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June 5, 2022

Celtics vs. Warriors odds, prediction: 2022 NBA Finals picks, Game 2 best bets from expert on 38-16 run

The Boston Celtics can take firm control of the 2022 NBA Finals when they face the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 on Sunday night. Boston used the most lopsided fourth quarter in NBA history to pick up a 120-108 win in Game 1 on Thursday. Veteran Al Horford finished with 24 points for the Celtics, knocking down six 3-pointers in the first NBA Finals game of his career.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET from the Chase Center in San Francisco. The Warriors are listed as 4.5-point favorites in the latest Warriors vs. Celtics odds from Caesars Sportsbook, with the over-under set at 214.5. Before you make any Celtics vs. Warriors picks, you need to see what SportsLine expert Zack Cimini has to say.

A Las Vegas handicapper who’s never afraid to buck conventional wisdom, Cimini excels in multiple sports. Over the past 33 NBA picks, Cimini is 22-11, returning almost $800 to $100 players. He is also on an amazing 38-16-1 run with his last 55 against-the-spread picks involving the Celtics, returning almost $1,800 to $100 players.

Now, Cimini has set his sights on Celtics vs. Warriors, and just locked in his picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Warriors vs. Celtics:

Celtics vs. Warriors spread: Golden State -4.5
Celtics vs. Warriors over-under: 214.5 points
Celtics vs. Warriors money line: Boston +170, Golden State -200
Celtics vs. Warriors tickets: See tickets at StubHub
BOS: Celtics are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a road underdog
GS: Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight-up loss

Featured Game | Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics

Why the Celtics can cover

Boston is riding a huge wave of momentum after outscoring Golden State 40-16 in the fourth quarter on Thursday, drilling nine 3-pointers in the final frame. The betting market is giving bettors a chance to get even more value with the Celtics in Game 2, moving the spread from -3.5 to -4.5. Boston has now covered the spread in 13 of its last 14 road games, becoming the first team to beat the Warriors at home during the 2022 NBA playoffs.

The Celtics were able to pull off the upset despite a terrible performance from their superstar, which bodes well for their chances to add another win on Sunday. Jayson Tatum went just 3 of 17 from the floor, while Steph Curry finished with 34 points for the Warriors. Boston has covered the spread at a 5-0-1 clip in the last six meetings between these teams.

Why the Warriors can cover

Two-time MVP Curry is an elite sharpshooter from all over the floor as he has deep range and can catch fire in a hurry. The eight-time All-Star has the arsenal to torch anyone lined up against him and that was on full display in Game 1. Curry exploded for 21 points and shot 6-for-7 from three in the first quarter. He ended up finishing the matchup with 34 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Guard Klay Thompson is another knockdown shooter on the perimeter. Thompson has played in plenty of big-time games and knows what that pressure feels like that. The five-time All-Star can heat up in a blink of an eye and Golden State will need that type of performance in Game 2. Thompson has an effortless shooting stroke with good defensive instincts. He produced 15 points and shot 3-for-7 from deep in Game 1.

How to make Warriors vs. Celtics picks

For Game 2 of the NBA Finals 2022, Cimini is leaning over on the point total, but he also says a critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back. He’s only sharing what it is, and which side of the Warriors vs. Celtics spread to back, at SportsLine.

So who wins Celtics vs. Warriors? And which side of the spread is a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Warriors vs. Celtics spread you need to jump on, all from the expert that has crushed his NBA picks, and find out.

May 3, 2022

Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

The Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) are back at TD Garden Tuesday to take on the Boston Celtics (0-1) in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo did everything to lead the charge in Game 1 with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists and 2 blocks. He kept his composure during his worst shooting night of the playoffs, just 9 of 25 (36{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}). PG Jrue Holiday led all scorers with 25 points and added 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

Boston laid an all-around egg in Game 1, shooting just 33.3{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} from the floor. They did drill 18 3-pointers, which was 10 fewer than their total makes on the night. PF Jayson Tatum had 21 points on 4 of 9 from distance, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Bucks vs. Celtics odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:39 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Celtics -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +4.5 (-107) | Celtics -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Bucks vs. Celtics key injuries

Bucks

G Khris Middleton (knee) out

Celtics

G Marcus Smart (quadriceps) questionable

Bucks vs. Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 115, Bucks 112

Money line

The Celtics have to counterpunch to salvage one at home, but we’re not willing to throw -190 on it. PASS.

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Against the spread

Defensive Player of the Year G Marcus Smart took a couple of shots to his quadriceps, which has him questionable for this one. There’s little chance it will keep him out, but it could hinder his mobility. The Celtics had the best defense in the league largely due to Smart’s perimeter suffocation. The Celtics will also need to clean the boards better after Milwaukee had 4 players with 9 boards in Game 1.

Tatum takes this game over, but G Jaylen Brown has to support him better than 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting. The Bucks are just 1-7 ATS in the last 8 meetings with Boston, but I can’t see laying 4.5 points, and I can’t see Boston dropping both at home. Take the BUCKS +4.5 (-107). You might want to act quickly, though, as the spread figures to come down with 58{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of the cash and tickets on Milwaukee this morning.

Over/Under

The Over is 8-2 in the last 10 with one of those Unders hitting in Game 1. In fact, this number would have hit in the last 9 aside from Game 1. Celtics C Al Horford has quietly shot 54.2{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} from 3-point range in the playoffs. Look for him to continue stretching the defense to open holes for Brown and Tatum to drive. Milwaukee blew Boston away in fast-break points at 28-8. That will be another emphasis when backup PG Derrick White enters the game.

The Bucks were a plus-23 when Giannis was on the floor for 38 minutes in Game 1. The Celtics will try to get him into foul trouble and exploit C Brook Lopez, who was a minus-10. Long story short, Boston will be much better offensively, so let’s LEAN OVER 215.5 (-108).

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March 24, 2022

2022 March Madness predictions: College basketball expert picks, odds, lines for Sweet 16 games Thursday

Time for a confession off the top here before we get to Sweet 16 picks: March Madness has not been my month. The good news is that our expert picks — back in action today ahead of Thursday’s Sweet 16 fun! — features more than just your’s truly. Gary Parrish, Matt Norlander and Chip Patterson are all riding heaters into this second wave of tourney action, and David Cobb’s had a nice little run, too.

So if you want to tail their picks instead, I completely understand. Or if you really want to earn a bag, it seems fading me might be the real move. That choice is yours as you check out our picks below.

Either way, to get you prepped for the first day of the second week of the tournament, I’ve again convened our experts to make picks straight up and against the spread to help you pick your bracket (and hopefully make some cheddar along the way). You can also check our expert brackets or our reset brackets for the third round.

Be sure to stick with CBS Sports throughout the rest of the month for NCAA Tournament coverage through the end of the Final Four. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for the final slate of third-round games on Thursday.

Odds via Caesars Sportsbook | All times Eastern

NCAA Tournament: Sweet 16 picks

(1) Gonzaga vs. (4) Arkansas

Thursday, 7:09 p.m. | CBS, March Madness Live: Gonzaga has not covered the spread in four of its last five games, including both of its NCAA Tournament matches. Arkansas, however, has covered the spread in 20 of its 35 games this season and is 4-1-0 ATS as an underdog, according to TeamRankings.com. The 8.5-point line feels like a reasonable number to clear for a Razorbacks team that can win a shootout or slugfest and has the personnel to match up favorably with the Zags. Pick: Arkansas +9

Spread	ARK +9	ARK +9	ARK +9	ARK +9	ARK +9	ARK +9
Straight up	ZAGS	ZAGS	ZAGS	ZAGS	ZAGS	ZAGS

(2) Villanova vs. (11) Michigan

Thursday, 7:29 p.m. | TBS, March Madness Live: Villanova right now looks like the strongest remaining No. 2 seed left in the bracket. That’s not saying too much — two of the four such seeds are already home and the other, Duke, has looked vulnerable — but it counts for something. This Jay Wright-coached Wildcats team is old, experienced and playing really well. Their advantage in the backcourt should trump their disadvantage in the frontcourt by a wide-enough margin to cover the spread. Pick: Villanova -5

Spread	NOVA -5	MICH +5	MICH +5	NOVA -5	MICH +5	NOVA -5
Straight up	NOVA	NOVA	NOVA	NOVA	NOVA	NOVA

(2) Duke vs. (3) Texas Tech

Thursday, 9:39 p.m. | CBS, March Madness Live: What feels like an underdog play isn’t so in the eyes of oddsmakers. Texas Tech, the No. 3 seed, is giving 1.5 points to Duke, the No. 2 seed, in this West Region matchup. And I’m laying it with the Red Raiders. Their defense is ferocious, and the matchup overall for Duke is a nightmare for which to prepare even with several days of time. Pick: Texas Tech -1.5

Spread	DUKE +1.5	DUKE +1.5	TTU -1.5	TTU -1.5	TTU -1.5	TTU -1.5
Straight up	DUKE	DUKE	TTU	TTU	TTU	TTU

(1) Arizona vs. (5) Houston

Thursday, 9:59 p.m. | TBS, March Madness Live: Arizona had to go to overtime to take care of TCU in the second round, and it really struggled with the way the Horned Frogs crashed the offensive boards. That’s especially concerning against a Houston team that ranks as the third best offensive rebounding team in all of college hoops. But it’s an area in which I suspect Tommy Lloyd and his Wildcats staff will be prepared to battle ahead of Thursday. If it boils down to talent as I suspect, I like Zona giving the points. Pick: Arizona -2

Spread	ARIZ -2	ARIZ -2	ARIZ -2	ARIZ -2	ARIZ -2	HOU +2
Straight up	ARIZ	ARIZ	ARIZ	ARIZ	ARIZ	HOU

Who will win every college basketball game, and which teams will sink your bankroll? Visit SportsLine now to see how to pick the spread, money, line, and over-under in each tournament game, all from the model that’s up almost $1,500 on top-rated college basketball picks and simulates every possession 10,000 times.

January 30, 2022

Rams vs. 49ers: Expert picks, predictions, props for NFC Championship game today, NFL playoff schedule

Two division rivals face off tonight for the right to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVI. It’s the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, Kyle Shanahan vs. Sean McVay. Shanahan’s 49ers swept the Rams in the regular season, and have won six straight against McVay. Matthew Stafford and Co. are coming off of a win over the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, however, and are looking for revenge against a rival.

This will be the fourth intra-division conference championship game since realignment in 2002. Interestingly enough, the previous three winners of intra-division conference championship games have gone on to win the Super Bowl. The Rams are the first team to host a conference championship game in the same stadium that will host the Super Bowl, so they can’t let this opportunity go to waste.

Below, we will examine the different betting angles for this matchup. We will provide picks from both CBS Sports and SportsLine experts on this NFC showdown, as well as a few player props that we view as enticing.

All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.

How to watch

Date: Sunday, Jan. 30 | Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
TV: Fox | Stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Odds: Rams -3.5, O/U 45.5

49ers at Rams spread picks

“49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and Rams coach Sean McVay are good friends who have worked together in their careers. But since becoming head coaches, Shanahan has gotten the better of McVay. He is 7-3 in 10 games against him, winning six straight, including two this year. In Week 18, the 49ers beat the Rams on the road to earn a spot in the playoffs. Here we are three weeks later, and they are back in the same building meeting for a chance to get to the Super Bowl.

“In the last meeting, the 49ers rallied from a 17-0 deficit to win the game, 27-24. The 49ers defensive line dominated the Rams offensive line in that game. In two games against the Rams, the 49ers have seven sacks and 21 pressures without doing a lot of blitzing, which is something Matthew Stafford has killed this season.

“The Rams love to run the ball in their zone scheme, but the 49ers have run it better in the two games, getting an average of 87.5 yards more per game on the ground. That’s where this game will be won. The team that runs it best will win. The 49ers need to run it take the pressure off Jimmy Garoppolo, while the Rams key their offense off that wide-zone scheme.

“As for attacking the 49ers defense, it’s simple. Block them against the pass and you will beat them. That’s something the Rams have not done. I don’t think they will do it here, either.

“The Rams are the star-studded team, but the 49ers are the more physical team. The last time a team won three games, including a conference title game on the road, against the same team in the same season came in 1999. That year, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the star-studded team, but it was the Tennessee Titans that were the more physical team. The Titans won the championship game to get to the Super Bowl on the Jaguars’ field. That will happen here as well. The 49ers will continue their run to a title with a tough, physical victory.”

— CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco is calling the upset this weekend in the NFC. To read his conference championship column, click here.

“The Rams under Sean McVay are winless against Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. The 3.5-point spread for the 49ers makes me think Vegas wants us all on San Francisco. The Niners swept the regular season series. San Francisco is a bad matchup for the Rams because the L.A. defense is designed to snuff out superstars on the other side of the ball and punish questionable offensive lines.

“The 49ers have plenty of stars but no alpha the offense runs through. Deebo Samuel isn’t someone you can just put Jalen Ramsey on. Using Ramsey on George Kittle works pretty well with Ramsey playing more in the slot, but George Kittle is used in run blocking so much it’s not necessarily maximizing his skillset.

“My heart’s rooting for Stafford and my brain is sending off a Spidey Sense signal the Rams might be ready to break through. Maybe they get us the Chiefs-Rams Super Bowl we’ve been waiting on for a few years now. My wallet wants a 49ers-Bengals matchup and I picked just that before the playoffs. I can’t possibly lay down now.”

— CBS Sports’ Will Brinson had a tough time deciding between his heart and his mind on the NFC side of things. To read his picks column, click here.

“When these two teams have met in their second game each of the past three seasons, the Niners have won them each by a field goal as time expired. It’s uncanny. It’s hard to beat a good team three times, and I just don’t see it happening this weekend.”

— CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones is taking the Rams to get the last laugh on the 49ers. To read his Sunday picks and the NFL insider notebook, click here.

“The Rams were swept by the 49ers in the regular season. There’s no way they go 0-3 against Jimmy Garoppolo, right? A team losing three times to one opponent in the same season hasn’t happened since 2017. Additionally, if L.A. loses on Sunday, it would be Sean McVay’s seventh-straight loss to Kyle Shanahan. The last time a head coach lost to an opposing head coach seven straight times was Marvin Lewis and his Bengals struggling against Mike Tomlin’s Steelers.

“San Francisco’s comeback against the Rams in Week 18 was incredible, but I don’t think that happens again. The 49ers’ postseason run has been impressive, but it certainly hans’t been perfect. They almost blew a lead to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round and needed a blocked punt touchdown to down the Green Bay Packers last weekend. Matthew Stafford hasn’t been in this situation before, but I think he’s ready for it. He threw for 366 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and orchestrated a game-winning drive. He’s not going to let this opportunity to play in the Super Bowl in his new home stadium slip through his fingers. His legacy is still being established.”

— CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani is taking the Rams to win and cover vs. the 49ers. To read his weekly column, click here.

Before you make any 49ers vs. Rams picks or any other NFL predictions, you need to see which side SportsLine NFL expert Micah Roberts is on. Roberts has worked in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry for 20-plus years, including a 13-year run as Station Casinos’ book director. He is 10-6 against the spread in his last 16 NFL picks, for a profit of $345. In addition, Roberts has gone an astounding 10-1 in his last 11 picks involving San Francisco.

We can tell you he’s leaning Under, but head on over to SportsLine to see his against the spread pick.

49ers at Rams total picks

“These two teams hit the Over/Under once apiece this year in their two meetings. If you recall how their matchup went earlier this month, the Rams jumped out to a 17-0 lead, and the 49ers had to score 14 unanswered in the third quarter to tie the game. I don’t think the Rams get off to that hot of a start this time around. The 49ers’ path to victory includes controlling tempo and establishing the run. Betting unders in Championship Weekend isn’t fun, but that’s where my lean is.”

— CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani gives his thoughts on the total in the NFC Championship game.

Before you make any 49ers vs. Rams picks, you need to check out the latest NFL predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model. The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up over $7,500 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception six-plus years ago. The model enters championship weekend in the 2021 NFL playoffs on an incredible 137-97 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. Amazingly, it hasn’t missed a top-rated pick since Week 14 of the regular season. To see what it has to say about the total this Sunday, click here.

Player props

Deebo Samuel receiving yards: Over 52.5 (-115). Samuel hasn’t crossed this number in the playoffs yet, and has caught just three passes in each postseason game. Still, he’s San Francisco’s most talented weapon, and the 49ers will have to ride him if they want to outscore Stafford. Samuel caught four passes for 95 yards in Week 18 vs. the Rams, and then five passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in their first meeting. He has averaged 87.8 receiving yards per game this season, and has that big-play ability where he can get to this number on just a few catches.

Jimmy Garoppolo total interceptions: Over 0.5 (-140). Jimmy G has thrown an interception in each playoff game. Additionally, he threw two in both of the final regular-season games for a total of six interceptions thrown in his last four outings. Garoppolo’s last game where he didn’t throw an interception came Dec. 19 against the Atlanta Falcons, and he’s thrown at least one pick in 10 of 17 games played this year.

Matt Gay made extra points: Over 2.5 (+105). The 49ers haven’t had a team attempt or make three extra points against them in any game this postseason, which is a credit to their defense. But Gay has made at least three extra points in each of the last three games — including in Week 18 vs. the 49ers. He’s missed just one extra point all season.

TD props

Cam Akers to score a touchdown: (-104). Akers made a miraculous return after suffering a torn Achilles in July. He hasn’t scored a touchdown in three games played, but McVay will get him one in this important home game.

Kyle Juszczyk to score a touchdown: (+575). Juszczyk is one of the better players in the NFL even though he’s not a household name due to his position. Juszczyk has scored just two touchdowns all year, but has recorded two touches per game in each playoff contest. He caught two passes for 15 yards against the Cowboys and rushed two times for 14 yards against the Packers. This is obviously a flier, but when San Francisco gets in the red zone, look for him.

January 29, 2022

Bengals-Chiefs, 49ers-Rams – NFL playoff game picks, schedule guide, bold predictions, odds, injuries, matchup keys, more

Jan 28, 2022

ESPN staff

The NFL’s conference championship round for the 2021 season is stacked, and we’ve got you covered with what you need to know for Sunday’s NFC and AFC championships. Our NFL Nation reporters bring us the biggest keys to both games, a bold prediction for each matchup and, of course, final score picks.

Additionally, ESPN Stats & Information provides a big stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest, and our Football Power Index (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a matchup rating (on a scale of 1 to 100) and a game projection. Matt Bowen picks out a key matchup to watch for both games, and Kevin Seifert tells us what to know about the officiating. Everything you should know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded two-game weekend of NFL playoff football.

First up, the Bengals head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs — an offensive showdown between Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. Then it’s NFC West foes facing off in the second game, with the 49ers matching up with the Rams for a third time this season. And remember: The winners are off to Super Bowl LVI.

Jump to: CIN-KC | SF-LAR

Sunday, 3 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 73.0 | Spread: KC -7.5 (54.5)

What to watch for: Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase wrecked the Chiefs in the December meeting between these teams, catching 11 passes for 266 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs undoubtedly won’t allow that to happen again, but at what cost? They mostly took away Buffalo receiver Stefon Diggs’ impact last week against the Bills, but then Gabriel Davis had a big game. And Cincinnati has receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd — plus running back Joe Mixon — along with Chase. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s schemes in this regard loom large. — Adam Teicher

Bold prediction: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will throw for at least 390 yards. Kansas City leaned on a successful run game in the second half of the first matchup against Cincinnati, which led to a quiet game from Mahomes. But don’t be shocked if the reigning AFC champions look for more explosive plays in the passing game this time and get their revenge against the Bengals. Mahomes already has 782 passing yards and eight touchdown passes in two playoff games this season. — Ben Baby

Stat to know: Per the Elias Sports Bureau, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow is the sixth player to enter a conference championship game with 50-plus sacks — and his 62 are easily the most. The previous five QBs all failed to reached the Super Bowl, and four of them saw their teams fail to score an offensive touchdown in that conference title game. However, Burrow is also the fifth player in the past 30 seasons to enter a conference championship game while leading the NFL in both completion percentage and yards per attempt (including playoffs). And these aren’t easy completions. The second-year QB has the NFL’s best completion percentage over expectation, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Bowen’s game-plan key: The Chiefs need to heat up Burrow in the pocket, and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram III could play a big part. Expect Kansas City to scheme him up and get him some one-on-one matchups. Read more on E+.

Injuries: Bengals | Chiefs

Seifert’s officiating outlook: Referee Bill Vinovich’s regular-season crew (crews change in the playoffs) annually throws the fewest flags among the NFL’s 17 crews, and this season was no exception. His crew averaged 10.9 flags per game, 34{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} less than the crew that called the most (Carl Cheffers, 16.6). He’ll preside over a game that features the NFL’s least-penalized team (Bengals, 84) and ninth most-penalized team (Chiefs, 129). Vinovich was the only referee in the NFL not to call a single roughing the passer penalty during the regular season, and his regular-season crew threw the third-fewest flags for holding (34).

Betting nugget: The Bengals have covered six straight games and four straight road games. They are also 5-1 against the spread as a road underdog this season. But Kansas City has covered six straight home games and is 7-1 against the spread in its past eight games against teams with winning records. Read more on E+.

Baby’s pick: Chiefs 31, Bengals 21
Teicher’s pick: Chiefs 34, Bengals 24
FPI prediction: KC, 69.6{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} (by an average of 6.7 points)

Matchup must-reads: Burrow can cement place among top young quarterbacks … Why Hill had to pivot this season … McShay: How Mahomes changed the way I scout QBs

Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 84.8 | Spread: LAR -3.5 (45.5)

What to watch for: The 49ers have won six straight games over the division rival Rams, which includes a 17-point come-from-behind win in Week 18 to clinch a playoff berth. The Niners bring All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle, who have led a resilient, bruising brand of football, while the Rams have a proven knack for scoring quickly on explosive plays behind quarterback Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, the NFL’s leading receiver. As for what the Rams must do to finally get the best of the Niners and advance to Super Bowl LVI? “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel here,” Kupp says. “It’s just about doing our job and taking this as a new week.” — Lindsey Thiry

Bold prediction: San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will throw three touchdown passes. He has yet to throw for a score in these playoffs and has only two touchdowns, and five interceptions, in his five playoff starts. But Garoppolo has a history of playing well against the Rams — he has a 71.7 Total QBR and won all six starts against them — and the Rams still have questions up the middle of their defense, allowing a 77{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} completion rate and 7.9 yards per attempt on throws inside the numbers this season. Buoyed by a strong run game, the oft-maligned Garoppolo will deliver on the big stage. — Nick Wagoner

Stat to know: Midseason acquisitions have been key for the Rams. Since joining Los Angeles in Week 10, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is second on the team in receptions (37) and has caught a touchdown in six of 10 games played. He has caught 10 of 12 targets this postseason, too. And outside linebacker Von Miller has recorded at least one sack in six straight games, tied for the longest streak of his career (three other times, most recently in 2018). Opposing quarterbacks have posted a 2.3 Total QBR when both Miller and defensive tackle Aaron Donald rush the passer this postseason.

Bowen’s game-plan key: Watch for linebacker Fred Warner to play a role as a blitzer in the Niners’ tilted five-man fronts. San Francisco blitzed on more than a fourth of the Rams’ third-down plays in its Week 18 win this season. Read more on E+.

Injuries: 49ers | Rams

Seifert’s officiating outlook: Referee Carl Cheffers’ regular-season crew led the NFL with 16.6 flags thrown per game, but these two teams ranked among the 14 least-penalized teams in the league. The Rams saw 92 flags and the 49ers saw 117. During the regular season, Cheffers threw 10 flags for roughing the passer, tied for sixth most in the NFL, and 61 for offensive holding, second most in the league — though he will have a different crew on Sunday.

Betting nugget: Los Angeles is 6-2 against the spread in its past eight games, but San Francisco is 9-2 against the spread in its past 11 — with four straight covers. Plus, the 49ers are 4-1 against the spread in the playoffs under coach Kyle Shanahan. Read more on E+.

Wagoner’s pick: 49ers 30, Rams 23
Thiry’s pick: Rams 28, 49ers 24
FPI prediction: LAR, 59.5{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} (by an average of 3.1 points)

Matchup must-reads: Has Garoppolo reshaped his NFL future? … Beckham Jr. giving Rams boost in production, good vibes … Trash talk, a ticket blockade and a rivalry reborn: Rams and 49ers meet for NFC title … McVay: Whitworth, Rapp look on track to return … 49ers in wait-and-see mode with Williams’ injury … From ‘love of the game’ to Rams’ game winner: Inside the Stafford-Kupp pass

January 23, 2022

NFL games today: Expert picks, predictions, props for NFL playoffs, Sunday divisional round schedule 2022

This weekend will decide who makes up our NFL “Final Four.” The divisional round of the playoffs has the potential to be the most entertaining round of the postseason and it certainly got off to a rousing start on Saturday.

The Cincinnati Bengals punched their ticket with a walk-off win on the road over the top-seeded Titans, while the 49ers sent Aaron Rodgers and the top-seeded Packers home early with a walk-off win as well. On Sunday, Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford face off for the second time this year, while the Chiefs and Bills tangle in a rematch of last season’s AFC title game. If you’re looking for advice on what lines to play on Sunday, you’ve come to the right spot.

Every week, we collect all of the best picks and gambling content from CBSSports.com and SportsLine in one place, so you can get picks against the spread from our CBS Sports experts as well as additional feature content for each game, including plays from top SportsLine experts and the SportsLine Projection Model, best bets from our staff and more.

All NFL odds via Caesars Sportsbook.

Which picks can you make with confidence in the divisional round? And which Super Bowl contender goes down hard? Visit SportsLine, as their incredible model simulates every NFL game 10,000 times and is up over $7,500 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception six-plus years ago.

Time: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET (NBC), stream on fuboTV (try for free)
Open: Buccaneers -3, O/U 48.5
Current: Buccaneers -2.5, O/U 48

“Tristan Wirfs being injured and his backup being shaken up really gives me concern. At some point, the injuries are going to catch up to the Buccaneers. Plus I had the Rams in the Super Bowl this year.” — CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones is eyeing an upset in this matchup. To read his insider notebook and the rest of his divisional round picks, click here.

“Both of these teams turned in strong performances in the wild card round, each winning by multiple scores. While the Rams defeated the Bucs in their regular-season matchup, I do think the calculus changes with this game being played at Raymond James Stadium. At home, the Buccaneers averaged an NFL-best 409.8 yards per game and an average margin of victory of 16.1 points, which also topped the league.

“The Rams were also a statistically strong team on the road this year but were under .500 away from SoFi Stadium against the spread. Against teams with a winning record, L.A. was also 2-5 ATS over their last seven games. I see Tom Brady being able to negate the Rams pass rush with quick throws from the pocket and pick his way down the field to build up enough of a winning margin that goes above this field goal spread.” — CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan is taking the Buccaneers to win and cover the spread this week. To read his column, click here.

Before you make any Rams vs. Buccaneers picks or any other NFL predictions, you need to see which side R.J. White is on. A CBS Sports fantasy and gambling editor, White ended the 2020 season on an 80-59 run on all NFL picks, returning more than $1,400 during that span. It’s no surprise, as White has cashed huge twice in the world’s most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest. In addition, White has gone an astounding 33-18-4 on his last 55 picks involving Tampa Bay, returning nearly $1,300. You can see who R.J. is taking in the Rams-Bucs matchup over at SportsLine, and you can also get his top player prop pick for the game, along with more picks from SportsLine’s top NFL experts, in this featured article.

Time: Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET (CBS), stream on Paramount+ (click here)
Open: Chiefs -2.5, O/U 54.5
Current: Chiefs -2, O/U 54

“This is a rematch from a game earlier this season that the Bills won on the Chiefs’ home field. The Bills and Chiefs are both coming off impressive victories. Both Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen lit up their opponents last week, but this is a big step up for both in terms of defenses. The Bills have the top-ranked defense in the league and built their pass rush in the offseason to beat Mahomes. The Chiefs defense isn’t as good, but it played much better over the course of the second half of the season. The Chiefs love to blitz, which will leave Allen free to run and make throws on the run. I think that will be the difference here. The Bills behind Allen will win a fun shootout for the ages.” — CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco has the Bills pulling off the upset! To read his breakdown of every game, click here.

“What an absolute banger of a game. My CBS bosses are running pure right now, catching 49ers/Cowboys and now this Josh Allen/Patrick Mahomes matchup. If you claim to KNOW how this game will go, you’re a liar. Or Biff Tannen. This is a heavyweight title fight on divisional round weekend. Mahomes gets the edge at QB, even if Allen has played better of late. Andy Reid is a fairly big edge over Sean McDermott, but let’s not forget Reid FIRED McD from the Eagles. These teams have met plenty of times previously, but running through Bill Belichick/New England, Reid/K.C./Mahomes and then maybe even Tom Brady is a gauntlet. The Bills could snuff out some curses with a win here. I don’t think anyone can guarantee a winner here, so I’ll take the points and the scrappy underdog with the better roster in a shootout.” — CBS Sports’ Will Brinson likes the Bills to advance to the AFC Championship game. To read his picks column, click here.

Before you make Bills vs. Chiefs picks or any other NFL predictions, you need to see which side SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein is on. This season he has been on fire. Hartstein is 70-46-1 in his last 117 NFL sides, for a profit of more than $1800. In addition, Hartstein has gone an astounding 23-8 in his last 31 picks involving Kansas City, returning $1,400 to $100 bettors! Anyone who has followed him is way up. You can see who Larry is taking in the Bills-Chiefs matchup over at SportsLine, and you can also get his top player prop pick for the game, along with more picks from SportsLine’s top NFL experts, in this featured article.