NFL
NFL week 4 preview: NFL returns to London
After a thrilling three weeks of opening fixtures, the NFL returns this week for the fourth week of action including a blockbuster matchup in London between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints.
Across the pond, the Superbowl favourites Buffalo are taking on Baltimore in what will be a tightly contested game.
We preview the best of the action below.
Minnesota shaping up for victory across the pond
The Minnesota Vikings won a very tight game last week against an up-and-coming Detroit, just about making up for their game the week prior against Philadelphia. They will head into this game the favourites at 20/29.
Minnesota have won two of their three fixtures so far and can’t afford to give away many turnovers this weekend. A player to watch will be Dalvin Cook, Minnesota’s running back, who had a strong game last week averaging 5.6 yards per carry, running for 96 yards in total.
New Orleans won’t have the genuine home advantage playing in London and won’t be entirely confident after a shaky start to the season which has seen them lose two and win one. They head into this game after losing to a struggling North Carolina last weekend.
New Orleans are the underdogs at 5/4 to clinch a victory. Their quarterback Jameis Winston has struggled with giving up picks this season – as he has throughout his career – and star running back Alvin Kamara could also be considered a questionable choice to start.
Overall, this will be an exciting game from start to finish, and the British fans will be out in full force. The scales seem to be leaning in favour of Minnesota, however anything can happen on the day and this will be a thoroughly enjoyable game no matter how it plays out.
Check out the latest betting offers at William Hill
Buffalo looking to bounce back from defeat
Buffalo Bills are the strong favourites ahead of this weekend, which is no surprise considering they are the current favourites to win the Super Bowl at 4/1. They will be seeking vengeance this weekend after a narrow defeat to the Miami Dolphins last week.
That defeat meant it’s two wins and one defeat so far this season and they head into this fixture the 10/17 favourite. Buffalo has a high-powered offence and lead the league in pass yards per attempt but have a couple of questionable selections with tight end Dawson Knox and wide receiver Gabe Davis.
The conditions look to be light rain, and this would favour a strong run game, a speciality of Baltimore, who had Lamar Jackson run 107 yards during last week’s game alone. Although Buffalo have increased their defensive prowess against the run from previous years, it is still an area of weakness for them, and Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman will look to capitalise.
Baltimore Ravens are also two wins to one loss so far and are priced at 6/4 as the underdogs. They will be looking to carry on their momentum from last weekends comfortable victory against New England but may be discouraged by the recent injury of Harrison Smith, the safety who will be out of this weekends action due to concussion protocol.
This match is shaping up to be a belter with both teams to score at least three touchdowns priced at 6/5.
