Picks for 1/4/25
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 344
Ravens -19.5 over Browns (win)
If the Ravens win today, they will win the AFC North and be guaranteed the third seed in the playoffs. The Steelers will be watching as their only hope to win the division is for a Ravens loss and for them to win their game tonight. The odds are incredibly low as the Browns are down their top three running backs and have Bailey Zappe in at Quarterback. I don’t see the eliminated Browns doing anything to play spoiler. Baltimore should get a big early lead and coast their way home. It’s cold and windy, and it will feel even colder for the Browns, who have nothing to play for. Baltimore has everything to gain, and a win would start their playoff journey out at home instead of on the road. Securing a home bid is everything. Take the Ravens.
College Basketball
NOON EST PM EST
Rotation #612
Georgia Tech -7.5 over Boston College (win)
Georgia Tech is looking to get back over .500 ball and not get out to a slow start in conference play. Boston College is a team that hasn’t been tested too much and isn’t good defensively. Lance Terry will look to beat them from the three-point line every chance he gets. Boston College plays slow-tempo basketball and won’t be able to contain the Georgia Tech guards. The Yellow Jackets want to push their win streak to three games and have the luxury of playing at home. Take Georgia Tech.
College Basketball
2:00 PM EST
Rotation # 666
Iowa State -8.5 over Baylor (win)
The Hilton Coliseum will be rocking this afternoon as the #3 Cyclones look to beat the Baylor Bears. Both teams are outstanding shooters, but Baylor has struggled to get back on defense this season. Keshon Gilbert, Tamin Lipsey, and Curtis Jones are great shooters and share the ball well. St. Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson is a physical forward who has been great on the boards and has a scorer’s touch. If Iowa State can limit the Bears’ three-point shooting, they should secure a double-digit win. Take Iowa State.
College Basketball
6:30 PM EST
Rotation # 764
Pitt -9.5 over Stanford (win)
Pitt is trying to extend its winning streak to five games as it hosts Stanford tonight. The Panthers are shooting the ball well and playing decent defense. Stanford needs to improve on the defensive end to compete on the road in conference play. Maxime Raynaud has been a bright spot for the Cardinal, but coach Kyle Smith has his work cut out for him with his inexperienced group. Pitt gets good guard play from Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett, and head coach Jeff Capel has been pleased with the hustle and rebounding out of FSU transfer Cam Cohen. The Panthers are a better program at this point in the year and have been flawless at home. Take Pitt.
