New Orleans could bring Baltimore back down to earth

Matches from 6pm Sunday

Best bet
New Orleans +3

Baltimore stopped Tennessee from registering a point last week, a performance that has fuelled optimism in Maryland, but the Ravens could be brought back down to earth against the Saints.

Not conceding a score to the team with the third-lowest average number of points per match is one thing, but Baltimore need to keep in check an offence who are at the other end of the scale.

While the Titans average 14.6 points per match, the Saints have scored a total of 180 points in their five matches and veteran quarterback Drew Brees has been showing no signs of age catching up with him, guiding his team to a 43-19 win over Washington before last week's bye.

Their passing game excels and we can expect their rushing offence to increase their productivity now that Mark Ingram has returned from suspension.

Baltimore have conceded more than 14 points just once in their six matches and it will not be an easy trip for the Saints, but they represent the toughest test the Ravens have faced to date and the prolific scorers from Louisiana are equipped to stay in touch with their hosts.

Next best
Miami +3.5

While revelling in the fact they have picked up eye-catching victories against Green Bay and New England under new coach Matt Patricia, Detroit will know they have not been consistent this season and victory at Miami is no given.

Both of those notable successes came at Ford Field and Detroit have won just one of their last six matches on the road, so it will be no easy task for them in South Florida.

The Dolphins won a thriller against Chicago last week and replacement quarterback Brock Osweiler deputised well for the injured Ryan Tannehill, throwing four touchdown passes and 415 yards in the 31-28 success.

Miami started the season with victories over Tennessee, the New York Jets and Oakland before falling to losses against New England and Cincinnati undid much of that work.

However, they have lost five of their last six matches at the Hard Rock Stadium and they are capable of staying within a field goal against their hit-and-miss visitors.

Best points bet
Over 16.5 Buffalo points

Buffalo are the lowest scorers in the NFL with an average of just 12.6 points per match, but they should be confident of eclipsing that tally at Indianapolis.

The Bills will be without injured quarterback Josh Allen and have elected to go with the experienced Derek Anderson, the former Carolina back-up, who should be an upgrade on Nathan Peterman, who has struggled with interceptions whenever he has been fielded.

Anderson comes up against a team who have leaked an average of 30 points per game this season - their latest loss being a 42-34 reverse at the New York Jets - and while the return of quarterback Andrew Luck has been a boost for the Colts, they have won just once this season and remain uncompetitive because they concede so many points.

It was not much better last season when they conceded an average of 25.2 points per game so as unproductive as the Bills are, 17 points should not prove beyond them.

Best player bet
Chris Godwin to score a touchdown

Tampa Bay have put up some decent offensive performances against some of the league's leading lights, scoring at least 27 points against New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Atlanta.

Second-year wide receiver Chris Godwin has played a full part in that, scoring four touchdowns in five matches, and there is a decent chance he will be heavily involved again against Cleveland.

The Browns' star rookie cornerback Denzel Ward is likely to have his hands full dealing with the Bucs' biggest threat Mike Evans, and that could provide the former Penn State wideout to continue his excellent run.

Recommendations
New Orleans +3
2pts 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes, Sky Bet
Miami +3.5
1pt 17-20 bet365
Over 16.5 Buffalo points
2pts 5-6 bet365
C Godwin to score a touchdown
1pt 15-8 Betfair

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