College Football Playoff Quarterfinals: Odds, Picks & Predictions
The first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff was a bit underwhelming, as every favorite won by double digits at home. Now, the stage is set for neutral-site bowl games with a trip to the semifinals on the line. We’ll break down every game and predict who we think advances to the final four. Check out the fresh odds for these Quarterfinals. Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Fiesta Bowl (6) Penn State (-11, T-52) vs. (3) Boise StatePenn State dismantled SMU quite easily and was overmatched at Happy Valley. Drew Allar didn’t play his best, but he didn’t need to, as the defense did more than enough to get the job done. Three sacks, three interceptions, and holding the Mustangs to just 253 total yards. The Nittany Lions now take on Boise State and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty. The Broncos took Oregon to the wire earlier in the year, so they won’t back down despite being 11-point underdogs. For any chance of an upset, Jeanty needs to be at his best against the No. 7 run stop unit that allowed just 100.2 YPG during the regular season. Penn State wins, but Boise State keeps it closer than the spread indicates.THE PICK: Boise State +11 Wednesday, Jan. 1 – Peach Bowl Texas (-14, T-52) vs. Arizona StateTexas and Clemson had the most entertaining game in the opening round, with the Longhorns covering the 13.5-point spread by a late goal-line stand. Now, Texas faces an underdog side that no one expected to be here. Many experts predicted Arizona State to finish dead last in the conference, yet the Sun Devils went on to win the Big 12 and put up 45 points in the championship game. While the Longhorns are dominant, ASU isn’t afraid of the big stage, especially with RB Cam Skattebo, who has three straight games with at least 147 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns. Texas is the betting favorite to win the national title but could be in for a dogfight. Two touchdowns seem like too many points.THE PICK: Arizona State +14 Wednesday, Jan. 1 – Rose Bowl Ohio State (-2.5, T-55) vs. OregonMany experts wrote off the Buckeyes after their upset loss to Michigan, but now they find themselves in a rematch against Oregon, the other team that handed them a loss this season. Ohio State looked determined against Tennessee, jumping out to a 21-0 lead in the first and never looking back. When these teams met in October, the Ducks squeaked out a one-point victory in a game OSU had a chance to win late. This game should be another tight one that could come down to the final possession again. These teams easily could have met in the national championship game, but the draw prevents that from happening. Likely the best game of the quarterfinals, and it can really go either way. Oregon was undefeated this season and beat OSU. Let’s take the points.THE PICK: Oregon +2.5 Wednesday, Jan. 1 – Sugar Bowl Georgia (-1.5, T-44) vs. Notre DameNotre Dame crushed Indiana, but the scoreline doesn’t indicate that. The Hoosiers scored 14 points in the final 87 seconds of the game to make it look respectable, but the Fighting Irish dominated from start to finish. Don’t sleep on Notre Dame; many pundits feel they are a top-4 team in the country, and they’ll get a chance to prove it against one of the best programs in college football. Expect both teams to commit to the run game and grind it out in a low-scoring game. It really is a coin toss on who wins, but we’re betting the total here.THE PICK: Under 44
College Football Bowl Games: Odds, Picks & Predictions
Check out the full odds for the College Football Bowl Games on BetOnline. Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Texas Bowl LSU vs. Baylor (-1.5, T-60)This game opened with LSU -3, but that quickly changed when offensive linemen Will Campbell and Emery Jones opted out for the Tigers as they prepare for the draft. Both could be selected in the first two rounds. Tight end Mason Taylor will also miss the game, one of LSU’s main weapons. Baylor, led by former LSU defensive coordinator and current head coach Dave Aranda, won its final six games. If LSU is motivated, they should win this game.THE PICK: LSU ML +100 Thursday, Jan. 2 – Gator Bowl No. 14 Ole Miss (-15) vs. DukeThis line is one of the largest during bowl season, and it could shift if Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart opts out. As of now, he’s expected to play. Duke looks overmatched despite going 5-2 ATS as an underdog. The Blue Devils may give a strong first-half effort, but expect the Rebels to pull away and give Lane Kiffin his third bowl victory after being snubbed for the CFP.THE PICK: Ole Miss -15 Friday, Jan. 3 – First Responder Bowl Texas State (-13.5, T-64) vs. North TexasThis line started at 7.5 but has ballooned to nearly two touchdowns due to North Texas having almost 12 players opt out, including starting quarterback Chandler Morris. Missing from the lineup are two receivers, a tight end, center, left guard, right tackle, safety, and a couple of running backs. Without Morris, the Mean Green will turn to true freshman Drew Mestemaker. Texas State quarterback Jordan McCloud led the Sun Belt with 29 touchdown passes.THE PICK: Texas State -13.5 Friday, Jan. 3 – Mayo Bowl Minnesota (-6.5, T-42.5) vs. Virginia TechMinnesota lost four of its five games by one score or less, while Virginia Tech had five one-score losses. Based on that, we should expect a close game, right? Well, the Hokies have five players who have opted out and eight players in the transfer portal. Minnesota is 5-0 SU in bowl games under P.J. Fleck.THE PICK: Minnesota -6.5 Saturday, Jan. 4 – Bahamas Bowl Liberty vs. Buffalo (-2, T-51)This line opened with Liberty -2.5, but starting quarterback Kaidon Salter signed with Colorado. The Flames are also missing four other starters on offense and defense, with Appalachian State transfer Ryan Burger getting the start. Buffalo is only missing its kicker and receiver Javien Cuff, otherwise, the roster is mostly intact.THE PICK: Buffalo -2
Anora and Wicked Front-Runners at Golden Globes
The 82nd Golden Globes are just around the corner, and with a full year of television and film to celebrate, it’s the start of award season. The ceremony provides a peek behind the curtain at who the favorites are for the 2025 Academy Awards. Let’s dive in and take a look at a few of the categories that you can wager on. Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy “Anora” is the front-runner in this category after receiving critical acclaim, thanks in large part to Mikey Madison’s performance. The film essentially tells the story of the troubled marriage between Anora, a Brooklyn exotic dancer played by Madison, and the son of a Russian oligarch. While many are calling it a breakout performance for Madison, those who watched FX’s Better Things aren’t surprised that she’s also the favorite for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at this year’s ceremony. There is already early Oscar buzz for not only this film but more specifically for Mikey Madison. With both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande nominated in the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories, it’s no surprise that Wicked is a top pick to win in this category. The film is set in the Land of Oz, before the events of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and focuses on the friendship of Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (the future Glinda the Good). It is one of the top-grossing films of 2024, despite being released only on November 22nd. What some may have originally seen as an outside option now has to be considered a contender. With 10 Golden Globe nominations, “Emilia Perez” has certainly come to play. The film tells the story of a feared cartel leader who hires a lawyer to help her disappear and make her dream of transitioning into a woman a reality. One of the stars of the film, actress Karla Sofia Gascón, made Golden Globe history by becoming the first trans woman ever nominated in the Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy category. Odds: Best Performance – Female Actor: Drama It’s been a while since Angelina Jolie has been nominated for a Golden Globe in an actress category; 2011 was the most recent year. Jolie is a three-time Golden Globe winner, but her last win came in 2000. Since then, she’s been nominated five times and hasn’t won. For her role as opera singer Maria Callas, Jolie is back in the nomination category and is the current favorite heading into the January ceremony. Right on Jolie’s heels is another heavy hitter, Nicole Kidman, who is no stranger to the Golden Globes. Including this year’s nomination, Kidman has been nominated 20 times and has walked away with six Globes thus far. Her portrayal of a high-ranking CEO who begins a forbidden romance with a much younger intern in Babygirl is what has brought her back into the spotlight. Odds: Best Performance – Male Actor: Drama Adrien Brody has garnered his second Golden Globe nomination of his career, with the first coming back in 2003 for his role in The Pianist. Brody’s role in The Brutalist as László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust before emigrating to the United States, has earned him praise. Tóth struggles to achieve success in America before a wealthy client changes everything. Brody is the favorite to win this year’s award. Conclave is nominated for six different Golden Globes, and Ralph Fiennes is one of the reasons why. His role as Thomas Cardinal Lawrence has drawn rave reviews from critics. Fiennes has been nominated at the Golden Globes six times before but has never won. The 2025 ceremony could change that for the English actor. Odds:
Vikings vs Seahawks: Odds, Prediction & Player Props
It doesn’t get any easier for the Seahawks as they face an even tougher opponent than the Packers team that handed them a whipping last Sunday night. The 12-2 Vikings are rolling into Seattle as they chase the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while the Hawks try to keep their playoff hopes alive in the NFC West. The odds are live right now! Minnesota Vikings The Vikings are not only vying for the NFC North title, but they are also playing for a chance to earn the top seed in the conference. At 12-2, not many expected Minnesota to be in this position, especially with Sam Darnold as the starter. He’s delivered with a career-best 3,530 yards and 29 touchdowns. Aaron Jones is nearing his fourth 1,000-yard rushing season, and Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have combined for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. The defense is allowing just 16 points per game (PPG) during the Vikings’ current 7-game winning streak. They’ve held opponents to under 20 points in eight games this season. Seattle Seahawks Geno Smith is expected to play after suffering a knee injury last Sunday night. Unfortunately, he’s struggled to get protection, as he was sacked 7 times by the Packers. Seattle could get a boost if Kenneth Walker returns, but Zach Charbonnet has filled in effectively in his absence, rushing for 454 yards and another 275 yards through the air. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become the go-to target in Seattle, as he nears 1,000 yards and had 10 receptions vs. Green Bay. He’s had 7 straight games with at least 69 yards. Prediction: Under 42.5 The Seahawks continue to struggle at home, with a 3-5 record at Lumen Field. They’ve beaten weak teams but haven’t been able to compete against stronger squads this season. The Vikings’ defense has been solid under Brian Flores, so points may be tough to come by for Seattle. The weather could also be an issue, as rain is in the forecast, and when you combine that with Seattle trying to establish the run, this game should be lower scoring. Vikings 24, Seahawks 16. Player Prop Best Bets Justin Jefferson: OVER ReceptionsThe Vikings’ receiving core is clearly its biggest strength, and Justin Jefferson continues to be one of the best receivers in the NFL. He has 1,243 yards and 8 touchdowns and should find openings against the Seahawks’ secondary. Jefferson has had ten games with at least 6 receptions and has 7 catches in each of the last three games. Zach Charbonnet: OVER Rushing AttemptsEven if Kenneth Walker plays, expect Charbonnet to play an important role in the offense. With Geno Smith a bit banged up but still playing, the Seahawks would rather establish the run game than have Smith make plays through the air. Props have yet to be released at the time of writing, but check the website for the latest odds. Game Betting Odds Recent Betting Trends
Packers vs. Seahawks Clash on SNF: Odds, Trends, Best Prop Plays
The Packers lost to the Lions last week but are slight favorites on the road in Seattle. The Seahawks went into Arizona and beat the Cardinals, a victory that gave the Hawks some breathing room atop the division. With the NFC playoff race tightening, this could shape up to be a Wild Card matchup in January. Check the full odds on BetOnline. Prediction & Best Bet: Packers -3 (-110) The Packers’ offense has been playing well, ranking eighth in EPA per play. After dealing with injuries and subpar play, where he threw interceptions in eight straight games, Jordan Love is starting to play effective football. This is reminiscent of the end of last season when he received some MVP consideration. Josh Jacobs has been a big reason why Green Bay’s run game is in the top five, averaging 144.7 yards per game. He ranks third in the NFL with 1,053 yards and has scored 11 touchdowns, including eight in the last four weeks. Matt LaFleur’s offensive game plan will focus on the run, as the Seahawks allow 4.7 yards per rush. While the Seahawks have won four straight, their offense has struggled, ranking 23rd in EPA over the last five weeks. The Seahawks’ defense has been able to bail them out by forcing six turnovers in their last four wins, leading to points. Additionally, Seattle is just 1-4 ATS in the last five games against top-10 scoring defenses. Expect a heavy dose of Jacobs and other backs for the Packers as they try to establish the run early, which could open up some passing opportunities for Love. Player Prop Best Bet: Josh Jacobs Rushing Yards OVER 73.5 While Jacobs has had two weeks with modest yardage, he is in for a heavy workload against Seattle. He’s had at least 18 carries in the last four games, leading to eight total touchdowns. Jacobs should have plenty of opportunities against a Seahawks run defense that isn’t great, allowing 126 yards per game. Game Betting Odds Recent Betting Trends
Rams vs. 49ers: Odds & Predictions for Thursday Night Football
It’s a divisional matchup with massive playoff implications. A loss for the 49ers would all but end their hopes of winning the NFC West, while a win by the Rams would move them closer to the top spot. Have a look on the fresh odds. Why the Rams Can Win The Rams put up a season-best 44 points against the Bills but had to hang on to win by just two points. Matthew Stafford found success through the air, especially with his two key weapons, as Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp combined for 17 receptions, 254 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Kyren Williams was productive on the ground with 87 yards and two scores. If the Rams can produce at that level against San Francisco, they should cruise to another win. Back in Week 3, LA squeaked out a 3-point win against the Niners as Joshua Karty made a last-second field goal to give the Rams their first win of the season. Stafford threw for 221 yards and one touchdown in the win, and he did it without Kupp and Nacua, who were both injured. With those players in the lineup, the 49ers’ secondary could be busy trying to slow down two of the best receivers in the NFL. LA will also look to take advantage of the 49ers’ injury woes, with Christian McCaffrey (CMC) and Jordan Mason already out. They also lost third-string running back Isaac Guerendo, who suffered a foot injury on Sunday. Why the 49ers Could Win The 49ers returned to their winning ways with a dominant victory against the Bears. Brock Purdy passed for 325 yards and two touchdowns, Jauan Jennings caught both of those touchdowns, and George Kittle had six receptions for 151 yards. But injuries continue to plague this team, as they are still without standout offensive lineman Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa. In their meeting earlier this season, the 49ers sacked Stafford three times and controlled much of the possession. San Francisco was the better team but lost on a last-second field goal. Now, the Niners are without many of those key players but still have a shot here. They looked rejuvenated against the Bears, and with a slim chance to make the playoffs, Purdy and company have something to play for. At the very worst, they’d love to play spoilers. Best Bet Prediction: OVER 49 The Rams have gone over this total in three of their last four games as their offense has been firing on all cylinders. With Purdy healthy, the 49ers’ offense looks much different and more potent. They did go over this total in Week 3, and this appears to be another game that should see a lot of points. Game Betting Odds Recent Betting Trends
Chargers vs. Chiefs: Sunday Night Football Battle – Odds & Prediction
The Chiefs will look to lock up the AFC West for a 9th straight season with a win against the Chargers on Sunday Night Football. However, a victory by LA would keep its slim hopes of winning the division alive. Have a look on the odds. Road Warriors The Chargers are 4-2 on the road after a huge win in Atlanta last week. The offense wasn’t impressive, with under 140 total yards, but the defense forced four turnovers, including a pick-six, to beat the Falcons. Can they continue their road success in Kansas City? LA is currently No. 1 in the league in scoring defense, allowing just 15.7 points per game. This unit held the Chiefs to just 17 points earlier this season and is coming off a tremendous performance in Atlanta. The Chargers should be able to give Patrick Mahomes and his offense fits all night. However, the real challenge will be how the offense fares against the No. 3 run defense in the NFL. LA is without its top running back, JK Dobbins, and only rushed for 56 yards last week. If the run game can’t be established, it’ll fall on Justin Herbert to throw the ball effectively against the 22nd-ranked pass defense. Convince Us, Chiefs While they continue to win, the Chiefs haven’t had a convincing win since beating the Saints and 49ers by double digits. Since then, tight finishes, questionable officiating, and surviving some botched snaps have helped KC win some games. Last week, the Chiefs were outgained by more than 100 yards by the Raiders, but a late fumble gave them a 2-point win. In fact, KC’s last 3 wins have come by 3 points or less. The Chiefs will need more from their running game, which only had 63 yards last week. They rushed for 101 yards against the Chargers earlier this season. Another important note: the Chiefs have zero wins of more than a touchdown in their last six games. They’ve been escaping with wins by the skin of their teeth. And with LA’s top defensive unit, they may have a repeat performance Sunday night. Prediction: UNDER 43 With the best scoring defense in the Chargers and a Chiefs defense that plays well at home, the under makes a lot of sense here. They combined for just 27 points earlier this season, and this should be another low-scoring game. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a late field goal decide this one, so sticking to the under seems like the best bet. Game Betting Odds Recent Betting Trends
Bengals vs. Cowboys: Look to Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive on MNF
These are two teams with the most talent but are currently in the midst of disappointing seasons. The Bengals and the Cowboys meet Monday night with their playoff hopes on life support. The winner stays alive, barely, while the loser is essentially done for the season. Review the full odds on BetOnline. Cincinnati Bengals Here’s a stat for you: The Bengals are 1-2 this season when scoring at least 38 points. No other team in NFL history has lost twice after reaching that mark in the same season. Additionally, Cincinnati has four losses when scoring at least 33 points, which is the most ever in the NFL. The Bengals are scoring nearly 28 points per game and have totaled 99 points during their current three-game losing streak. Joe Burrow threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday’s loss, and he leads the league in passing yards (3,337) and touchdown passes (30). Ja’Marr Chase is No. 1 in receiving yards with 1,142 yards. So what’s wrong with this team? Well, for starters, the defense is atrocious. They rank sixth-worst overall (369.2 total yards per game), sixth-worst against the pass (241.0 yards per game), and they allow the second-most points in the NFL (28.3 points per game). Dallas Cowboys The good news for Cowboys fans is that coach Mike McCarthy likely keeps his job through the end of the season after a couple of wins against divisional foes. Dallas finally won at home after losing six straight at AT&T Stadium. There were some positives from that win against the Giants, as Rico Dowdle became the first Cowboy to hit the 100-yard rushing mark in 26 games. Receiver Brandin Cooks, who missed seven games, caught a touchdown pass. Additionally, the defense recorded six sacks, a far cry from its poor play much of the season. The defense could get a boost as pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and cornerback Trevon Diggs could return after missing time with injuries. Best Bet Prediction: Cowboys +5.5 The Cowboys should find success running the ball against this Bengals defense, which has struggled recently. In a game that could turn into a shootout, Dallas has the ability to score, and Cooper Rush could make enough plays to keep this one close. Given the way the Bengals have bungled games recently, they can’t be trusted as road favorites here. So, I’ll take the Cowboys and the points. Game Betting Odds Recent Betting Trends
McDavid & MacKinnon Top Hart Trophy Favorites
The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual award for the most valuable player to his team in the National Hockey League. The key here is “MVP to his team,” as it is not strictly about who gets the most goals or points. Take last season’s winner, Nathan MacKinnon, as a prime example of the definition. He was second in the league in points, didn’t have the most goals, but was far and above the most valuable to his team with 140 points—36 more than his next most productive teammate. It truly is about heart. Let’s take a look at some of the Hart Trophy favorites at this point of the season. Check the full odds on BetOnline. Connor McDavid +250Among active players, only Alexander Ovechkin has as many Hart Memorial Trophies as Connor McDavid. While the Edmonton captain may not have won it last year, it’s still early enough in the season for him to validate these odds and show why he’s the favorite to win the NHL MVP this year. Even with an early-season injury giving hope to others in the race, McDavid has bounced back with a vengeance. In his last eight games, he’s roasted the league at a 2.25 points per game pace. He sits 12th in the league with 28 points in 19 games, which is impressive by any standards, but this is McDavid we’re talking about. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best—and he’s not even the leading scorer on his team at Thanksgiving. That goes to Leon Draisaitl, who has 30 points on the year thus far. That being said, there’s still much more hockey to be played, and I have a feeling McDavid is just starting to heat up. Kirill Kaprizov +300Kirill “The Thrill” has put the Minnesota Wild on his back this season after coming out of the gate blisteringly hot. Kaprizov had just a single game without a point in October and had seven multi-point games in the first month of this season. The left winger is contending for the league lead in goals, assists, and overall points at this juncture. He’s on pace for 140 points this year if he can keep up this pace and deserves to have some respect put on his name. Nathan MacKinnon +450The reigning and defending NHL MVP picked up right where he left off last season, getting on the scoresheet in his first thirteen consecutive games and putting up twenty-five points during that stretch. Since then, it’s been hot and cold for Nathan MacKinnon on an injury-riddled Colorado Avalanche squad, leading to some mediocre play. At the Thanksgiving mark, his 28 assists led the league, while his 35 points were tied for second with Kaprizov. 2024-25 Hart Trophy Odds