The NFL is in London for the final time this season on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns play host to the Minnesota Vikings at the home of rugby union – Twickenham. We have seen three matches in England this season and they have all been one-sided blowouts. The London fans will be hoping this is close.
If we look at the record of the two sides going into the contest then a close battle appears unlikely. The Vikings are 5-2 for their campaign while the Browns are 0-7 with their season as good as over before they even boarded the plane.
Cleveland Browns
It has been another wretched season for the Cleveland Browns. When a team is 0-7 for the second year in a row you begin to look for an area where they have improved but there are not many and they take some real searching for. Their big issue of course is with the quarterback. They have three of them but none of them are any good.
If there has been an improvement anywhere then it has come in the form of their run defence. They are now able to make sides beat them through the air but the bad news for the Browns is that every side they have played thus far have been able to do just that. Cleveland must settle with a quarterback and give him a chance whoever it may be.
Minnesota Vikings
Despite a barrel load of injuries the Minnesota Vikings are going along nicely this season. They have a 5-2 record and with Green Bay unlikely to be a contender in their division they are in the box seat as they chase a place at their own Super Bowl party. A win here would confirm their expected dominance in the NFC North.
The Vikings have had it tough this season. They have had to do without Sam Bradford, Stefon Diggs and Dalvin Cook at various points with the latter out for the rest of the season and Bradford expected to miss out here. Their wins have largely come through a very resolute defence though and that is not likely to be impacted here.
[the_ad_group id=”3624″]
Betting
We are yet to see a classic in London this year and I’m not convinced this one is going to be it either. I expect Minnesota to win but their offense can be guilty of leaving some points on the field which makes me think twice about whether they are going to be able to cover what is now a double figure handicap.
Cleveland are pretty poor on offense but they muscle up well in defence and if they can keep the Minnesota run game in check, which evidence this season suggests that they can, then there is no reason why Minnesota will score freely. That all leads me to think we will see another drab, low scoring London game.
Tips
Back Under 38.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Ladbrokes
Back it here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2017
