Another week is coming to a head, and we’ve got some sensational sport on tap this weekend to look forward to once the clock hits five o’clock on Friday. The question is: what bets are worth looking into for the slate? That is where I step in once again.
After doing my research on the full slate of sporting action, I have managed to narrow down my top five bets for the week.
So tune in, because we have some serious action to dive into.
The Steelers come into this one as 5.5-point favourites, and for good reason based on their recent performance levels. However, going to a divisional rival’s house on Thursday Night Football is generally a tough place to pull off a win. Just look at the Eagles last week against the Giants.
Regardless, styles make fights, and the way the Steelers have been playing should cause the Bengals extremely poor defence plenty of issues. They roll out their jumbo package, which is essentially seven 300-pounders, and run the ball behind that athletic offensive line. This means their bell-cow back, Jaylen Warren, who is now a few more days removed from injury, should see plenty of opportunities against this Cincinnati defence on a short week.
In Week Six, when the Packers played this Bengals defence, Josh Jacobs had a very efficient day. He rushed for 93 yards on 17 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. I’d expect a similar stat line for Warren, as he has broken out as one of the best backs in the league when given even an inch of space.
Starting with the more senior of the two, Fehi Fineanganofo is currently tied as the leading try scorer this season with nine. That’s down to him becoming nothing short of a phenom when given the chance to strike. He not only leads the competition in tries, but also in line breaks with 14, and has been one of the hardest wingers to bring down, beating 32 tackles.
On the opposite wing, one of the brightest future stars in the country has shone very brightly for the Steamers in Kele Lasaqa. In just five starts, he has scored five tries and is setting the competition alight. Due to his rare mix of explosive speed and a natural ability to beat defenders, he has been causing issues for every defence in the competition.
Because of that, I would not be surprised if, between the two of them, they scored the tries needed for this bet. However, just for good measure, let’s also include Otago’s stalwart winger Jona Nareki. He might not be in his most scintillating try-scoring form at the moment, but he always steps up in big moments, and I expect plenty of traffic to come his way on Friday evening.
Between the three of them, I really like their chances of crossing the try line twice. That’s not just because of their individual brilliance, but also because the style of footy each team plays creates space and attacking opportunities for explosive wingers.
Enzo Maresca and the Blues haven’t been perfect to start the season, and much of that has been due to injuries. However, after beating Liverpool and essentially getting two weeks off during the international break, they should be well rested and prepared to take on Forest, who are still reeling from the rash decisions made by their owner.
Since the sacking of Nuno Espírito Santo and the hiring of former Spurs gaffer Ange Postecoglou, the side from the City Ground have looked like a shadow of the team that spent a sustained period in the top four of the Premier League table during the 2024/25 season. They are conceding goals at a high rate and really struggling to find any cohesion within the new system.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have now spent 18 months in Maresca’s system and should have almost a full complement of players available for the Italian manager. With all that considered, this is why I like the chances of the Blues taking three points from the City Ground this weekend.
Another great line-up of SEC football awaits us on Sunday, and the best game of the lot might just be the Crimson Tide hosting the Tennessee Volunteers in a high-pedigree matchup.
Alabama have quickly become a genuine dark horse to win the NCAA Championship, thanks to their recent form. Their defence has started firing, and their quarterback is playing like the best player in the country. Ty Simpson is a true NFL prospect with all the talent and mental ability to pick apart any college defence, especially with the group of eligible playmakers he has at his disposal.
Rocky Top, on the other side, also have plenty of firepower with wide receivers like Chris Brazzel II, Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews, all of whom are likely to be playing on Sundays at some point. Right now, they have the perfect point guard to get them the ball, with transfer Joey Aguilar proving to be a seriously good college-level signal caller.
While both teams boast elite talent on defence, I think the offensive masterminds behind each side, along with the overwhelming talent on that side of the ball, could turn this one into a barn burner in Tuscaloosa.
International rugby league is back, and one of the best matchups this weekend will see multiple NRL superstars go head-to-head in what should be a closely contested affair. Where the Kiwis will take on Samoa at Go Media Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
When the teams were released, I initially looked at them on paper and thought Samoa looked like the stronger side. A forward pack featuring Payne Haas, Jeremiah Nanai and Jaydn Su’A should generate plenty of front-foot ball for their high-flying backline. With NRL stars like Jarome Luai, Murray Taulagi and Brian To’o just to name a few, I really like their chances.
Now, don’t count the Kiwis out. They have a veteran halves pairing in Dylan Brown and Kieran Foran, supported by the likes of James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King and Joseph Tapine. Which is a forward pack capable of taking control of the game.
Regardless of the Kiwis experience and the home ground advantage, I like Samoa to cover the spread in this one, based on the sheer amount of talent in their side.
