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Canucks vs. Predators prop picks Jan. 29: Back Filip Forsberg to stay hot, Boeser to find score sheet

The Vancouver Canucks visit the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: Two red-hot skaters are featured in my prop picks for this marquee Western Conference matchup. Filip Forsberg has been on a tear and I like him to score tonight at plus money. For the Canucks, I’ll back Brock Boeser to get on the score sheet.

Check out my Canucks vs. Predators prop picks for Jan. 29.

Canucks vs. Predators prop picks

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Best bet: Forsberg anytime goalscorer (+133)

What a month it’s been for Forsberg, who has 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 10 games since the calendar flipped to 2025.

He leads the Predators in goals (18) and points (49) and is attempting to will Nashville into playoff position.

And so far so good, as Nashville is 7-3-0 in January. Forsberg and the Predators have another good matchup on Wednesday. Vancouver allows 3.1 goals per game.

Last season, he finished sixth in the NHL with 48 goals, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down during this current heater.

Key stat: Forsberg has scored a goal in six of the last seven games.

Quick picks

Boeser to score 1+ points (-134): Amid the swirling trade rumours, Boeser is certainly making an effort to increase his value. He is on a five-game point streak, with a goal and five assists.

The winger is coming off a career year in which he recorded 73 points in 81 games. But he hasn’t taken the step many expected this season and has just 33 points in 42 games.

Boeser can still reach the 70-point mark if he can maintain this level of play down the stretch, though.

The Predators are an enticing matchup, ranking in the bottom 10 for goals allowed (3.2) and shots allowed (29.2) per game.

Boser plays on the first line and first unit of a power play that converts at a 22.6% rate.

Picks made at 12:20 p.m. ET on 01/29/2025.

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Super Bowl 59 MVP picks: Saquon Barkley has value, Xavier Worthy a notable long shot

One of the most sought-after Super Bowl bets is who’s going to win MVP so here’s my insight.

The pregame narrative Saquon Barkley has been a wrecking ball for the Philadephia Eagles and one more other-worldly performance is well within the realm of possibilities. I like the value on Jalen Hurts, too, as well as Xavier Worthy for the Kansas City Chiefs due to his big-play ability.

Check out my Super Bowl MVP picks below.

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Super Bowl MVP picks

Best bet: Barkley to win MVP (+160)

Barkley rushed for 2,000 yards this season and had a plethora of MVP-calibre performances. Here are a couple of recent examples:

Divisional round vs. Rams: 205 rush yards, 2 TDs
Week 16 vs. Commanders: 150 rush yards, 2 TDs

Most recently, he logged 118 yards on 15 carries with three TDs vs. the Washington Commanders in the NFC conference championship.

Those are just a few of the monstrous performances Barkley put up over the season but it illustrates how dominant he can be while the Eagles continue to win games.

Since Week 7, Barkey has rushed for 100-plus yards in 12 of 14 games while adding 15 scores.

He has five TDs in two playoff games and would surely record big numbers if the Eagles were to win as the slight underdog.

Key stat: The last two running backs to win SB MVP (Terrell Davis, Emmitt Smith) averaged 30 carries, 144.5 yards (4.8 YPC) and 2.5 TDs. All of those numbers are within Barkley’s capabilities.

Quick picks

Hurts to win MVP (+340): Like Barkley, Hurts had three rushing touchdowns against the Commanders in the conference championship.

He is the biggest threat to steal scores away from Barkley near the goal-line so this pick is partially a hedge. I also can’t see any other Eagle outperforming these two if Philly were to win.

Hurts turned 19 goal-line carries into 11 TDs during the regular season and has found the end zone in two of three playoff games.

It may be recency bias but if Hurts were to replicate his performance from Jan. 26 (20/28 passing, 246 yards, 1 TD, 3 rush TDs) it would be hard to see anyone else winning this award.

Worthy to win MVP (+2,500): The more logical pick on the Kansas City side is Patrick Mahomes (+100) as he’s won three of the past five Super Bowl MVPs.

But I decided to take the long-shot approach and back the Chiefs’ most explosive offensive threat.

Worthy showed out for KC against the Buffalo Bills, recording six receptions, 101 scrimmage yards and a TD.

I’m well prepared for a low-scoring game between two of the NFL’s elite defences and if that were the case it would open the door for a long-shot option to steal the MVP award with one or two game-deciding plays.

The other way to go would be backing a defensive player but I have faith the rookie can make his mark in the big game.

NFL picks made at 2:14 p.m. on 01/27/25.

Nuggets vs. Knicks same-game parlay predictions Jan. 29: Back Towns and Anunoby at +380

Two championship-hopeful teams meet in the Big Apple as the Denver Nuggets visit the New York Knicks.

The pregame narrative: Both the Nuggets and Knicks can score at will but leave something to be desired on the defensive end. I’m taking the over on an alternate total along with player props on Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby in this +380 SGP.

Check out my Nuggets vs. Knicks same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 29.

Nuggets vs. Knicks predictions

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Parlay: Over 234.5 points + Towns over 12.5 rebounds + Anunoby over 1.5 threes (+380)

Over 234.5 points (-200): This is a lofty alternate total but there’s good reason for it.

Denver scores the third-most points per game (120.6)

New York falls just behind, scoring the fourth-most PPG (117.8).

Additionally, both sides rank in the bottom half of the NBA for defensive rating.

The Nuggets play at the third-fastest pace (99.9 possessions/game). As a result, Denver is tied for the best overs record in the league (30-16-0), per Team Rankings.

Denver has surpassed this total in six of the past seven games while New York went over this number in two straight and five of its last eight contests.

Other SGP legs

Towns over 12.5 rebounds (-106): This may be the best centre matchup the NBA has to offer.

Nikola Jokic is dominating for the Nuggets, averaging a 30-point triple-double.

Towns is having a fantastic season himself, scoring 24.9 PPG with great efficiency while ranking second in the league as a rebounder (13.8/game).

Jokic plays 36.4 minutes a night and I expect Tom Thibodeau to have Towns out there as much as possible to match.

The Nuggets allow the fifth-most rebounds to opposing centres (16.0/game), per Fantasy Pros.

Towns has 13-plus rebounds in 25 of 42 games this season (59.5%), and he finds himself in an enticing spot on Wednesday.

Anunoby over 1.5 threes (-167): The former Toronto Raptor has been firing on all cylinders lately.

He’s cashed this wager in five of the past six games, averaging 2.3 makes on 5.8 attempts (40.0% shooting).

As I’ve already mentioned, I’m predicting a lot of points tonight. And if that’s the case, there should be an uptick in 3-point volume for Anunoby.

He had a career-high 40 points on 5-of-7 shooting beyond the arc when he last faced Denver on Nov. 25.

Picks made at 10:12 a.m. on 01/29/25.

Clippers vs. Suns same-game parlay predictions Jan. 27: Back the Suns to cover, Leonard to get a steal at +285

Monday’s loaded 12-game NBA slate is headlined by the Los Angeles Clippers visiting the Phoneix Suns.

The pregame narrative: Two Western Conference teams jockeying for position in the standings meet in a marquee matchup. I’m backing the new-look Suns to cover a teased-up spread while adding props on Nick Richards and Kawhi Leonard to make a +285 SGP.

Check out my Clippers vs. Suns same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 27.

Clippers vs. Suns predictions

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Parlay: Suns +4 + Richards over 9.5 rebounds + Leonard over 0.5 steals (+285)

Suns +4 (-152): Phoneix made a trade for big man Richards and it’s made an instant impact.

Since the trade with the Charlotte Hornets, the Suns are 3-1. The sole loss came against the east-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

Richards fills a big hole at the centre position left by Jusuf Nurkic who went from starter to out of the rotation after being ineffective to start the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Clippers are a respectable 26-19 but struggle on the road. They are 9-11 away from the Intuit Dome.

Phoenix is 14-8 at home and is looking to make a move up the standings.

Other SGP legs

Richards over 9.5 rebounds (-134): Speaking of Richards, the seven-footer has been stuffing the stat sheet.

Besides one dud vs. Cleveland (four points, four rebounds), Richards has excelled, recording double-digit rebounds in the three other games.

He’s also coming off his best performance as a Sun, scoring 20 points and grabbing 19 rebounds against the Washington Wizards in 33 minutes — his most playing time since Oct. 30.

I’m sure Mike Budenholzer loves what he sees and will rely on Richards to compete with Clippers centre Ivica Zubac who ranks fourth in the NBA with 12.5 rebounds per game.

Leonard over 0.5 steals (-245): This is a juiced line but it brings the SGP from +155 to +285 so it feels like a no-brainer to tack it on.

Leonard’s played seven games this season since returning from injury and he’s recorded a steal in six of those contests.

He is on a minute restriction which might concern some but it hasn’t mattered before.

This is a guy who averages 1.7 steals per game over his career. So it’s not surprising he’s been effective on the defensive end of the floor in his limited minutes.

Toronto Raptors fans will remember Leonard for his tenacious defence — amongst other things — and I expect the Klaw to be locked in to guard Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Co.

Picks made at 11:50 a.m. on 01/27/25.

Rockets vs. Celtics same-game parlay predictions Jan. 27: Back Green and Thompson at +310

The Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics, two elite teams in their respective conferences, clash on Monday.

The pregame narrative: The Rockets are red-hot, winning eight of their last 10 games and I want in. I’m buying a few extra points on Houston’s spread and backing player props on Jalen Green and Amen Thompson in this +310 SGP.

Check out my Rockets vs. Celtics same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 27.

Rockets vs. Celtics predictions

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Parlay: Rockets +9.5 + Green over 2.5 assists + Thompson over 25.5 points/rebounds (+310)

Rockets +9.5 (-225): The Rockets have grabbed the NBA’s attention, holding a 30-14 record and the second seed in the Western Conference.

That includes being one of the better teams against the spread, holding a 26-17-1 record to this point.

Conversely, Boston has the fifth-worst ATS record (18-27-1) indicating that the spread is normally too high for the reigning champs.

The Rockets are very good on the road, too. They hold a 15-6 away record which is better than the Celtics 15-8 home record.

Houston did lose 109-86 at home to Boston on Jan. 3 but that was after a tough stretch of games for the Rockets.

I expect a better-rested side to go into TD Garden looking to get some revenge.

Other SGP legs

Green over 2.5 assists (-141): The fourth-year pro is averaging the lowest assists per game (2.8) since his rookie season.

But you wouldn’t know it looking at his past results.

Green is averaging 3.6 assists over his last 10 games
He’s 8-2 against this line during that span.

He’s consistently hitting this mark and I believe the Rockets will gameplan to pass more in hopes of breaking down an elite Celtics’ defence.

Green recorded nine total assists in his recent two-game series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, another top Eastern Conference side.

Thompson over 25.5 points/rebounds (-107): Thompson is a fun player to bet on because he has an insanely high motor and plays a load of minutes.

The second-year pro shoots 55.6% from the field and averages 21.3 points/rebounds per game.

That’s much lower than what’s needed tonight but if we look at his recent results, it will become evident why this line is still very much attainable.

Thompson is averaging 17.7 PPG and 11.8 RPG since Jan. 1.

He’s 6-3 against this line over those games.

It helped that he played 35-plus minutes in eight of those contests and 40-plus in six.

Boston is a bad matchup for basically all players but Thompson has proven he can fill the stat sheet against any team in the association.

Picks made at 1:00 p.m. on 01/26/25.

Panthers vs. Golden Knights prop picks Jan. 26: Bet on Jack Eichel, Carter Verhaeghe

Sunday’s NHL slate is headlined by the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights.

The pregame narrative: Jack Eichel is having an incredible season, and I expect him to get on the score sheet against a below-average penalty kill. I’m also tailing a Carter Verhaeghe prop.

Check out my Panthers vs. Golden Knights prop picks for Jan. 26.

Panthers vs. Golden Knights prop picks

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Best bet: Eichel 1+ power-play points (+140)

The Panthers take the fourth-most penalty minutes per game (10.2) and are below average on the penalty kill (78.8%).

Meanwhile, Vegas plays very disciplined (5.5 penalty mins/game) and scores on the power play at the third-highest rate (28.4%).

That offence is led by Eichel, who has 20 points with the man advantage. He has 61 points in total over 48 games, but his -345 price tag to score a point is way too steep for me.

Instead, I’ll happily take the value on Eichel to get a PP point against an undisciplined team.

Key stat: Florida has allowed the 10th-most goals against on the PK (32) this season.

Quick pick

Verhaeghe over 2.5 shots (+100): There are a lot of high-volume shooters on the Panthers, and I’ve opted to side with the leader of the group.

Verhaeghe has tallied 148 shots in 50 games and is cashing this bet more often than not. He is 29-21 against this wager.

He’s finished with two or fewer shots in back-to-back games but had three-plus shots in five of six before that.

The Golden Knights don’t provide the best matchup, as they allow the eight-fewest shots per game (26.8), but that’s part of the reason this is priced at even money.

Besides, Flordia averages 31.1 shots per night and has proven it can do damage against any team.

Picks made at 3:43 p.m. ET on 01/26/2025.

Panthers vs. Golden Knights prop picks Jan. 26: Bet on Jack Eichel, Carter Verhaeghe

Sunday’s NHL slate is headlined by the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights.

The pregame narrative: Jack Eichel is having an incredible season, and I expect him to get on the score sheet against a below-average penalty kill. I’m also tailing a Carter Verhaeghe prop.

Check out my Panthers vs. Golden Knights prop picks for Jan. 26.

Panthers vs. Golden Knights prop picks

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Best bet: Eichel 1+ power-play points (+150)

The Panthers take the fourth-most penalty minutes per game (10.2) and are below average on the penalty kill (78.8%).

Meanwhile, Vegas plays very disciplined (5.5 penalty mins/game) and scores on the power play at the third-highest rate (28.4%).

That offence is led by Eichel, who has 20 points with the man advantage. He has 61 points in total over 48 games, but his -345 price tag to score a point is way too steep for me.

Instead, I’ll happily take the value on Eichel to get a PP point against an undisciplined team.

Key stat: Florida has allowed the 10th-most goals against on the PK (32) this season.

Quick pick

Verhaeghe over 2.5 shots (+100): There are a lot of high-volume shooters on the Panthers, and I’ve opted to side with the leader of the group.

Verhaeghe has tallied 148 shots in 50 games and is cashing this bet more often than not. He is 29-21 against this wager.

He’s finished with two or fewer shots in back-to-back games but had three-plus shots in five of six before that.

The Golden Knights don’t provide the best matchup, as they allow the eight-fewest shots per game (26.8), but that’s part of the reason this is priced at even money.

Besides, Flordia averages 31.1 shots per night and has proven it can do damage against any team.

Picks made at 2:10 p.m. ET on 01/26/2025.

Flames vs. Jets prop picks Jan. 26: Expect Kyle Connor to produce on the power play

The Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets clash on Sunday evening.

The pregame narrative: The Jets hold the NHL’s best power play and I’m betting on Kyle Connor to be effective with the man advantage. I also see value in Yegor Sharangovich’s points prop during the centre’s hot streak.

Check out my Flames vs. Jets prop picks for Jan. 26.

Flames vs. Jets prop picks

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Best bet: Connor 1+ power-play points (+175)

I’m riding with the top scorer on the league’s top power play in a favourable matchup. It really is that simple, but I will dive deeper.

Connor has 21 PP points (t-7th in the NHL).

The Flames have the NHL’s 4th-worst penalty kill (72.3%).

Not only that, but Calgary takes the most penalty minutes per game (10.9).

There should be ample opportunity for Winnipeg with the man advantage and I’m predicting Connor to lead the charge.

The Jets convert on 32.4% of their PPs, so typically only a few chances are needed for the team to be successful. The hope, then, is that their leading scorer is involved.

Key stat: Connor has a point on the power play in one of two games vs. the Flames this season.

Quick pick

Sharangovich 1+ points (+163): On Jan. 23 I backed Sharangovich in my NHL prop picks and he came through with an empty-net goal.

He followed that up with a two-point point performance against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, so I’m going back to the well.

His output hasn’t been up to standard this season, as Sharangovich has just 17 points in 40 games after missing the first portion of the season recovering from an injury.

But this is a guy who scored 59 points a year ago. Now, it appears he’s finding his stride again.

Since moving back to the centre position — his natural spot — he’s found chemistry with his new linemates.

Sharangovich is 4-2 against this line over his past six games, with six points total. He’s been upgraded to the first power-play unit, too, while Connor Zary is sidelined.

The move hasn’t resulted in any production yet, but I feel in assuming the points will come as he spends more time with Calgary’s top skaters.

Picks made at 12:10 p.m. ET on 01/26/2025.

NHL prop picks Jan 26: Back Kirill Kaprizov to dominate vs. Blackhawks

Sunday’s five-game NHL slate still provides enough ammunition for three prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Kirill Kaprizov recently missed a month with an injury, and Sunday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks is his best chance to do damage since returning. Elsewhere, I’m backing Drake Batherson from the Ottawa Senators and Ryan Donato from the Blackhawks.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 26.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Batherson to score 1+ points (-137)

I believe it’s time Batherson gets back on track.

He started the season hot with 36 points in 36 games but has only scored four points in 13 games since.

The good news is the winger still averages just under 19 minutes and plays on the second line and first power play.

Batherson has the underlying metrics of someone who should be more productive, and I predict a bounce-back run, starting on Sunday.

The Utah Hockey Club are a decent defensive team, sitting in the middle of the pack regarding goals against and shots conceded per game.

But Utah does take the third-most penalty minutes (10.3) per game, so Batherson should see some extra time with the man advantage.

Key stat: Batherson has 26 points in 22 home games this season.

Quick picks

Kaprizov to record 2+ points (+143): Kaprizov returned on Jan. 23 after missing a month and has had two games to shake the rust off.

Now the Minnesota Wild head to Chicago for a visit with the Blackhawks, whose defensive stats are an eyesore:

30th in goals/game (3.44)
30th in shots allowed/game (31.4)

Kaprizov, who recorded his first point since Dec. 23 on Saturday, has the matchup needed to build on that performance.

This certainly isn’t a lock, as indicated by the odds, but why not take a shot here knowing Kaprizov will be active in the Blackhawks’ zone?

The winger is tied for 23rd in the NHL in points (51) despite only playing 36 of his team’s 49 games. He’s also been on the score sheet in all three prior meetings with Chicago this season.

Donato to score 1+ points (+148): This pick is based solely on value, so if you’re a numbers person, you’ll love this one.

Donato has a point in 24 of 46 games this season (52.2%) and comes into Sunday on a bit of a heater.

He has points in three straight games and ranks third on the Blackhawks in overall point production (28).

Minnesota is firmly in a playoff spot, but its defence is starting to show cracks. The Wild allow the sixth-most shots on goal, and they kill penalties at the third-worst rate (70.2%).

That’s led to the Wild allowing four or more goals in seven of the past nine games.

Picks made at 10:30 a.m. ET on 01/26/2025.

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Bills vs. Chiefs AFC championship TD picks: Bet on Cook and Kelce to find end zone

One running back and a veteran tight end make up my AFC championship TD picks.

The pregame narrative: Travis Kelce was in vintage playoff form last week and I’m backing him to score as the Kansas City Chiefs get one step closer to three-peating. I’m also eyeing James Cook to score for the Buffalo Bills.

Check out my favourite Bills vs. Chiefs TD picks for this weekend’s AFC championship game.

Bills vs. Chiefs TD picks

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Best bet: Kelce anytime TD (+110): The all-time great tight end had a down season by his standards, recording his career-low in receiving yards (823) with just three TDs.

But I chalk most of his struggles up to a slow start. Since Week 8, he’s been cooking:

97 targets
69 receptions
598 yards

The end zone has been hard to find but it is worth noting that all three TDs came after Week 8.

Kelce also strives in the playoffs. Last week, he had seven receptions for 117 yards and a TD against the Houston Texans.

Key stat: Since the 2021-22 season, the tight end has 11 scores in as many postseason games, going 9-2 against this wager.

Quick pick

Cook anytime TD (+100): On the other side, I’m backing Cook at plus money.

Despite not scoring last week, the 1,000-yard rusher was very reliable against this wager all season long. He scored in 13 out of 18 games including the playoffs.

In two postseason games, Cook is still getting a ton of volume out of the backfield.

Vs. Denver: 23 carries, 120 yards, TD.
Vs. Baltimore: 17 carries, 67 yards.

Kansas City is good against the run, allowing the eight-fewest ground yards per game (101.8) — but Buffalo’s offence has proven to be matchup-proof heading into the AFC championship.

Cook had two TDs in the Bills’ Week 11 win over the Chiefs.

Picks made at 3:35 p.m. ET on 01/23/2025.