do if they are going to get back into contention in the AFC South.

It really does not help that the Jaguars are about to embark on a really tough portion of their regular season schedule.

Losing to one NFC North team in London will just underline the challenges that the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be facing over the coming weeks with the other three teams from that Division coming up. They also play the Philadelphia Eagles and it will take something special for the Jaguars to go 2-2 across their next four games, never mind putting a winning record on the board in their bid to close on the Houston Texans.

First up is the Green Bay Packers (5-2) who are a part of the NFC North and join the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings with five wins secured. They have won three in a row and Jordan Love is playing like one of the better Quarter Backs in the NFL, although he will be the first to admit that he needs to clean up some of the turnovers that have been down to Love's mistakes.

This looks a very good chance for Jordan Love to have another strong game at Quarter Back and the Green Bay Packers have a team that should be balanced on this side of the ball.

Josh Jacobs has come in to replace and Aaron Jones and the Running Back has shown his qualities, but with an added crease of catching the ball out of the backfield. Behind this Green Bay Offensive Line, Josh Jacobs has been able to rip off some solid gains on the ground and he should be able to keep the Packers in third and manageable spots.

It should lead to spaces to open up in the passing game and Jordan Love will be able to expose this Jaguars team as long as he can avoid the Interceptions that have been too much of a feature of the recent performances. The Jaguars have struggled to stop passer that are a level below the standard that Jordan Love has been able to set and so there is a strong chance the Green Bay Packers can keep this scoreboard ticking over efficiently.

Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars will know they will have to call and execute a really strong game plan if they are going to win this one. Trevor Lawrence has flashed his talent at times, but the consistency has been lacking and this Green Bay Defensive unit is still under-rated.

You can run the ball against the Packers and that has to be the Offensive approach- if the Jaguars can do this effectively, they can shorten the game and make sure they are keeping the Packers on the sideline to warm up in the Florida sun. As long as this game is competitive, the Jaguars can lean on the run, but the problem will be if they are having to chase points.

Trevor Lawrence has not lived up to the contract extension numbers, but this is a Quarter Back with plenty of talent. However, challenging this Packers Secondary through the air has been tough for Quarter Backs all season and Lawrence will have to be aware of the ball-hawking nature of the Defensive Backs.

Pressure up front has really helped the Packers and they have helped Jordan Love overcome the turnovers by largely containing the threats against them through the air.

This is likely going to be the case in Week 8 of the regular season and the Green Bay Packers can make it four wins in succession.

Backing a road favourite is not always ideal, but the Green Bay Packers look the stronger team on both sides of the ball and they should be motivated to retain momentum before a big game with the Detroit Lions to be played next week. Returning to the United States after two weeks in London is not an ideal situation for the Jaguars and the NFC North team can underline their talent edge with a win and cover here.

MY PICKS: Miami Dolphins - 4.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Atlanta Falcons - 2.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Green Bay Packers - 3.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Philadelphia Eagles + 2.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Washington Commanders + 2.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Denver Broncos - 10.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Week 7: 4-3, + 0.73 Units (7 Units Staked, + 10.43% Yield)

Week 6: 4-2, + 1.67 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.83% Yield)

Week 5: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

Week 4: 6-2, + 3.45 Units (8 Units Staked, + 43.13% Yield)

Week 3: 3-3, - 0.23 Units (6 Units Staked, - 3.83% Yield)

Week 2: 4-2, + 1.62 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27% Yield)

Week 1: 5-2, + 2.67 Units (7 Units Staked, + 38.14% Yield)

Boxing Picks 2024- Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies (Saturday 19th October)

Another fantastic Undisputed fight was produced last week and Artur Beterbiev stands on top of the Light Heavyweight mountain, although Dmitry Bivol is going to want to right that wrong in 2025.

Boxing never seems to be that far from controversy and Bivol fans were certainly pushing the 'robbery' narrative.

Like any term, using it too loosely means you lose the impact of the word and that would certainly be the case if 'robbery' is thrown around every time your favourite fighter loses. It is no surprise that Dmitry Bivol's promoter will feel that way, while the commentating was pretty biased on the night and might have influenced some, but to suggest Dmitry Bivol had won easily seems far from the case.

Cards on the table, I actually scored the fight 116-112 to Artur Beterbiev.

It was close going into the Championship Rounds and in reality that is where the fight was going to be won or lost on my personal scorecard, but Artur Beterbiev seemed to go through the gears and Dmitry Bivol wilted a little bit.

If you think 115-113 is not a bad score, just remember 116-112 means one more Round going in favour of the victor. Those who say they could have seen 115-113 either way or even a draw means they accept there were some swing Rounds and the feeling that Bivol had been 'robbed' seems to be mainly from those in the UK rather than the States and the commentating has to have influenced that.

Boxing scorecards can be poor- in the United Kingdom there have been some shocking scores turned in over recent years, but a Majority Decision in favour of Artur Beterbiev is far from the case. You might have felt Bivol had done enough, which is fair enough, but to completely dismiss the fact that Beterbiev could have one more Round than a 'good' 115-113 scorecard is just mind-boggling.

The fight was a good one and I do think both Boxers will feel they can do better in a rematch, which makes that a natural target for the teams and the promoters. It would not be a surprise if we are to see that in the first half of 2025 and that should allow the contenders the time to line up behind Beterbiev and Bivol.

If reports are correct, David Benavidez and David Morrell are going to face each other in what should be a brilliant fight early in the next year.

And the hope if that Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde can finally meet in what is a monster UK fight, but one that would also have the WBO Interim World Title on the line. The latter is returning this week to shake off the ring rust on a Boxxer run card and that brings the Buatsi fight that much closer to fruition, one that would sell the O2 Arena in London without any issues.

Adam Azim being back in action is also a positive with a big year predicted for the young fighter in 2025 and beyond, while I am looking forward to the return of Tim Tsyzu who is chasing some of the biggest names in the next year.

The main event ended in favour of Artur Beterbiev, but not in the fashion picked on these pages, although it was still a positive night for the Boxing Picks to get the numbers moving back in a positive direction.

With a little over two months left in this calendar year, there is still work to do to secure a profitable year, but it was a positive week and hopefully another one to come.

Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies

The face off with Harlem Eubank was supposed to see Adam Azim return to the ring a couple of months ago, but the contract did not quite make it over the line and instead the step up comes against Ohara Davies.

Big things are expected of Adam Azim and his team are refusing to allow him to be pushed ahead too quickly.

It was the main reason they decided to give up the European Light Welterweight Title rather than face Dalton Smith, although that fight is likely to come sooner than later. We should have Dalton Smith in the Arena for this bout, but Boxxer and Adam Azim will be not be told what to do and the focus is on the career of what looks to be a special talent.

Ultimately the question of how special will be answered as the step up in level is made and he is facing an opponent who has fought previous World Champions.

Ohara Davies was blitzed in the defeat to Ismael Barroso back in January, but his three defeats have been against solid competition. The first was a Stoppage loss to Josh Taylor, the second a Points defeat to Jack Catterall and the most recent was against Barroso, who had Rolly Romero in a lot of trouble before a controversial referee Stoppage.

He is a puncher and will be very familiar with Adam Azim- they are friends outside of the ring, although Davies has taken some offence to being selected as the next fight for the rising star.

It should give him some motivation, but it can be said that Ohara Davies has not really beaten anyone of note for a long time now. The win over Lewis Ritson put him in a position to fight Ismael Barroso, but Adam Azim is far better than Ritson and this is a significant test for Davies to show how much he has left.

You have to wonder if Ohara Davies has lost some of the punch resistance having been hurt so early against Ismael Barroso, especially as Adam Azim is pretty sharp and accurate.

The friendship should not be a major factor in the bout and Adam Azim will be looking to show he is ready to take the next step in his career. He has shown he can move through the gears pretty quickly once in the ring and the price on a first half Stoppage looks worth taking in this one.

The feeling is that Ohara Davies may want to push the pace early to try and rattle the youngster, but that could see him move onto something big and Azim can perhaps beat Josh Taylor's mark to the Stoppage against this opponent.

The undercard features some big names, but it is really an opportunity for the likes of Anthony Yarde and a couple of the female fighters to get active.

The standout looks to be involving other Light Heavyweights not named Anthony Yarde and that is the one featuring Lewis Edmondson and Dan Azeez with the vacant British Title on the line.

We know things can change very quickly in Boxing and it feels a long time ago that Dan Azeez was fighting Joshua Buatsi.

It was a bout that took place in early February, but Azeez came up short and was not at his best when returning in June and perhaps being fortunate to escape with a Draw.

He is facing an unbeaten opponent and they will be familiar with one another having faced off in the amateurs when Lewis Edmondson was able to win a Split Decision against Dan Azeez.

Lewis Edmondson is unbeaten, but he has only been involved in a single fight that has moved past the Sixth Round and this is a considerable step in terms of level.

You know someone like Dan Azeez will look to push the tempo and keep the pressure on and the veteran may have the experience to just break down Lewis Edmondson as this fight moves into the second half of the fight.

All in all, it is suprising to see Dan Azeez as the underdog in this bout and he has to be worth a small interest to come out and pressurise Lewis Edmondson for long enough to break him down. It was Dan Azeez who held this British Light Heavyweight Title before the loss to Joshua Buatsi and he can pick up the Belt again against his unbeaten opponent.

The return of Tim Tszyu is going to be very welcomed, even if he has fallen out of favour with Turki Alalshikh having failed to recover from a gruesome cut in time to take on Vergil Ortiz Jr.

The fact that Tszyu signed up to fight Ortiz Jr after the cut suffered against Sebastian Fundora tells me everything about the character of the Australian, a very likeable fighter.

Even taking on Fundora on short notice should be given a lot of respect and Tim Tsyzu could have easily asked the referee to stop the fight after suffering a cut that bled profusely almost immediately. Instead, the Champion decided to do all he can to avoid losing his unbeaten record and he deserves the chance to bring a World Title back Down Under.

It is the IBF World Title on the line and the hope is that Tim Tsyzu can get back to winning ways before targeting big names in a loaded Light Middleweight Division. Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr have joined the Division, while the rematch with Sebastian Fundora will be something that Tsyzu will target.

However, it is very important to not overlook the current IBF Champion, even if Bakhram Murtazaliev has perhaps not fought anyone of this level before. He is unbeaten and anyone who has watched him fight should be aware of the potential of the Champion.

Sixteen Stoppages in twenty-two wins has to be respected and there is every chance that this is going to be fan-friendly contest.

It may end up being a battle of wills and the bout should be highly competitive, although the edge has to be with Tim Tsyzu who may be slightly better at the same things that Bakhram Murtazaliev will want to do. The toughness of both cannot be underestimated and so a small interest in the former World Champion winning this one in a competitive Decision looks the call.

MY PICKS: Adam Azim to Win Between 1-6 @ 2.87 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Dan Azeez @ 2.30 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Tim Tsyzu to Win By Decision/Technical Decision @ 3.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Boxing 2024: 30-50, + 12.44 Units (106 Units Staked, + 11.74% Yield)

College Football Week 8 Picks 2024 (Saturday 19th October)

We may have moved beyond the need to see unbeaten teams, or even those with a single loss, playing in the College Football Playoffs, especially with the expanded post-season in place.

However, losing twice in the regular season will make your case to join a twelve team Playoff that much harder to make and so there is a big week coming up for some of the leading SEC teams.

Texas are hosting Georgia and Tennessee are hosting Alabama in big games, while the Big Ten has seen some of their top teams move above those from the SEC.

It is still October though and that means there are plenty more twists and turns to come with big games in the ACC as well as the SEC in Week 8.

Two winning weeks in a row is a positive for the College Football Picks, but the early selections were disappointing and so there is work to do to really get this season turned around. Week 7 was a good start and building on that is the key over the next few weeks, beginning with the selections from Week 8 that can be read below.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Pick: The problem remains for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) that being an Independent means the lack of a Championship Game can go against them. In previous years, the margin for error was much tighter for the Fighting Irish, but even an expanded College Football Playoff needs work for Notre Dame to enter and especially after a really disappointing defeat that is already on the slate.

With that in mind, they cannot afford another as the Fighting Irish prepare to travel to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2) who are just 3-2 in ACC Conference play. The chances of playing in the Conference Championship Game diminished after losses to Syracuse Orange and Louisville Cardinals, but the Yellow Jackets have won two in a row since that latest defeat and will be plenty motivated to keep the positives moving forward.

This may not be an official home game for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but will be played very close to the campus. Despite that, the Fighting Irish will have plenty of fans ready to support them as Head Coach Marcus Freeman looks for the team to turn good performances into great ones.

Having a dual-threat at Quarter Back should help the Fighting Irish establish the run and the power of this Offensive Line is likely going to make a big difference. In recent games, as the Georgia Tech Defensive Line have played a stronger level of competition, the Yellow Jackets have just found it that much tougher to clamp down on the run.

However, they have played well enough to force Riley Leonard to have to make some plays with his arm if the Notre Dame Offensive unit are going to keep things ticking over in this game. The likelihood is that Leonard will have enough time to expose some of the holes that Georgia Tech have in the Secondary and that should put Notre Dame in a position to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

It is clear that the battle at the Line of Scrimmage will be important on both sides of the ball and that is very much the case when the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have the ball. Running the ball effectively has always been a part of what the Yellow Jackets want to do and they have been strong at establishing the run, but this week they are coming up against the Notre Dame Defensive Line that has proven to be highly effective at stopping the run.

This will be much tougher for Georgia Tech if they have to go with a backup at Quarter Back- Haynes King is a doubt having been forced out of the game late on last time out, and without him, the Yellow Jackets will have a tough time throwing the ball.

Notre Dame could double down on stopping the run and they do have a pass rush that could prove to be effective if they can put the Yellow Jackets into third and long spots. That rush has certainly helped the Secondary make some big plays and this feels like a game in which the Fighting Irish can produce the kind of statement win that could impress when the College Football Playoff members are revealed.

The early loss has certainly made it harder to trust the Fighting Irish, but recent form has been stronger and they can control the Line of Scrimmage for long enough to secure a win by around two Touchdowns.

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Tennessee Volunteers Pick: The topsy-turvy game against the Georgia Bulldogs ended with an important win for the Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1), but they have not built on that victory over one of their main SEC rivals in the manner they would have expected.

Following the victory, Alabama were upset by Vanderbilt Commodores and they were fortunate to avoid being dragged into Overtime in a narrow win over the South Carolina Gamecocks in Week 7.

Those who believed the team would just continue the successes of the Nick Saban era without Nick Saban may just be questioning what can be achieved this season.

The narrative can change very quickly in College Football and a road win over the Tennessee Volunteers (5-1) would certainly have people taking notice of the Crimson Tide in a much more positive light.

Much like Alabama, Tennessee opened the season in strong form before an upset loss to Arkansas Razorbacks and then producing an Overtime win over Florida Gators last time out. That leaves both teams at 2-1 within the SEC and it will be a tough road back towards the College Football Playoff for the team that loses.

It certainly increases the pressure on both teams ahead of a big SEC game in Week 8.

One of the big issues for the Tennessee Volunteers has been the Offensive shortcomings in recent games and this is going to be a tough test for them, even if Alabama have not been playing to the level that they have set in recent years. For starters, the Volunteers Offensive Line will struggle to open the running lanes agains this Alabama Defensive Line and that will put some additional pressure on Nick Iamaleava.

The freshman Quarter Back has just hit a slight wall in recent games, but he will be facing a Crimson Tide Secondary that has struggled when moving into the SEC games. Nick Iamaleava might not have a lot of time to allow plays to develop though and that will be key for the Alabama Crimson Tide to finally begin to show their talent even at the SEC level.

Defensive breakdowns have certainly been a factor in seeing Alabama struggle in recent games, but the Offensive unit have something to prove too.

One of the big disappointments in recent outings is the play of the Offensive Line as Alabama have been contained to 4 yards per carry in SEC games. Expecting to get back on track against this Tennessee Defensive Line looks to be asking too much of the Alabama Crimson Tide and that will put additional pressure on Jalen Milroe, even if the Quarter Back is much more experienced than the one that Tennessee will be using in this big Week 8 game.

Jalen Milroe has to be confident in helping the Crimson Tide move the ball through the air, although he will have to be aware of the pass rush pressure that Tennessee will generate. In recent games the Volunteers Secondary has given up a fair few yards, while they have also lost Linebacker Keenan Pili, and that should give Jalen Milroe an opportunity to have another strong game at Quarter Back.

Being a bit more careful with the ball is going to be important in what could be a tight, competitive game, and Milroe will need to clean up this side of this game. He has thrown 4 Interceptions in the last three games, including two last week against the South Carolina Gamecocks, and there is little doubt that Tennessee will be targeting the turnovers in this one.

There are some real similarities with the way things have gone for both the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide over the last month. Both teams have already been beaten in the SEC so it is a tough path for the losing team to tread, which will only add to the tension on the day.

Ultimately it feels like the experience of Jalen Milroe may just help Alabama edge out Tennessee and Nick Iamaleava and Alabama's Defensive unit may also be motivated to want to prove something. Nothing will come easy, but the Crimson Tide can edge past the Volunteers and cover this spread on the way to moving to 3-1 within the Conference.

Georgia Bulldogs @ Texas Longhorns Pick: It might be the first season that they are a member of the SEC, but the Texas Longhorns (6-0) have looked the best team in the Conference through seven weeks. Playing in this Conference will always give teams the opportunity to prove how good they are and there are some big games coming up for the Longhorns after crushing the Oklahoma Sooners in Week 7.

The Sooners might have joined Texas in moving from the Big 12 to the SEC, but the Longhorns have the much stronger squad so the blowout was not a massive surprise.

In Week 8, the test feels that much more significant against the Georgia Bulldogs (5-1) who have bounced back from the close loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide to win two games in a row. That has improved the record to 3-1 within the Conference and a win over the Texas Longhorns would make Georgia one of the favourites to play in the SEC Championship Game, but there is pressure on a team that will be targeting the National Championship.

Losing would put the Georgia Bulldogs in a tough position with plenty of SEC games still to play, even if the College Football Playoff has been expanded to include twelve teams in 2024. They still have the kind of talent that will appeal, but losing three games in the regular season would make it very difficult to be included in the College Football Playoff so this is a huge game for Georgia.

There is no doubt that the Bulldogs have plenty of talent and are capable of winning anywhere they play in College Football, but this Offensive unit has to also accept that they are in for a huge test of their credentials. Some will feel that the Bulldogs have not been looking to give too much away in their wins over Auburn and Mississippi State, but it is also hard to ignore the issues the Offensive Line have had in trying to open running lanes.

Doing so against the Texas Defensive Line feels like it will be that much more challenging and that will likely mean Georgia need to lean on Quarter Back Carson Beck much like they have in recent games. The numbers produced by Beck have been impressive statistically, but having to force throws has led to multiple Interceptions and that is not going to cut it against this Texas team.

Even playing a clean game does not guarantee anything for Carson Beck and the Georgia Bulldogs- any third and long spot will see the Longhorns fire up the pass rush, which can stall drives, while the Texas Secondary have not given up a lot of yards even when teams have been forced to throw to keep up on the scoreboard.

The experience of Carson Beck will help the Bulldogs and the same can be said for Texas who have Quinn Ewers back behind Center.

In recent years, the Bulldogs have really had high-calibre Defensive units and those have provided plenty of talent for the NFL. However, the Bulldogs will be well aware they need to be better than what they have shown in 2024 if they are going to find a way to slow down the impressive Longhorns Offense.

The Longhorns will want to run the ball and that will open up the playbook- they will be expecting some resistance from the Bulldogs, but there have been plenty of signs in recent games that it is possible to establish the run.

This will be music to the ears of Quinn Ewers and the Quarter Back could have another really big day as he continues to show why he is likely to be a very high Draft choice when that Day comes around next year. He has been extremely well protected, and Georgia have not really been finding a way to get home on the Quarter Back of late, and that should mean Quinn Ewers has the time to really exploit this Georgia Secondary.

Teams have been able to put up some big yards against the Georgia Bulldogs and the Longhorns certainly have the talent to pick up where others have left off.

It is a big game and the pressure on the day will have an impact, but Texas should be able to use the home crowd to settle down that much more quickly.

A healthy respect for the Georgia Bulldogs and all they have achieved in recent years has to be given, but the Texas Longhorns want to become the next elite College team. Quinn Ewers and the edge on the Line of Scrimmage on both sides of the ball should just swing this pendulum in favour of the hosts and Texas may produce their most impressive victory in 2024.

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Michigan State Spartans Pick: College Football's landscape has changed and there are going to be further changes made in the coming years, but the one big Conference approach is perhaps not as appealing as the Divisions within Conferences that we have been accustomed to seeing.

Some teams feel it will have given them a better chance of making the College Football Playoff when the twelve teams are picked later in the year, but for others the pathway feels more difficult.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2) are a team that may not benefit having played in two of the last three Big Ten Championship Games, especially when you think that three of the current top four in the College Football Rankings are playing in the Conference. The Hawkeyes are one of six teams with a 2-1 record within the Big Ten, but they are all chasing three teams with perfect 3-0 records and so another loss cannot really be taken right now.

They travel to the Michigan State Spartans (3-3) who are coming in off a Bye Week and will have tried to make adjustments having lost three in a row. Two of those were to top Big Ten teams in Oregon and Ohio State so Michigan State may believe that they are set to face an 'easier' run, although they have lost twice in a row to the Hawkeyes.

Avoiding distraction will be challenging for the team and the fans with the Michigan Wolverines on deck, while the Spartans have perhaps been a touch predictable in their play-calling over the three game losing run.

It doesn't help that the Spartans Offensive Line have struggled to open the running lanes and they are not expected to have a lot of success on the ground in this one. Being in third and long spots is tough work for the best of Offenses and it has certainly put the pressure on Aidan Chiles at Quarter Back.

His numbers haven't been all too bad in terms of passing yards put together, but Chiles has perhaps had to push the boat out at times and that has led to far too many Interceptions. The Quarter Back will have some spaces to exploit in this Iowa Secondary, but Aidan Chiles is going to have to avoid the pass rush pressure that the Hawkeyes bring, while also should be noting the turnovers that they have created.

This may mean it will be a tough day for the Spartans when they have the ball in hand, while they will be hoping that the Bye Week has given them a chance to work out how to be more competitive at the Line of Scrimmage on the other side of the ball. Earlier in the season, the Spartans Defensive Line were pretty good against the run, but that has not been the case as the competition has ramped up and stopping this Iowa Offensive Line will be tough.

We all know what the Hawkeyes will want to do with the run, but the Hawkeyes Offensive Line have proven to be big enough and strong enough to push open some big running lanes. Kaleb Johnson is likely going to have another strong game at Running Back and just keep the pressure away from Quarter Back Cade McNamara, a former Michigan Wolverine who will be hearing the boos every time he snaps the ball.

He has not needed to make big plays in recent games, but Cade McNamara should have success when he is asked to make plays against this Michigan State Secondary. The Offensive Line will give McNamara time and he has been careful enough with the ball to ensure the Iowa Hawkeyes can control the field position and it may lead to another solid win over the Spartans.

Like many teams, Iowa struggled Offensively against the Ohio State Buckeyes, but they have been better when playing teams below that elite level. That is certainly the case in Week 8 of the regular season and the Hawkeyes may win the turnover battle to move into a position to cover this tough spread for any road team to surpass.

Road favourites can find it tough in College Football, but the Hawkeyes do look capable, especially if the Michigan State Spartans are looking ahead to the big rivalry game with the Michigan Wolverines. The turnovers could be key and Iowa may just do enough to secure a win by a Touchdown mark at the least.

MY PICKS: Notre Dame Fighting Irish - 13.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Alabama Crimson Tide - 3 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Texas Longhorns - 4.5 Points @ 1.85 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Iowa Hawkeyes - 5.5 Points @ 1.85 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Indiana Hoosiers - 6.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Iowa State Cyclones - 13.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Week 7: 6-3, + 2.55 Units (9 Units Staked, + 28.33% Yield)

Week 6: 3-2, + 0.82 Units (5 Units Staked, + 16.4% Yield)

Week 5: 0-5, - 5 Units (5 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)

Week 4: 3-2, + 0.73 Units (5 Units Staked, + 14.60% Yield)

Week 3: 3-5, - 2.35 Units (8 Units Staked, - 29.38% Yield)

Week 2: 2-4, - 2.26 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37.67% Yield)

Week 1: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

NFL Week 7 Picks 2024 (Thursday 17th October-Monday 21st October)

Another NFL week is in the books and the NFC North continues to impress with each of the four teams now two games above 0.500.

Can all four teams really make the Playoffs later this year? It still looks incredibly unlikely when you think that there have been a lack of Divisional games played between the four teams and that naturally will begin to thin out the chances of all making history and reaching the post-season.

This weekend there is a big game between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings which begins that process, but all four NFC North teams have to be very happy with the form shown.

Three are most likely going to make the post-season and you would still lean towards the Lions, Vikings and Green Bay Packers being those three teams rather than the Chicago Bears. Beating up on bad teams has pushed the Bears to 4-2, but they have to face all three Divisional rivals and that is when we will learn a lot more about Caleb Williams and the whole Chicago team.

The Bears enjoy a Bye Week, as do the Dallas Cowboys after the capitulation against the aforementioned Lions in Week 6.

Jerry Jones was not happy that journalists are even questioning where the Cowboys are heading, but there will be questions when continuing to be dominated at home. At least they are playing in a Division where they are far from out of things at 3-3, especially if Dallas can use the Bye Week to get healthier.

The trade deadline is now fast approaching and some of the pieces are beginning to be moved on the board.

Dsvante Adams has gotten his wish to not only be traded from the Las Vegas Raiders, but to join old friend Aaron Rodgers at the New York Jets. He has been missing with a hamstring issue in recent games for the Raiders, but unsurprisingly is expected to suit up on Sunday as the Jets look to get their season turned back around.

Soon after the news broke, the Jets main AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills traded for Amari Cooper and that could be a huge boost for Josh Allen and the passing game.

Moves will be made in the coming days and we are already beginning to see a separation of those who believe they can contend, and those that may already be thinking about 2025.

Another week of NFL Picks have returned with a positive number and that makes this a strong start to the season.

There is still too much of a road to run to get carried away, but the selections have been managed well and Week 7 will hopefully keep the positive momentum going.

It is the last weekend of London hosting a game, although that looks a poor game on paper, while there are some big games to be played throughout Week 7 and that can only be good news for fans of the League.

Putting some winners down alongside those big games will just be the icing on the cake.

Denver Broncos @ New Orleans Saints Pick: This is a non-Conference game, but there is little doubt that the New Orleans Saints (2-4) hosting the Denver Broncos (3-3) was picked for Thursday Night Football in Week 7 for one reason.

The return of Sean Payton.

Despite leading the New Orleans Saints to their sole Super Bowl win and turning around a franchise that had been more associated with losing, Sean Payton's departure in 2022 has not been received very well inside the building by those in management nor in the stands. Some have even indicated that the ceremony to mark Drew Brees' time as Quarter Back of the Saints should not have been held on this night, even though it was the Head Coach-Quarter Back partnership that proved so successful for the Saints.

Sean Payton is not concerning himself too much about the reception he is likely to face having seen his Denver Broncos team lose last time out to snap a three game winning run. There is still work to do in order to get Denver back onto a path of consistent winning, and that is the focus for Payton.

The storyline about the return might have been huge if New Orleans had been able to sustain the form they showed in recording back to back blowouts to open the season at 2-0. Injuries have piled up since then and the Saints were just embarrassed by Divisional rivals Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 as they fell to a fourth consecutive defeat.

Spencer Rattler made the start at Quarter Back and had some ups and downs, but that was to be expected. The Saints will need Derek Carr back quickly and Head Coach Dennis Allen has to be fearing for his long-term prospects without his starting Quarter Back, especially if the team do not show a lot more effort than they did against the Buccaneers.

At least they are not facing an Offensive powerhouse on Thursday Night Football with Denver still learning how to get the best out of their own rookie Quarter Back, Bo Nix.

There were some positives from Bo Nix during the three game winning run- he did not throw an Interception in that time- but the Broncos know that you need more from the Quarter Back position in the modern era. That does not mean you want to put a rookie in a tough spot, but the defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers to fall back to 0.500 underlined the point about needing more when the chips are down.

On Thursday night, Denver may actually have more success Offensively than they have for much of the season and that is very much down to the injuries the Saints have on this side of the ball. Motivation will be found by wanting to shut down their former Head Coach who is known for his Offensive mind, but the Saints Defensive Line will have to be a lot better than what they have shown during this losing run.

Limited pass rush pressure has been produced and this Broncos Offensive Line have kept Bo Nix pretty well protected, while Denver have to believe they will be able to effectively establish the run. Stopping the run has been a season-long problem for the Saints, but it has really been highlighted when they have not been playing with a big lead and the Denver Broncos have to believe they can keep Bo Nix in favourable field positions.

Bo Nix has yet to really have the passing numbers that the likes of Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels have produced, but he should be in a good position to keep the chains moving. This Saints Secondary have struggled to make plays with little pass rush pressure on the opponent Quarter Back and even Nix should be able to exploit the holes that have opened up.

This can only be a positive for the Denver Broncos who can then turn the game over to the Defensive unit that has powered the 3-3 record.

It all starts up front for the Broncos and the Defensive Line have proved themselves to be pretty stout against the run. That may have been tested if this was Week 2, but the Broncos have to be a big favourite at the Line of Scrimmage considering the injuries that have slowed down the New Orleans run blocking capablities.

Even Alvin Kamara has been banged up and the Saints are struggling to get in front of the chains, something that may be even more difficult with Spencer Rattler at Quarter Back rather than Derek Carr. There is a feeling that the Broncos won't need to load the box to contain the run anyway, but the option may be there if they don't believe Rattler can do enough to keep them honest through the air.

One positive for Spencer Rattler is that Patrick Surtain II is unlikely to suit up, although the Quarter Back will need his Offensive Line to give him time to hit the Receivers down the field if he is stuck in third and long spots. That time is unlikely considering the pressure that the Denver Broncos have gotten up front and it could lead to further Interceptions thrown by a rookie that is perhaps not ready for this stage.

Again, it should be noted that the New Orleans Saints could be playing with a lot more energy and motivation against their former Head Coach. The fans will certainly be a little more pumped, despite the four losses in a row, but all of that may not be enough to get the better of Sean Payton, who will have plenty of motivation of his own.

His Defensive unit can step up and make the big plays to give the Broncos the edge and even the Denver Offense may be able to do more than usual against an injury hit opponent.

Being set as the road favourite is not something the Denver Broncos have been used to in recent times, but they do look to have a real advantage at the Line of Scrimmage on both sides of the ball and that should put the AFC West representatives in a position to win and cover.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs New England Patriots Pick: The last of the three games to be played in London takes place in Week 7 of the 2024 season and this does look the weakest of the three that were sent over the pond.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) have been a regular feature of the London games and they have stayed for consecutive games after being crushed by the Chicago Bears in Week 6. It was a really poor outing and Head Coach Doug Pederson is under real pressure with changes potentially being made before the team heads back to the United States.

After the stunning capitulation at the end of the 2023 season, the Jaguars could not have asked for a worse start this time around and they are already firmly behind the black ball. You don't spend the money they did on extending Trevor Lawrence's contract at Quarter Back without expecting Playoff runs every season, but Jacksonville will need to produce something special over their remaining eleven games to move back into contention.

Things are bad for Jacksonville, but the same can be said for the team in transition that will play as the 'visiting team' at Wembley Stadium. The New England Patriots (1-5) have lost five in a row since their upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 and they have now moved into the Drake Maye era with the rookie taking over at Quarter Back from veteran Jacoby Brissett.

Managing the game had been the job specification for Brissett and he was largely capable of looking after the ball, but Drake Maye showed he has the higher upside in the crushing loss to the Houston Texans.

Yes, he threw two Interceptions, but Maye had over 240 passing yards and three Touchdown passes too.

One of the main reasons Drake Maye had not been installed into the starting lineup immediately was less to do with high expectations at New England and almost everything to do with the Patriots Offensive Line. They looked like a unit that may not offer a lot of protection for the Quarter Back and that is exactly how things have worked out so the hope was that the Patriots would not have to leave Maye in a position to be beaten up in the NFL.

He will be under duress in this game when New England are in obvious passing situations, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled in most other aspects on this side of the ball. For all of their protection struggles, the Patriots have been able to establish the run and they should have success doing that against the Jaguars, and that should give Drake Maye an opportunity to attack this Secondary.

This might not be the deepest New England Receiving corps, but they will be able to make some plays for their rookie Quarter Back. It also helps that Drake Maye is able to move the ball with his legs and the Patriots should be able to score points in this one, even if they are on a relatively long travelling path in Week 7.

It might be the one factor that can help the Jacksonville Jaguars slow things down having been gashed by the Chicago Bears last week and looking like a team that is struggling for confidence.

The same can be said on the other side of the ball and Jacksonville were punished for far too many drops in the defeat to the Bears. However, they were having some success until the game got out of hand and this is a team that should be able to have one of their stronger outings against this Patriots Defense.

Running the ball should not be a problem with Tank Bigsby getting the majority of carries in place of the injured Travis Etienne- the Jaguars Offensive Line have been pretty effective at moving the ball on the ground and Bigsby has shown he can hit the holes as they develop in front of him, which can only be good news for Trevor Lawrence.

The Quarter Back has a number of solid Receiving options, well solid if they are not dropping passes that hit them in the chest plate. Gabe Davis might have had two Touchdown catches last week, but could have doubled that with stronger hands and this is another game in which the Jaguars should be able to move the ball through the air as well as the ground.

Trevor Lawrence should have time in the pocket, but the key for the Quarter Back is to avoid the turnovers that this New England team have been picking up to remain competitive. If he can do that, the Jaguars might just alleviate some of the immediate pressure on their Head Coach by securing a solid win in London in the second game the Jaguars have played in the UK Capital this month.

You cannot say it is easy to trust the Jaguars as a big favourite considering the really poor numbers being put together Defensively, but New England have struggled to remain competitive within games. Drake Maye has offered a spark, but travelling to London will be tough, especially when facing an opponent that should be well adjusted to the time zone having spent over a week on that side of the Atlantic.

The favourite has won both games played in London this season and Jacksonville are likely to win the turnover battle in this one, which should see them have enough to cover too. As bad as things have been for Jacksonville, the Patriots have arguably had it worse and the Jaguars may be able to score enough points to just keep New England at arm's length.

Baltimore Ravens @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pick: Would you stand in front of a buzzsaw willingly? The answer almost certainly going to be 'no', but the Baltimore Ravens (4-2) may struggle to cover this spread on the road, even if they have won four in a row and ground down all in front of them in that run.

They will be looking to do the same against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) who bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons to beat another Divisional rival in Week 7.

With Derrick Henry behind Lamar Jackson, it is no surprise that an already effective Ravens rushing Offense is pounding out the yards on the ground and stopping Baltimore from doing what they want to do has proven too tough for most. That is not expected to be much different when they face this Buccaneers Defensive Line and both players should keep things ticking along on the ground and ensuring Baltimore are playing in front of the chains.

Doing so has really made things very comfortable for Lamar Jackson when has chosen to throw the ball and the numbers make good reading during this winning run. Running the ball, or the threat of this powerful running game, will just cool down any pass rush pressure teams are willing to invest in as they try and rattle Jackson, and that should also mean the Quarter Back has time to dissect this Tampa Bay Secondary.

The reality is that Lamar Jackson has proven himself to be a very good starter in the regular season and he is really going to be judged in January when the pressure ramps up. He has looked after the ball when he has chosen to throw and the Ravens should be able to have their own way on this side of the ball.

So why go against them?

As good as Baltimore have been Offensively, the Defensive unit are still growing and there is no doubt that the Buccaneers have a team that can score enough points to keep this one competitive.

One concern when Tom Brady left was that Tampa Bay would struggle to find a Quarter Back to take the reins, but Baker Mayfield has more than stepped up. Some salty comments aside, Mayfield has impressed with his maturity and the Tampa Bay Offensive unit have been playing with plenty of rhythm.

He is surrounded by some talented playmakers, although it is Bucky Irving stepping up to complement the running game that will give Tampa Bay the balance to keep on the scoreboard. It is not easy to run the ball against this Ravens Defensive Line, but Tampa Bay's Offensive Line have been opening up some big holes up front and they just need to keep that threat alive to help Baker Mayfield.

The main problem for the Ravens is that they have not been able to stop the pass so the likes of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should be able to have big games to support their Quarter Back. The likes of Irving and Rachaad White can contribute by leaking out of the backfield and the struggles of the Baltimore Secondary should give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers every chance of a backdoor cover at the very least.

It is never ideal going up against a team playing with the momentum Baltimore have, but Tampa Bay are not exactly struggling for wins.

Lamar Jackson's record against the NFC is another concern, but there is a way the Ravens can win without covering and taking the points looks the call considering how well the Tampa Bay Offensive unit should match up with the Baltimore Secondary here.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Arizona Cardinals Pick: The Monday Night Football double-header looks like it might be a regular feature of the schedule in the coming years and we have yet another one of those in Week 7 of the 2024 season.

The second of those games will be played between teams that play in the West Division of their respective Conferences and the Arizona Cardinals (2-4) will be looking to bounce back from a heavy loss and get back on track.

It was a winning effort from the Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) who will have been glad to hear that Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has not had a serious issue come up after being forced to go to the medical tent in the win over Denver. He will have wear a heart monitor, but Harbaugh should be capable of performing his duties to the full as he continues to lead the Chargers.

Time will be needed for the Chargers to really get up to the level of the Kansas City Chiefs, but there have been positives for a team that finished 5-12 in 2023 and who were not entirely sure how healthy Justin Herbert would be at Quarter Back.

A work in progress will have some ups and downs, but this looks a good chance for the Chargers Offensive unit to put together a solid game. In recent outings, they have struggled to establish the run as well as they would have liked, but playing Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Denver is one thing with the Defensive units they can run out onto the field, and this is not nearly as challenging a Defensive Line.

That should help the Chargers who know that Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball effectively first and foremost and they should be able to have some success on the ground in this one, which in turn should aid Justin Herbert.

Some key Receivers have moved on and that has perhaps contributed to some of the issues Justin Herbert has had when he steps back to throw the ball. Again, this is not exactly a daunting Secondary to attack and so there is a feeling that Herbert can have a game more in line with the kind of numbers he has been able to put together early in his career.

The Offensive Line have struggled in pass protection as much as run blocking in recent games, but the Chargers should offer more time for Justin Herbert if they can rip off some big gains on the ground. Even if behind the chains, Herbert should be able to avoid the pressure that has been around him in recent games because of the largely ineffective Arizona pass rush generated.

After beating San Francisco in the fashion they did, the Cardinals will be disappointed with their efforts in Week 6 and have to show they have made use of the slightly longer preparation time between games. Kyler Murray has been inconsistent as a thrower, but the Quarter Back should find some room to move the ball on the ground.

Handing the ball to James Connor should be effective too and the Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Line have had a couple of issues containing the run in recent games. The Line of Scrimmage, and dominating there, is always important for Jim Harbaugh, but his Chargers team may have a couple of issues with the run-option that Arizona can scheme together.

If they can move the ball as anticipated, Kyler Murray should be able to have a bit more success throwing the ball than he has had for much of the season. Positive news is that Marvin Harrison Jr is set to be cleared and the Cardinals may just have the playmakers to move into a position to win this game.

The Cardinals are not so easy to trust, especially with the way things have gone for them over the last couple of years, but they may be the team with a bit more consistency Offensively. Turnovers could be important to the outcome of this one, which are always hard to predict, but the feeling is that the Cardinals can find a way to get the better of a team that had a very hard fought win over a Divisional rival in Week 6.

MY PICKS: Denver Broncos - 2.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Jacksonville Jaguars - 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Cleveland Browns + 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Philadelphia Eagles - 3 Points @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Miami Dolphins + 3.5 Points @ 1.72 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers + 3.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Arizona Cardinals @ 2.10 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Week 6: 4-2, + 1.67 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.83% Yield)

Week 5: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

Week 4: 6-2, + 3.45 Units (8 Units Staked, + 43.13% Yield)

Week 3: 3-3, - 0.23 Units (6 Units Staked, - 3.83% Yield)

Week 2: 4-2, + 1.62 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27% Yield)

Week 1: 5-2, + 2.67 Units (7 Units Staked, + 38.14% Yield)