NFL
NFL Week 13 Preview: 49ers to shut down Dolphins winning streak?
Following a thrilling set of fixtures last weekend, the NFL returns this weekend with some tantalising week 13 match ups. Initially, we head over to the Levi’s Stadium for the Miami Dolphins against the San Francisco 49ers, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles welcoming the Tennessee Titans.
We preview the best of the action below.
Miami Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are on a four-game winning streak after their defensive masterclass over the New Orleans Saints, which saw them score 13 points and concede none. Although it was not the most entertaining game, it reiterated the 49ers place as the best defensive team in the league.
Kyle Shanahan’s squad will start as the 1/2 favourites and -4 in the spread. It’s fair to say that the Dolphins will be a worthy challenge for this 49ers squad, but with the form their quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is in, they should be up to task. The team are still sitting at the top of their NFC West group with seven wins to four losses thus far.
The Miami Dolphins likewise head into this game on terrific form, having bettered the Houston Texans last weekend 30-15 at home. This victory extended their winning streak to five games, with a season record of 8-3 at the top of the highly competitive AFC East table.
Similarly to his opposite man, Garoppolo, Tua Tagovailoa has had a terrific season as the Dolphins quarterback. This season so far he has thrown 19 touchdown passes for just three interceptions, despite having missed two games. He will no doubt play a critical role in the 7/4 Dolphins side if they are to clinch a victory over the rock-solid 49ers on the road this weekend.
This game also has a somewhat personal feel to it with several Dolphins players having been at the 49ers previously including their head coach Mike McDaniel who served as Shanahan’s direct assistant for five seasons. It is expected to be a high scoring affair with the over/under at 46.5 (10/11), so no matter who comes out on top this looks set to be an entertaining match up.
Check out the latest betting odds at William Hill
Tennessee Titans @ Philadelphia Eagles
In another AFC versus NFC clash, the Tennessee Titans will head over to the Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Titans will be the 2/1 underdogs at kick-off, after a home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals exposed some holes in their game.
Mike Vrabel’s side are now 7-4 this season, but still remain at the top of their AFC South table having tightened up since week 2’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, only allowing 15.9 points per game since.
Much like the previous game previewed, there is a lot of personal business on the line with former Eagles defence coordinator Jim Schwartz being the Titans senior defence assistant. Even more personally, former Titan A.J. Brown still tweets about not having been paid by the side, so there’s no doubt Brown will be keen to make his mark against his former teammates.
The Eagles have the best record of any team in the NFL so far this season, only having been bettered once. The 10-1 side are favourites heading out in front of their home crowd, with William Hill pricing them at 5/12 or -5 in the spread.
The Eagles also come into this game off the back of a high scoring 40-33 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Running back Miles Sanders was instrumental in that win, personally bagging 143 yards and two touchdowns. Questions still remain about Jordan Davis’ return from injury, however the Eagles seem to have done alright without him so far!
Before you rush to place your bets on the Eagles, it’s important to bear in mind that the Titans are tied for the best against the spread record this season at 8-3, and since Vrabel joined in 2018, the Titans are 22-16 as underdogs, the best record in the NFL during that timeframe.
It will be interesting to see how this game shapes up, especially given the odds of both teams to score two touchdowns is at 10/17. Don’t be surprised if we see the Eagles extend their impressive record, but also remember not to count out the Titans under Vrabel.
