It occurred to me that some of you may have some stuff to do on Wednesday morning, so I thought I better feature these games a day early . . .
VSiN.com senior editor Zach Cohen previews the NFL’s Christmas Day doubleheader.
On the Chiefs-Steelers (1 p.m. ET, Netflix):
The Steelers have scored only 30 points over the last two weeks, and they simply haven’t looked good offensively in the three games they have played without George Pickens. However, it does seem like the 23-year-old will be out there in this game. That should change everything for Pittsburgh.
On the Ravens-Texans (4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix):
The Ravens have some issues defensively. They’re still a bottom 10 team when it comes to Dropback EPA per play allowed (0.111). However, the Texans are beat up in their receiving core. Sure, Nico Collins is back for Houston. He’s C.J. Stroud’s favorite target and he looks completely healthy. But losing Tank Dell is a blow to an offense that already lost Stefon Diggs for the season. And if the Ravens just have to worry about one pass-catching option, they should be able to figure it out.
Everything we post on Week 17 will be posted here.
Week 16 Recap: The Packers (-14) clinched a playoff spot with a 34-0 victory over the Saints on MNF. The game stayed Under the closing Total of 41.5, thanks to the first shutout of the NFL season.
Contest Corner: Circa Survivor will head into the three-game special Christmas week portion of the contest with 45 entries with 21 advancing on the Packers’ win.
VSiN fans know their bowls
I want to thank all The VSiN Daily readers who contributed their picks over the past week. And I’m happy to report that the VSiN Fan Bowl Picks went 8-3-1 ATS.
Granted, VSiN superfan Brent LaLonde needed a missed field goal by Fresno State as time expired and a second OT to get the cover for NIU in the Potato Bowl. But a cover is a cover.
I also want to thank Omaha Steaks for the gift certificates I gave out to the fans featured in the newsletter. If you need a last-minute gift, you can get $30 off your Omaha Stakes order and 50% off sitewide. Visit omahasteaks.com/VSIN and enter the code VSIN30 to get this limited-time offer. Minimum purchase may apply.
As Adam Burke writes in his preview of tonight’s Hawaii Bowl (South Florida vs. San Jose State, 8 ET, ESPN), this game comes down to whether USF quarterback Byrum Brown returns from his leg injury. So keep an eye out for updates and/or sudden line moves.
Dave Tuley doesn’t care who plays QB for South Florida. He’s on the dog.
Links to all of our bowl and CFP stories are posted here.
I would point you to Tyler Shoemaker‘s early handicap of the CFP quarterfinals based on his power ratings.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen will post his Best Bets on the Christmas Day games by mid-morning.
Soccer: No college basketball or NHL for a few days, but Nigel Seeley has his EPL picks for Boxing Day.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Tuesday, December 24. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
