NFL Week 5 Preview: Vikings’ recovery hopes and improving Browns
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Odds and key storylines on the Gridiron action
The NFL action ramps up this weekend, with a number of intriguing clashes across the AFC and NFC.
Plenty of eyes are on the Minnesota Vikings, who are looking to recover after their recent slump. Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns are finally showing signs of recovery after a very difficult period.
Ahead of the key clashes, the Coral News Team look at the big talking points…
Can shellshocked Vikings get back on track?
Minnesota were on the receiving end of one of the biggest shocks in recent NFL history in Week 3. The Bills had begun the season with successive losses, losing their first two games by a combined 55 points.
But Sean McDermott’s side produced a comfortable victory over the Vikings in Minneapolis, winning 27-6 – and only conceding in the fourth quarter.
Following another loss – this time 38-31 at Los Angeles Rams – they need to pick up very quickly. Especially so with this year’s NFC North boasting impressive Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers sides.
This weekend sees the Vikings travel to Philadelphia Eagles. The Super Bowl holders are 2-2 this season, and having gone to overtime in Tennessee last time out, they could be wearied.
This fixture has generally been close, with two victories apiece in the last four head-to-heads. It’s 29/20 with Coral for a Vikings win.
Can in-form Mayfield and Hyde secure Browns win?
Cleveland pulled off their first victory in 635 days against New York Jets on week three, and things are gradually looking up for the previously beleaguered franchise.
Their revival has come in part due to chance. Injury to regular Quarterback Tyrod Taylor saw him replaced by rookie Baker Mayfield, who helped spark an incredible comeback from 14-0 down against New York Jets, turning it into a 21-17 triumph.
Having racked up 42 points en route to an overtime loss in Oakland last week, they’ll be looking to record a second successive home win against Baltimore Ravens, especially with Running Back Carlos Hyde in fine form.
The 28-year-old has the sixth-highest rushing yards in the NFL this season, picking up five Touchdowns along the way. The Browns are 13/10 in the Money Line, while they’re 27/20 to score Over 24.5 points.
Gruden’s off-season mistakes causing disaster
Oakland Raiders fans must be wishing Jon Gruden hadn’t returned to the frontlines of NFL this year.
During the off-season, his decision to offload defensive star Khalil Mack, experienced Fullback Jamize Olawale and Tackle Jihad Ward – amongst others – caused plenty of ire.
His questionable trades and poor recruitment in the draft are already taking their toll on the Raiders. They’ve got a 1-3 record, with their only win coming in controversial circumstances against Cleveland Browns.
They visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, in a game which could be all one-way traffic. The Chargers are 10/11 at -5.5 in the spread. If they come good on that, Gruden could really be sweating about his job.
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