Broncos vs Knights Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Brisbane Massive Favorites in NRL Round 22
Playoff Spot on the Line
The Newcastle Knights have no chance of making the playoffs but the Brisbane Broncos are right in the hunt.
NRL betting markets have the Broncos as firm -18½ favorites, so it’s expected to be a one-sided contest. However, the Knights won last week and could use the momentum to keep it close on Saturday.
Let’s review the latest rugby news, stats, injury reports, and rugby odds for Broncos vs Knights. We’ve plenty of rugby picks and predictions for you to consider.
Broncos Needing Bounce Back
Just when it looked like the Broncos were title contenders, they lose two on the bounce to the Tigers and Roosters.
Losing 32-18 at home to the Tigers was unforgivable and it highlighted the lack of effort issues that are still plaguing this franchise.
They scored only 16 points against the Roosters last week and there was a lack of effort in that performance as well, so the signs are worrying for Broncos fans.
However, playing against the Knights comes with some security. They have the class edge against their rivals, and if they get out to a fast start, the Knights could pack it in quickly.
It requires the Broncos to be focused and given their current position on the NRL ladder, there’s no room for a mistake as the -1000 sportsbook favorite.
Knights Far From Royalty
It has been yet another long and arduous year for the Knights, who fended off wooden spoon talks with a win over the Tigers last week.
The 14-10 win was exactly what the doctor ordered and it should keep fans happy for at least another week. However, beating the Broncos has been a challenge and it’s why they’re the significant betting online underdogs.
Having Kalyn Ponga out of the squad could make the difference between covering the spread and getting blown out. They handled things well last week but the Tigers threw nothing at them.
Brisbane comes with a stellar attack and if the Knights get down early, the floodgates could open.
There is also off-field drama surrounding notable signing David Klemmer, who has been dropped.
“He is fighting to save his career amid suggestions that he could be terminated, immediately,” analyst Dean Ritchie told Fox Sports.
“It’s a strange situation, there’s more to this story than Klemmer being stood down based on an on-field argument with their head trainer Hayden Knowles. I don’t know what the rest of the story is but it will no doubt emerge.”
Getting 18½ points is a sizable advantage but the Knights got blown out by the Roosters and Sea Eagles, which isn’t a good sign.
Broncos vs Knights Head-to-Head
The Broncos hold a 24-15 lifetime edge over the Knights, including the last two, which have come easily.
They won 36-12 on the road in May and that followed a 35-22 win last year. Playing at home is another advantage as the Knights are only 8-9 at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos vs Knights Game Information
- Game: Broncos (12-8) vs Knights (6-14)
- Location: Suncorp Stadium
- Day/Time: Saturday, Aug. 13, 5:35 a.m. ET
- Broncos vs Knights Live Stream: RugbyPass
Broncos vs Knights Betting Lines
Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total |
Brisbane Broncos | -18½ -120 | -1000 | 44½-120o |
Newcastle Knights | +18½ -120 | +500 | 44½-120u |
Broncos vs Knights Prediction
It’s never easy to bet on a team giving away so many points, but the Broncos should run all over the Knights and rack up a big score.
They have too much power and scoring ability on the wings, which could force the Knights to scramble from the outset.
After consecutive losses, the Broncos need a statement win, and getting the Knights at home couldn’t make that possibility any easier.