Christian Larsen

Vikings vs. Rams wild-card TD picks: Back Addison and Higbee at plus-money odds

Vikings vs. Rams TD picks.

I’ve got a wide receiver and tight end featured in my TD picks for the wild-card game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams.

The pregame narrative: Jordan Addison has consistently scored in a pass-heavy attack and he gets a plus matchup. Secondly, I am taking a shot at Tyler Higbee to catch a touchdown pass at longshot odds.

Check out the best Vikings vs. Rams TD picks for the wild-card round.

Vikings vs. Rams TD picks

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Embed: #106137

Best bet: Addison anytime TD (+148)

Addison has emerged as Sam Darnold’s go-to target in the red zone, but the odds aren’t reflecting that.

Since Week 8, the second-year pro has been a scoring machine.

  • Addison caught eight touchdown passes, with scores in 6/10 games.
  • Targeted in the red zone in nine of 10 games.

Justin Jefferson (priced at -130) warrants plenty of attention from defensive backs, which allows Addison to find open spaces.

From looking at the underlying metrics, I cannot justify the gap in touchdown odds between the two wideouts. Despite missing two games to injury, Addison saw 19 red-zone targets to Jefferson’s 24.

Under Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings like to run passing plays near the goal line, throwing at a 58% clip from inside the 10-yard line (ranked sixth in the NFL), per Pro Football Focus.

This spells problems for a vulnerable Rams secondary that allowed 21 touchdowns to wide receivers, the third-most in the NFL.

They also use a high rate of zone coverage, a setup that Darnold has thrived against with a 108.5 passer rating (fifth-best).

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865826866093056369

Key stat: This season, Addison converted 44.4% of his targets within the 10-yard line.

Quick picks

Higbee anytime TD (+390): Higbee has long served as a reliable end-zone target for Matthew Stafford.

The Rams tight end scored in 2/3 games since returning from an MCL and ACL injury.

In Week 18, Higbee received a healthy dose of red-zone looks with Jimmy Garoppolo under center.

Although the Vikings are a tough matchup against opposing tight ends, this price is just too good to ignore.

With an emphasis on covering Puka Nucua and Cooper Kupp in the red zone, Stafford could seek out his trusted tight end with their season on the line.

Picks made at 11:20 a.m. ET on 01/13/2025.

Gabriel Diallo vs. Luca Nardi Australian Open odds and best bet: Back Canadian to cover game spread

Diallo vs. Nardi odds

Canadian Gabriel Diallo’s run at the Australian Open begins in a match against 21-year-old Luca Nardi.

The pregame narrative: Diallo looks to build off his breakout campaign when he meets Nardi for the first time. I expect Diallo to cover his game spread in an exciting matchup between young talents.

Check out our Diallo vs. Nardi odds and best bet for their Australian Open match on Jan. 12.

Diallo vs. Nardi Australian Open odds

Go to full Diallo vs. Nardi betting markets.

Betting marketsBetting odds
Diallo to win-167
Nardi to win+135
Diallo -2.5 games-115
Nardi +2.5 games-110
Over 39.5 games-120
Under 39.5 games-107

Best bet: Diallo -2.5 (-115)

Diallo is among the fastest-rising talents in the ATP scene.

After unexpected deep runs in last year’s U.S. Open (a third-round finish) and Astana Open (runner-up), the Canadian catapulted into the Top-100 rankings.

From competing in the ATP Challenger Tour to defeating the dangerous Arthur Fils and going toe-to-toe against 19th-ranked Karen Khachanov (on two occasions) is an amazing feat.

Nardi, also coming off a solid campaign, has made his mark in the Challenger Tour.

In 2024, the young Italian captured two Challenger titles, playing on clay and indoor hardcourt surfaces.

But he hasn’t enjoyed the same success on outdoor hardcourts, a playing surface his Canadian opponent has been utterly dominant on.

In 2024, Diallo excelled to a 30-12 record on the hardcourt, whereas Nardi posted a lacklustre 14-14 mark on the surface.

Another key advantage for Diallo in this matchup is his powerful serve, boosted by his 6-foot-8 stature.

  • The Canadian won 80% of service games last season.
  • He recorded a career-high 125 aces.
  • Nardi won just 17% of his return games.

Although both are expected to debut in the Australian Open main draw, Diallo has already tasted success in major tournaments.

Nardi has never advanced past the opening round of a grand slam tournament.

Key stat: Nardi recorded 35 double faults to 21 aces on outdoor hardcourts last season.

Picks made at 12:54 p.m. ET on 01/10/2025.

Yuliia Starodubtseva vs. Leylah Fernandez Australian Open odds and best bet: Expect a hard-fought battle

Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez odds

Leylah Fernandez meets Yuliia Starodubtseva for the first time at the Australian Open.

The pregame narrative: The opening-round match between these unfamiliar foes has the makings of a back-and-forth battle. I expect Fernandez to prevail, but it won’t come easy.

Check out our Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez odds and best bet for their Australian Open match on Jan. 11.

Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez Australian Open odds

Go to full Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez betting markets.

Betting marketsBetting odds
Fernandez to win-700
Starodubtseva to win+400
Fernandez -5.5 games-125
Starodubtseva +5.5 games-112
Over 19.5 games-112
Under 19.5 games-125

Best bet: Over 19.5 games (-112)

Fernandez returns to the hard courts in Melbourne, where she hasn’t enjoyed much success.

The Montreal native has a 5-5 record in the Australian Open and has never advanced past the second round.

Despite facing inferior opponents, Fernandez’s matches in this tournament have consistently been back-and-forth matchups. Her last five matches in Melbourne have all exceeded 19.5 games despite never reaching a third set.

Her opponent, Starodubtseva, moved into WTA’s top-100 rankings for the first time in October and reached as high as rank 79. However, the 24-year-old Ukrainian enters the tournament on five-match losing skid (and has slid to No. 100 in the rankings as of Jan. 6).

Starodubtseva retired from her last match at the ASB Classic with an ankle injury. But the 11 days of recovery and preparation since then should be beneficial.

Both players have seen better results when playing on hard court, although Fernandez — ranked No. 31 in the WTA — underwhelmed to an 18-15 record on the surface in 2024.

A key reason why I expect this match to be a battle is their struggles on first serves. In 2024, Fernandez ranked 79th in first-serves won (64%). Starodubtseva finished 193rd in first-serves won (58.5%).

Fernandez committed a career-high 249 double faults last year, which was 11th-most on tour. This remained an issue against Ekaterina Alexandrova on Jan. 6, where she recorded nine aces to nine double faults.

Starodubtseva has proven to be feisty against top-class competitors. She stole opening sets against both Coco Gauff and Victoria Azarenka, both of whom rank in the top 25.

Don’t be surprised if the same scenario plays out and this contest needs a third set to decide a winner.

Key stat: In 2024, Fernandez finished 59th in service points won (58%). Meanwhile, Starodubtseva ranked 42nd in return points won (46%).

Picks made at 12:24 p.m. ET on 01/10/2025.

Yuliia Starodubtseva vs. Leylah Fernandez Australian Open odds and best bet: Expect a hard-fought battle

Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez odds

Leylah Fernandez meets Yuliia Starodubtseva for the first time at the Australian Open.

The pregame narrative: The opening-round match between these unfamiliar foes has the makings of a back-and-forth battle. I expect Fernandez to prevail, but it won’t come easy.

Check out our Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez odds and best bet for their Australian Open match on Jan. 11.

Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez Australian Open odds

Go to full Starodubtseva vs. Fernandez betting markets.

Betting marketsBetting odds
Fernandez to win-670
Starodubtseva to win+475
Fernandez -5.5 games-127
Starodubtseva +5.5 games+100
Over 19.5 games+100
Under 19.5 games-129

Best bet: Over 19.5 games (+100)

Fernandez returns to the hard courts in Melbourne, where she hasn’t enjoyed much success.

The Montreal native has a 5-5 record in the Australian Open and has never advanced past the second round.

Despite facing inferior opponents, Fernandez’s matches in this tournament have consistently been back-and-forth matchups. Her last five matches in Melbourne have all exceeded 19.5 games despite never reaching a third set.

Her opponent, Starodubtseva, moved into WTA’s top-100 rankings for the first time in October and reached as high as rank 79. However, the 24-year-old Ukrainian enters the tournament on five-match losing skid (and has slid to No. 100 in the rankings as of Jan. 6).

Starodubtseva retired from her last match at the ASB Classic with an ankle injury. But the 11 days of recovery and preparation since then should be beneficial.

Both players have seen better results when playing on hard court, although Fernandez — ranked No. 31 in the WTA — underwhelmed to an 18-15 record on the surface in 2024.

A key reason why I expect this match to be a battle is their struggles on first serves. In 2024, Fernandez ranked 79th in first-serves won (64%). Starodubtseva finished 193rd in first-serves won (58.5%).

Fernandez committed a career-high 249 double faults last year, which was 11th-most on tour. This remained an issue against Ekaterina Alexandrova on Jan. 6, where she recorded nine aces to nine double faults.

Starodubtseva has proven to be feisty against top-class competitors. She stole opening sets against both Coco Gauff and Victoria Azarenka, both of whom rank in the top 25.

Don’t be surprised if the same scenario plays out and this contest needs a third set to decide a winner.

Key stat: In 2024, Fernandez finished 59th in service points won (58%). Meanwhile, Starodubtseva ranked 42nd in return points won (46%).

Picks made at 12:24 p.m. ET on 01/10/2025.

Raptors vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay predictions Jan. 9: Bet on Mitchell and Allen, fade Barnes

Raptors vs. Cavaliers prediction

The struggling Toronto Raptors visit the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers on an 11-game winning streak.

The pregame narrative: Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell see favourable matchups, and I expect the duo to take advantage. To round out the +380 SGP, I am fading Raptors star Scottie Barnes.

Check out my Raptors vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 9.

Raptors vs. Cavaliers predictions

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Parlay: Allen over 13.5 points, Mitchell 3+ threes, Barnes under 12.5 rebounds & assists (+380)

Allen over 13.5 points (-143): Allen has dominated the paint in recent games and gets a favourable matchup tonight.

Last night, the six-foot-11 centre exploded for 25 points against a stellar Oklahoma City defence. Moreover, he is averaging 19.3 points in his last six games.

The Raptors are lacklustre at protecting the rim, allowing 51.2 PPG from inside the paint. Historically, Allen has feasted against this backcourt.

He has eclipsed 13.5 points in five straight games against Toronto, with a 23-point performance in November.

The dynamic frontcourt tandem of Allen and Evan Mobley has been integral to Cleveland’s 11-game winning streak, and I expect Kenny Atkinson to get the most out of them in this matchup.

SGP legs

Mitchell 3+ threes (-220): Considering the Raptors are bad at defending the deep ball, this prop feels like a layup.

Mitchell averaging 3.8 three-pointers (fourth-most in the NBA) and is shooting a career-best 41% from beyond the arc.

Spida has struggled against tougher competition (shot 2-for-7 from three vs. OKC), but the Raptors are a big step down.

  • Toronto, defensively, gives up three-pointers at a 36.5 clip (seventh-highest).
  • Made 3+ three-pointers in three of his last four against the Raptors.

Mitchell has cashed this wager in 15 of his last 20 games. Coming off a poor shooting performance, the Raptors should present him with the perfect bounce-back opportunity.

Barnes under 12.5 rebounds + assists (-120): Barnes’ supporting stats have taken a hit with the Raptors roster returning to full strength.

The trio of Barnes, R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are finally sharing the court, which has moved Barnes away from the playmaker role and into his primary role as a power forward.

He failed to surpass this number in each of the three games since Quickley returned.

With Cleveland as 15-point favourites and it being the second game of a back-to-back, it’s possible Barnes sits out for large chunks of the fourth quarter.

Picks made at 11:05 a.m. ET 01/09/2025.

This weekend’s top European soccer predictions: Best bets and picks for Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A

Soccer predictions

Three picks from three different leagues — Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A — make up this weekend’s top soccer predictions.

The pregame narrative: Atletico Madrid hosts Osasuna in a clash that has high-scoring potential and I believe Borussia Monchengladbach can go toe-for-toe with Bayern Munich. I also have a play on Italian sides Genoa and Parma.

Check out this weekend’s best European soccer predictions for games on Jan. 11-12.

Soccer picks and predictions

Go to full Bundesliga betting markets

Best Bet: Borussia Monchengladbach +1.5 (-130)

Fading one of the fiercest clubs in Europe isn’t as scary as it seems.

Although Bayern sits atop the Bundesliga table, with an 11-3-1 record, its defence has been susceptible and often keeps quality opponents in games.

  • Bayern hasn’t kept a clean sheet in its last six overall matches.
  • It had draws vs. Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund and lost at Mainz.

Under Vincent Kompany, the Bavarians deploy a high defensive line by sending all 10 players to press in the attacking third.

That strategy could backfire against a Monchengladbach side that has the pacy forwards — like Franck Honorat and Alassane Plea — to transition quickly and exploit space on the counter.

The Foals are joint-leaders in Bundesliga with 23 fast-break shots, per The Analyst.

https://twitter.com/borussia_en/status/1874070984489394662

With Dayot Upamecano suspended, Bayern’s backline is down a key defender that could effectively send aerial passes and has the pace to thwart counterattacks.

In great form, Gladbach has a 5-3-1 record in its last nine matches. It has draws to German giants Dortmund (1-1) and RB Leipzig (0-0) over that stretch.

The Foals, the biggest riser in Germany’s top flight, are flying under the radar and capable of giving Bayern a scare.

Key stat: At home ground, Gladbach is 7-1 against the +1.5 Asian handicap.

Quick picks

Atletico Madrid/Osasuna over 2.5 goals (-125): Atletico has emerged as a serious contender in the La Liga title race, coming off a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in December.

See all La Liga markets

Diego Simeone’s attack is flooded with quality forwards like Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez, along with top scorer Alexander Sorloth coming off the bench.

The formidable trio has combined for 20 goals this season.

Although Atletico is sound defensively, Osasuna has the attacking prowess to find the score sheet.

Under Vicente Moreno, the Little Reds often press their opponents to disrupt build-up play and send in crosses into the penalty area (at the third-highest rate in La Liga).

Osasuna thrashed Atletico 4-1 in its last trip to Metropolitano.

Genoa/Parma under 2.5 goals (-108): These are two bottom-half clubs in Serie A with subpar attacks.

Teams often have trouble puncturing Genoa’s backlines. The group uses three central defenders and two wingbacks to gain numerical advantages in the defensive third.

Parma is likely to compete without its top chance creators Dennis Man and Adrian Bernabe. Responsible for taking free-kicks and corners, the duo has combined for 53 created chances this season.

Bet now on Serie A

Patrick Vieira’s side has allowed three goals in its last six matches, including a clean sheet against AC Milan.

In the previous match at Torino, the Crusaders generated a measly 0.38 expected goals. They took just a single shot from inside the 18-yard box.

This has all the ingredients for a low-scoring affair and there’s lots of value in backing the under.

Picks made at 8:03 a.m. on 01/09/25.

This weekend’s top European soccer predictions: Best bets and picks for Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A

Soccer predictions

Three picks from three different leagues — Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A — make up this weekend’s top soccer predictions.

The pregame narrative: Atletico Madrid hosts Osasuna in a clash that has high-scoring potential and I believe Borussia Monchengladbach can go toe-for-toe with Bayern Munich. I also have a play on Italian sides Genoa and Parma.

Check out this weekend’s best European soccer predictions for games on Jan. 11-12.

Soccer picks and predictions

Go to full Bundesliga betting markets

Best Bet: Borussia Monchengladbach +1.5 (-121)

Fading one of the fiercest clubs in Europe isn’t as scary as it seems.

Although Bayern sits atop the Bundesliga table, with an 11-3-1 record, its defence has been susceptible and often keeps quality opponents in games.

  • Bayern hasn’t kept a clean sheet in its last six overall matches.
  • It had draws vs. Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund and lost at Mainz.

Under Vincent Kompany, the Bavarians deploy a high defensive line by sending all 10 players to press in the attacking third.

That strategy could backfire against a Monchengladbach side that has the pacy forwards — like Franck Honorat and Alassane Plea — to transition quickly and exploit space on the counter.

The Foals are joint-leaders in Bundesliga with 23 fast-break shots, per The Analyst.

https://twitter.com/borussia_en/status/1874070984489394662

With Dayot Upamecano suspended, Bayern’s backline is down a key defender that could effectively send aerial passes and has the pace to thwart counterattacks.

In great form, Gladbach has a 5-3-1 record in its last nine matches. It has draws to German giants Dortmund (1-1) and RB Leipzig (0-0) over that stretch.

The Foals, the biggest riser in Germany’s top flight, are flying under the radar and capable of giving Bayern a scare.

Key stat: At home ground, Gladbach is 7-1 against the +1.5 Asian handicap.

Quick picks

Atletico Madrid/Osasuna over 2.5 goals (-120): Atletico has emerged as a serious contender in the La Liga title race, coming off a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in December.

See all La Liga markets

Diego Simeone’s attack is flooded with quality forwards like Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez, along with top scorer Alexander Sorloth coming off the bench.

The formidable trio has combined for 20 goals this season.

Although Atletico is sound defensively, Osasuna has the attacking prowess to find the score sheet.

Under Vicente Moreno, the Little Reds often press their opponents to disrupt build-up play and send in crosses into the penalty area (at the third-highest rate in La Liga).

Osasuna thrashed Atletico 4-1 in its last trip to Metropolitano.

Genoa/Parma under 2.5 goals (+104): These are two bottom-half clubs in Serie A with subpar attacks.

Teams often have trouble puncturing Genoa’s backlines. The group uses three central defenders and two wingbacks to gain numerical advantages in the defensive third.

Parma is likely to compete without its top chance creators Dennis Man and Adrian Bernabe. Responsible for taking free-kicks and corners, the duo has combined for 53 created chances this season.

Bet now on Serie A

Patrick Vieira’s side has allowed three goals in its last six matches, including a clean sheet against AC Milan.

In the previous match at Torino, the Crusaders generated a measly 0.38 expected goals. They took just a single shot from inside the 18-yard box.

This has all the ingredients for a low-scoring affair and there’s lots of value in backing the under.

Picks made at 11:43 a.m. on 01/08/25.

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Orange Bowl prop picks: Bet Wallace’s receiving prop, Allar to throw a pick

Notre Dame vs. Penn State prop picks

I have two player props for the College Football Playoff semifinal between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday night.

The pregame narrative: In the Orange Bowl, the Nittany Lions will have to rely on the passing game and I expect wideout Harrison Wallace to be active. Nevertheless, I see scenarios where quarterback Drew Allar throws an interception against a dynamic secondary.

Check out my Notre Dame vs. Penn State prop picks for the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9.

Notre Dame vs. Penn State prop picks

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Embed: #105689

Best Bet: Harrison Wallace III over 41.5 receiving yards (-121)

Wallace’s numbers may not stand out every week, but he’s been a reliable downfield weapon for Allar.

Against Boise State, the junior receiver caught three passes for 37 yards with Penn State holding a lead and opting for a run-heavy attack.

For this game, I expect more emphasis on the passing game with the Nittany Lions as small underdogs.

It’s worth noting that Notre Dame’s stellar secondary is allowing just 167.4 passing yards per game, fifth-best in the nation.

Wallace, fortunately, gets a favourable matchup at the right corner, lined up against a struggling Christian Gray.

  • Against USC on Nov. 30, he allowed eight catches for 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
  • Against Georgia last Thursday, he allowed a 67-yard completion to Arian Smith.

I trust that Allar, who has displayed flashes of brilliance, can find some rhythm in the passing game and seek out Wallace to generate explosive plays.

Key stat: Wallace has exceeded 41.5 receiving yards in nine of his last 11 games.

Quick pick

Allar 1+ interceptions (-110): More emphasis on the passing game could lead to a costly mistake from Penn State’s quarterback.

Allar has only thrown seven picks on the season, with his last coming in the Big Ten Championship against Oregon.

But he faces his toughest test, up against a formidable Fighting Irish defence.

  • Notre Dame generates the fifth-most turnovers (2.1 on average) in the nation.
  • The secondary has an interception in six of their last eight games.

Allar possesses the arm strength that translates to the NFL, but accuracy has been a concern at times. He ranks outside the top 10 in pass completion rate (67.4%).

With a national championship berth at stake, I say there’s value in backing Allar to throw an interception.

Picks made at 2:21 p.m. ET 01/08/2025.

Heat vs. Warriors same-game parlay predictions Jan. 7: Back Curry and fade Schroder at +325

Heat vs. Warriors predictions.

The Miami Heat will be without Jimmy Butler as they visit the Golden State Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back.

The pregame narrative: Against a weary Heat team, I expect the Warriors to take care of business at home. Prop picks on Stephen Curry and Dennis Schroder round out this +325 SGP.

Check out my Heat vs. Warriors same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 7.

Heat vs. Warriors predictions

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Embed: #105550

Parlay: Warriors -5.5 + Curry over 5.5 assists + Schroder under 3.5 rebounds (+325)

Warriors -5.5 (-230): This is a terrible spot for a visiting Heat squad on a three-game losing skid.

Last night, each of Miami’s starters played over 40 minutes in its 123-118 double-overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings. Now, the Heat head into the Chase Center for its third game in four nights.

Without Butler, who’s serving a seven-game suspension for multiple instances of violating team conduct, the Heat are struggling to drain shots — especially from distance.

  • Vs. Utah: 9-for-35 (25.7%) from beyond the arc.
  • At Sacramento: 11-for-42 (26.1%) from three.

Meanwhile, Golden State has effectively defended the perimeter, holding opponents to a 34.8 percent rate on their threes.

Coming off a humiliating 129-99 loss to the Kings, Steve Kerr’s squad should be motivated to wrap up their six-game homestand on a positive note.

The rest advantage significantly favours a Warriors team that I expect to win by double digits. But to be safe, I am opting for an alt-spread.

SGP legs

Curry over 5.5 assists (-136): Golden State’s star point guard sees a favourable matchup to stir up scoring plays.

Curry is averaging 6.3 assists and 10.2 potential assists for the season. Also, he eclipsed this mark in five of his last seven games.

Meanwhile, Miami has allowed 9.7 assists per game to opposing point guards (fifth-most), per BettingPros.

It’s a nice bounce-back spot for Chef Curry, who failed to record a dime against the Kings. Before that, he notched 10 assists over the Sixers.

Playmakers Domantas Sabonis, Colin Sexton and Tyrese Haliburton tallied eight-plus assists in their recent matchups against the Heat.

Schroder under 3.5 rebounds (-148): For the final leg, I’m fading a player prop that’s been very profitable.

Over his 10 games as a Warrior, Schroder is 8-2 against this line and averaging just 2.6 rebounds per game.

The guard has also failed to eclipse 3.5 rebounds in 13 of his last 15 games dating back to his time with the Brooklyn Nets.

Golden State plays a small-ball style and often loses the rebound battle with a height disadvantage.

Even with the loss of Jonathan Kuminga to a sprained ankle, I say this line has been adjusted a tad too high.

Picks made at 11:25 a.m. ET 01/07/2025

NFL Week 18 parlay picks: Bet on Bengals and Chargers to win in +295 ticket

NFL Week 18 parlay picks

Two moneyline picks and an alt-spread on an underdog make up my NFL Week 18 parlay picks.

The pregame narrative: The Cincinnati Bengals are smoking hot and I am backing them to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in a must-win game. After that, I like the Los Angeles Chargers to win and the New York Jets to keep things close in Aaron Rodgers’ potential final NFL game.

Check out my NFL Week 18 parlay picks below.

NFL Week 18 parlay picks

Go to full NFL Week 18 betting markets.

Parlay: Bengals moneyline + Chargers moneyline + Jets +3.5 (+295)

Bengals moneyline (-134): Winners of four straight, the Bengals need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Keep in mind, the Steelers will likely be eliminated from the AFC-North title race before kick-off, as the Baltimore Ravens are 20-point favourites in the early game.

It would be out of character for Mike Tomlin and his squad to back down from a fight. However, the competitive edge definitely goes to the Bengals here.

Quarterback Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP level with career-highs in passing yards (4,641) and passing touchdowns (42).

Pittsburgh has faced tougher competition in its three-game losing skid, but the glaring issues with its offensive line cannot be ignored.

Russell Wilson was sacked 10 times in his last three games, which is a problem going up against the Bengals pass rush led by Trey Hendrickson, who leads the NFL with 14 sacks.

Cincinnati is a different team from its 44-38 loss to Pittsburgh several weeks ago. I expect it to get revenge.

Other parlay picks

Chargers moneyline (-209): A Bengals victory would motivate the Chargers to grab a win here, with playoff seedings yet to be determined.

The connection between Justin Herbert and rookie receiver Ladd McConkey is clicking, while the running attack got a much-needed boost with J.K. Dobbins’ return from injury.

Meanwhile, the bottom-feeding Las Vegas Raiders are playing for nothing but pride.

The running back room, which was poor to begin the season, is down to their third string. Defensively, the Raiders’ front seven no longer poses a threat without Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby.

Against the Chargers’ offensive line, which ranks first in quarterback hurries (1.4 per game), Herbert should have time in the pocket to deal.

Jets +3.5 (-188): This matchup has no shortage of storylines.

The Jets will look to wash the sour taste of their 32-26 overtime loss to the Dolphins on Dec. 8, where it led for most of the game.

Likely at quarterback for the Dolphins is Tyler Huntley. He lacks the throwing strength and accuracy to exploit a mediocre secondary.

In four games this season, Huntley has thrown for just two passing touchdowns along with a mediocre 36.7 quarterback rating.

One of the fewest bright spots for the Jets is Breece Hall, who should have success running the ball against the Dolphins, who ranks 21st in run defence DVOA.

In what could be his final NFL game, Rodgers will be highly motivated to put on a great performance.

NFL picks made at 4:30 p.m. on 1/03/25.