Picks for 1/10/26
NFL
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 376
Panthers +10 over Rams (win)
I certainly understand why the oddsmakers made the Rams a double-digit favorite, as they are the better team. The Panthers backed their way into the playoffs, but they are still the home team in conditions the Rams don’t like to play in. It will be wet, and the winds will be swirling just enough to slow down the passing games. Today’s line is set as if the Panthers were missing their quarterback, which is not the case. The Panthers are actually improving their offensive line, as Robert Hunt is back, giving a boost to the unit. Running back Rico Dowdle is a weapon, and if they can get him going, who knows what can happen. Bryce Young isn’t the most mobile quarterback, but he can have his moments. We can’t say the same for Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who isn’t a threat with his legs. In sloppy weather, it’s good to have the option of the quarterback taking off. The Rams are getting healthier on offense and have all the tools to make a deep playoff run, but I don’t think they finished the year worthy of being favorites of this size on the road. Take the Panthers.
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 376
Panthers +10 over Rams (win)
I certainly understand why the oddsmakers made the Rams a double-digit favorite, as they are the better team. The Panthers backed their way into the playoffs, but they are still the home team in conditions the Rams don’t like to play in. It will be wet, and the winds will be swirling just enough to slow down the passing games. Today’s line is set as if the Panthers were missing their quarterback, which is not the case. The Panthers are actually improving their offensive line, as Robert Hunt is back, giving a boost to the unit. Running back Rico Dowdle is a weapon, and if they can get him going, who knows what can happen. Bryce Young isn’t the most mobile quarterback, but he can have his moments. We can’t say the same for Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who isn’t a threat with his legs. In sloppy weather, it’s good to have the option of the quarterback taking off. The Rams are getting healthier on offense and have all the tools to make a deep playoff run, but I don’t think they finished the year worthy of being favorites of this size on the road. Take the Panthers.
NFL
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 377-378
Packers/Bears Over 44.5 (pending)
It’s hard to trust a first-year staff in Chicago and a young QB in Caleb Williams in their first playoff setting together, although they have looked like veterans in how they’ve protected the football this year. Packers QB Jordan Love is healthier and will be tough to beat. The Bears’ takeaways on defense have been a wonder of the world, leading the league, but overall, their defense is not as good as it is statistically close to the bottom. It’s a weird stat that doesn’t make much sense. I don’t trust the Chicago run defense. Josh Jacobs should have a productive day, and that should allow the passing game to flourish. The Bears should also be able to move the ball, as the Packers’ front seven is not the same with Micah Parsons out of the lineup. Look for both teams to do enough to make it a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 377-378
Packers/Bears Over 44.5 (pending)
It’s hard to trust a first-year staff in Chicago and a young QB in Caleb Williams in their first playoff setting together, although they have looked like veterans in how they’ve protected the football this year. Packers QB Jordan Love is healthier and will be tough to beat. The Bears’ takeaways on defense have been a wonder of the world, leading the league, but overall, their defense is not as good as it is statistically close to the bottom. It’s a weird stat that doesn’t make much sense. I don’t trust the Chicago run defense. Josh Jacobs should have a productive day, and that should allow the passing game to flourish. The Bears should also be able to move the ball, as the Packers’ front seven is not the same with Micah Parsons out of the lineup. Look for both teams to do enough to make it a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
College Basketball
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 630
Vanderbilt -14.5 over LSU (loss)
Mark Byington is doing great things in his second season as coach at Vanderbilt. The Commanders’ offense is elite, playing at a great tempo, and the defense is just as good. LSU has a lot of good shooters, but I don’t think they will be able to keep up on defense. The Tigers have not played a challenging schedule, and on the road, they will need to make their shots, or they will get blown out of the gym. Guards Duke Miles and Tyler Tanner share the ball well, can score at will, and create turnovers on defense. The Commodores are a veteran team that should slowly pull away and win by double-digits. Take Vanderbilt.
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 630
Vanderbilt -14.5 over LSU (loss)
Mark Byington is doing great things in his second season as coach at Vanderbilt. The Commanders’ offense is elite, playing at a great tempo, and the defense is just as good. LSU has a lot of good shooters, but I don’t think they will be able to keep up on defense. The Tigers have not played a challenging schedule, and on the road, they will need to make their shots, or they will get blown out of the gym. Guards Duke Miles and Tyler Tanner share the ball well, can score at will, and create turnovers on defense. The Commodores are a veteran team that should slowly pull away and win by double-digits. Take Vanderbilt.