Betting Recap & Sports Update – January 17th, 2025

This weekend has some good sports action across multiple leagues.

The NFL Divisional Round highlights the slate, with some of the league’s best teams battling for a spot in the conference championships.

Beyond football, there are key matchups in the NBA, college basketball, and the NHL.

Fans can also look forward to the College Football National Championship on Monday night.

While technically not a weekend event, it’s a game worth keeping in mind as the weekend unfolds.

Let’s dive into the top sports events to watch.

 

Betting Recap & Sports Update for the Week

Betting Action: Weekly Sports Recap & Updates

Here is what you need to know.

 

NFL Divisional Round

The NFL Divisional Round is the main event of the weekend.

Four games will determine who advances to the conference championships.

These matchups feature star players, elite teams, and high stakes.


 

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans

The Chiefs are rested after earning a bye as the AFC’s top seed.

Patrick Mahomes is undefeated in divisional round games, and the team’s offense is firing on all cylinders.

Houston surprised many with a Wild Card win over the Chargers, led by a strong defensive effort.

However, the Texans’ offense will face a tough challenge against Kansas City’s defense.


 

Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens

Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson headline this matchup of dynamic quarterbacks.

Buffalo’s offense has been strong, and their defense showed improvement in the Wild Card round.

Baltimore relies on its rushing attack and a defense that ranks first in EPA allowed since Week 11.

This game could go down to the wire.


 

Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders

Detroit’s balanced offense and strong defense make them favorites against Washington.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to an upset in the Wild Card round, but the Lions’ depth and experience should prevail.


 

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Eagles’ defense will need to step up against Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ improving offense.

Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley will play a key role in controlling the game on the ground, while the Rams’ pass rush could challenge Jalen Hurts.


 

NBA Games

This weekend’s NBA schedule includes several intriguing matchups.

On Saturday, the Boston Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks in a battle of playoff hopefuls, while the Golden State Warriors take on the Washington Wizards.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have been dominant, face the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sunday’s slate includes a rivalry game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.

Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, making this a must-watch.

Another key game is the Brooklyn Nets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring one of the league’s best teams in the Thunder.


 

Top 25 College Basketball Games

College basketball fans have plenty to look forward to this weekend.

Saturday’s schedule features key Top 25 matchups, including (4) Alabama vs. (8) Kentucky and (1) Auburn vs. (23) Georgia.

These games will have implications for conference standings and NCAA tournament seeding.

Sunday’s marquee game is (19) Illinois vs. (12) Michigan State.

Both teams are strong contenders in the Big Ten and will look to make a statement.

Other notable matchups include (18) Memphis vs. Charlotte and (25) Baylor vs. TCU.


 

NHL Games

The NHL has a full slate of games on Saturday, with matchups that could impact playoff races.

The Dallas Stars face the Colorado Avalanche in a clash of top Western Conference teams.

The Boston Bruins take on the Ottawa Senators in a key Atlantic Division battle.

Other notable games include the Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins and the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens.

These rivalries always bring high intensity and are worth watching.


 

National Championship Monday

While not a weekend event, the College Football National Championship deserves attention.

Ohio State and Notre Dame will meet in Atlanta on Monday night to decide the title.

Ohio State enters as an 8.5-point favorite, but Notre Dame has been resilient throughout the playoffs.

It’s the final game of the college football season and a can’t-miss event.