NFL Week 7 Picks 2023 (October 19-23)

It felt like it was going to be a difficult week for the Picks and the upsets around the NFL in Week 6 underlined the point.

For the first time since 2017 there are no unbeaten teams left in the NFL going into Week 7 and there does look to be a healthy number of contenders that will have serious Super Bowl ambitions as long as they can stay healthy.

In the weeks ahead we will find out a bit more about those teams with some big games coming up, beginning with the huge Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins Sunday Night Football effort this week. They might not be Conference rivals, but two 5-1 teams that will believe they could meet again in February may be looking to put down an early marker and that looks like being a top game to round out the Sunday portion of the Week 7 schedule.

Injuries are beginning to pile up through the NFL and the trade deadline is fast approaching with names like Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley high on the rumour list. Changes could certainly improve the appeal of some of the teams below the leading lights in the early Super Bowl race and it will certainly be something to keep an eye upon as we continue racing to the halfway mark of the regular season.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots Pick: It tells you all you need to know about how badly things are going for the New England Patriots (1-5) that there is serious talk that the team may decide to move on from Head Coach Bill Belichick at the end of this season. Ever since Tom Brady departed Foxboro, Belichick has struggled to identify the right replacement at Quarter Back, while his Defensive prowess has not been good enough to cover up the problems on the other side of the ball.

The last three losses have encapsulated the problems as the Patriots have been battered in all facets of the game and the season already looks like it is unsalvageable in the incredibly difficult AFC East.

In Week 7, the New England Patriots are hosting the Buffalo Bills (4-2) who were not at their best in winning their primetime game in Week 6. Josh Allen was banged up in the win over the New York Giants, but he is expected to earn the start at Quarter Back and has led the Bills to a dominant record against the New England Patriots in the post-Brady era.

A Thursday Night Football game in Week 8 is a potential distraction for Buffalo, but you have to believe this game is more important being a Divisional one, while the upcoming game is against a non-Conference opponent back at home.

This is a big spread and the backdoor cover has to be a concern considering the injuries that the Buffalo Bills have on the Defensive side of the ball. However, it is very difficult to believe Mac Jones and this poor New England Offense is capable of putting together the consistency needed to score a lot of points having averaged just 6.7 points per game in their three game skid.

The Patriots did manage 17 points in the loss to the Las Vegas Raiders last week, but they look a mess at the moment and Mac Jones is not playing with a lot of confidence. Bill Belichick has signed Malik Cunningham onto the main roster and he may be the backup to Jones on Sunday, which means the Quarter Back will be feeling the short leash around his neck.

Establishing the run has been a real issue for the entire New England Offensive unit and that would have certainly helped the Patriots Quarter Back. Even though we have seen teams make some significant gains on the ground against the Bills Defensive Line, you cannot have a lot of faith in the Patriots being able to do the same from what we have seen.

Offensive Line issues has made it difficult to run the ball, but also offer very little protection to Mac Jones when he steps back to throw and that has certainly impacted the passing game. It should be more of the same in this one with the Bills bringing a powerful pass rush into Foxboro and that will see Jones have to make some quick reads and, ultimately, likely lead to some mistakes.

The question around the covering of the spread is less to do with how the Buffalo Bills Defensive unit will play, but whether the Offense will get back up to speed after a couple of less than impressive displays.

Josh Allen's shoulder is a concern, while the Bills have not been able to run the ball nearly as efficiently as they would like to ease some of the pressure on the Quarter Back. Running the ball outside of designed Quarter Back runs will be difficult in this game, but short fields could be given to Buffalo by the Defense making plays on Mac Jones and that should help all around.

And for all the Offensive Line issues in opening up the running lanes, they have been able to give Josh Allen a clean pocket and plenty of time when he has dropped back to throw. Recent games has seen the Patriots struggle to take down the opposition Quarter Back so there should be an opportunity for Allen to continue his dominance of this AFC East rival.

The Patriots Secondary has not been able to play the pass as well as they would like thanks to the limited pressure being created up front and so this is a big chance for Buffalo to put a statement win on the board.

Since the start of the 2020 season, Buffalo have beaten New England in six of seven meetings and the last five wins have all been by double digits. The last three games played at Foxboro have ended in 29, 12 and 14 point wins for the Buffalo Bills and they can secure a big win on the road again to stay hot on the heels of the Miami Dolphins in the Division.

Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens Pick: Some believe the Detroit Lions (5-1) may be the best team in the NFC after a strong start to the 2023 season to follow the strong end to 2022. Winning games on the road has always been the question about Jared Goff and the Offense, but they have proven they can do that this season and the Lions are clear in the NFC North.

Back to back road games is never easy and that is the test for the Lions as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens (4-2), the leaders of the AFC North. The Ravens are back in the United States after beating the Tennessee Titans in London in Week 6 and so this is not an ideal situation for them either.

The AFC North is going to be a Division that likely goes down to the wire, but the Baltimore Ravens will believe they can be the team to beat as long as the Offensive unit can just find a bit more rhythm.

Defensively this is going to be a real test for the Ravens against the best Quarter Back they have faced in 2023, but Baltimore will know that the Lions are not quite as potent outside of the Dome. That has to help, while the injury to David Montgomery is a tough one to absorb just prior to facing this Baltimore Defensive Line that has prided itself on clamping down on the run.

Recent teams have had a bit of success pounding the run, but without Montgomery, the Lions are not expected to do the same and the pressure will be on Jared Goff to keep the chains moving.

He is well protected for the most part by his Offensive Line, but Goff could find the time in the pocket limited considering how much pressure Baltimore have been able to generate up front. If the Ravens can slow the run, it will give the pass rushers that opportunity to try and break into the backfield and force Jared Goff to go through his progressions that much more quickly than he has become used to doing.

There are some solid Receiving options for Jared Goff and shutting down the Lions completely feels unlikely. However, the Ravens Secondary will certainly believe they can match up to those if they don't need to cover for too long and Baltimore have been a tough team to throw against so far this season, although again it should be noted that they have not played the best Quarter Backs nor the most healthy.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens Offensive unit will have to still score points if they are going to win this game and they may not match up as well as they would like with this Detroit Defense.

The Defensive Line have been strong up front and clog up the running lanes and that is going to present a challenge to Baltimore who are always keen to establish the run first and foremost. Having a Quarter Back like Lamar Jackson means they can design plays for him to make with his legs, which will give the Lions something else to think about, but the pressure will be on Jackson to try and make his plays to his inconsistent Receiving options.

Mark Andrews is still a big part of the corps, while Zay Flowers has flashed in his rookie season, but there is still some inconsistency in the drives and the Lions Secondary are good enough to stall some of those.

Both teams will have their moments in this one, but the slight lean has to be with the Baltimore Ravens back at home in a game that probably means a bit more to them than the Lions. There is still that feeling that Detroit are not as strong on the road and especially not outdoors and the Ravens might just be able to grind this one out with an important victory.

The Ravens were beaten in their last home game in an upset, but they will be very focused on Detroit considering the press clippings about the Lions and a strong Defensive effort can help the home team secure the victory and cover.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pick: The top of the NFC South is at stake in this Week 7 game after the New Orleans Saints fell below 0.500 following a disappointing defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football.

A tie cannot be completely dismissed, but the reality is that the winner of this game will finish on top of the competitive, albeit underwhelming Division.

Three losses in four games have dropped the Atlanta Falcons (3-3) into second place, but they are facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) who were well beaten at home last week by the qualities of the Detroit Lions. Both teams have questions at Quarter Back and the Falcons and Buccaneers will instead be relying on their strong Defensive units to give them a chance to win.

It was the Quarter Back play from Desmond Ridder that cost the Atlanta Falcons in their Week 6 defeat to the Washington Commanders and some are still suggesting that a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for Kirk Cousins should be explored. It does feel like Ridder is not going to be able to get the best of the talent Atlanta have on both sides of the ball, although Head Coach Arthur Smith feels there has been enough of an improvement in the passing game to still believe in the young Quarter Back.

The passing numbers have not looked too bad in recent games, but that is also because Desmond Ridder will get the ball out of his hands and have the skill players pick up yards after the catch. The Interceptions being thrown when pushing is a real concern for Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons and he will have to be careful in this one against the Buccaneers Secondary.

Desmond Ridder will be under pressure to make plays because the Falcons are unlikely to get a lot of change out of running the ball against this tough Tampa Bay Defensive Line. Bijan Robinson has looked every bit the Running Back the Falcons hoped they had Drafted, but his best work in this game is likely going to be as a Receiver coming out of the backfield, while Desmond Ridder does have Drake London and Kyle Pitts to make plays against an aggressive Buccaneers Secondary.

Running the ball efficiently has also been a problem for the Tampa Bay Offensive Line and, like the other side of the ball, the Defensive Line of the Falcons is expected to dominate the trenches. Clamping down on the run has been key for Atlanta, who are allowing just 20 points per game this season, and the improvement in all three levels of the Defense means it also going to be a real test for Baker Mayfield when throwing against this team.

Like his opposite number, Baker Mayfield does have some solid Receiving options that can make plays for him, while he has been given a bit more protection in the passing game compared with Desmond Ridder. That should help, but Mayfield has been a polarising figure since entering the Quarter Back and his performances have generally underwhelmed.

Facing an Atlanta Secondary that has allowed fewer than 190 passing yards on average in their last three games and likely out of third and long situations on the field is going to make life very hard for Baker Mayfield.

The Buccaneers have won three in a row at home against the Atlanta Falcons, but Tom Brady is no longer leading the Offense.

A Thursday Night Football game at the Buffalo Bills is coming up and Tampa Bay might be a little distracted, even in this Divisional game, so the situation is not ideal for the Buccaneers.

It is incredibly difficult to trust Desmond Ridder to avoid the backbreaking turnovers that have blighted him, but he does look like the Quarter Back that will have more spaces to exploit. The Falcons Defense can at least contain Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers Offensive weapons and that might give the narrow edge with the road team who can use the points being given to them to cover.

MY PICKS: Buffalo Bills - 7.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Baltimore Ravens - 3 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Atlanta Falcons + 2.5 Points @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Seattle Seahawks - 8 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Miami Dolphins + 3 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Week 6: 4-3, + 0.56 Units (7 Units Staked, + 8% Yield)

Week 5: 4-3-1, + 2.46 Units (10 Units Staked, + 24.60% Yield)

Week 4: 3-5, - 2.35 Units (8 Units Staked, - 29.38% Yield)

Week 3: 4-4, + 0.43 Units (9 Units Staked, + 4.78% Yield)

Week 2: 3-4-2, - 1.36 Units (12 Units Staked, - 11.33% Yield)

Week 1: 5-2, + 2.51 Units (7 Units Staked, + 35.86% Yield)

College Football Week 8 Picks 2022 (October 22nd)

It has been a tough season for the College Football Picks and there has been some frustration over the last couple of weeks.

There is still time to get things going in a positive direction, but a winning Week 8 is important.

Cincinnati Bearcats @ SMU Mustangs Pick: The American Athletic Conference has done away with Divisions for a couple of seasons, but that did not prevent them from finally sending a team to the College Football PlayOff last season. It is almost impossible to see a situation in which the Cincinnati Bearcats (5-1) will have another shot at making the PlayOff in 2022 having lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks in Week 1, but they have won five in a row since then and Head Coach Luke Fickell will know his first and main ambition of any season is winning the Conference Championship Game.

This is the third Conference Game of the season for the Bearcats who are playing after a Bye Week, but they have to remain focused and not think too far ahead to the important game against the UCF Knights coming up in Week 9.

After watching the SMU Mustangs (3-3) beat the Navy Midshipmen to move back to 1-1 in the Conference, I do think the Bearcats will be focused enough to make sure their winning run continues.

The Mustangs had lost three in a row before the win over Navy, but they have been piling up plenty of Offensive numbers even in those defeats. They were blown out by the UCF Knights largely because they lost the turnover battle, but the SMU Mustangs are dangerous and they will be highly motivated to end their three game losing run to the Bearcats.

Tanner Mordecai is the key for the Mustangs and the Quarter Back has played well this season having already produced more than 2000 passing yards, although he failed to record a Touchdown pass against the UCF Knights and was guilty of throwing an Interception. The Quarter Back was much better against the Navy Midshipmen, but it is going to be an issue for SMU if they are not able to find balance with their play-calling when they have the ball in their own hands.

Running the ball has been very difficult against the Cincinnati Bearcats though and so it does feel like Tanner Mordecai is going to have throw from third and long situations. I expect him to have some success, but this Cincinnati Secondary is playing well and that has been helped by the incredibly strong pass rush the American Athletic defending Champions have been able to generate up front.

Finding an Offensive balance looks much more likely to be achieved by the Bearcats who have used the Bye Week to help Ben Bryant return safely after suffering a concussion. The Quarter Back has taken over from Desmond Ridder this season and he has played well for Cincinnati having returned to the team having spent a year playing with the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

Unlike Tanner Mordecai, Ben Bryant will not feel largely responsible for keeping the chains moving because he is backed up by a strong running game that should be able to get the better of the SMU Defensive Line. Charles McClelland should be able to pick up from where left off before the Bye Week and keeping the Bearcats in third and manageable means the entire play-book remains open for Ben Bryant.

It also eases the pass rush when the run is an option and I do think that will give Ben Bryant enough time to hit the Mustangs in the Secondary and put the Cincinnati Bearcats in a strong position to win and cover on the road.

Interceptions have been an issue for the Bearcats when they take to the air, but the same has been holding back the Mustangs and the difference between the two teams could be the play of the Secondaries. It is an area where the Bearcats look to have the edge, while being able to lean on the ground attack should give them enough balance to win this one ahead of the big game against the UCF Knights.

The Bearcats have not always been the best road favourite to back, but this number looks just short enough to be able to back them here.

Both teams have some negative trends at the window to overcome, but the Cincinnati Bearcats are 4-1 against the spread in the last five between these teams and can extend that.

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Ohio State Buckeyes Pick: Players and Coaches have long memories in College Football and the NFL, although the turnover in the College game means there are unlikely to be anyone left that was on the roster in 2017 when these two teams last met. In 2017, the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-3) didn't just upset the Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) at home, but they absolutely crushed them as an Unranked team and the game has been the talk of the town as they prepare to face each other in Week 8.

That game was won by the Iowa Hawkeyes at home, and they had been 18 point underdogs on the day, but it is a completely different challenge for them heading to Columbus. For starters the Buckeyes were not an undefeated team in 2017, while, secondly, the Hawkeyes have looked completely out of sync Offensively and may struggle to score enough points to cover with a much bigger start on the handicap.

Iowa are just 1-2 in the Big Ten West this season and they are averaging just 14.7 points per game, which is a surprise when you think they have seven starters back from the team that averaged 23.4 points per game last season.

Moving the ball against the Buckeyes Defensive unit is going to be a huge challenge for the Hawkeyes who are struggling to run the ball or throw the ball with any consistency. They did give the Michigan Wolverines something to think about when facing them at home earlier this season, but that was largely down to a strong Defensive performance and I think the Hawkeyes are going to be reliant on that unit to keep them in this one at Ohio Stadium.

Ultimately I don't think anyone thinks the Hawkeyes are going to suddenly burst into life Offensively even with the Bye Week to try and sort things out.

However, there is a feeling that the Iowa Hawkeyes Defensive unit can at least give the Ohio State Buckeyes the most to think about since they scored 'only' 21 points in their Week 1 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Ohio State have scored at least 45 points in each of their next five wins, but the Hawkeyes have to have confidence in their Defensive unit to at least try and contain things.

They are facing a powerful Ohio State Offensive unit who have been led by Quarter Back CJ Stroud, but who have a huge amount of skill players ready to make the difference for them. The Buckeyes are well balanced on this side of the ball as they are capable of throwing the ball as well as running it and that presents a challenge to the Hawkeyes.

Iowa's Defensive Line have been able to clamp down on the run and they may feel they can get CJ Stroud throwing out of third and long on occasion, although the Quarter Back is well protected by his Offensive Line and likely to be throwing from a clean pocket. Even with that in mind, Stroud will be facing a Hawkeyes Secondary that have only allowed 154 passing yards per game this season and who have ball-hawking players that can make a big play or two to get the ball back to their Offensive unit.

Stopping the Buckeyes is clearly not going to happen, but the key to the outcome of this game for the Hawkeyes, especially against the spread, is whether they can make enough stops. I have to assume Iowa will struggle to score more than 14 points, but they can cover by keeping the Buckeyes below 44 points in that case and I think that is possible for this Defense.

Of course I've mentioned the fact that the Buckeyes have scored at least 45 points in five straight wins, but the Fighting Irish held them 21 points and this Iowa Hawkeyes Defensive unit is arguably the best the Ohio State Buckeyes would have faced this season. The home team are going to want to run up the score after Head Coach Ryan Day admitted the memories of 2017 still bother him, but the Hawkeyes have usually been well prepared on a rest and they can keep this game much more competitive than the layers believe it will be.

There is much to admire about the Buckeyes who will be targeting a spot in the College Football PlayOff, but the Hawkeyes are 5-1-1 against the spread in their last seven road games when playing a team with a winning home record and I think they can show enough pride to avoid the massive blowout.

Mississippi Rebels @ LSU Tigers Pick: The SEC was shaken up considerably last week when the Tennessee Volunteers ended a sixteen year wait to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nick Saban had not been beaten as Head Coach of the Crimson Tide against Tennessee, but that loss has opened things up for the other schools in the SEC West Division as well as the Conference as a whole.

The Mississippi Rebels (7-0) and LSU Tigers (5-2) are most likely to take advantage with the former being 3-0 in Conference play and the latter being 3-1. Both of those teams will be facing the Crimson Tide next month, but they can build some momentum by winning what is the biggest game of the week in the SEC.

The feeling is that we are about to learn all we need to know about the Rebels who have been good enough to take advantage of what can only be described as a kind schedule. The Week 7 win over the Auburn Tigers was impressive, but the Rebels have not been tested nearly as hard as the LSU Tigers who have also faced Auburn, but additionally Tennessee and the Florida Gators.

An early defeat to the Florida State Seminoles likely ends LSU's real chances of making the College Football PlayOff barring them running the table and other Conference Champions slipping up. It is a defeat that has not aged well, while Head Coach Brian Kelly was very disappointed in the effort and execution during the home blow out at the hands of the Volunteers two weeks ago.

His Tigers team struggled in all aspects of their Football that day, but looked much more at it when beating the Florida Gators last time out. That will be encouraging, although LSU have to find a way to show better balance Offensively if they are going to keep up with the Rebels in what could easily be a track meet in Baton Rouge.

Armoni Goodwin could return for LSU to try and bolster their rushing attack, but the Tigers Offensive Line have not been the most convincing whether it comes to run blocking or pass protection. They may have an opportunity to establish the run against the Mississippi Defensive Line, which has been guilty of allowing some big plays on the ground, but Brian Kelly will be the first to admit his team need more consistency.

If they cannot find that on the ground, the pressure will be on Quarter Back Jayden Daniels who has responded with 10 Touchdown passes and a single Interception this season. The dual-threat Daniels offers makes him a challenge to all Defenses that he faces, but the Rebels will feel they can crash the pocket with the pressure they have been able to generate whenever the Tigers are in third and long spots and that could see Mississippi just stall a few drives.

The Rebels look to have the superior balance of the two teams from the Offensive point of view and I do think Lane Kiffin's team will be able to run the ball to open up the passing lanes. In recent games, the Rebels Offensive Line have piled up the yards on the ground and it won't have been lost on them the amount of yards that Tennessee churned out on the ground in their win in this Stadium.

With the team likely to be moving the chains into third and manageable on the ground, Jaxson Dart should have time to either look to convert those with his legs or his arm from the Quarter Back position. Interceptions have been an issue for Dart this season, but he should have time in the pocket to try and exploit the holes that have opened up in the LSU Secondary in Conference play.

The LSU Tigers have dominated the recent head to head between these SEC West rivals and they are at home, but I do think the Mississippi Rebels match up very well with them. Playing in Baton Rouge has been hard work for the Rebels in recent visits, but I do think they are coming into this one with more confidence than usual and I do think the ground attack gives them the edge in a game that could come down to which of the teams have the ball last.

Mississippi have not been at their best as the road underdog in Lane Kiffin's two and a half years as Head Coach, but I can't help think that the Rebels should have been favoured like the Tennessee Volunteers were here. They may not be as good as Tennessee, but I think the balance on the Offensive side of the ball proves to be the key to the outcome and I will look for the the Rebels remain unbeaten.

Kansas State Wildcats @ TCU Horned Frogs Pick: After rallying from a big deficit and finally overcoming the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Overtime, the TCU Horned Frogs (6-0) are the last remaining unbeaten team in the Big 12 Conference. They are 3-0 within Conference play after that victory and they hold wins over both the Cowboys and the Oklahoma Sooners, although big tests remain beginning with this one at home.

The big question is how much the Overtime win in Week 7 has taken out of the TCU Horned Frogs, although they will be given a significant boost from the home crowd. They will need all of that against the Kansas State Wildcats (5-1) who are also 3-0 within the Big 12 and who had had a Bye Week to just rest a few tired legs and prepare for this hugely important Conference Game.

The Wildcats have already shown they can be road warriors with wins at the Oklahoma Sooners and Iowa State Cyclones, but their fate will be determined over the next four weeks. Following this game in Fort Worth, the Kansas State Wildcats have to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Texas Longhorns and Baylor Bears meaning they are facing four opponents with a combined 19-6 record.

Kansas State had actually been outgained by both Oklahoma and Texas Tech in terms of yardage before the narrow win over the Cyclones in Week 6 and that has to be a slight concern. Adrian Martinez has rejuvenated his College career with the Wildcats and the Quarter Back is going to be very important again, but it may be a more difficult test than it might have been if Kansas State are unable to move the ball on the ground as efficiently as they would like.

Keeping Adrian Martinez in third and manageable will allow the Quarter Back to attack the Secondary and also cool down an improving TCU pass rush, but the Horned Frogs Defensive Line have found a way to clamp down on the run up front. That will be key to the last unbeaten team in the Big 12 as they look to make the Wildcats one-dimensional and begin to stall drives by forcing Punts and Field Goals.

The Quarter Back is a dual-threat in this one and so the Horned Frogs will have to keep tabs on Adrian Martinez, but the home team will feel they can do enough to at least get the ball back in the hands of what has been a powerful Offensive unit.

Much like his opposite number, Max Duggan has felt rejuvenated at Quarter Back this season, one in which he started behind Chandler Morris. An injury meant an early change and Max Duggan has not looked back with efficiency throwing the ball leading to 16 Touchdown passes and a single Interception.

Max Duggan can move with his legs too, but he will be confident handing the ball to Kendre Miller and allowing the Running Back to make plays behind what has been a TCU Offensive Line matching pre-season expectations to be one of the best in the Conference. Some may say they have actually overachieved and been amongst the very best Offensive Lines in College Football when it comes to establishing the run and I do think the Wildcats are going to find it very difficult to stop the Horned Frogs from getting into third and manageable spots through this game.

That should only make things more comfortable for Max Duggan at Quarter Back and holes could open up considering the Wildcats have allowed almost 300 passing yards per game in their three Conference games. I would expect Duggan to have a very strong game and the Horned Frogs may be able to back up their big win last week by seeing off the team right below them in the Big 12 standings.

TCU do not have a good record at the window nor against the Kansas State Wildcats in recent seasons, but I think this Horned Frogs team is as good as there has been in Forth Worth over the last few years. They easily look the best team fielded since the Horned Frogs won eleven games in 2017 and I believe they will dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball to set the platform for success.

They have not been the best Conference favourite to back in recent times, and they have failed to cover in that spot in both situations this season, but I do think the TCU Horned Frogs can use the home crowd to push clear of the Kansas State Wildcats in the top Big 12 Conference Game set to be played in Week 8 of the 2022 season.

MY PICKS: Cincinnati Bearcats - 3 Points @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Iowa Hawkeyes + 30 Points @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Houston Cougars - 3 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

West Virginia Mountaineers + 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Mississippi Rebels + 1 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Stanford Cardinal - 2 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

South Carolina Gamecocks + 3 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

TCU Horned Frogs - 3.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Week 7: 2-5, - 3.18 Units (7 Units Staked, - 45.43% Yield)

Week 4: 4-8, - 4.31 Units (12 Units Staked, - 35.92% Yield)

Week 3: 5-3, + 1.64 Units (8 Units Staked, + 20.50% Yield)

Week 2: 3-5, - 2.33 Units (8 Units Staked, - 29.13% Yield)

NFL Week 7 Picks 2022 (October 20-24)

The last couple of weeks have been very difficult to absorb and it stings all the more when a backdoor cover just kicks you in the teeth while you are down.

I will update this thread with the totals before the Sunday NFL games in Week 7, but the Thursday Night Football pick can be read below with more to follow in the next two days.

New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals Pick: There have been upset after upset through the first six weeks of the NFL season and just a quick look through the Divisions shows how tight the majority of them are.

In saying that, this is an important Thursday Night Football game for two teams who have been underachieving through the first third of the 2022 season. Both the New Orleans Saints (2-4) and Arizona Cardinals (2-4) are two games below 0.500, but they are fortunate to be playing in Divisions where the leaders are only at 3-3.

That does mean an opportunity to turn things around is not yet beyond these teams, but there is going to feel like a massive difference between being 3-4 and 2-5 at the end of Week 7.

Injuries have really hurt both teams and key players are likely to be missing for both on Thursday Night Football when you consider the short week to get those out of action back on the playing field. The New Orleans Saints could be without their starting Quarter Back and two of their top three Receiving options, while they are also banged up in the Secondary, while the Arizona Cardinals lost Marquise Brown in Week 6.

One positive for the Cardinals is that DeAndre Hopkins is back, although the short week means limited time back in practice for the Wide Receiver having served his suspension. No one should doubt how important Hopkins has been to the Arizona Offensive unit, while the addition of Robbie Anderson in a trade from the Carolina Panthers is another boost, even if a short-term one.

The other positive for the Cardinals is that they may not need much of a boost on the Offensive side of the ball if the Defensive unit continues to play to the level they have been- they gave up 44 points to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, but Arizona have held their last five opponents to 23 points or fewer and are now playing a New Orleans Saints team that are likely without Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry.

Christian Olave is expected to suit up after missing the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, while Andy Dalton is a decent enough backup at Quarter Back. The big weapon for the New Orleans Saints is likely to be Alvin Kamara, although he may be more of a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield rather than on the ground considering how well the Cardinals have begun to clamp down on the run.

Last Sunday, Kenneth Walker III broke a big run against the Cardinals Defensive Line and Geno Smith proved to be a threat with his legs, but Arizona will feel they largely contained the Running Back and cannot expect Andy Dalton to have the same running threat as Smith.

The Arizona Secondary is playing pretty well too as they have gotten some solid pass rush pressure in recent games and I do think the absence of key Receivers will hold New Orleans back. The Saints may move the chains on some drives, but I do like the way the Cardinals could match up with them on this side of the ball and they can limit the scoring as they have done in recent games.

Once again the question will be on Kyler Murray and the Arizona Offense which has sputtered all season and averaged just 19 points per game. I do think the return of DeAndre Hopkins will certainly help, while the Saints Defensive Line have struggled to stop the run in recent games and that could mean another big game on the ground for Murray at Quarter Back.

The Cardinals are banged up at Running Back, but I do think they could establish a threat on the ground, especially with the Saints perhaps a little more way about the passing options that Kyler Murray has in this game. It is important to be able to at least offer a threat on the ground so the New Orleans pass rush can be eased a touch, while Murray should have considerable success throwing against this vulnerable Secondary as long as the team are in front of the chains.

This is the first meeting between the teams since New Orleans blew out Arizona in 2019, but I do think the Cardinals can win this time around, even if they are incredibly difficult to trust.

The main reason for that is that the Cardinals have lost an incredible eight home games in a row since opening the 2021 season 7-0 overall.

However, I do think this looks a good match up for Arizona and the short week cannot help the banged up New Orleans Saints. Thursday Night Football has not been good to the Saints when playing a non-Division opponent and they are 0-6 against the spread in the last six in that situation, and I do think the Cardinals are playing better than their results with the return of DeAndre Hopkins and arrival of Robbie Anderson expected to spark an Offense that may only need 20-24 points to win and cover.

It won't be pretty at times, but Arizona can snap their miserable run at State Farm Stadium and get back in amongst the top of the NFC West by joining their three rivals with three wins in the 2022 season.

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys Pick: After using their backup Quarter Back to win four games in a row, the Dallas Cowboys (4-2) are likely to have Dak Prescott back in the line up in Week 7 as they look to bounce back from the defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the strong record, the Cowboys were dropped into third place in the suddenly super-competitive NFC East behind the aforementioned unbeaten Eagles and the 5-1 New York Giants.

Two games at home against struggling NFC North teams should help the Cowboys get back on track and it should also mean that not too much is expected from Dak Prescott on his return to the team.

First up for the Cowboys is hosting the Detroit Lions (1-4) who were blown out in Week 5 before entering an early Bye Week. Head Coach Dan Campbell will have been pleased with the break as it gives his team a chance to try and get some players back from injury, although the Lions are still expected to be short-handed in areas across their units.

It is going to be a challenge for Jared Goff and the Lions Offensive unit who failed to score a single point in the blowout loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5. This week they are facing a Dallas Defensive unit that have played really well all season, and who may have a bit more time for recovery between drives assuming the Dallas Offense will be able to extend drives now they are expected to have more balance with their play-calling having replaced Cooper Rush with Prescott.

The Lions will try and establish the run to put the Offense in a strong position, but this Dallas Defensive Line have been very strong up front and they will look to clamp down on the rushing attack. It has been the key to unleashing a very strong pass rush, while the Dallas Secondary will believe they are capable of making the big plays to stall the Lions, even if Detroit will be much better than they were in their defeat to the New England Patriots.

Jared Goff will make some plays, but he has to be careful with the ball throwing against a Dallas Secondary that have found Interceptions as the pass rush has gotten home.

Running the ball is going to be the first ambition of the Dallas Cowboys too and I do think they are going to have more success than the Lions in this regard.

While the Offensive Line have been hit with injuries that have made things a bit more difficult, the Cowboys have two quality Running Backs and teams may not be able to load the box as much as they would do if Cooper Rush was behind Center. That should open things up a little more for both Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard, while the Detroit Defensive Line have not been able to slow down the rush prior to the Bye Week.

Protection should not be an issue for Dak Prescott with the team likely to be in front of the chains, but the big question for the Quarter Back is going to be how well his thumb has healed. As long as he is close to 100%, I do think Prescott will find holes to exploit in the Lions Secondary and the whole Dallas passing game should be much better.

I can understand the thinking in backing the Lions, who are well Coached under Dan Campbell and who would have irritated with the efforts in the defeat to the Patriots, while it is never easy for a returning Quarter Back to be at his best after a significant layoff.

However, I do think the Dallas Defensive unit can make the difference, while Prescott may not have to do too much to keep the chains moving. He is a big upgrade on Cooper Rush and I think that will open up the running lanes for the home team, which can set them on their way to a win by a Touchdown.

The Lions do have a very strong 9-1 record against the spread when playing with time to prepare and the Dallas Cowboys are not always the best home favourite to back. However, they did cover in that spot against the Washington Commanders this season and I do think the Dallas Cowboys will be very focused in trying to secure back to back home wins before the Bye Week as they try and keep pace in a surprisingly good Division.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins Pick: Injuries are always the biggest issues for NFL teams to overcome in the long regular season and those have certainly played their part in the Miami Dolphins (3-3) three game losing run. After an incredibly positive start to the season, Tua Tagovailoa took a huge hit early in the Thursday Night Football game at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 and the Dolphins have not been able to win a game in his absence.

Some of the players will be wondering how that remained the case after dominating the Minnesota Vikings at home in Week 6, but they do have their starting Quarter Back in the line up for this Sunday Night Football game and I think that is a huge boost for the Dolphins.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 to remain in touch in the AFC North, but it has been a difficult season for Mike Tomlin and his men. The Head Coach will struggle to avoid his first losing season, especially as the Steelers are banged up on the Defensive unit and relying on a rookie at Quarter Back to spark their year.

Kenny Pickett has not performed badly and he has some seriously good Receiving weapons, but the last Quarter Back class coming out of the Draft has not really been one that has many thinking franchise Quarter Back. The Steelers Quarter Back was the first to be selected in the position, but the expectations are being managed in Pittsburgh and Pickett is seen as a complete work in progress.

There is still a chance that Mitchell Trubisky will have to suit up for the Steelers with Kenny Pickett going through the concussion protocol, but the latter is trending in the right direction. Regardless, it is going to be difficult for the Steelers to really believe they are going to find a consistent Offensive game plan and that is mainly down to the fact that they are struggling to run the ball, and thus placing a lot of pressure on the Quarter Back to get things moving.

The Dolphins Defensive Line have actually played the run pretty well in recent games and they are generating a bit more of a pass rush so the feeling is that they can get into the Steelers on this side of the ball. That combination up front has also seen the Secondary improve their numbers in recent games and I do think Miami are ready to bounce back on primetime this week.

Having Tua Tagovailoa back is a boost, although Teddy Bridgewater came in and played well last week after Miami opened the loss to the Minnesota Vikings with Skylar Thompson behind Center. The Interceptions proved costly on the day, but Tua Tagovailoa has looked after the ball pretty well in his three and a bit games played this season and I do think the Quarter Back has a very good match up on his return against a banged up Steelers Secondary.

In his absence, the Dolphins have also been able to generate a bit more of a rushing crease to their Offense and that can only make things a touch more comfortable for their returning Quarter Back. Of course the Steelers are never easy to run the ball against, but the issues in the Secondary might mean things are a touch more open up front.

Even with extra men in coverage, the Steelers are giving up a huge amount of yards in the air, while TJ Watt's absence continues to be felt when it comes to generating a consistent pass rush.

I do think Tua Tagovailoa will have enough time to find his strong Receiving corps and I think the Miami Dolphins can win big as they snap their three game losing run.

Miami have been very good as the home team going back to last season, while the upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be difficult for the road team to back up with continued uncertainty about their Offensive efforts.

MY PICKS: Arizona Cardinals - 2.5 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (2 Units)

Dallas Cowboys - 6.5 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Indianapolis Colts + 2.5 Points @ 2.05 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 13 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (2 Units)

Cincinnati Bengals - 6.5 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Las Vegas Raiders - 6.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Seattle Seahawks + 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Miami Dolphins - 7.5 Points @ 2.00 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Weekend Football and Fantasy Football GameWeek 9 Picks 2021 (October 22-24)

Another hugely entertaining week in the Champions League has been placed in the books, but it hasn't been great news for those playing the Fantasy Premier League game.

In GameWeek 9, the Premier League will have another Friday night fixture and that means the deadline for the Fantasy game is at 6:30pm on Friday afternoon. It is something to keep in mind as players will likely be scrambling to make decisions to cover up for the injuries that have occurred during the week.

Arsenal v Aston Villa Pick: The short turnaround between the Monday night Premier League game and the Friday night fixture at the Emirates Stadium is far from ideal for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team. They will have had a lot less time than Aston Villa to prepare for the game, but Arsenal may have a little momentum having scored very late in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

That is still a result where Arsenal will feel they have dropped points, but they have been showing some positive signs in recent home games. A lack of goals has been a slight concern, but Arsenal have now managed 5 goals in the last 2 Premier League games at the Emirates Stadium and they are going up against an Aston Villa defence which has looked incredibly vulnerable.

It was a vulnerability that was clear to see in Aston Villa's 2-3 home loss to Wolves last Saturday and they also gave up some big chances to Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-1 defeat in North London earlier this month. Unsurprisingly this is a team that has created chances of their own going forward, but Aston Villa may not have it easy at an Arsenal team that have shown some sign of improvement from the early season form.

Aston Villa did the League double over Arsenal last season, but they are both fixtures in which Mikel Arteta will feel his team were hard done by.

The first goal is going to be important in this game with two teams that can lack some confidence, but I do think home advantage is going to be key for Arsenal. They have been much more positive performances in both the attacking the defensive third in recent games at the Emirates Stadium in favour of Arsenal and they will feel this opponent is one that will struggle to contain the chances.

Before the defeat a little under twelve months ago, Arsenal had won 3 in a row at home against Aston Villa and the belief is that they are playing the slightly more consistent football of the two teams. It won't come easy, but Arsenal may have just enough to secure a vital three points to keep the progression moving in a positive direction.

Chelsea v Norwich City Pick: Thomas Tuchel had made it clear that he wanted to see more from his team from an attacking point of view and he would have been much happier after the 4-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

However, the injuries suffered by Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner is a blow for Chelsea and both are expected to sit out this weekend. It will mean Kai Havertz is likely going to lead the line, but the German international scored during the week and he is more than capable of doing that for Chelsea.

They are also fortunate to be facing a Norwich City team that have struggled for goals since being promoted to the Premier League. The Canaries have yet to score away from Carrow Road, although the positives for the manager is that Norwich City have kept clean sheets in their last couple of League fixtures played.

Those have come against Burnley and Brighton and it will be much tougher to contain Chelsea, even with a couple of key forwards likely to miss out. Chelsea have been pretty effective getting forward at Stamford Bridge and they have scored at least three goals in 4 of their 7 games played here this season.

Chelsea have beaten the likes of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Southampton here in the Premier League and they should be too good for Norwich City. I do think the manager will be demanding his team focus defensively to make sure they don't offer Norwich City much hope and the feeling is that the home team will be able to win this fixture with a clean sheet.

In the away games played this season, Norwich City have not really generated a huge attacking threat. Set pieces may be their best route to success in this one, but Chelsea are a solid team and well organised as they showed in their battling win at Brentford last Saturday.

It is unlikely that Norwich City will pose the same kind of threat as Brentford did and I think Chelsea should be able to secure a win to nil in this one.

Crystal Palace v Newcastle United Pick: Steve Bruce might not be the greatest manager of all time, but he should have been afforded a lot more respect from the Newcastle United faithful considering his success in keeping them in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons. The former Manchester United Captain has managed to do that despite being given very little financial support from the previous owner, but the fans have tired of Bruce and the inevitable Sacking was confirmed by the new owners this week.

It will be interesting to see how the players react to the news considering they will no longer have Steve Bruce as a shield for their own sub-par performances. Individual mistakes and poor decisions have hurt Newcastle United and that was evident again in the 2-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.

The squad does look healthier going into this fixture and Graeme Jones has enough familiarity with the players to give Newcastle United a chance of a first victory of the season. They are a group that can be underestimated, but Newcastle United have pace and quality in the final third that will make them dangerous while a new manager is head-hunted.

A new ownership has spoken about taking Newcastle United to the pinnacle of English Football, but relegation is not going to be part of the plan. That means there is pressure on the players with a January transfer window fast approaching, but they have shown little to believe the current squad is good enough to get out of trouble.

Games like this are winnable ones, but Crystal Palace will feel the same and this is a squad that looks to be enjoying their football under a new manager. Patrick Vieira might feel his team deserve a lot more points than they currently have on the board, but the football has been encouraging and they look capable of getting forward and scoring goals.

Mistakes have been costly for Crystal Palace so far and has led to some dropped points, but they have been scoring plenty of goals and this team love playing at Selhurst Park. The first goal is going to be important, but Crystal Palace have shown enough to believe they are going to be moving up the League table sooner than later, especially with a good looking fixture list coming up, beginning with this game.

I think you can make a reasonable case for both teams in this fixture, but Crystal Palace look to be playing with a confidence that is at a higher level than Newcastle United. Patrick Vieira's team are unbeaten at home in the League and they have created enough chances in those games to believe they could have earned more than a single win.

If The Eagles can get off to a flying start, they might be able to overwhelm the Newcastle United players who have uncertainty around their futures at the club. Last season Newcastle United did win here, but Crystal Palace can bounce back this time around and I think they can find a way to earn a victory.

Everton v Watford Pick: Until Newcastle United appoint a new manager, there will be rumours linking Rafael Benitez to the job at St James' Park and that is neither good for the manager, nor for his Everton team. I don't think that played a part in the 0-1 defeat to West Ham United last Sunday, but more questions will be asked if Everton are to drop points against Watford this Saturday.

Injuries are a bigger problem for Everton who are going to be without another key player this weekend with Abdoulaye Doucoure set for some time on the sidelines. The former Watford midfielder has had a big impact for Everton this season with a new role given to him, and his absence will be a blow for a team that could be without both of their first choice attacking players.

Everton showed they still have enough depth to beat struggling teams when they saw off Norwich City here last month and they are a clear favourite to beat Watford.

Claudio Ranieri will have another week to prepare his squad having only recently taken charge of Watford, but the 0-5 home loss to Liverpool shows how much work has to be done. His squad were badly outplayed in a narrow loss at Leeds United earlier this month, but Ranieri is likely to make Watford a little more organised and a little more stubborn.

That is if he gets the time he will likely need, but this Watford ownership has shown little patience in their time at the helm of the club. I am not sure Claudio Ranieri is really the right choice to get Watford moving up the standings either and they are a team that have given up some huge chances in recent games.

If Watford can frustrate Everton, they could get the fans to just make it a difficult atmosphere for the home players to express themselves. That may be the game plan, but Everton have shown enough at Goodison Park to believe they will find the goals to edge to the three points as they recover from the last setback on the previous Sunday.

Everton have shown they are still able to create chances without key performers in the line up and I think they will get the better of a Watford team that have considerable work to do if they are to get up to par defensively.

Leeds United v Wolves Pick: A couple of key players will be returning for Leeds United this weekend and they will need Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha to try and inspire the rest of the squad to put some consistency behind their performances and results.

Moving away from the bottom three as soon as possible will just ease any growing tensions that this second season the top flight is going to be a remarkably difficult one. There were some expectations of Leeds United to kick on from the 2020/21 campaign, but they have struggled for consistency and Marcelo Bielsa will want his team to start turning things around.

The fixture list does look kinder in the weeks ahead, but Leeds United cannot take anything for granted and will have to work hard to put the points on the board.

Wolves are the visitors to Elland Road this Saturday and they have done enough to suggest they are going to cause some major problems for Leeds United. Last Saturday Wolves came from 2-0 down to earn a deserved 2-3 win at Aston Villa and that is only going to give the entire squad a boost in confidence ahead of this next away game.

Bruno Lage has come in as manager and has promised to make Wolves a more attacking outfit and so far he has been rewarded with some strong performances. The club are moving in the right direction in the standings and Wolves will be confident with 4 away wins in succession behind them.

They have been scoring goals and creating chances in those games, but the more adventurous approach has left Wolves a little more open at the back. Those spaces have been exploited by teams at times over the last month, and Leeds United have enough quality to believe they can do the same here.

Both Premier League games were low-scoring ones between these clubs last season, but there were plenty of chances on display in both fixtures. Better finishing will make this a more entertaining game for those looking for goals and I do think there will be at least three shared out between the teams on the day.

My narrow edge is with Leeds United with Phillips and Raphinha likely to start, but Wolves will not be easy to see off and can play their part in what could be one of the more entertaining games in the League over this weekend.

Southampton v Burnley Pick: A narrow, but deserved, win over Leeds United means there are only three Premier League teams that are still searching for a win after Southampton's victory last weekend.

They created plenty of chances and Southampton were able to secure a 1-0 victory, although it does mean they have only scored twice at home all season. Adam Armstrong was taken out of the starting line up to try and reinvigorate the starting eleven and his replacement scored the winner last Saturday.

It will be encouraging for all associated with Southampton and they are strong favourites to secure another three points at St Mary's this weekend. However, you do have to wonder if the team have enough goals in the squad and I certainly think it gives Burnley a chance to spring a surprise.

Burnley were able to avoid their annual hammering at Manchester City last Saturday, and it was arguably their best performance against that club in a long time. They created some chances, but Burnley have not looked themselves from a defensive point of view and they have now conceded at least twice in all of their away Premier League games played this season.

That puts pressure on them up the other end of the field, but Burnley have looked a little more capable than Southampton in finding a consistent avenue to goal. Burnley have not scored in 3 of their last 4 Premier League games, but they have had a tough fixture list and Sean Dyche will be encouraged by the 2-2 away draw at Leicester City.

Last season Burnley blew a 0-2 lead here in a 3-2 defeat, but prior to that they had won 2 of 3 at Southampton. I think this fixture will be close and the first goal is going to be important, but Burnley look like they are capable of at least containing Southampton considering the struggles Ralph Hasenhuttl's team have had in putting the finishing touches to their football.

Southampton might struggle to score more than once in this fixture and that should mean Burnley have every chance of avoiding defeat. There has been some inconsistent performances from both of these teams, but The Saints look plenty short here.

Brighton v Manchester City Pick: When the fixture list was released in June, not many would have predicted this to be a match between two clubs occupying top four spots in the Premier League table.

4th placed Brighton will be hosting 3rd placed Manchester City at the Amex Stadium in front of the television cameras, but it is a big ask for the hosts to beat the defending Champions.

Graham Potter has to be very pleased with what he has seen from his Brighton team over the last two months, but the recent results have just seen the progress slowing. They needed an injury time goal to earn a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace and Brighton have followed up with back to back goalless draws with Arsenal and Norwich City.

Now they have to take a big step up in terms of level of opposition and Brighton will have to be better at both ends of the field if they are going to earn a positive result. They did beat Manchester City here in May, but Brighton were 0-2 down and had been playing a team reduced to ten men for over 80 minutes.

Barring something like that happening again, Manchester City should have too much for Brighton here. Like their hosts, Manchester City have been relatively strong defensively, but the difference is that they have shown a real cutting edge in recent games that could see them secure the maximum points.

Manchester City have enjoyed playing Brighton knowing their opponent will be trying to get the ball down and play their own football. Ultimately it is Pep Guardiola's team who have the superior players that can fashion the big openings and Manchester City have secured some comfortable wins over Brighton since the latter returned to the top flight.

The neutrals should enjoy the football on display, but Manchester City should have the quality at both ends of the field to wear down Brighton and secure a good looking win here.

Brentford v Leicester City Pick: This game has been pushed back to Sunday because of Leicester City's participation in the Europa League, but they have had an additional day to prepare with their Match Day 3 fixture moved to a Wednesday.

Leicester City are travelling back from Moscow so will need that time, but this is a confident team having scored eight goals in wins over Manchester United and Spartak Moscow. The chances being created in those wins are highly encouraging for Brendan Rodgers and the entire squad should be playing with more confidence.

Scoring goals has not really been a problem for Leicester City who have managed to hit the back of the net at least twice in 6 of their last 8 games in all competitions. They have also scored in their last 11 away Premier League games and will be encouraged by some of the chances that the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal have managed to create at this Stadium.

However, Brendan Rodgers had not been overseeing a lot of wins of late and that is largely because of the injuries that have decimated his first choice defensive options. They might be flying in the final third, but Leicester City have needed all of that attacking threat and that is because they have been struggling for clean sheets.

While scoring in 11 away Premier League games in succession, Leicester City have conceded in all of those games too. The Foxes have conceded at least twice in 6 of their last 8 games in all competitions as well and Brentford have shown an attacking threat that makes it feel like they are going to cause plenty of problems here.

Better finishing and a less inspired Edouard Mendy would have resulted in Brentford earning a positive result against Chelsea last weekend. They have enjoyed playing teams that may give it a go and Brentford have scored at least two goals when hosting Arsenal and Liverpool here, and I do expect the team to play with a positive attitude in this one too.

Leicester City did win here 1-3 in the FA Cup last season and I am expecting goals in this one too. Both teams should hit the back of the net, or at least have plenty of chances to do that, and I think the attacking instincts of the two managers will mean at least three goals are shared out on Sunday afternoon.

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur Pick: There is no love lost between these London rivals and both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur fans will be going into the fixture with some confidence in their own team.

Despite some of the negative headlines, Tottenham Hotspur are as high as 5th in the Premier League table. They are still a work in progress under a new manager and Tottenham Hotspur have had some inconsistent performances throughout this season, but the 2-3 win at Newcastle United has moved them back into the top five.

West Ham United also had an important away win in the Premier League last Sunday and they are also moving up the standings. Unlike Spurs, West Ham United won a European tie on Thursday and David Moyes clearly has faith in his squad that secured the win over Genk with some key players earning rest.

They have played well for much of this season and West Ham United continue to be a dangerous team going forward. David Moyes will be pleased with the back to back clean sheets since the October international break, but they have not always looked secure in their defensive third so West Ham United will need to be efficient in their attacks.

I expect them to cause problems for Tottenham Hotspur who have been conceding plenty of away goals. The win at St James' Park will be encouraging, but Tottenham Hotspur are still finding their way under Nuno Espirito Santo and some of their attacking performances have been underwhelming.

Tottenham Hotspur have quality in the attacking areas that can't be dismissed, but I do think West Ham United can back up the win they had over this rival last season.

My one concern with West Ham United is the fact they have lost both Premier League games played after playing in the Europa League. Both defeats came at the London Stadium as West Ham United conceded in the final few minutes to Manchester United and Brentford, but they played well enough to deserve more in both games.

That is encouraging enough to think West Ham United can be on the right side of the Asian Handicap and I do think the favourite can edge to the victory in this live game.

Manchester United v Liverpool Pick: This remains the biggest game in English Football and the world will be tuning in when Manchester United host Liverpool in a huge game for both clubs.

Both are coming in off impressive 3-2 Champions League wins during the week, although they were earned in different ways. Manchester United had to show some resiliency and a huge belief to overturn a 0-2 deficit in the win over Atalanta at Old Trafford, while Liverpool blew a 0-2 lead at Atletico Madrid before rallying for a 2-3 victory of their own.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has just eased some of the pressure that has been building on him, but he isn't out of the woods just yet and Manchester United need a big performance for the manager. They can't afford to allow Liverpool to get into the kind of lead that Atalanta were given on Wednesday and Manchester United have to find a balance that makes them more solid defensively, while also bringing an attacking intensity to the field.

Manchester United should have some success going forward because Liverpool have not really convinced at the back. Atletico Madrid created solid chances against them and Brentford did the same in a recent Premier League game and I do think Manchester United are capable of causing problems, especially at Old Trafford with the fans behind them.

The worry for Manchester United has to be the amount of goals Liverpool have been scoring and especially with the really weak defensive performances of the last week. Liverpool have scored at least three times in 8 away games in a row and they have arguably the top player in the world in their ranks.

Mohamed Salah scored the fourth goal in Liverpool's 2-4 win at Old Trafford in May and I do think they are going to be very dangerous going forward in this one. There may be some issues at the back, but Liverpool have options in attacking areas and all three of their main forwards are in good form and should be well rested for the late Sunday afternoon kick off.

After the pressure that has been on Manchester United, you wouldn't write them off from upsetting many and beating Liverpool here. However, it is hard to imagine either of these teams winning this game without needing to score at least twice considering what we have seen from both at the back.

Both teams have scored in 7 of the last 8 between the clubs at Old Trafford and I do think that is likely going to be the outcome of this one. Neither manager will be overly content to take a point before kick off though and I think an attacking game will be the outcome with both managers likely to believe that going forward and scoring goals will cover some of the defensive vulnerabilities that have been on display.

Neutrals are likely to enjoy the game a lot more than the fans who have to deal with a different kind of tension. I would not be surprised if this is the third game in a row between Manchester United and Liverpool that ends with three or more goals produced and that feels the obvious angle considering how open both have been in defensive areas.

MY PICKS: Arsenal to Win

Chelsea Win to Nil

Crystal Palace to Win

Everton & Over 1.5 Goals

Leeds United-Wolves Over 2.5 Goals

Burnley + 0.5 Asian Handicap

Manchester City - 1.25 Asian Handicap

Brentford-Leicester City Over 2.5 Goals

West Ham United - 0.25 Asian Handicap

Manchester United-Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals

Fantasy Football GameWeek 9

One of the main reasons that most long-term fantasy managers will tell you that shouldn't be planning too many transfers too far ahead is because you just never know when the injury bug will come in and hurt your squad.

The fixtures coming up for Chelsea meant most were going to be looking to double or, more likely, treble up with players from Thomas Tuchel's squad. Back to back wins this week will have only strengthened that, but I always wait towards the end of the week to make transfers and it is a policy that will have paid off.

My transfer this week was going to be used on removing Cristiano Ronaldo and replacing him with Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian player and Timo Werner have both suffered injuries in Chelsea's win over Malmo on Wednesday. Both are expected to not only miss this week, but they could be out right through to the November international break and that means it is a transfer I am obviously no longer considering.

Injuries can change some plans, but it may open the door for other players to become fantasy options and the player who could most benefit is Kai Havertz.

The German international has not really been as involved as he would have liked for Chelsea in the early part of the 2021/22 season, especially after scoring the winning goal for the club in the Champions League Final at the end of the last campaign. However, Kai Havertz did manage to get on the scoreboard in the win over Malmo when coming on as a substitute and a midfield player in the Fantasy Premier League game is almost certainly going to be leading the line for Chelsea with games against Norwich City, Newcastle United and Burnley to come.

Kai Havertz can be a little inconsistent, but he should have every chance of securing some important points over the next three GameWeeks and my moves over the last month does mean I have the chance to upgrade one of my midfield options for the Chelsea player.

First I am going to be listening to the Thomas Tuchel press conference to get a feeling as to how long Lukaku and Werner could potentially be missing, but Havertz is an option as I have been looking to move on Said Benrahma.

West Ham United have a tough fixture list coming up so I am not keen on doubling up on their squad and still feel Michail Antonio is the key player for them from the underlying numbers. My initial plan was to remove Benrahma and once again bring in Bryan Mbeumo who has settled into the Premier League with Brentford.

The Bees are beginning to create a lot of chances and I do love how they use Mbeumo, but this may be a player that I look to target in GW10 rather than this week. I have yet to take a hit this season so that is a potential avenue to bringing him into my squad, but I will have a real think about whether that is going to be plan that brings in a return this week or whether it should be something I wait on.

I think those decisions will come down to the wire for me, but I am pretty happy with the shape of my squad going into GW9 so I am not sure I need to take the hit to bring in a player unless I feel it is going to be a long-term selection. The Brentford assets feel they can be longer-term picks, but I think the large part of the squad looks to be in decent shape.

The Captain choice is perhaps the hardest decision.

Going with my head the easiest selection has to be Mohamed Salah considering his form, his performances against the bigger teams he has opposed, and the fact that Manchester United look really messy at the back. Before the Romelu Lukaku injury I think he would have been the player I would have transferred in and given him the armband, especially as I hate Captaining anyone playing against Manchester United.

Realistically Salah is the best choice at the moment and I think he is someone you can set as Captain and leave on current form. It seemingly doesn't matter who Liverpool are playing and Mohamed Salah is also on Penalties.

His only real rivals this week for the armband would be Raphinha or Cristiano Ronaldo from my squad, although a more risky decision would be to give it to either of the Chelsea defenders I have or possibly even Joao Cancelo.

I am not in a position where I need to take unnecessary risks right now, but I have to make peace with my decision in the hours leading up to the deadline. Looking at the way I am going to set my team up ahead, I do think a hit could be the right move, but you can see my final decision and starting eleven at around 645pm on Friday.