Sunday’s meeting between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints has the potential to be a classic matchup, with one of the best offensive teams meeting one of the best defensive organisations.
The defending Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs, are still arguably the best team in the NFL, while New Orleans are looking to prove they belong on the same level in the NFC.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees has missed the last four games after suffering 11 broken ribs and a lung injury in November after the game against San Francisco 49ers, but he is set to start in what will be a huge boost for the Super Bowl hopefuls.
New Orleans have kept a 3-1 record since Brees’ injury, with Taysom Hill filling in. Brees’ return is still massive to their chances of winning however, with his experience vital to their locker room.
The Saints are still fighting it out with the Green Bay Packers for the No.1 seed in the NFC, and they cannot afford to slip up if they are to get a first-round bye.
The Chiefs are 12-1 ahead of Sunday’s tie, and while they have every chance of winning, Brees’ return could have a huge bearing on the outcome.
Backing the Saints with a +3 handicap looks to be the smart bet at 50/57, with Sean Payton’s side finally back to full strength after a tough few weeks.
Young Hoping to Inspire Washington
The Washington Football Team have turned a corner in recent weeks, going from a record of 2-7 to top of the NFC East.
Ron Rivera’s team have benefitted from Chase Young’s form, with the defensive end already being compared to NFL icons such as Von Miller and Julius Peppers.
Washington look like they could reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015, with their defence ranked in the top 10 of every major category.
Seattle Seahawks are the number two ranked scoring offence in the NFL, but this is Washington’s chance to flex their muscles, and the +6.5 handicap at 25/27 is worth considering in what should be an entertaining battle.
Dolphins to End Patriots’ Hopes
The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots will meet at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, and the game is a must-win for the latter.
Bill Belichick’s troops are 6-7, while Miami have the superior record at 8-5. Consistency has been a real issue for the Patriots, with quarterback Cam Newton only showing flashes of brilliance.
New England may have won the first meeting between the pair, but their run game should struggle more this time around. The Dolphins are on the up, and they are currently going to finish in the playoffs as it stands. They will be doing all they can to hold onto that, and a Dolphins win is 10/13.
*All odds correct at time of writing.