Blog

NFL

4:30 PM EST

Rotation #376

Texans +3 over Chargers (win)

The Chargers have done great this season, making it to the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh did an excellent job in his first season. Houston finished a game behind LA in the overall standings, but winning the division gets you the home game. Houston will lean on Joe Mixon to get yards on the ground. The Chargers have a couple of banged-up receivers. Quentin Johnson is nursing a thigh injury, and Josh Palmer will miss today’s game. Justin Herbert should still have a decent day. The Texans did play a much more challenging schedule, have coaches that have been together longer than the Chargers staff, and are the home team. There isn’t much of a talent gap between both teams, so this should be a four-quarter battle. Look for Houston to keep the game close. Take the Texans.

 

NFL

8:00 PM EST

Rotation #377

Steelers +9.5 over Ravens (loss)

The Steelers limp into the playoffs on a four-game losing streak. Pittsburgh had a brutal schedule this year and still was close to winning the AFC North. Both teams know each other well, so the high spread holds value. Pittsburgh has a veteran roster built for playoff football. On the other hand, the Ravens were the best team in the division, loaded with talent on both sides of the football field. Tonight’s game will be between the aging Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson, who has not had much playoff success. Neither team has been good against the pass this year. Baltimore has a few rookies in their two-deep in the secondary. Russell Wilson should be able to find a favorable matchup with George Pickens. I didn’t think it was possible, but Justin Tucker is no longer the better kicker, as Steelers kicker Chris Boswell had a phenomenal year. Deonte Hardy being on IR takes away a return threat for the Ravens. Pittsburgh should win the special teams battle. Pittsburgh has so many veteran players on defense that they can turn it up a notch in the playoff season. This game is closer than expected. Take the Steelers.

 

College Basketball

2:00 PM EST

Rotation #651

Iowa State +2.5 over Texas Tech (win)

The Cyclones of Iowa State are out to a good start this season, as they are a well-balanced offense and defense team. Texas Tech has an excellent offense, but the Cyclones should be able to break their defense. The Cyclones have faced a more demanding schedule and have a massive size advantage facing a very light Red Raiders team. Joshua Jefferson and Dishon Jackson should have a productive afternoon around the rim. Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert are senior guards who will be aggressive scorers and get to the foul line. Take Iowa State.

 

College Basketball

3:00 PM EST

Rotation #681

Syracuse +1 over Boston College (win)

Most college basketball teams’ superstars are their guards, but the big men lead the Orange. Donnie Freeman is a fantastic freshman who, when fully healthy, will be a force, and Chris Bell does a great job getting to the foul line. Eddie Lampkin cleans up on the boards. Junior guard JJ Starling is back after missing the season’s first few weeks. Boston College is off to a better start this year, but how much has to do with their weak non-conference schedule? Syracuse is looking for their first road win and has a great shot against a Boston College team that is hurting when it comes to fan attendance. Take Syracuse.