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Richard Graves goes up against the Big Blue fans in NFL week nine

NFL Predictions
Image: This week Richard Graves makes his NFL Predictions against the New York Giants UK fan base

We went to the tiebreaker as the Bills Backers edged out Richard Graves last week, this week it's Giants Fans UK turn to make their picks.

After the Bills and Richard both chose all 13 outcomes identically we went to our tie-break decider, where both picked the number of touchdowns to be scored in the International Series at Wembley.

In the 27-27 thriller there were eight touchdowns and by predicting six to Richard's five, it's the Bills Backers who put a W on the board for the UK fan bases.

In week nine, Richard faces Keith Burton, who runs the Giants UK Twitter handle @NYGiantsFansUK. A win here would keep him close to .500, much like the Arizona Cardinals, primed for a second half play-off push.

Richard's 2016 Results

Richard UK Fan Base Season Record
v Jaguars 10-6 11-5 0-1
v Bengals 10-6 7-9 1-1
v Redskins 5-11 9-7 1-2
v Raiders 8-7 8-7 1-2-1
v Vikings 9-5 10-4 1-3-1
v Eagles 9-6 9-6 1-3-2
v Patriots 8-7 7-8 2-3-2
v Bills 8-5 (OT loss) 8-5 (OT win) 2-4-2

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Friday, 12.25am Sky Sports 1

Richard: Expect points - and plenty of them! Atlanta's offence is the most potent in the NFL, scoring nearly 33 points per game and the manner of their come from behind win over the Packers on Sunday means they head to Tampa full of confidence ahead of this NFC South clash. The sight of Tampa Bay losing in overtime to the Raiders is sure to have pleased all associated with the Falcons as well but this is a short week and it's tough to go on the road with a quick turn around. 

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 30:  Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers with Matt Ryan #2 at G
Image: Matt Ryan #2 and Devonta Freeman have combined to make the Falcons the NFL's top scoring offence

As good as Atlanta's offence has been, their defence has been leaky. This will be a game between two of the league's bottom 10 defensive units - the Buccaneers have conceded 27 points per game while the Falcons are conceding nearly 29! So, with only four days to get ready for this match-up, it's tough to see either defence showing any rapid improvement! With that in mind the smart man sides with the team that's been the most consistent... and that's the Falcons.

Giants Fans UK: I think it will be a close game, in favour of the visitors. 26-22 perhaps. The Bucs have only really beaten teams with losing records (apart from upsetting the Falcons in week one!) The Falcons are also coming off a good win against the Packers. Falcons

Also See:

VOTE: NFL Week 10 game choice
VOTE: NFL Week 10 game choice

Vote for which NFL games Sky Sports will show in Week 10

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants, Sunday, 6pm, Sky Sports 2

Richard: Seven days after suffering a heartbreaking overtime loss in Dallas, the Eagles are on the road against divisional rivals again. The Eagles defence caused the Cowboys juggernaut offence more problems than any other team this season but with an offence of their own that is plagued by dropped catches and inopportune turnovers, they couldn't get the job done. 

The Giants also have a less than convincing offence. Their O-line struggles to get any movement and they haven't gained more than 45 rushing yards in any of their last three games. They are seemingly reluctant to take deep shots to Odell Beckham and don't stretch the field.

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However, their defence was good enough to make plays when it mattered in their last game against the Rams and if they can bring some pressure to Philadelphia's rookie QB Carson Wentz, they have the play-makers to make the difference. Added to that, the Giants are coming off of a bye week while Philly endured a tough, physical loss in Dallas - all signs point to a home win. Giants

Giants Fans UK: I'm going to obviously call for Big Blue but this will be a real tight game as well. 20-19 perhaps? Being a closely-fought contest could mean it comes down to who keeps their cool when the pressure is on. I'll take our two-time Super Bowl quarterback 'Easy Eli' over the rookie any day. Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 16:  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of the game at M
Image: Giants fan Keith believes the difference in this NFC East showdown could come down to quarterbacks

Tennessee Titans @ San Diego Chargers, Sunday, 9.25pm, Sky Sports 2

Richard: It might come as a surprise to know the Titans have the ninth ranked offence. That's because their yardage doesn't translate into points. Tennessee are only averaging 22.8 points per game - only the 17th best record in the NFL this season. However, they hung 27 on Jacksonville in the first half of last week's win, aided by DeMarco Murray who continues to run the ball well, allowing them to control the clock. Combine that with a defence which already has 22 sacks and the Titans have the makings of a useful team. 

The excellent DeMarco Murray dives for a touchdown during the second quarter
Image: DeMarco Murray has been dominant for the Titans this season, whose offence ranks ninth in yards

Philip Rivers continues to put the San Diego Chargers on his back. They were unable to get another win over the Broncos last weekend but there's no shame in that. He's ensured they've been competitive in every game this season, despite injuries depriving him of a number of key weapons. Their 3-5 record reflects a team which has been close to winning most weeks but has failed more times than not. 

All things considered, I like the direction the Titans are heading right now. No doubt a trip to the west coast is a tough assignment but their key players are healthy, performing well and seemingly getting better. Factor in a 10-day period to prepare for a Chargers side who've just had to play in Denver and an upset could be on the cards. Titans

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers passes the ball during the first half of a game against the Denver Bron
Image: Quarterback Philip Rivers gives the Chargers an edge over the Titans, according to Keith

Giants Fans UK: I'm calling for the home team to pull out a non-convincing win. The Chargers are better than their record suggests, and the Titans may be flattering to deceive, with their wins having come against poor teams. Marcus Mariota is no match for Rivers. Chargers

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders, Monday, 1am,Sky Sports 2

Richard: This may well be the game of the week! The defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos with a 6-2 record going on the road to take on the AFC West leading Oakland Raiders - also with a 6-2 record. 

On the road, the Raiders have been outstanding this year - they're 5-0 but at home it's been a struggle, where they've won just one of their three games. Offensively they're scoring nearly 27 points per game but that unit will be tested this week. Denver won the Super Bowl on the back of a top-ranked defence and they've continued to play ferociously well this season. They're ranked third overall, fifth in points allowed, first against the pass, first in turnovers and first in sacks. 

Twelve months ago, the Broncos won in Oakland on the back of a defence which scored their only touchdown in the game. This will be a true test of just how good the 2016 Raiders are. Broncos

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 27:  Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a first quarter sack against the Los Angeles Rams at Sports Aut
Image: Both Richard and Keith believe that Von Miller and the Denver defence will keep on rolling against the high flying Raiders

Giants Fans UK: The Broncos win this one 19-17. Denver have a great passing defence, whilst the Raiders rely on their passing attack to win games. Essentially, the Broncos are purpose-built to frustrate Oakland and counter their most effective offensive attacks. Broncos

Buffalo Bills @ Seattle Seahawks, Tuesday, 1.15am, Sky Sports 1

Back-to-back defeats... and now a trip to the Pacific north west to face the Seahawks. A fortnight ago, the Bills were riding a four-game winning streak but now their record is at .500 and this - a match they need to win - couldn't be much tougher! 

That being said, Seattle haven't won either of their last two games either and although they still top the NFC West, the division remains wide open. To add a little extra spice to this match-up, a familiar face returns. Wide receiver Percy Harvin has come out of retirement and re-signed with the Bills until the end of the season and will be available to face the team he won Super Bowl with in 2014. 

 Tyrod Taylor passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins
Image: Tyrod Taylor is one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the NFL, but can he escape the Seattle defence?

The Seahawks' second-ranked defence in points allowed (15.6 per game) will relish the challenge of facing a Bills scoring offence which ranks eighth (26.5 per game) but without defensive end Michael Bennett available, the Bills will hope they can give QB Tyrod Taylor more time in the pocket. Buffalo's own defence leads the league with 26 sacks, suggesting they will bring some pressure to Russell Wilson. However, in Seattle, the value of the 12th man against a team which just isn't used to winning big games, cannot be underestimated. Seahawks

Giants Fan UK: I'm calling for Seattle in this one, by about 10 points. These are two teams that have been under-performing. But I think the Seahawks defence is better and will be the difference in this game. Seahawks

NFL Predictions - Week Nine

Richard Giants UK
Falcons @ Buccaneers Falcons Falcons
Lions @ Vikings Vikings Vikings
Eagles @ Giants Giants Giants
Jets @ Dolphins Dolphins Dolphins
Jaguars @ Chiefs Chiefs Chiefs
Cowboys @ Browns Cowboys Cowboys
Steelers @ Ravens Steelers Ravens
Saints @ 49ers Saints Saints
Panthers @ Rams Panthers Panthers
Colts @ Packers Packers Packers
Titans @ Chargers Titans Chargers
Broncos @ Raiders Broncos Broncos
Bills @ Seahawks Seahawks Seahawks

To keep an eye on Richard's predictions, as well as all of Sunday's games from around the league, tune in to NFL Redzone from 6pm, live on Sky Sports Mix.

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