NFL Kicks off with Seahawks win

[bennythedip2]

Impressive start for Seahawks

Reigning Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks laid down a big marker for the defence of their title as they hammered the Green Bay Packers 36-16 in the NFL season-opener.

Seattle Seahawks kicked off the season by thrashing another of this year's favourites the Green Bay Packers 36-16.

Seattle Seahawks kicked off the season by thrashing another of this year's favourites the Green Bay Packers 36-16.

The Packers are fancied by many to make a tilt for the crown themselves this season but on the night they unveiled their championship banner, the Seahawks showed they have not lost any of their edge in the off-season.

Marshawn Lynch ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns with Russell Wilson throwing two passes into the end zone for the rampant hosts.

Things had looked good for the Packers when John Kuhn charged over from three yards in the first quarter but by the time Aaron Rodgers found Randall Cobb for their second score it was too little too late.

The Seahawks are aiming to become the first back-to-back Super Bowl champions since New England in the 2003 and 2004 – and they will certainly be in the end of season mix if they can keep playing like this.

The Seattle defence strangled the life out of the Packers, limiting them to just 80 rushing yards and registering three sacks.

Rodgers did complete 23-of-33 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, but he was also picked off once by Byron Maxwell.

Wilson, on the other hand, connected with Ricardo Lockette and Derrick Coleman for touchdowns as he completed 19-of-28 passes for 191 yards for the Seahawks.

A 33-yard pass found Lockette to give Seattle a second quarter lead, while he found Coleman from 15 yards late on.

Led by Lynch, the Seahawks also registered 207 yards rushing – with Percy Harvin (41 yards), Wilson (29) and Robert Turbin (27) also making inroads.

[bennythedip2]

Steam in with the mighty Quinn By: David John (SL)


Robert Quinn to rack up the most sacks is among David John's best bets among the NFL's player markets this season.

2pts Julio Jones for most receiving yards at 12/1

1pt e.w. Keenan Allen for most receiving yards at 40/1

1pt e.w. Michael Floyd for most receiving yards at 80/1

1pt e.w Andrew Luck for most passing yards at 28/1

1pt e.w. Eddie Lacy for most rushing yards at 16/1

1pt e.w. Mark Ingram for most rushing yards at 175/1

3pts Robert Quinn for most sacks at 8/1

2pts Brandin Cooks to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year at 17/2

Two seasons ago I suggested backing Julio Jones to get in the thick of the action at 18/1 for most receiving yards in the NFL and the Atlanta wideout finished just outside the top 10 with 1,198 yards.

The time looks right again to go back in on the Alabama standout at a reduced pricew of 12/1 but the omens are in place to suggest he could be the man to claim the crown this time around.

As I have said on numerous occasions in the past, injuries can scupper the most promising of this type of bet in a heartbeat and Jones has been no stranger to the treatment room.

He began last year with 41 catches for 480 yards through five games but a lingering foot problem resurfaced at the most inopportune moment - as usual - and season-ending surgery was the only solution.

Jones being sidelined was one of a number of issues to hit the Falcons as they limped to a dismal 4-12 record but he and opposite number Roddy White are both back to full fitness so there is reason for the fans in Georgia to feel far more optimistic.

Head coach Mike Smith has wisely been careful with Jones duing the off-season and heading into training camp and given him time to test the foot out thoroughly.

The results have been extremely good and that has meant Jones being able to get back in the groove during pre-season games, rounding off with two catches for 63 yards against the Titans which included a 52-yard catch and toucdown run that highlighted his rare combination of strength and speed at the position.

He admitted afterwards that he stil had a little rust to shake off but the bottom line is that Jones looks right on course for a huge season with the potential for his numbers to go through the roof.

The second season in the NFL can be tricky for a wide receiver, particularly one who has made a positive impact as a rookie, with defensive co-ordinators able to study a year's worth of film in a bid to nullify their play-making ability.

The element of surprise has gone so only the really gifted can make that leap to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump and I am prepared to take a chance on San Diego's Keenan Allen being able to make the necessary improvement.

Allen led all rookies in 2013 with 71 receptions on the way to amassing a creditable 1,046 yards as he helped the Chargers back into the play-offs.

His campaign ended with defeat in the divisional round at AFC West rivals Denver but he more than showed he was a player for the big occasion as he hauled in six catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

I just get the impression Allen is no flash in the pan and will be moving in an upward direction again this season.

He has an offensively-minded head coach in Mike McCoy and a strong-armed quarterback in Philip Rivers who has never been afraid to unleash the deep ball - something he did to better effect last year with McCoy at the helm.

Check out Sky Bet's specials ahead of Super Bowl XLIX!

To compliment Allen, I suggest going into bat in the market with Arizona's Michael Floyd at 80/1.

Plenty of good judges expect this to be his breakout year and I am pretty much inclined to agree despite his big price.

Larry Fitzgerald has been the man in Phoenix for a decade now but Floyd surpassed his team-mate in receiving yards last year - 1,041 to 954 - from 22 less targets.

The Cards have a tough schedule and reside in the ultimate Grouo of Death - the NFC West - while some still see quarterback Carson Palmer as too flawed to get the most out of his receiving options.

But I was quietly impressed with the way he finished last season while his touchdown-to-interception ratio (24-22) is rather skewed by a rash of the latter early on in the campaign.

Floyd has the physicality to thrive in this league against any defense so look for Palmer to get him the ball to him as often as possible and takes over the mantle of the team's bona fide number one from Fitzgerald.

I have to admit that my favourite bet this year among all the player-based markets is St Louis defensive end Robert Quinn to register the most sacks at 8/1.

The product of North Carolina's college programme, Quinn enters his fourth season in the league and certainly supports the theory that the modern-day NFL player is getting bigger, stronger and faster.

At 6-4 and 264lbs, Quinn can match tremendous strength with a startling quickness off the ball which led to 19 sacks last season - just one-half behind leader Robert Mathis.

The latter has to serve a four-game NFL ban and more likely threats to the title will be JJ Watt, Greg Hardy and Justin Houston but Quinn is more than capable of holding off that trio if you consider a number of other important factors.

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher has spoken of Quinn's willingness to improve with work in the film room to help pick up the nuances of his position while co-ordinator Gregg Williams - responsible for the Saints ultra-aggressive defensive unit on their run to Super Bowl glory - should be able to cook up a whole host of plays to help Quinn get to the quarterback.

"One would probably think he (Quinn) would have better numbers than last year," observed Fisher and Michael Strahan's single season record of 22.5 sacks could potentially be toppled by the selection.

The market for most passing yards remains tough to crack with a host of elite names like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Tom Brady heading towards the latter stages of their career but still difficult to dislodge from the top end of the charts.

But I am going to take a punt at 28/1 on Andrew Luck at Indianapolis from the next generation at the position making the breakthrough and challenging those established veteran names.

Luck has perhaps as much as any player to live up to since entering the league as a former number one draft pick tasked with following in the footsteps of Manning as the face of the Colts franchise.

His current back-up Matt Hasselbeck on the one hand claims it is unfair for one player to experience such pressure but at the same time is in awe of how Luck relishes the challenge - and is prepared to take on more.

Luck's numbers may have dipped last year but the penny seems to have dropped with offensive co-ordinator Pep Hamilton - get the ball in the hands of his quarterback and move away from a stodgy run game.

Luck has Reggie Wayne and Dwayne Allen both healthy again, Hakeem Nicks added to the mix with something to prove while burner TY Hilton provides a dangerous deep threat downfield.

We have seen Luck's amazing leadership qualities and the ability to rally his team from various precarious positions but 2014 could well be the year when his passing stats flourish and he joins the upper echelon in his craft.

My two for the rushing yards title are Eddie Lacy and Mark Ingram.

Minnesota's Adrian Peterson still looks the primary back in the league when healthy but Lacy can emerge as a legitimate challenger in his second season.

Coaches have been purring about his performances throughout summer and the robust performer out of Alabama seems to have little in the way of weaknesses with an ability to run, block and catch passes.

He has the potential for much more improvement and plays on a Green Bay team well known for its offensive prowess and used to scoring points behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

With the latter healthy again, the Packers will be hoping to stamp their authroity more readily on the NFC North and Lacy can play a significant role.

Ingram plays on a New Orleans team also well regarded on offense but has struggled over the first three season's of his career and looked at times like a first-round bust.

But he enters a contract year confident and motivated and has really turned some heads over the summer.

He started to show some signs of better to come towards the tail end of last season and into a short play-off run and with no Darren Sproles in the Big Easy anymore, he has the chance to lay claims to the lead back role ahead of Khiry Robinson.

Someone else seems to feel the same way as the 200/1 put up by Hills has been slashed in half so we will have to settle for 175/1, which remains more than generous.

Last but not least, those angling for a punt on top offensive rookie should give Ingram's new team-mate Brandin Cooks a whirl at 17/2.

Cooks is fresh out of Oregon State University and has made a real impression on the Saints already with his attitude and ability to pick up the new system he will be working in.

You get the feeling he wants to be a great in the game and his electrifying speed should be seen to tremendous effect with Drew Brees pulling the strings under centre.

Cooks should be ready to contribute from game one and can justify Sean Payton's decision to move up April's draft and snare his services.

Sammy Watkins also caught the eye in this market but he has been dinged up with a rib injury in pre-season while second-season Buffalo quarterback EJ Manuel does not look to have progressed - Watkins could struggle to get the ball in his hands on a regular basis.

[bennythedip2]

Crabtree to celebrate homecoming By: David John (SL)


San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree can make an impact back in Dallas with a touchdown on Sunday in the NFL.

Recommended:

3pts Tampa Bay to beat Carolina

3pts Michael Crabtree to score a TD anytime v Dallas

New England at Miami (1800BST)

Sky's coverage on Sunday kicks-off in South Florida in the AFC East as the Patriots look to continue their domination in the division following five straight titles.

That said, the Dolphins will obviously be attempting to bridge the gap this season with it looking very much like crunch time for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Tannehil has suffered behind a disjointed offensive line for the most of the time he has been in the league - he was sacked another 58 times in 2013 - and the men paid to protect him still look to be a work in progress with Pro Bowl centre Mike Pouncey unavailable at the moment following summer hip surgery.

There is some upside this with Bill Lazor arriving in Miami as offensive co-ordinator and his influence could certainly help Tannehill get moving in the right direction bearing in mind Lazor's good work in developing Philadelphia's Nick Foles.

It is also hoped as well some chemistry finally develoips between quarterback and number one wide receiver Mike Wallace. They apparently hooked up for a couple of long receptions during practice this week but it counts for real now and some sort of productivity is well overdue.

New England got into the game as four-point favourites boosted by the news that oft-injured elite tight end Rob Gronkowski is ready to go. A huge match-up issue for any defense, Gronk was limited to just two catches for 27 yards in this fixture last season but one or two absentees from the hosts' defense is going to make a repeat of that tough.

Darelle Revis and Brandon Browner are quality additions this season to the Patriots defense in a bid to shore up the seconday as they try and make it eight wins out out nine against the Dolphins - but the latter did come out on top in their latest encounter as mentioned above back in December.

I expect the class of the division to prevail though once more but a couple of better bets elsewhere this weekend mean I shall keep the powder dry.

Verdict: Miami 17 New England 24


San Francisco at Dallas (2125BST)

There does seem to be a bit of a difference of opinion depending on who you listen to as to how the Cowboys will fare this season.

An 8-8 record for three consecutive seasons rather masks the level of talent on this team - particulalrly on offense - and one or two more favourable plays when it mattered could well have seen them make a couple of appearances in the post-season.

But head coach Jason Garrett remains under close scrutiny despite owner Jerry Jones' claims otherwise and he is among the market leaders to be the first in his position to get the bullett. So some early wins are going to be key.

But a defense that was little short of shambloic last year could actually be even worse with team captain Sean Lee already on Injured Reserve while DeMarcus Ware has taken his pass rushing skills up to Denver.

But if those who remain can rally to the cause and give Tony Romo, (returns from back surgery) Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray on the other side of the ball some support then a surprise or two could be in the offing.

They face a stern early test against a 49ers side perennially in the play-offs although they have had one or two off-field distractions themselves to cope with as the season approaches which will see defensive standouts Aldon Smith and potentially Ray McDonald missing on Sunday.

On a more positive note, quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been rewarded with a lucrative new contract and his dynamic, athletic approach to the position should see him improve further.

My angle in on this game involves Kapernick's favourite target Michael Crabtree.

He may have come off second best to Seattle's Richard Sherman in the NFC Championship game but remains one of the best players at his position and enters the new campaign in good health - almost.

He has suffered an 11th hour tweak to a calf muscle but fully expects to play - hugely important for the Dallas native as head coach Jim Harbaugh described this game as "a big deal" to him.

This will be his first time he plays competitively in Arlington and there are going to be lots of friends and family in attendance which should make the occasion one he rises to.

He looks a very good option to score a touchdown anytime.

Verdict: Dallas 21 San Francisco 27

Best of the Rest:

Tampa Bay host last season's NFC South winners Carolina and the latter look worth taking on against a new-look Buccaneers.

Lovie Smith has taken over has head coach and he teams up again with his old ally from Chicago Josh McCown, who has been been given a shot as starting quarterback rather than being a back-up at the Bears. He certainly deserves a crack after recording 13 touchdowns to just one interception in relief of the injured Jay Cutler.

The Panthers are predicted in most quarters to regress somewhat after last year. They have manged to retain their fearsome front seven on defense - which ranked second to the Seahawks - but it is on offense where they could face problems.

Their quarterback Cam Newton has had ankle surgery while he is also battling a rib problem in the lead-up to a game where he goes into battle with a new set of receivers following the exit of Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr.

So Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery step in to fill the void and they will hardly have defenses quaking as a tandem of veteran possession receivers.

Punters seemed to have caught on to the deficiences of the Panthers as Tampa have been well supported but they still look worth an interest for the win at 4/6 in a lowish-scoring encounter.

[bennythedip2]

Falcons and Broncos net wins .. September 8 2014, 8:40 BST

A review of Sunday's action in the NFL as Atlanta beat New Orleans and Denver held off a strong fightback from the Colts.


Matt Bryant inspired the Atlanta Falcons to a 37-34 win over the New Orleans Saints in overtime on Sunday.

Bryant kicked a 51-yard field goal in the final play of regulation time and then nailed one from a yard further out to get the Falcons' NFL campaign off to a winning start.

The Pittsburgh Steelers held off a Cleveland Browns fightback to clinch a 30-27 success, Shaun Suisham booting a 41-yard field goal at the death.

The Browns battled back from 27-3 down at half-time to draw level at 27-27, helped largely by quarterback Brian Hoyer, but they could not complete the job.

The Buffalo Bills shocked the Chicago Bears 23-20 thanks to Fred Jackson's run and Dan Carpenter's 27-yard field goal in overtime.

The Minnesota Vikings' new-look defence laid the foundation for their crushing 34-6 win over the St Louis Rams.

Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Bengals saw off the Baltimore Ravens 23-16, the New York Jets edged out the Oakland Raiders 19-14 and the Houston Texans defeated the Washington Redskins 17-6.

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-17, the Miami Dolphins were 33-20 winners over the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans claimed a 26-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Denver Broncos held off a strong fightback from the Indianapolis Colts to get their season off to a winning start.

The Broncos last competitive outing was the 43-8 drubbing by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl but led by Peyton Manning, who threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns, they overcame the Colts 31 24.

Denver had led 24-0 during the second quarter before the Colts hit their stride but they managed to keep the visitors at bay.

Vernon Davis was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes from Colin Kaepernick as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Dallas Cowboys 28-17 while Derek Anderson threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns as the Carolina Panthers overcame the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-14.