Picks for 1/3/26
NFL
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 346
Bucs -3 over Panthers (loss)
It’s a week 18 playoff game for the Panthers. Win, and you’re in. If Tampa wins, they would need Atlanta to lose tomorrow; otherwise, the Panthers would still win the division under tiebreaking rules. I could see that scenario unfolding in this wacky football season. The Bucs are the worst team in the NFL against the spread as they haven’t covered for months. Most people have already given up on them and rightfully so, but home-field advantage means a lot in these scenarios. Tampa is bringing back Calijah Kancey from the IR to give them a boost on the defensive line. Vita Vea is an outstanding run stopper. If the Bucs can slow down the run, they will have a good chance to win. Panthers QB Bryce Young has never been in a more pressure situation in his young career, and will have to show the NFL world he can handle it on the road. Take the Bucs.
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 346
Bucs -3 over Panthers (loss)
It’s a week 18 playoff game for the Panthers. Win, and you’re in. If Tampa wins, they would need Atlanta to lose tomorrow; otherwise, the Panthers would still win the division under tiebreaking rules. I could see that scenario unfolding in this wacky football season. The Bucs are the worst team in the NFL against the spread as they haven’t covered for months. Most people have already given up on them and rightfully so, but home-field advantage means a lot in these scenarios. Tampa is bringing back Calijah Kancey from the IR to give them a boost on the defensive line. Vita Vea is an outstanding run stopper. If the Bucs can slow down the run, they will have a good chance to win. Panthers QB Bryce Young has never been in a more pressure situation in his young career, and will have to show the NFL world he can handle it on the road. Take the Bucs.
NFL
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 362
49ers +2.5 over Seahawks (loss)
It’s understandable why the oddsmakers made the Seahawks the slight road favorite today, as they have the best record in the NFC. The winner of tonight’s game gets the #1 seed and a bye. The loser drops down to 5 or 6 and starts the playoffs on the road. Again, home-field advantage means a lot. Seattle has an outstanding offensive line, but it is the youngest group in the league and will be without tackle Charles Cross today. The 49ers’ defense has been almost non-existent, but they got a boost of confidence last week with their game-winning goal-line stand against Chicago. The San Francisco offense has been a well-oiled machine, with Brock Purdy moving the chains at will. San Francisco will look to attack the backend of a Seahawks defense missing Coby Bryant. The 49ers have an outstanding receiver room and could get George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall back, if for no other reason than as decoys. Take the 49ers.
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 362
49ers +2.5 over Seahawks (loss)
It’s understandable why the oddsmakers made the Seahawks the slight road favorite today, as they have the best record in the NFC. The winner of tonight’s game gets the #1 seed and a bye. The loser drops down to 5 or 6 and starts the playoffs on the road. Again, home-field advantage means a lot. Seattle has an outstanding offensive line, but it is the youngest group in the league and will be without tackle Charles Cross today. The 49ers’ defense has been almost non-existent, but they got a boost of confidence last week with their game-winning goal-line stand against Chicago. The San Francisco offense has been a well-oiled machine, with Brock Purdy moving the chains at will. San Francisco will look to attack the backend of a Seahawks defense missing Coby Bryant. The 49ers have an outstanding receiver room and could get George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall back, if for no other reason than as decoys. Take the 49ers.