Picks for 1/11/26
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 379
Bills +1.5 over Jaguars (win)
The Jags are happy to be at home for the wildcard round against the Bills, but coach Liam Coen and his staff are experiencing their first playoff game action, and Trevor Lawrence has looked average in his two postseason performances. Both teams are equally talented, but the postseason is a different animal. The Bills’ offensive line is the same unit that went deep into last year’s playoffs, and the same goes for their running game and receivers. Josh Allen is a nightmare to prepare for as he can beat you with his arm or legs. Bills head coach Sean McDermott and his staff have the experience edge as well, and when all else is about equal, it means a lot. I believe the wrong team is favored. Take the Bills.
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 379
Bills +1.5 over Jaguars (win)
The Jags are happy to be at home for the wildcard round against the Bills, but coach Liam Coen and his staff are experiencing their first playoff game action, and Trevor Lawrence has looked average in his two postseason performances. Both teams are equally talented, but the postseason is a different animal. The Bills’ offensive line is the same unit that went deep into last year’s playoffs, and the same goes for their running game and receivers. Josh Allen is a nightmare to prepare for as he can beat you with his arm or legs. Bills head coach Sean McDermott and his staff have the experience edge as well, and when all else is about equal, it means a lot. I believe the wrong team is favored. Take the Bills.
NFL
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 382
Eagles -6 over 49ers
I loved the over 44.5 in this game, but once wind speeds exceed 15-20 mph, any edge you think you have gets nullified. The gusty conditions favor the Eagles, as they could slow down the high-powered 49ers offense. The 49ers’ defense front seven is a mess due to injuries, and I don’t trust them on the road. San Francisco is coming off a demoralizing loss in their own building that could have given it home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It’s hard to rebound from a game like that. The Eagles are the defending champions and should get after Brock Purdy with their hard-hitting defense. The Eagles have slowed the game down, much to their fan base’s displeasure, but today is a day when nobody will mind. I don’t see San Francisco fixing their issues on the defensive side of the ball. Saquon Barkley could have a monster game if Philadelphia gets him going early and often. Take the Eagles.
4:30 PM EST
Rotation # 382
Eagles -6 over 49ers
I loved the over 44.5 in this game, but once wind speeds exceed 15-20 mph, any edge you think you have gets nullified. The gusty conditions favor the Eagles, as they could slow down the high-powered 49ers offense. The 49ers’ defense front seven is a mess due to injuries, and I don’t trust them on the road. San Francisco is coming off a demoralizing loss in their own building that could have given it home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It’s hard to rebound from a game like that. The Eagles are the defending champions and should get after Brock Purdy with their hard-hitting defense. The Eagles have slowed the game down, much to their fan base’s displeasure, but today is a day when nobody will mind. I don’t see San Francisco fixing their issues on the defensive side of the ball. Saquon Barkley could have a monster game if Philadelphia gets him going early and often. Take the Eagles.
NFL
8:15 PM EST
Rotation # 383
Chargers +3.5 over Patriots
The Patriots’ first-year staff did an excellent job this season. QB Drake Maye has played outstanding football, but it is their first rodeo in a playoff setting together. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has not looked great in his short playoff run, and running back Omarion Hampton has not practiced this week. I do understand why the Chargers are the underdog, but they have a big offensive line that can protect the QB and will look to win in the trenches against a Patriots team that will be missing 335-pound short-yardage run stopper Khyiris Tonga. Milton Williams is just making his way back from IR, and it’s yet to be determined how healthy he is. The Chargers need to run the ball early with either Kimani Vidal or, if healthy, Omarion Hampton. Both teams have phenomenal special teams, but if the game is close, it’s good to have Cameron Dicker on your side. Look for this contest to come down to the wire. Take the Chargers.
8:15 PM EST
Rotation # 383
Chargers +3.5 over Patriots
The Patriots’ first-year staff did an excellent job this season. QB Drake Maye has played outstanding football, but it is their first rodeo in a playoff setting together. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has not looked great in his short playoff run, and running back Omarion Hampton has not practiced this week. I do understand why the Chargers are the underdog, but they have a big offensive line that can protect the QB and will look to win in the trenches against a Patriots team that will be missing 335-pound short-yardage run stopper Khyiris Tonga. Milton Williams is just making his way back from IR, and it’s yet to be determined how healthy he is. The Chargers need to run the ball early with either Kimani Vidal or, if healthy, Omarion Hampton. Both teams have phenomenal special teams, but if the game is close, it’s good to have Cameron Dicker on your side. Look for this contest to come down to the wire. Take the Chargers.
College Basketball
NOON EST
Rotation # 823
Illinois -1.5 over Iowa (win)
The Illini are a great offense and defensive team that has played a challenging schedule and has the physical edge in size. Iowa is a great defensive team that likes to play a slow, half-court game, and it can beat you with 1,000 repetitive cuts. Ben McCollum is a great coach. Iowa brought in all smaller-conference transfers, mainly from Drake, and it’s impressive to see them compete in a higher conference. However, the Illini still have more talented blue-chip recruits and a phenomenal first-year class led by Keaton Wagler’s scoring and David Mirkovic’s rebounding. The Illini are the better program and deserve to be the road favorite. Take Illinois.
NOON EST
Rotation # 823
Illinois -1.5 over Iowa (win)
The Illini are a great offense and defensive team that has played a challenging schedule and has the physical edge in size. Iowa is a great defensive team that likes to play a slow, half-court game, and it can beat you with 1,000 repetitive cuts. Ben McCollum is a great coach. Iowa brought in all smaller-conference transfers, mainly from Drake, and it’s impressive to see them compete in a higher conference. However, the Illini still have more talented blue-chip recruits and a phenomenal first-year class led by Keaton Wagler’s scoring and David Mirkovic’s rebounding. The Illini are the better program and deserve to be the road favorite. Take Illinois.