With the playoffs looming large, @marcasbrennan is here to tell us where we should part with our Christmas coppers in week 16 of the NFL.
Green Bay Packers to win by 1-6 points @ 4/1
I've been impressed by the toughness and ruthlessness of the Green Bay Packers of late. They have won three in a row now and there is no doubt their confidence is up as they enter the desert in Arizona. Yes, the teams they defeated in that run all have losing records but I have been impressed with their defence having only conceded 50 points in three games. Arizona are favourites and deservedly so but let’s not forget that the Packers are still in a fight to win the NFC North and have arguably the best quarterback in the league under centre. This game will be close and it would not surprise me to see Aaron Rodgers lead his team to a last minute winning drive and the 4/1 looks good value.
Over 51.5 points in Jacksonville Jaguars v New Orleans Saints game @ 10/11
52 points might be a lot for some people but this is two sides playing indoors with high flying offences facing terrible defences. Both teams’ strengths lie in their passing units while both of their weaknesses lie in their secondaries and the inability to defend the pass. Yes, this has all the hallmarks of an end of season, high octane, let's forget about defence type of game and play some schoolyard football. Both quarterbacks love airing it out and have offences that can be hard to contain once on a roll with all indications pointing to a 30-27 victory for somebody.
Eric Decker over 75.5 receiving yards @ 5/6
Decker has been a star in 2015 and blossomed in the current Jets offence. Despite the fact the Jets are hosting the 12-2 New England Patriots I have a feeling this will be a tight contest with Todd Bowles' men certainly keeping strides with their AFC east rivals. The Patriots excel at defending the deep ball and generally force teams into short intermediate passes and balls thrown into the middle of the field where it becomes much easier for line backers and safeties to make interceptions. This will mean plenty of passes thrown in the direction of Decker who is an excellent route runner and can also line up in the slot which I have a feeling we will see much more of tonight. Brandon Marshall will remain a target outside the numbers but the short safe throws to Decker will certainly be a feature of tonight's matchup.
Doug Martin over 87.5 rushing yards @ 5/6
When it comes to tipping player props Doug Martin has been my kryptonite. Every time I fail to select him, he has a huge outing and on the odd occasion his name ends up on these pages he has an off day or the Buccaneers ask him to take up blocking duty. However, the diminutive back is in the hunt for the rushing title and Lovie Smith has already hinted that he will give Martin as many opportunities as possible of capturing the accolade. This bodes well for our bet and the fact that he takes on a Bears outfit who have given up over 1700 yards to opposing runners is also a huge incentive. 87.5 is a high number but if the Buccanears stick to their promise, then Martin will receive 20 plus carries and will have every opportunity of posting a good total.
Kansas City Chiefs -10.5 @ 10/11
The Chiefs have been excellent in the latter half of the season and are a real force to be reckoned with on home turf. This week they welcome the abysmal Cleveland Browns to Kansas City and they look certain for another double digit victory. Andy Reid's men cannot afford another slip up with the chase for the wild card spots extremely competitive and this does not bode well for the Browns who are playing on the road for the second consecutive week.
