NFL
NFL week 14 preview: Vikings to secure NFC North title?
The NFL returns this weekend with another heavily anticipated slate of fixtures. The seemingly unstoppable Philadelphia Eagles are taking the action to the New York Giants in an NFC East clash, followed by another in-form team, the Minnesota Vikings, visiting the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
We preview the best of the action below.
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants
The Philadelphia Eagles have been in stellar form so far this season, currently 11-1 after 12 played which is the best record of any team so far. They come into this game as the 1/3 favourites or -7 in the spread.
Last weekend saw them decimate the Tennessee Titans with a 35-10 victory, which will no doubt put them in good stead ahead of a big weekend on the road. Jalen Hurts proved to be the most valuable player on the field, throwing three incredible touchdown passes despite having played as a runner just the week before – demonstrating a truly athletic ability to adapt to the position he plays.
The New York Giants come into this match following a battling 20-20 draw to the Washington Commanders, although to Giants fans and players, it no doubt felt like a loss. Quarterback Daniel Jones was among those who expressed his disappointment post-match.
This unlikely draw brings the Giants to 7-4-1 this season, although they are tied best in the league this season for the best record against the spread at 9-3, only matched by with the Cincinnati Bengals. Will they be able to beat the spread again (+7) as the 5/2 underdogs?
Head coach Brian Daboll has the Giants playing the best they have in years, but will it be enough to stop the seemingly unstoppable Eagles? No matter who wins, this is set to be an action-packed game, with the over/under at 45.5 points (10/11).
Check out the latest betting odds at William Hill
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Next up we have a clash in the NFC North division. The Minnesota Vikings are currently at the top of the table with 10 wins and just two losses, however critics claim that their record is flattering on their performances.
The Vikings come off a win last week over the New York Jets, which marks nine wins from their last 10 played. They will kick off as the EVS underdogs despite their supposedly far superior record this season. On the road they are 4-1 this season so they may fancy their chances at +1 at Ford Field.
There really is just a coin flip separating these two teams, in what should be an electric divisional matchup. The Detroit Lions come into this on the back of four wins from their last five games, and head coach Dan Campbell has stated how important this game was.
The Lions are currently 5-7 this season and are somewhat surprisingly the favourites heading into this divisional clash at 5/6 and -1 in the spread. Their last outing saw them better the Jacksonville Jaguars 40-14, with Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown gaining 114 yards and two touchdowns.
For the Vikings, a win here would secure them the NFC North title, whereas for the Lions it would put them back in the wildcard picture, so both teams will no doubt come out all guns blazing. It is expected to be touchdowns galore with both teams to score 3 touchdowns priced at 5/2.
