Raiders vs Cowboys Preview by Dean McHugh 

The Raiders and the Cowboys have been evenly matched over recent weeks, both winning three of their previous four matches. That, added to the fact that only four points separate the two teams in the standings, suggests we have a close one on our hands here.

However, recent history suggests this won’t be the case, as the Cowboys have won the last five in a row against the Raiders, including on their previous three visits to Canberra. They have also started to pick up victories on the road this season by winning their last two away fixtures against the Rabbitohs and, more impressively, the Roosters last time out. With that said, I do think this will be a close one, so take the Cowboys with handicap to offer some breathing space in what could be a tight affair.

Bet – Cowboys with the Handicap to Win

Five straight losses to the Cowboys is a number Canberra fans don’t want to hear, but it’s hard to argue with that head-to-head record. North Queensland have shown real road form this season too – beating the Roosters away from home isn’t something you brush off lightly.

The NRL betting odds will likely have the Cowboys as slight favourites, and looking at the form guide, that feels about right. For NRL betting predictions this week, the handicap line makes more sense than the straight result — this has close game written all over it, but the Cowboys keep finding ways to win.