Picks for 1/18/25
NFL
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 388
Chiefs -8.5 over Texans (win)
Both teams played a regular-season game at Arrowhead less than a month ago, which the Chiefs won 27-19. A plus for the Texans is that they have played in this environment, but the playoffs are a completely different animal. The Texans play solid defense and always have great special teams play, but I am not sure of their offense today as running back Joe Mixon isn’t at full strength, and Robert Woods is dealing with a hip injury. Kansas City will get Jaylen Watson back at cornerback today after a long stretch on IR. The Kansas City defense behind a loud home crowd should be able to slow down CJ Stroud enough to put their offense in a favorable field position. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes has an outstanding receivers room, and Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt can keep the chains moving with the run. Kansas City is well-rested and a veteran enough team not to be rusty. Kansas City has found ways to win and should play their best football, as ugly as it might look, in the playoffs to win this game by double digits. Take the Chiefs.
NFL
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 389-390
Commanders/Lions Over 55.5 (win)
There isn’t a playoff team that has been as impressive as the Commanders, considering Jayden Daniels is a rookie QB, and the coaching staff led by Dan Quinn is brand new this season in Washington. Detroit is missing so much talent on their front seven that the Commander’s offense should be able to move the ball. The good news for the Lions is their offense is as good as it gets. QB Jared Goff has outstanding targets to throw to, and Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are an excellent 1-2 punch at running back. If this were a regular season contest, we would take a shot with the underdog, but it will be tough for Washington to outscore Detroit for all of the marbles to advance to the NFC Championship Game. There should be a lot of offense in perfect dome conditions. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell and his staff are looking to go on a Super Bowl run after losing their chance last year in San Francisco by mismanaging the second half. Look for Washington to hang around enough to make this a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
College Basketball
9:00 PM EST
Rotation # 816
Utah +1 over BYU (win)
Utah is winners of two straight and 9-2 on their home court. BYU is 0-3 on the road. Kevin Young is a young coach and will need time to get on par with his predecessor, Mark Pope. Utah Head Coach Craig Smith is in his 4th year with the Utes and has the luxury of senior guard Gabe Madsen on his team. Madsen is a great three-point shooter and leads the team in scoring. Lawson Lovering is a big body that blocks many shots and can secure a lot of rebounds. Rice transfer Keanu Dawes has also been great on the boards. Look for the Utes to be the more physical team and to up their offensive pace on their home court. Take Utah.