Nat Coombs' NFL Week 14 Tips Including Bears @ Packers
We are well and truly at the business end of the NFL season with just five weekends remaining before the play-offs begin.
The New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears are top of their respective conferences, but will they stay there after the conclusion of Week 14's action?
Nat Coombs, who will be a part of TalkSPORT 2's coverage on Sunday night, has three more tips for this weekend's action, using the latest odds from BetMGM.
Nat Coombs' NFL Week 14 Tips:
- Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 1: Bears (+6.5) @ Packers - 9/10 With BetMGM
- Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 2: Eagles (-2.5) Vs Chargers - 9/10 With BetMGM
- Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 3: Saints @ Buccaneers: Over 41 Points - 41/50 With BetMGM
Bears @ Packers: Underdog Chicago To Cover
Almost every year in the NFL, a team emerges with an impressive record, but very little championship credibility.
This year, in the most congested of races, the Chicago Bears appear to be the (not so) proud owners of that mantle, sitting in the number one spot in the NFC with a 9-3 record.
However, 13 teams are ahead of them in terms of outright Super Bowl market on NFL betting sites. So why are Chicago not being taken seriously?
Mainly, the answer is quarterback Caleb Williams. He’s the sophomore quarterback, who has shown flashes of X-factor and top-tier ability - often when ducking and weaving his way out of danger to extend plays.
GAME NOTES:
Bears defense leads the NFL with 13 picks
Packers offense ranked 2nd with just 3 INTs thrown
Despite this, Williams' core output is underwhelming and he seems to have accuracy issues.
His 58.1% completion percentages is one of the worst among all starting quarterbacks, but there’s more to his struggles, and those of the Bears' passing game than meets the superficial eye.
As the superb writer Doug Farrar pointed out recently, the complexity of head coach Ben Johnson’s offense is inevitably going to take time to bed in.
This is especially true when needing a young quarterback - and receiving corps who have had a fair few drops and missteps - to get their collective heads around it all.
GAME NOTES:
Bears have scored points in 10 of their last 11 quarters
Packers have scored points in 10 of their last 11 quarters
But who needs an aerial attack when Chicago possesses one of the hottest ground games going? I think they are being disrespected by the market once again.
They were my favourite pick on my podcast last week and I’m going back to the well, and back the Bears to hold this to under a touchdown.
Nat's Selection 1: Bears (+6.5) @ Packers - 9/10 With BetMGM
Eagles @ Chargers: Philly To Win On The Road
The emerging Kimani Vidal, who is leading the Chargers rushing attack following an injury to Omarion Hampton, will look to double down on his big game against the Las Vegas Raiders last time out.
Vidal ran for 126 yards at 5.0 yards per clip against the Raiders and LA may need to rely heavily on him with enduring injury concerns surrounding quarterback Justin Herbert.
Herbert had surgery on his non-throwing hand and is listed as questionable at the time of writing, which may mean Trey Lance gets some action.
Philly are under the typical fire they seem to sustain most seasons.
GAME NOTES:
Chargers are 5-2 in home games this season
Eagles are 4-2 in road games this season
Last year, they suffered all kinds of shots about their dysfunctional offense misfiring, only to go on and win the Super Bowl.
Whatever the issues Jalen Hurts and co are facing, their defense has held up well for the most part.
They held the Detroit Lions and Packers to single digits respectively in the last month, so once again, talk of their demise is wildly premature.
Nat's Selection 2: Eagles (-2.5) Vs Chargers - 9/10 With BetMGM
Saints @ Buccaneers: Offenses On Top
The divisional dust-up between New Orleans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers has extra spice added, given the two-way scrap the Bucs have with the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South title race.
The Saints were always going to struggle this season, but there are signs of promise, with quarterback Tyler Shough improving every week and he is building a strong connection with wide receiver Chris Olave.
Running back Bucky Irving shone on his return last week for the Bucs, and they may have receiver Mike Evans back for Sunday's game.
GAME NOTES:
Saints have not scored 1st quarter TD in last 8 games
Bucs have given up just one 1st quarter TD in last 6 games
That would give banged-up quarterback Baker Mayfield a much-needed helping hand.
The trio of Evans, Godwin and receiver Emeka Egbuka is as good as any in the league, so I expect Tampa Bay to hum, even with Mayfield's shoulder issues.
In turn, the scrappy Saints can land a few blows, so with a low total set on betting apps, I’m taking the over.
Nat's Selection 3: Saints @ Buccaneers: Over 41 Points - 41/50 With BetMGM
Nat's Week 14 treble pays out around 11/2 With BetMGM.
Which bet do you like in the NFL this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
