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The Scout: NFL Week 18

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) lost the AFC top seed last week by their upset loss to the Bengals while the Denver Broncos (7-9) are ending their season in a poor run of form, losing three straight matches.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have a chance of knocking the Titans off the number one seed and it starts with beating the Broncos. Kansas have already blown out Denver earlier this season with a 22-9 score line and Mahomes is 9-0 against the Bronco’s across his career.

Denver’s quarterback position is uncertain as Drew Lock has injured his shoulder in last weeks loss to the Chargers. To add to the misery, Teddy Bridgewater is suffering from a concussion, and it is unsure whether he will be cleared to start.

It’s imperative for Kansas that they go into the playoffs off the back of some confidence building victories and this matchup against Denver is the perfect opportunity. With extreme uncertainty in the quarterback slot for the Bronco’s we will see Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs with plenty of time on the field and they will put up a big score.

Suggested Bet: Chiefs -11 (Line) @ $1.91*

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys (11-5) have won four of their last five and are coming into the playoffs in fantastic form while the Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) are rolling winning six of their last seven matches.

It’s an interesting position for the Cowboys as they do not have much to play for as the Packers have already clinched the number one seed in the NFC. It could be a tactical move for Dallas to rest their key players on both the offensive and defensive end of the field in preparation for the playoffs.

Philadelphia have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL in recent months and after winning six of their last seven games, they managed to clinch an NFC wild-card spot. A big part of this success has been the Eagles shift in offensive strategy as they are now a run-first offense that is leading the league in rushing yards per game (160.8).

Regardless of whether Dallas rest players or not, the offensive of the Eagles will frustrate their defense as they are more effective at generating pass-rush pressure and creating turnovers in the air. The Eagles will continue to run the ball and will find success, with the Cowboys having little to play for, I think Philadelphia will do enough to win this one.

Suggested Bet: Eagles WIN @ $2.70

LA Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers (9-7) and Las Vegas Raiders (9-7) have a simple equation in front of them this week, win and make the playoffs – lose and you are out of contention.

For the Charger’s they will be coming into this match confident off the back of their 34-13 victory over the Bronco’s last week. Los Angeles welcomed back Justin Herbert who was back to his best against Denver, and he will look forward to stepping up in arguably his most important match of his career.

The Raiders have grinded all season to be able to potentially win a wild-card berth however there are many concerns around the team and their inconsistent performances. Despite being on a three-game winning streak, the Raiders victories came against a coronavirus depleted Browns, an average Bronco’s side, and a struggling Colts outfit.

Justin Herbert will take advantage of the Las Vegas defense that has already struggled to stop him in their Week 4 meeting which saw Herbert throw for 222 yards and three touchdowns. The Raiders have allowed over 240 passing yards in five instances this season and have struggled all season to stop the pass game of their opponents. All eyes will be on Herbert as he carries his team to victory and into the playoffs.

Suggested Bet: Chargers -3.5 (Line) @ $1.91*

*Odds correct as at 12pm, 7th January 2021.

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