NFL ............

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS

The standard of coaching is so good in the NFL and parity amongst most teams is close, therefore, we expect even the lowest ranked teams to improve as the season progresses. The Bengals are looking to disprove that theory big time and appear to be getting worse each week, currently standing at 0-8. They were dire in a 35-6 defeat at Houston last time out and in their last two starts, have lost the second half's by a combined 49-3. So, not only are they playing worse by each game, but by every half !!

They have the worst ranked offense in the NFL and back up quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is having a torrid time, with just two touchdown passes as opposed to five interceptions and seventeen sacks.

Today, I expect them to suffer something of a backlash from the Jaguars, who were left very disappointed by a 23-17 loss to the Browns last week, where errors cost them dearly. Coach Jack del Rio, hit the roof and took few prisoners in the dressing room afterwards. Once he cooled down a little he reflected " I just want to see a little more grit, a little more resolve, a little more determination and the execution and the accountability for each other for what we’re doing".

His team fell to 3-4 with that loss, but have consecutive games against winless teams, with the 0-7 Lions up next and a fantastic opportunity to get back into contention for a post season spot. They have a great record in this match up, winning the last 4 and 9 of the last 10 meetings, they should make it five in a row and the handicap looks reasonable and well within their capabilities, against a hapless opponent.

6 points Jacksonville -7.5 points 1.95 general ..... a little 2.04 on the exchanges.

Back later.

After some bad luck yesterday, when "our" teams were unable to hold on to a lead, although, having said that, results were better for subscribers, I was hoping for a big day today and things have started incredibly well. I previewed a whopping nine football matches on the email service and the first four have all won, including the three posted below ( Cagliari 5-1, Siena 1-0 and Utrecht 2-0), a clean sweep would be nice, but I would settle for 8 from 9 !