James's Picks (4 Live)
James's Past Picks
I'm not going to overthink this one. The Avs are streaking, and this simply isn't a good matchup for the Coyotes. I like the Avs to win by 2+ goals here.
Duke has hit a rough patch, but the Blue Devils are still a team that has spent a big chunk of the 2023 season ranked in the top 25. They have the emotional advantage of playing at home in this game, which will also serve as senior day at Wallace Wade Stadium. Pitt is looking to run out the clock on a disastrous season. I like Duke by at least a Touchdown here.
Colorado is extremely tough to beat at Ball Arena and they have a glaring talent advantage in this matchup. The Avalanche could be without All-Star Nathan MacKinnon, but they should still roll in this matchup. I like Colorado enough here to bet this at -170.
It's never easy traveling to Hawaii, and Colorado State has been one of the most inconsistent teams in the Mountain West this season. That said, the Rams are easily a touchdown better than Hawaii. With a chance to earn the first bowl bid of the Jay Norvell era, I expect CSU to put its best foot forward and notch a double-digit win.
After an outstanding start to the season, the Avalanche have had a handful of really bad losses. One of those losses was in their last outing against Nashville, where a third period collapse netted them a loss in a game they mostly dominated. I expect the Avs to bounce back nicely in front of their home crowd and notch a solid win on Wednesday night.
The Avs are coming off a stunning collapse against Nashville on Monday night, so I expect them to put their best foot forward against the Canucks. I expect this game to have a final score in the 5-3 range in favor of Colorado.
I'm honestly surprised this spread is as low as it is right now. I know that anything can happen in rivalry games like this, but Ole Miss is a vastly superior team and they have more to play for. MSU is playing for bowl eligibility under an interim coach, while Ole Miss can lock up a spot in a New Year's Six game. The Rebels are one of the best offensive teams in the SEC and I expect the to notch a blowout win on Thanksgiving.
The Avs have reeled off their straight wins after suffering one of the worst losses in franchise history to the Blues on Nov. 11. All-Star defenceman Cale Makar has been outstanding during the winning streak, and Colorado's first line remains the best in the NHL. I like the Avs to win their fourth straight game on Monday.
I really like this spot for DeVonta Smith, despite the Chiefs' strong play on the defensive side of the ball. A.J. Brown is going to draw a lot of attention, and D'Andre Swift has given Philadelphia a legitimate Pro Bowl caliber running back, which should soften things up for Smith. With Dallas Goedert out, I also expect an uptick in targets for Smith on MNF.
The Broncos have gotten off the fast starts during their turn around over the last month, and I expect that trend to continue against the Vikings at home.
The new-look Broncos are a run-first team with Javonte Williams serving as their bell cow. Williams has 48 carries in Denver's last two games, and I expect him to go over 20 carries again on Sunday night.