NFL nut Louis Ross (@LouisRoss67) shares his expert opinion on the best bets available from another exciting Red-Zone Sunday.
New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns | Sunday 18:00 | Sky Sports
The 2-2 Jets visit the 0-4 Browns in what looks a dreadful game on paper. There may be a lack of quality football on show this evening but there are plenty of tasty betting opportunities in a game that all major bookmakers are finding hard to call.
New York started the season in many eyes as team 32 of 32. Could they even win a game? I personally didn't think they would but they fully deserved the W against both Miami and Jacksonville. The Defence has not exactly played lights out but has provided a good enough base for them to win games without the offence having to put big points on the board.
The last time these two met has formed the basis of my picks today, as well as the team's current form. The Jets came away with a 31-28 win but what catches my eye is how they did that and it was the ground game which they have relied on for many years. Matt Forte came away with 82 yards and a pair of scores, whilst Bilal Powell went for 76 yards on just six carries and a touchdown.
Powell had a stellar game last Sunday against the Jags including the longest TD run in Jets history and against a weaker front seven, this week should be able to carry that good form over. I like his chances of scoring and 13/8 is a very tasty price. I will back the Jets with Ladbrokes and a half point handicap at odds against.
Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Giants | Sunday 18:00 | Sky Sports
It's a New York-themed piece this week. I have to admit I really liked the Giants at the start of the season with their stellar defence. I may have got that slightly wrong. Defending the run, the Giants were 3rd best in the NFL in 2016. That's now a best of 28th. They could be in trouble if Melvin Gordon gets going in this one.
However, there is a reason why both of these teams have so far failed to win a game thus far and for the Chargers it's a lot to do with Philip Rivers who is turning the ball over with alarming regularity. Injuries, as usual, have taken a toll on Rivers and his offensive line. In fact, LA/San Diego have seen the last 3 season destroyed by this curse. In some ways, they are extremely unlucky, but when it comes down to it they have had plenty of chances to win games which they have failed to take.
I accept a lot of you will find it difficult to back the Giants. In my eyes, they should and could have been 2-2 rather than matching LA with a 0-4 start. I am convinced that changes today. Last second defeats to Field Goals in Philadelphia and Tampa is reasonably good form and I am taking them to come through this test and finally kick-start their season.
Best Bets
New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns – New York Jets -0.5 (21/20 Ladbrokes)
New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns – Bilal Powell anytime touchdown (13/8 Bet365)
Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Giants – New York Giants -3 (10/11 Bet365)
