Picks for 11/4/24
8:15 PM EST
Rotation # 478
Chiefs -8.5 over Bucs (loss)
It’s a challenging time for Bucs first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen, with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans out. Sterling Shepard and Jalen McMillian are not at full strength. Yards from receivers will take a lot of work to come by. Tampa will be predictable on offense. On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes has many weapons from which to choose. The heavy rain in the forecast will pass before kickoff, but there will be pockets of rain. The Chiefs have allowed only two runs over 20 yards and are second in the NFL, only allowing 3.5 yards per carry. I don’t see Tampa scoring a lot. The Bucs rush defense has been soft this year, as they have allowed the most yards per carry in the NFL at 5.2 yards per clip. I don’t see a scenario where Kansas City doesn’t run away with this game. Tampa will need a lot of luck and a defensive score to stay in the game. Take the Chiefs.
College Basketball
11:30 PM EST
Rotation # 882
Gonzaga -6 over Baylor (win)
It’s opening night in college hoops. We have a rematch of the 2021 National Title Game. Gonzaga has the luxury of playing at home. The Bulldogs are an experienced team with camaraderie as they bring back six of their top seven players from a year ago and have added transfers Khalil Battle and Michael Ajayi to their lineup. Mark Few begins year 26 as Bulldogs head coach. Gonzaga will have an easier time picking up where they left off a year ago. Baylor lost their top producers from a season ago but hit the transfer portal hard, bringing in stars like Jeremy Roach and Norchad Omier. Scott Drew is a talented coach who will prepare his team for a deep tournament run, but it will take a little time. Gonzaga is more prepared for a crucial top-10 matchup so early in the year. Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman will run the show with brilliant guard play. The edge goes to the home team. Take Gonzaga.
