Jordan Horrobin, Author at The Boost

College Football Playoff semifinal best bets: NCAAF picks and predictions for 2026 Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl

There are two more stops on the road to the 2026 College Football Playoff national championship, with the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl due up on Thursday and Friday.

The pregame narrative: In Phoenix, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes look to impose their defensive will on the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in a true clash of styles. One night later, Atlanta hosts the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers in a Big Ten rematch against the Oregon Ducks.

Check out my college football best bets for the Jan. 8-9 playoff games, featuring NCAAF prop picks and predictions on Noah Whittington and Kewan Lacy.

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College football best bets: CFP semifinals

Editor’s note: The prop prediction on Noah Whittington was logged before the news that Oregon RB Jordon Davison (clavicle) was ruled out for the Peach Bowl.

Best bet: Whittington under 44.5 rushing yards (-120)

At the time of this writing, Whittington’s yardage line is higher than the line for his backfield mate, Jordon Davison. That doesn’t make any sense to me, given how they’ve been deployed in the CFP.

Through two playoff games, Whittington has just 55 rushing yards on 17 carries (3.2 yards/rush) with zero touchdowns.

Davison, on the other hand, has 132 yards on 25 carries (5.3 yards/rush) with two TDs.

Whittington is in his fourth year at Oregon and his sixth collegiate season overall. He was the lead back for the Ducks most of the way, but now the true freshman Davison is flashing more promise.

-> Go to full Oregon vs. Indiana Peach Bowl markets

And when the Ducks hosted the Hoosiers earlier this season, Davison was a rare bright spot for Oregon’s offence. He turned eight carries into 59 yards, while Whittington had just five carries for 27 yards.

Indiana has a stout run defence, and if anyone is going to get the opportunity to break through, I expect it’ll be Davison. Fade Whittington amid his apparent demotion.

Key stat: Indiana has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game this season (76.4).

NCAAF Fiesta Bowl prediction

Miami/Ole Miss under 52 points (-110): If you watched the high-octane shootout between Ole Miss and Georgia last week, betting this under might feel ridiculous. But Miami will pose a much different matchup for the Rebels.

Here’s where the Hurricanes rank in some key defensive metrics:

3rd in sacks per game (3.4)
4th in points per game (13.8)
7th in yards per play (4.4)

Miami has gone under this point total in 13 of its 14 games this season. The edge rusher combo of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor will keep the dynamic Trinidad Chambliss on his toes.

-> Bet now on No. 10 Miami vs. No. 6 Ole Miss

Unders are 4-2 in Ole Miss’s past six games, and its defence should be able to make some plays in this game. The Rebs’ issue is stopping the run, and that’s not typically where the Hurricanes thrive.

Miami’s offence ranks fifth in pass play success rate, according to Game On Paper. Ole Miss ranks 12th in pass play success rate on the defensive side.

College Football Playoff prop picks

Lacy over 84.5 rushing yards (-118): Though I don’t expect a massive point total in the Fiesta Bowl, I do like Lacy’s chances of clearing this yardage total. He’s a workhorse back that Ole Miss loves to lean on.

Look at his statistical output over the past seven games:

22.4 carries/game
120.9 yards/game
5.4 yards/rush
13 TDs

In that span, Lacy went under 22 carries just twice: a 49-0 blowout win over The Citadel (FCS) and when he injured his shoulder during Mississippi’s first-round playoff game.

Still, Lacy has cashed this bet in four straight games and should be in line to extend that streak.

To prevent Miami from pinning its ears back and hunting Chambliss down after down, the Rebels will need to establish the run. Lacy is a talented tailback who has earned the opportunity to do that.

-> Don’t miss out — bet on the College Football Playoffs!

Peach Bowl picks and predictions

Indiana -3.5 (-110): In a year with pretty solid parity in college football, the Hoosiers are clearly the best and most complete team.

I’m not going to say this number is disrespectful, but I didn’t blink before jumping on it.

Indiana just won the Rose Bowl by 35 points over Alabama, handing the storied Crimson Tide their worst loss of the century (not an exaggeration).

The Hoosiers are now 14-0 SU and 9-5 ATS on the year, winning by an average of 31.4 points per game.

They’ve covered a -4 spread in all but two of those matchups.

Oregon did just dismantle Texas Tech, 23-0. But the Red Raiders were playing with an injured Behren Morton at quarterback, which completely changed the dynamic of what their offence was capable of.

More importantly, Indiana went into Oregon earlier this season and won, 30-20, as 7-point underdogs. They sacked Dante Moore six times and out-gained the Ducks on the ground and through the air.

We’re a long way from viewing Indiana as a Cinderella squad. Curt Cignetti’s team is the one to beat.

College football best bets made at 4 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2026.

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College Football Playoff semifinal best bets: NCAAF picks and predictions for 2026 Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl

There are two more stops on the road to the 2026 College Football Playoff national championship, with the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl due up on Thursday and Friday.

The pregame narrative: In Phoenix, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes look to impose their defensive will on the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in a true clash of styles. One night later, Atlanta hosts the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers in a Big Ten rematch against the Oregon Ducks.

Check out my college football best bets for the Jan. 8-9 playoff games, featuring NCAAF prop picks and predictions on Noah Whittington and Kewan Lacy.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on college football

College football best bets: CFP semifinals

Editor’s note: The prop prediction on Noah Whittington was logged before the news that Oregon RB Jordon Davison (clavicle) was ruled out for the Peach Bowl.

Best bet: Whittington under 45.5 rushing yards (-121)

At the time of this writing, Whittington’s yardage line is higher than the line for his backfield mate, Jordon Davison. That doesn’t make any sense to me, given how they’ve been deployed in the CFP.

Through two playoff games, Whittington has just 55 rushing yards on 17 carries (3.2 yards/rush) with zero touchdowns.

Davison, on the other hand, has 132 yards on 25 carries (5.3 yards/rush) with two TDs.

Whittington is in his fourth year at Oregon and his sixth collegiate season overall. He was the lead back for the Ducks most of the way, but now the true freshman Davison is flashing more promise.

-> Go to full Oregon vs. Indiana Peach Bowl markets

And when the Ducks hosted the Hoosiers earlier this season, Davison was a rare bright spot for Oregon’s offence. He turned eight carries into 59 yards, while Whittington had just five carries for 27 yards.

Indiana has a stout run defence, and if anyone is going to get the opportunity to break through, I expect it’ll be Davison. Fade Whittington amid his apparent demotion.

Key stat: Indiana has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game this season (76.4).

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NCAAF Fiesta Bowl prediction

Miami/Ole Miss under 51.5 points (-109): If you watched the high-octane shootout between Ole Miss and Georgia last week, betting this under might feel ridiculous. But Miami will pose a much different matchup for the Rebels.

Here’s where the Hurricanes rank in some key defensive metrics:

3rd in sacks per game (3.4)
4th in points per game (13.8)
7th in yards per play (4.4)

Miami has gone under this point total in 13 of its 14 games this season. The edge rusher combo of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor will keep the dynamic Trinidad Chambliss on his toes.

-> Bet now on No. 10 Miami vs. No. 6 Ole Miss

Unders are 4-2 in Ole Miss’s past six games, and its defence should be able to make some plays in this game. The Rebs’ issue is stopping the run, and that’s not typically where the Hurricanes thrive.

Miami’s offence ranks fifth in pass play success rate, according to Game On Paper. Ole Miss ranks 12th in pass play success rate on the defensive side.

College Football Playoff prop picks

Lacy over 84.5 rushing yards (-118): Though I don’t expect a massive point total in the Fiesta Bowl, I do like Lacy’s chances of clearing this yardage total. He’s a workhorse back that Ole Miss loves to lean on.

Look at his statistical output over the past seven games:

22.4 carries/game
120.9 yards/game
5.4 yards/rush
13 TDs

In that span, Lacy went under 22 carries just twice: a 49-0 blowout win over The Citadel (FCS) and when he injured his shoulder during Mississippi’s first-round playoff game.

Still, Lacy has cashed this bet in four straight games and should be in line to extend that streak.

To prevent Miami from pinning its ears back and hunting Chambliss down after down, the Rebels will need to establish the run. Lacy is a talented tailback who has earned the opportunity to do that.

-> Don’t miss out — bet on the College Football Playoffs!

Peach Bowl picks and predictions

Indiana -4 (-117): In a year with pretty solid parity in college football, the Hoosiers are clearly the best and most complete team.

I’m not going to say this number is disrespectful, but I didn’t blink before jumping on it.

Indiana just won the Rose Bowl by 35 points over Alabama, handing the storied Crimson Tide their worst loss of the century (not an exaggeration).

The Hoosiers are now 14-0 SU and 9-5 ATS on the year, winning by an average of 31.4 points per game.

They’ve covered a -4 spread in all but two of those matchups.

Oregon did just dismantle Texas Tech, 23-0. But the Red Raiders were playing with an injured Behren Morton at quarterback, which completely changed the dynamic of what their offence was capable of.

More importantly, Indiana went into Oregon earlier this season and won, 30-20, as 7-point underdogs. They sacked Dante Moore six times and out-gained the Ducks on the ground and through the air.

We’re a long way from viewing Indiana as a Cinderella squad. Curt Cignetti’s team is the one to beat.

College football best bets made at 2:40 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2026.

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NFL wild-card matchups, schedule and betting odds: Bills, Texans among playoff road favourites

More than half of the NFL is in offseason mode now, and a six-pack of wild-card playoff games awaits this weekend.

The latest: All six NFL playoff games will take place outdoors, making the weather forecasts a key thing to track this week. The action kicks off with two games on Saturday before a tripleheader on Sunday, featuring reigning MVP Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills vs. the red-hot Jacksonville Jaguars.

Check out the NFL wild-card schedule and our odds for the first-round matchups, concluding with a Monday nighter between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 12.

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NFL wild-card schedule and odds

Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers: Saturday, Jan. 10 (4:30 p.m. ET)

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The heaviest favourite of wild-card weekend is a road team that’s travelling across the country on short rest. Interesting, isn’t it? Especially considering the Panthers have already beaten the Rams straight up — as 10-point home dogs — this season.

Still, there are some clear ways to see how the Rams have the edge. Led by MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford, L.A. had the second-best point differential in the NFL this season (+172). Carolina (-69) is the only playoff team with a negative point differential.

Overs have cashed in six straight Rams games, while unders are 5-1 in the Panthers’ past six.

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears: Saturday, Jan. 10 (8 p.m. ET)

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Saturday marks the third meeting between the historic rivals, with both teams winning and covering at home in the two prior matchups (both played in December).

In their most recent matchup, Green Bay blew a 10-point lead in the final few minutes, which included coughing up an onside kick, in an overtime loss. The Packers had a significant time-of-possession advantage (+12:44) but failed to convert any of their five red zone trips into touchdowns.

Since the start of December, Green Bay ranks 28th in the EPA per play on defence, according to RBSDM.com. The team’s top pass-rusher (Micah Parsons) and run-stopper (Devonte Wyatt) both suffered season-ending injuries last month.

-> At NorthStar Bets: Full betting markets for the NFL playoffs

Sunday’s NFL wild-card schedule

Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sunday, Jan. 11 (1 p.m. ET)

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The Jaguars’ freight train keeps on rolling. With a 34-point win in the regular season finale, Jacksonville is riding an eight-game win streak (SU and ATS) that includes a +153 point differential.

At 12-5-0 ATS, the Jaguars were tied for the best ATS record in the NFL this season. Jacksonville is 7-1-0 ATS at home.

Buffalo’s Allen had some notable home/road splits this season. At home, he had a 16:4 TD-to-INT ratio and a 114.8 passer rating. On the road, he had a 9:6 TD-to-INT ratio and an 87.7 passer rating.

-> Don’t miss out — bet on the NFL wild-card round now!

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Sunday, Jan. 11 (4:30 p.m. ET)

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Philadelphia did earn a resume-building win in Buffalo a couple of weeks ago, but things have still been fairly grim down the stretch. The defending champs lost four of their final seven games outright as favourites.

The 12-win Niners nearly nabbed the top seed in the NFC, but instead, they’ll have to survive their toughest road test in months. San Francisco has won four straight road games by 10+ points, but none of those opponents made the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots: Sunday, Jan. 11 (8 p.m. ET)

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Rookie-year Drake Maye really struggled vs. the Chargers in 2024 (12-of-22 passing, 117 yards), but things are different now. As a second-year player, Maye is in the MVP hunt after leading NFL passers in yards per attempt and completion percentage.

Unders are 6-1-1 in the Chargers’ past eight games. QB Justin Herbert did get a Pro Bowl nod, but his supporting cast is extremely limited. The Chargers are the only playoff team without either a 700-yard rusher or an 800-yard receiver.

-> See player prop markets for the first round of the NFL playoffs

NFL playoffs: Monday Night Football matchup

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Monday, Jan. 12 (8:15 p.m. ET)

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The last game of wild-card weekend is expected to be a rock fight. Unders are 6-2 when the Texans are on the road, where C.J. Stroud has an 81.3 passer rating this season (compared to a 107.4 passer rating at home).

Houston’s defence is also arguably the best in the NFL and should travel well. Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter and Co. rank second in points allowed and first in yards allowed.

After a two-game suspension, DK Metcalf will return to give the Steelers some much-needed life in the passing game. Aaron Rodgers averages just 6.1 yards per target (sixth percentile, per RotoWire), and served up a heavy dose of running back check-downs in Week 18.

Historically, the Steelers have thrived as home underdogs. They’re 12-6-1 ATS in that situation since 2021.

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Best NBA prop picks Jan. 5: Bet on Avdija, Edgecombe to stay hot on Monday night

VJ Edgecombe is on a scoring binge and I expect that to continue against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Tonight’s NBA props narrative: The Philadelphia 76ers rookie is averaging 21.2 points over his past nine games entering tonight’s home date vs. the Nuggets. Elsewhere, Deni Avdija will put his high-volume assist production to the test in a matchup built for offence.

Check out my top NBA prop picks for Jan. 5, featuring a prediction on Dillon Brooks.

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NBA prop picks Jan. 5

Best bet: Avdija over 9.5 assists (-106)

Monday’s game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz has the highest projected total of the night (243 points), and it’s easy to see why.

Utah and Portland both rank inside the top five in pace (i.e., possessions per game).

The Jazz are allowing the most points per game in the NBA (126.7).

Overs are 6-1 in the past seven meetings between these Western Conference teams — including a 136-134 win for the Blazers back in October.

-> Bet on prop markets for a high-flying Jazz vs. Blazers matchup!

With all of that in mind, these teams should be trading buckets with ease. And I expect Avdija to help facilitate that.

Jrue Holiday’s calf strain early in the season elevated Avdija into the role as Portland’s top passer. He’s averaging 8.3 assists in 24 games without Holiday — after averaging 4.6 assists in 12 games with the veteran.

Those assist numbers have ratcheted up even higher in recent games. Avdija has posted 9.6 APG in his past nine games, tallying at least nine assists in seven of those matchups.

In fact, he’s finished with a double-digit assist total in four of his past five. With the scoring potential of tonight’s matchup against the defensively inept Jazz, that’s very much in play again.

Key stat: Utah is allowing an NBA-high 30.1 assists per game.

Best NBA picks

Edgecombe over 16.5 points (–106): The 76ers are catching the Nuggets at a good time, and I like Edgecombe to take advantage.

Denver will be playing its third road game in four nights (without its all-world centre Nikola Jokic, to boot). On Sunday, the Nuggets coughed up 127 points to the lowly Brooklyn Nets in a loss.

Enter Edgecombe, who has scored more than 20 points in seven of his past nine games.

He’s putting up plenty of 3s right now, which certainly helps the scoring upside. In that nine-game span, Edgecombe is shooting 39.1% on 7.7 attempted 3s per game.

-> Full betting markets for Monday’s NBA slate

Joel Embiid is probable to play for the Sixers, but the two-time scoring champ shouldn’t bite into too many opportunities for Edgecombe.

The first-year guard has cashed this bet in five of his past six games with Embiid in the starting lineup.

NBA player prop predictions

Brooks over 19.5 points (-118): Yesterday, I backed Brooks to go over 18.5 points at a -124 price against the toughest defence in the NBA. He came through, dropping 22 points on the OKC Thunder.

It doesn’t get a lot easier for Brooks tonight in Houston, as the Rockets are sixth in defensive rating while playing at the league’s third-slowest pace. Still, I see value here.

Brooks is averaging a career-best 21.4 PPG.

He has 20+ points in 16 of 29 games (hitting the 18-point mark 23 times).

Brooks is 12-8 vs. this line since Nov. 21, and he finished with either 18 or 19 points in five of the outliers.

-> Don’t miss out — bet on tonight’s NBA prop markets!

Better yet, the Mississauga, Ontario native has already cashed this bet twice against his former team. He had 23 points in Houston on Dec. 5 and 29 points at home against the Rockets on Nov. 24.

The 29-point effort was on the second half of a back-to-back, which makes tonight’s no-rest scenario less daunting to bet on, too.

NBA prop picks made at 12:10 p.m. ET on Jan. 5, 2026.

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Best NBA prop picks Jan. 5: Bet on Avdija, Edgecombe to stay hot on Monday night

VJ Edgecombe is on a scoring binge and I expect that to continue against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Tonight’s NBA props narrative: The Philadelphia 76ers rookie is averaging 21.2 points over his past nine games entering tonight’s home date vs. the Nuggets. Elsewhere, Deni Avdija will put his high-volume assist production to the test in a matchup built for offence.

Check out my top NBA prop picks for Jan. 5, featuring a prediction on Dillon Brooks.

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NBA prop picks Jan. 5

Best bet: Avdija over 8.5 assists (-129)

Monday’s game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz has the highest projected total of the night (243 points), and it’s easy to see why.

Utah and Portland both rank inside the top five in pace (i.e., possessions per game).

The Jazz are allowing the most points per game in the NBA (126.7).

Overs are 6-1 in the past seven meetings between these Western Conference teams — including a 136-134 win for the Blazers back in October.

-> Bet on prop markets for a high-flying Jazz vs. Blazers matchup!

With all of that in mind, these teams should be trading buckets with ease. And I expect Avdija to help facilitate that.

Jrue Holiday’s calf strain early in the season elevated Avdija into the role as Portland’s top passer. He’s averaging 8.3 assists in 24 games without Holiday — after averaging 4.6 assists in 12 games with the veteran.

Those assist numbers have ratcheted up even higher in recent games. Avdija is 7-2 vs. this prop in his past nine, good for 9.6 APG in that span.

In fact, he’s finished with a double-digit assist total in four of his past five. With the scoring potential of tonight’s matchup against the defensively inept Jazz, that’s very much in play again.

Key stat: Utah is allowing an NBA-high 30.1 assists per game.

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Best NBA picks

Edgecombe over 16.5 points (–114): The 76ers are catching the Nuggets at a good time, and I like Edgecombe to take advantage.

Denver will be playing its third road game in four nights (without its all-world centre Nikola Jokic, to boot). On Sunday, the Nuggets coughed up 127 points to the lowly Brooklyn Nets in a loss.

Enter Edgecombe, who has scored more than 20 points in seven of his past nine games.

He’s putting up plenty of 3s right now, which certainly helps the scoring upside. In that nine-game span, Edgecombe is shooting 39.1% on 7.7 attempted 3s per game.

-> Full betting markets for Monday’s NBA slate

Joel Embiid is probable to play for the Sixers, but the two-time scoring champ shouldn’t bite into too many opportunities for Edgecombe.

The first-year guard has cashed this bet in five of his past six games with Embiid in the starting lineup.

NBA player prop predictions

Brooks over 19.5 points (-108): Yesterday, I backed Brooks to go over 18.5 points at a -124 price against the toughest defence in the NBA. He came through, dropping 22 points on the OKC Thunder.

It doesn’t get a lot easier for Brooks tonight in Houston, as the Rockets are sixth in defensive rating while playing at the league’s third-slowest pace. Still, I see value here.

Brooks is averaging a career-best 21.4 PPG.

He has 20+ points in 16 of 29 games (hitting the 18-point mark 23 times).

Brooks is 12-8 vs. this line since Nov. 21, and he finished with either 18 or 19 points in five of the outliers.

-> Don’t miss out — bet on tonight’s NBA prop markets!

Better yet, the Mississauga, Ontario native has already cashed this bet twice against his former team. He had 23 points in Houston on Dec. 5 and 29 points at home against the Rockets on Nov. 24.

The 29-point effort was on the second half of a back-to-back, which makes tonight’s no-rest scenario less daunting to bet on, too.

NBA prop picks made at 9:50 a.m. ET on Jan. 5, 2026.

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College Football Playoff schedule and odds: NCAAF matchups, betting lines for the semifinals

The College Football Playoff is down to its final four teams, and only one of the top four seeds remains.

The latest: No. 1 Indiana looked as strong as ever in its dismantling of No. 9 Alabama, and the Hoosiers are now one win shy of a national championship appearance. They’ll face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks, who had the shortest preseason CFP title odds of all the remaining programs.

Check out the College Football Playoff schedule and our odds for the semifinal matchups on Jan. 8-9.

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College Football Playoff schedule and odds

No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (-182) vs. No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels (+150)
Date: Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: Miami -3.5 (-110)

The Ohio State Buckeyes were CFP title favourites for most of the season, but the Hurricanes kept them quiet in a 24-14 Cotton Bowl win. Jeremiah Smith put up some big numbers in the receiving game (seven catches for 157 and a touchdown), but Ohio State was held to just 45 rushing yards on 24 attempts.

Keep an eye on Miami’s electric edge rushers, Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The NFL-bound duo has combined for 19 sacks this season — including three vs. Ohio State.

-> Bet on Miami vs. Ole Miss here!

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss could be running for his life a bit in this game, but that might not be the worst thing. Some of his most explosive plays in a 39-34 Sugar Bowl win over Georgia came on scrambles outside the pocket. He finished with 362 yards and two TDs on 30-of-46 passing.

Both the Hurricanes and Rebels are 9-5 ATS this season, riding three-game ATS win streaks into this matchup.

-> Full markets for every college football bowl game

CFP schedule and betting lines: Peach Bowl

No. 5 Oregon Ducks (+155) vs. No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (-188)
Date: Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: Indiana -4 (-110)

This is a battle featuring two very promising QBs, as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore are expected to be the top passers on the board in this year’s NFL draft. Moore has a 76.5% completion rate and is averaging 279.2 yards over his past five games, while Mendoza leads the nation in passing TDs (36) and yards per attempt (9.6)

-> Bet on Oregon vs. Indiana here!

Let’s not overlook either defence, though. The Ducks and Hoosiers allowed just three points and 408 total yards between the two of them in the quarterfinal round.

Back on Oct. 11, Indiana made its first of a few massive statements this season by beating Oregon, 30-20, at Autzen Stadium. The Hoosiers, who were 7-point road underdogs, notched six sacks and forced a pair of interceptions in the victory.

Indiana is 9-5 ATS this season, and all five of its ATS losses came as a favourite of at least two scores.

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College Football Playoff schedule and odds: NCAAF matchups, betting lines for the semifinals

The College Football Playoff is down to its final four teams, and only one of the top four seeds remains.

The latest: No. 1 Indiana looked as strong as ever in its dismantling of No. 9 Alabama, and the Hoosiers are now one win shy of a national championship appearance. They’ll face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks, who had the shortest preseason CFP title odds of all the remaining programs.

Check out the College Football Playoff schedule and our odds for the semifinal matchups on Jan. 8-9.

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College Football Playoff schedule and odds

No. 10 Miami Hurricanes vs. No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels

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The Ohio State Buckeyes were CFP title favourites for most of the season, but the Hurricanes kept them quiet in a 24-14 Cotton Bowl win. Jeremiah Smith put up some big numbers in the receiving game (seven catches for 157 and a touchdown), but Ohio State was held to just 45 rushing yards on 24 attempts.

Keep an eye on Miami’s electric edge rushers, Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The NFL-bound duo has combined for 19 sacks this season — including three vs. Ohio State.

-> Bet on Miami vs. Ole Miss here!

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss could be running for his life a bit in this game, but that might not be the worst thing. Some of his most explosive plays in a 39-34 Sugar Bowl win over Georgia came on scrambles outside the pocket. He finished with 362 yards and two TDs on 30-of-46 passing.

Both the Hurricanes and Rebels are 9-5 ATS this season, riding three-game ATS win streaks into this matchup.

-> Full markets for every college football bowl game

CFP schedule and betting lines: Peach Bowl

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No. 5 Oregon Ducks vs. No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers

This is a battle featuring two very promising QBs, as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore are expected to be the top passers on the board in this year’s NFL draft. Moore has a 76.5% completion rate and is averaging 279.2 yards over his past five games, while Mendoza leads the nation in passing TDs (36) and yards per attempt (9.6)

-> Bet on Oregon vs. Indiana here!

Let’s not overlook either defence, though. The Ducks and Hoosiers allowed just three points and 408 total yards between the two of them in the quarterfinal round.

Back on Oct. 11, Indiana made its first of a few massive statements this season by beating Oregon, 30-20, at Autzen Stadium. The Hoosiers, who were 7-point road underdogs, notched six sacks and forced a pair of interceptions in the victory.

Indiana is 9-5 ATS this season, and all five of its ATS losses came as a favourite of at least two scores.

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Best NBA prop picks Jan. 4: Bet on Dillon Brooks, Naz Reid to get buckets

Bam Adebayo and Naz Reid have some Grade-A matchups that are worth targeting in Sunday’s NBA prop market.

Tonight’s NBA props narrative: Adebayo faces the banged-up New Orleans Pelicans, who could be without Derik Queen and Trey Murphy. As for Reid, he’s facing an opponent that gives up a lot of opportunities on the perimeter.

Check out my top NBA prop picks for Jan. 4, featuring a prediction on Dillon Brooks.

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NBA prop picks Jan. 4

Best bet: Reid over 2.5 threes (-120)

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ most effective 3-point shooter since the start of December isn’t Anthony Edwards. It’s not Donte DiVincenzo, either.

It’s Reid, who is shooting 37.3% from outside — the highest clip among T-wolves averaging at least 2.0 attempted 3s per game.

Reid comes off the bench for Minnesota, but that doesn’t really take a bite out of his shot volume. On the season, he’s averaging 6.6 attempted 3s (second-most among all NBA centres).

From Dec. 1 onward, Reid has been particularly active from deep. He’s averaging 2.9 makes on 7.9 attempts in that span.

-> Bet on prop markets for Timberwolves vs. Wizards (ft. Naz Reid)!

Tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards is a great one for Reid to continue firing away.

Washington allows the fourth-most 3s — makes and attempts — per game this season.

Last year, Reid shot 10-for-20 from deep against the Wizards in three matchups and went 2-1 vs. this prop.

Key stat: Reid is 10-6 vs. this 3s prop in his past 16 games.

Best NBA picks

Adebayo over 30.5 points/rebounds/assists (–125): Adebayo has had more than his share of poor shooting performances recently, but he’s in a get-right spot tonight against the Pelicans.

New Orleans allows the sixth-most points, the fifth-most rebounds and the second-most assists to opposing centres (per Fantasy Pros).

Last season, Adebayo had 39 and 42 PRA, respectively, in his two matchups vs. the Pelicans.

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Over his past seven games, Adebayo is shooting a miserable 38.8%. For a guy with a 53.2% career field goal percentage, that’s almost hard to do.

The Pelicans are a Grade-A matchup all the way around, so even if the scoring sags a bit, there are other ways he can stuff the stat sheet.

But I think now is the right time for the bruising centre to regain his scoring touch, too.

NBA player prop predictions

Brooks over 18.5 points (-125): Brooks and the Suns will face the defending champion Thunder for the third time this season, and it’s obviously a brutal matchup for any score.

After all, OKC ranks first in defensive rating (104.1), opponent points (107.1/game) and opponent field goal percentage (43.1%).

With that said, you should expect a below-average scoring output from Brooks tonight … but that’s already accounted for with this line.

In 28 games this season, Brooks is averaging 21.4 PPG.

He has 18+ points in 22 of 28 games.

Brooks is 12-7 vs. this line since Nov. 21, and he finished with exactly 18 points in four of the outliers.

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The Mississauga, Ontario native scored 16 and 19 points, respectively, in his two prior matchups against the champs. In the 16-point effort, he only played 26 minutes in a 49-point blowout loss (Brooks averages over 30 minutes per night).

I don’t expect Brooks to soar past this number, but as long as the Suns don’t get laughed out of their own building, he’ll have a solid shot at the over.

NBA prop picks made at 1:20 p.m. ET on Jan. 4, 2026.

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Ravens vs. Steelers Week 18 Sunday Night Football picks: Kenneth Gainwell should help Pittsburgh stay in the fight at home

The stakes are sky-high for the final Sunday Night Football game of the regular season, as the Baltimore Ravens battle the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North title.

The pregame narrative: One team is walking away with a playoff berth, while the other is dusting off the golf clubs and beginning its offseason. The Ravens are road favourites despite losing at home to the Steelers four weeks ago.

Check out my Ravens vs. Steelers picks for Jan. 4, featuring a prop bet on Pittsburgh running back Kenneth Gainwell.

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Ravens vs. Steelers picks

Best Bet: Gainwell over 29.5 receiving yards (-118)

Everyone in the Steelers’ offence struggled last week, as the team mustered just two field goals in a miserable loss against the Cleveland Browns.

It was a grim scene with DK Metcalf serving the first half of a two-game suspension. Without its most explosive playmaker, Pittsburgh looked lost.

Tonight’s matchup is friendlier for the offence, though, and somebody is going to have to step up. My pick is Gainwell, who has been a productive pass-catcher throughout the back end of the season.

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Check out Gainwell’s per-game receiving numbers in his past seven games:

6.0 targets
5.1 catches
42.7 yards
25+ yards in six of seven
6+ targets in five of seven

That span includes Pittsburgh’s Week 14 matchup in Baltimore. In that game, Gainwell caught six of seven targets for 27 yards.

Of course, that means he hit the under on this prop last time out against the Ravens. But if he sees that kind of target volume again, I’ll take this over every time.

Gainwell is the 1B option in Pittsburgh’s split backfield, but he is the alpha when it comes to pass-catching opportunities. Since Week 9, Jaylen Warren only has 18 targets; Gainwell has 50.

Key stat: The Ravens allow the fourth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs (39.9/game).

SNF ATS prediction

Steelers +3.5 (-110): This game would be meaningless if Pittsburgh had beaten the lowly Browns last week … but that didn’t happen. And knowing Metcalf will sit out again is certainly not a positive for the Steelers.

But Mike Tomlin’s crew has largely had the Ravens’ number in recent history, covering this line in 10 of 12 matchups since the start of the 2020 season (including all five at home).

That includes a 27-22 win on Dec. 7 in Baltimore, where Pittsburgh was a +5.5 underdog.

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Since the outset of the 2020 season, Pittsburgh is 11-6-1 ATS as a home dog.

Hopefully, with another week of preparation in a Metcalf-less offence, the Steelers can find ways to move the ball and at least remain competitive at home vs. Baltimore.

Ravens vs. Steelers picks made at 12 p.m. ET Jan. 4, 2026.

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Ravens vs. Steelers Week 18 Sunday Night Football picks: Kenneth Gainwell should help Pittsburgh stay in the fight at home

The stakes are sky-high for the final Sunday Night Football game of the regular season, as the Baltimore Ravens battle the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North title.

The pregame narrative: One team is walking away with a playoff berth, while the other is dusting off the golf clubs and beginning its offseason. The Ravens are road favourites despite losing at home to the Steelers four weeks ago.

Check out my Ravens vs. Steelers picks for Jan. 4, featuring a prop bet on Pittsburgh running back Kenneth Gainwell.

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Ravens vs. Steelers picks

Best Bet: Gainwell over 28.5 receiving yards (-118)

Everyone in the Steelers’ offence struggled last week, as the team mustered just two field goals in a miserable loss against the Cleveland Browns.

It was a grim scene with DK Metcalf serving the first half of a two-game suspension. Without its most explosive playmaker, Pittsburgh looked lost.

Tonight’s matchup is friendlier for the offence, though, and somebody is going to have to step up. My pick is Gainwell, who has been a productive pass-catcher throughout the back end of the season.

-> Bet on Kenneth Gainwell on Sunday Night Football

Check out Gainwell’s per-game receiving numbers in his past seven games:

6.0 targets
5.1 catches
42.7 yards
25+ yards in six of seven
6+ targets in five of seven

That span includes Pittsburgh’s Week 14 matchup in Baltimore. In that game, Gainwell caught six of seven targets for 27 yards.

Of course, that means he hit the under on this prop last time out against the Ravens. But if he sees that kind of target volume again, I’ll take this over every time.

Gainwell is the 1B option in Pittsburgh’s split backfield, but he is the alpha when it comes to pass-catching opportunities. Since Week 9, Jaylen Warren only has 18 targets; Gainwell has 50.

Key stat: The Ravens allow the fourth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs (39.9/game).

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SNF ATS prediction

Steelers +3.5 (-107): This game would be meaningless if Pittsburgh had beaten the lowly Browns last week … but that didn’t happen. And knowing Metcalf will sit out again is certainly not a positive for the Steelers.

But Mike Tomlin’s crew has largely had the Ravens’ number in recent history, covering this line in 10 of 12 matchups since the start of the 2020 season (including all five at home).

That includes a 27-22 win on Dec. 7 in Baltimore, where Pittsburgh was a +5.5 underdog.

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Since the outset of the 2020 season, Pittsburgh is 11-6-1 ATS as a home dog.

Hopefully, with another week of preparation in a Metcalf-less offence, the Steelers can find ways to move the ball and at least remain competitive at home vs. Baltimore.

Ravens vs. Steelers picks made at 12 p.m. ET Jan. 4, 2026.

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