Boxing Picks 2025- Frazer Clarke vs Jeamie TKV (Saturday 29th November)

The Night of Champions in Riyadh was every bit as good a card as it looked like it could be on paper and the winners will all be moving into 2026 with confidence and some big fights ready to take place.

Not everything went perfectly- Bam Rodriguez continues to show he is one of the top pound for pound fighters in the sport, but his hopes of becoming Undisputed Super Flyweight have taken a step backwards when it was reported that 28-4 Andrew Moloney is going to insist on taking his mandatory shot at the IBF World Champion.

Eddie Hearn will be hoping that something can be done for his charge, but he has also insisted that Rodriguez is willing to move up to Bantamweight safe in the knowledge that he is clearly 'the man' in the 115 pound Division.

He could easily choose to still fight in Japan- Takuma Inoue has become the WBC World Champion in the Bantamweight Division and may take us a step closer to a potential Super-Fight against The Monster, and Takuma's brother, Noaya Inoue.

Abdullah Mason and Devin Haney both deserve a lot of credit for their own performances having shown fans plenty to be encouraged into 2026, while David Benavidez is not going to wait for Dmitry Bivol and/or Artur Beterbiev in the Light-Heavyweight Division and instead is on course to face Zurdo Ramirez for the Cruiserweight World Title next May.

Some reports suggested the Saudi Arabian money that has been pumped into Boxing was going to be slowed down in 2026, although those have since been refuted.

This is something to keep an eye on, perhaps not as soon as next year, but in the coming years with the 'investment' made in the sport offering very little real return. Big events in bigger ticketed sites will perhaps help, but it was never a sustainable approach to offer everyone as much money as was being offered to make the big fights, especially as fighters would rather sit and wait for a payday rather than being active.

2026 might be another big year, but fans should perhaps be prepared for the huge cards we have been witnessing to return to the kind of events that have been more prevalent in recent years.

After a long wait, Boxxer are finally ready to begin the deal with the BBC after leaving Sky and the Heavyweight bout for the British Title has captured some of the imagination this week.

Ben Whittaker is also out this weekend, albeit on a Matchroom card instead of being with Boxxer, as November comes to a close.

There are still some big fights to close out the year, but attention will soon turn to 2026 where we already are aware of some very interesting nights in the first couple of months of the New Year.

Frazer Clarke vs Jeamie TKV

When the original bout was scheduled, Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV seemed to be on good enough terms that the British Title was the only concern for the two Heavyweights.

Whether it is prompting from the Promoter, who is putting his first card together for a new broadcasting partner, or whether it is the delay in this bout taking place, there has been a clear shift in how the two main event Boxers feel about one another.

They have been pushing one another all week and the weigh-in face off came close to seeing everything kick off and that makes this an intriguing Heavyweight clash.

The winner is going to have some big opportunities presented to them in 2026- Frazer Clarke's two fights with the new WBO World Champion Fabio Wardley should make it pretty easy to try and chase that rematch if he is to win this, while in general he will be back on track after the crushing loss in the second of those contests against Wardley.

Frazer Clarke has been set as the favourite, which is no surprise considering his amateur experience and being a former Olympian.

He has also had the tougher experience in the pro ranks compared with Jeamie TKV, although the latter showed his qualities before a controversial loss to David Adeleye.

Jeamie TKV showed he can box to a plan and a mistake from the referee allowed David Adeleye to produce a huge punch that ultimately changed the outcome of the bout. That was also for the British Title, which will help TKV in terms of knowing what to expect, but Frazer Clarke is arguably a better Boxer than Adeleye and is going to be comfortable if this becomes a contest dominated by the jab.

After all of the tension that has been growing between the two this week, you have to expect a fight to break out as they get comfortable with what the other is bringing into the ring.

You do have to wonder if the Jeamie TKV rib issue is fully cleared up in between the slight delay in the bout taking place, but the 32 year old is not going to have any regrets about his choices and he can give Frazer Clarke something to think about.

However, the ultimate feeling is that the higher quality shots will be coming from Frazer Clarke the longer the fight goes and the former Olympian has shown he has enough pop to force Jeamie TKV to eventually have to take a backwards step.

The cards may be needed, but this is a home fight for Frazer Clarke and he may have enough to force a Stoppage after building the momentum through the middle of this contest. Doing so will be a way of making a statement about being ready to move onto the next level in a Division where an old rival is now a full Heavyweight Champion and Frazer Clarke will want to show he is past domestic level with a big performance on what could be a big platform.

One of the chief supports on the undercard is a battle between unbeaten fighters for the English Welterweight Title.

Anthony Yarde came up short at World level again last week, but his stablemate Joel Kodua can edge to the victory over Bobby Dalton, the defending Champion.

It is Bobby Dalton who has a bit more experience having had a couple of fights that have lasted this distance, but Joel Kodua did the same in his last bout and he may have the power edge in the contest.

This could see Joel Kodua put together a few more eye-catching moments on his way to taking the title on the cards.

Both sides are insisting that Ben Whittaker's previous Promoter have not deliberately scheduled an important card on the same night that the Midlander is making his debut under the Matchroom banner.

There may be some bitterness that Whittaker has decided to leave Boxxer, but the Light Heavyweight feels the delay in the television deal has stalled his career. At 28 years old, Ben Whittaker is very much looking to get in with some of the top names in the Division over the next twelve months and he feels like Eddie Hearn is the Promoter that can help make things happen.

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev are rumoured to be meeting in a decider having secured a win apiece over the other, while David Benavidez is set to move up to Cruiserweight and may choose not to return to Light Heavyweight.

This opens the door for the likes of Ben Whittaker and he is expected to make relatively short work of Benjamin Gavazi, even if the underdog comes into this one with a 19-1 record having bounced back from a debut defeat.

However, the German has nothing that really stands out on his resume and might not have the footwork to keep up with Ben Whittaker.

Ben Whittaker is perhaps lacking top level power, but he is a quality Boxer and hits hard enough to turn the screw on this kind of opponent as soon as he wants.

Some feel Whittaker is perhaps guilty of showboating within bouts, especially when he knows he is levels above the opponent, but trainer Andy Lee brought out a spiteful performance from his fighter when crushing Liam Cameron. He will be demanding his charge makes a statement from the opening bell and Ben Whittaker should have all of the qualities to do that against a limited opponent.

The undercard is filled with local talent and a rematch between Cameron Vuong and Gavin Gwynne after the former was given a controversial Decision victory when they met twelve months ago.

Cameron Vuong has had another couple of fights under his belt and the younger fighter will want to show how much he learned when edging past Gwynne last year.

The oddsmakers are on top of that bout, but it could be worth backing Aaron Bowen to pick up a vacant Midlands Title by showcasing early power against Tom Cowling.

This is another step upwards for Aaron Bowen, but there is some excitement around what he has been producing and the local support should push him forward.

Tom Cowling will look to box himself away from trouble, but the Bowen power can make an early impact in this one.

MY PICKS: Frazer Clarke to Win Between 7-12 @ 3.00 William Hill (1 Unit)

Joel Kodua to Win by Decision/Technical Decision @ 2.37 William Hill (1 Unit)

Ben Whittaker to Win Between 1-5 @ 2.00 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Aaron Bowen to Win Between 1-5 @ 3.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Boxing 2025: 26-75, - 41.54 Units (131 Units Staked, - 31.71% Yield)

College Football Week 14 Picks 2025 (Friday 28th November-Saturday 29th November)

In previous years, Rivalry Week was all about the one-off game and having bragging rights for a full year.

While this is still the case for some teams, for others the game in front of them represents the final hurdle as far as earning a spot in the College Football Playoff is concerned.

Others still can afford a defeat this week and still remain on course to achieve all they want- think back to the Ohio State Buckeyes of 2024 who lost to the Michigan Wolverines AGAIN, and still earned a spot in the Playoff and ultimately finished the season as National Champions.

Now that is not to say that the entire Buckeye nation is not looking for revenge and to end this losing run against the Wolverines, but they certainly have more room to operate than say a team like the Mississippi Rebels, who will be facing rivals Mississippi State Bulldogs on the road.

Lane Kiffin's future will be confirmed on Saturday, but Friday is about winning to move into the Playoff, or losing and likely seeing Mississippi miss out.

The Alabama Crimson Tide, Miami Hurricanes, BYU Cougars and Oklahoma Sooners all have big games in which they are trying to stay alive in the Playoff conversation and so Rivalry Week has become so much more in 2025.

It was another inconsistent week for the College Football Picks in what has been another tough season.

Bad bounces hurt in places, but there have been too many poor selections and so the next few weeks need to be almost perfect to turn the numbers back around.

Games in Week 14 have been spread over a few days and selections from the Saturday offerings will be added to this thread, which begins with two Black Friday Picks.

Mississippi Rebels @ Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick: Double digit wins have become very common for the Mississippi Rebels (10-1) under Head Coach Lane Kiffin, but those successes have earned Kiffin plenty of attention.

After teams in the SEC fired Head Coaches during the course of the season, Lane Kiffin's name was at the top of the shortlists in Florida and LSU, two schools that feel they can offer the Head Coach more than Ole Miss.

A final decision on his future is expected to be announced as soon as Saturday, but an agreement has been made to keep Lane Kiffin as Head Coach for this hugely important Egg Bowl against rivals Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-6).

All of the attention is on Mississippi with the feeling being that a win for the Rebels will actually take them into the College Football Playoff, although there is also an outside chance it will be good enough to compete in the SEC Championship. Upsets will be needed for that to happen so the sole focus for the Rebels is making sure they win this game and avoid all the distraction around the Head Coach.

However, this is also an important game for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who are trying to end a three year wait to become Bowl eligible and who are also hoping to snap the two game losing run in this rivalry.

Both teams are playing after Bye Weeks, but there is going to be a question about how much Lane Kiffin's future has been a distraction to the players. They do have so much to earn out of winning this game, but the Rebels will have to focus if they are going to beat a Mississippi State Bulldogs team that have been plenty competitive, despite the 1-6 record in the SEC.

The Bulldogs have struggled to run the ball in recent outings and that is going to be an issue with the team likely to be a little one-dimensional in this game.

Blake Shapen has been sharing a bit of time with Kamario Taylor at Quarter Back and they are going to have to deal with the Ole Miss pass rush, regardless of who is operating behind Center. The Bulldogs Offensive Line have struggled to protect the Quarter Back as much as they have had issues in run blocking and that pressure can lead to mistakes, especially facing this Rebels Secondary that are still playing very hard in the bid to help the team reach the College Football Playoff.

This is a rivalry game so you have to expect motivation to help players produce at a higher level than they have been, but it is tough to see how the Mississippi State Defensive Line can slow the Rebels on the ground. In recent games they have allowed teams to rip off some big gains rushing the ball and Ole Miss are always going to use the Offensive Line to make life that much easier for Quarter Back Trinidad Chambliss.

Rushing the ball with some efficiency should also keep the pocket clean when the Quarter Back does drop back to throw the ball and this Rebels team have made some big passing plays in the four game winning run.

The Rebels have won four of the last five in this rivalry series and three of those wins have been by more than 7 points.

Distractions off the field and the decision to be made by the Head Coach have to be factors, but Ole Miss can show they are ready to compete in the College Football Playoff by putting together a solid road win in Starksville.

Indiana Hoosiers @ Purdue Boilermakers Pick: They have one foot in the Big Ten Championship Game, but the Indiana Hoosiers (11-0) will be motivated to beat a rival and finish the year unbeaten.

A win in Week 14 will likely be all the Hoosiers need to earn their place back in the College Football Playoff too and the development of this school over the last eighteen months has been really impressive. They are the Number 2 Ranked team in the Playoff Rankings and Indiana are going to want to maintain momentum ahead of what is expected to be a battle of unbeaten teams against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game.

The Purdue Boilermakers (2-9) would love to throw a spanner into the works for a rival, but they are 0-8 in the Big Ten even if Head Coach Barry Odom insists there has been growth for a team that finished 1-11 last season.

Sustaining drives will be hugely challenging for the Boilermakers who are not expected to be able to run the ball with any kind of consistency.

This is not an Indiana pass rush that has been getting to the Quarter Back in recent games, but this is a Secondary that have been capable of making plays as teams have perhaps become a little too one-dimensional against them. The Hoosiers will certainly feel they can contain the Purdue threat considering the Boilermakers have not scored more than 16 points in any of the last three games, while suffering blowout losses to the Buckeyes and Washington Huskies.

Indiana should be pretty comfortable putting the ball on the ground and using the Offensive Line to open up some solid lanes against this struggling Purdue Defensive Line.

It should all lead to Fernando Mendoza having time when he does step back to throw and the Hoosiers should be able to exploit this Secondary. A couple of key players will be back to shake off any fitness issues ahead of what is expected to be an appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game and Indiana may not want to give too much away on the film tape, but they should still be comfortable in moving the ball both through the air and on the ground.

You have to expect the Boilermakers are going to be hugely motivated by the fact that they were blown out 66-0 in Indiana last season.

However, this Hoosiers team may be even better than the one the Boilermakers travelled to face last season and Indiana could run through this spread, even if the Buckeyes failed to cover a similar number.

Miami Hurricanes @ Pittsburgh Panthers Pick: Six teams still have some pathway into the ACC Championship Game and being able to keep alive Playoff consideration hopes.

Two of those are meeting in the early Saturday slot in College Football knowing they have to win and then hope things break their way later in the day.

The team that is perhaps going to have to go into the political business is the Miami Hurricanes (9-2) who have a win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but are just 5-2 in the Conference this season. They are clearly playing with 'style points' in mind and the Hurricanes are plenty respected as the highest Ranked team in the ACC, but they are unlikely to find a way into the top twelve without playing in, and likely winning, the ACC Championship Game.

Miami will have to first concentrate on this one before looking for a number of results to land their way the rest of the way- losing would mean elimination from all talk of a Playoff spot and so that has to be the focus, rather than concerning themselves too much about the upsets that will be needed to earn a spot in the Championship Game instead.

They are travelling to another interested party in the permutations when facing the Pittsburgh Panthers (8-3) who actually did Miami a favour by knocking off the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Week 13. 

It means Pittsburgh have improved to 6-1 in the Conference and the path into the ACC Championship Game is much easier to manage- they need to win in Week 14 and hope either SMU or Virginia are upset as big favourites.

Again, those other games are out of the control of the Panthers and so the sole focus has to be on winning at home and matching the nine wins that were secured in the 2022 season.

Credit has to be given to Pittsburgh for the way they played in the big win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but this is another significant test for them. They are going to be trying to run the ball against a very good Miami Defensive Line, which is important to at least slow down the Hurricanes pass rush that will be looking to expose the inexperience of Mason Heintschel at Quarter Back.

It has to be said again that the Panthers deserve credit for the Offensive output in the win last week and Heintschel will have taken a lot of confidence from having what is arguably his best game of the season. However, doing the same against the Miami Hurricanes is another big test for a young Quarter Back and especially if the pocket is collapsing around him.

Throwing in this Miami Secondary is not going to be easy under the pressure expected and Mason Heintschel will have to be wary of the Interceptions that can be created by the road team.

Haynes King got himself into an early hole in the loss last week, but Miami have to be very confident that Carson Beck can avoid the same type of mistakes at the Quarter Back position.

His Offensive Line is likely going to make sure that Beck is kept in third and manageable spots on the field and that should give the Quarter Back the time to attack this Pittsburgh Secondary that has been allowing players to thrive when throwing against them. The pocket is likely going to be kept clean for Carson Beck, but he will have noted that the Panthers picked up two more Interceptions last week in the win over the Yellow Jackets and winning the turnover battle feels vitally important to the outcome of this one.

Carson Beck had 2 Interceptions in the loss to the SMU Mustangs, but has bounced back in this three game winning run- in those victories, Beck has 8 Touchdown passes without throwing an INT and that gives the Miami Hurricanes the edge.

In recent seasons, Pittsburgh have been a very good home underdog to back, but they are 0-2 against the spread in that spot this season, including a blowout to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Head Coach Pat Narduzzi had suggested the game was not as important as others before that defeat, which may have contributed to the eventual performance, but the Panthers have also been well beaten by the Louisville Cardinals at home and Miami can at least offer an argument to the Playoff Committee by winning well here.

UCF Knights @ BYU Cougars Pick: The pressure is on the BYU Cougars (10-1) to finish the Big 12 season with one more win and improve the 7-1 record, while also confirming a spot in the Championship Game.

Of course there has to be a benefit from the fact that the Cougars will have no one else to blame but themselves if they are not able to secure a spot in that Championship Game and keeping Playoff hopes alive. The permutations have become very simple in the fact that the Cougars have to win this game and they are set as a big favourite to do that.

No one wants to underestimate the UCF Knights (5-6), especially as they have the motivation to earn a sixth win and to become Bowl eligible. Hopes were kept alive by beating struggling Oklahoma State in Week 13, but the Knights know they have to be a lot better to secure a win over one of the top teams in the Conference, especially having only produced a 2-6 record in Big 12 play.

Prior to that win, the Knights had been struggling and suffered blowout losses to the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Baylor Bears during a run of three straight defeats. This has been a team that have been struggling to run the ball and to ease the pressure on Quarter Back Tayven Jackson, and that is likely going to be an issue in this game against a tough BYU Defensive Line.

Some Quarter Backs have had recent success throwing the ball against the Cougars Secondary, although that is also as BYU have begun to play soft with a lead. Tayven Jackson will have a challenging time playing behind the chains, while that will also give the Cougars pass rush plenty of encouragement to pin the ears back and get after him when he drops back to throw the ball.

The Cougars should be more encouraged when they have the ball and this is a team that have continued to defy expectations after winning at Cincinnati as well as they did last week.

BYU's Offensive Line should be able to establish the run in this game against a 'weaker' opponent than some faced in recent weeks, while young Quarter Back Bear Bachmeier has been growing as a passer the longer the season has gone on. He will have seen the recent numbers that the UCF Secondary have been allowing and the Cougars should be able to move the ball with consistency, as long as they are not thinking too far ahead and what a win will mean to the team.

Last season the Cougars won very well as an underdog on the road at UCF, but they are hosting in Week 14 of the 2025 season and that should contribute to another strong win in this campaign.

MY PICKS: Mississippi Rebels - 6.5 Points @ 1.80 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Indiana Hoosiers - 28.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Miami Hurricanes - 7 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

BYU Cougars - 17.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Oklahoma Sooner - 10.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Illinois Fighting Illini - 7 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Alabama Crimson Tide - 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

USC Trojans - 21.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Week 13: 3-3, - 0.35 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.83% Yield

Week 12: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

Week 11: 1-5, - 4.09 Units (6 Units Staked, - 68.17% Yield)

Week 10: 3-3, - 0.33 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.50% Yield)

Week 9: 3-3, - 0.19 Units (6 Units Staked, - 3.17% Yield)

Week 8: 2-3, - 1.18 Units (5 Units Staked, - 23.60% Yield)

Week 7: 4-1, + 2.62 Units (5 Units Staked, + 52.40% Yield)

Week 6: 2-4, - 2.22 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37% Yield)

Week 5: 1-5, - 4.20 Units (6 Units Staked, - 70% Yield)

Week 4: 2-4, - 2.14 Units (6 Units Staked, - 35.67% Yield)

Week 3: 4-4, - 0.36 (8 Units Staked, - 4.50% Yield)

Week 1: 1-4, - 3.14 Units (5 Units Staked, - 62.80% Yield)

Week 0: 2-1, + 0.75 Units (3 Units Staked, + 25% Yield)

NFL Week 13 Picks 2025 (Thursday 27th November-Monday 1st December)

Time is not quite running out on this 2025 season, but the NFL Picks need some momentum after back to back really poor weeks.

Once again there can be some complaints about the manner of some of the defeats- the Eagles blowing a 21-0 lead, or the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots missing a cover by a combined three points.

Those moments are more frustrating than completely misreading some of the selections, and combined it has led to some tough moments through the opening twelve weeks of the year.

Week 12 may not have been a good week for the NFL Picks, but it was an important one for teams to keep their season alive, most notably for the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. Those teams meet in a big Thanksgiving Day game hosted by the latter, and there are also a couple of important Divisional games to be played on Thursday.

The schedules around the League means there are plenty of big Divisional games to be played between now and the end of the regular season and that is going to have a big impact on the final Playoff positions.

Games are set to be played from Thursday through Monday with an additional televised game in the 'Black Friday' slot that has become a new feature for the NFL.

Each outing feels much more important now with the regular season winding down.

That is also the case for the NFL Picks, which will be added to this thread, and it feels important to conclude this week with a winning return to just start moving the overall numbers back in the direction wanted.

Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions Pick: All three games on Thanksgiving Day look hugely important, but the first of those looks the one with most on the line for both teams.

The Detroit Lions (7-4) are hosting as usual and they are playing Divisional rivals Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) who would be edging them out for a Playoff spot if the regular season was to end today. Both are trailing the surprising Chicago Bears in the NFC North, while the Detroit Lions are just 1-2 in the Division this season and have already suffered a defeat to the Green Bay Packers, who are 2-0 against NFC North rivals.

Both teams were able to pick up a win in Week 12, but the Lions had to dig much deeper than the Packers with an Overtime win over the struggling New York Giants. Green Bay were more comfortable in beating the Minnesota Vikings, but those games are now in the rearview mirror and both the Lions and Packers are completely focused on a big Thanksgiving Day game.

For the home team, the Line of Scrimmage is going to determine so much about the direction this game will end up travelling.

Detroit have to find a way to establish the run in this game against a Green Bay Defensive Line that have continued to be stout up front and who will be looking to put Jared Goff behind the chains. All season the Packers have been able to clamp down on the run, including in the Week 1 success against the Lions when they limited Detroit to just 46 yards on the ground.

Being able to do the same IN Detroit is the challenge, especially after recent games in which the Lions have been able to get things going on the ground in front of the home supporters and when not dealing with outdoor conditions. However, the Packers will take encouragement from the success that Philadelphia had against the Lions as they look to force Detroit to try and beat them from third and long spots.

This is far from an easy test for the Lions Offensive Line, who have perhaps not been as confident when facing some of the tougher teams on the schedule. It will feel like a 'prove it' moment for a team chasing a Super Bowl, while also being important to help Jared Goff at Quarter Back considering some of the struggles he has when the pocket begins to collapse around him.

Green Bay will bring the pass rush when they have the Lions in obvious passing situations and they have a Secondary that have been producing at a high level for the majority of the season. In recent games it has really been a tough team to throw against with any consistency and so it is imperative for the Lions to find a way to keep the team in third and manageable spots in order to sustain drives.

It is a game that will be a challenge for the Detroit Offensive unit, but the same can be said for the Packers when they have the ball.

Josh Jacobs is expected to miss out again, but it would have been a tough game for him and it will be a tough game for Emanuel Wilson in relief as the Packers try and establish the run against a Lions Defensive Line that have played that very well in recent games. Much like the Packers on the other side of the ball, Detroit are going to want to see if Jordan Love can beat them from third and long situations and see if he can do that over and over again when facing a Secondary that have plugged in players as injuries have piled up.

It has not stopped the Lions from being effective and they will note that Jordan Love has not been the same at Quarter Back as he continues to deal with a shoulder issue on the non-throwing side.

Jordan Love will feel he can make some plays against this Secondary, but that becomes tougher from third and long situations and Green Bay's recent passing numbers have been tough to read.

Everything is pointing to a competitive game between these two rivals and in front of a national audience.

Both teams will have some issues running the ball, which is going to put pressure on the two Quarter Backs.

The narrowest of edges has to be with the Lions who should find running the ball a bit more comfortable inside of their own Stadium- they are also playing the Packers with revenge and the Lions are 10-2 against the spread against Divisional opponents in that spot.

They have struggled as a small favourite/small underdog this season, which is a concern when laying the points with Detroit, but the Green Bay Packers are 1-4 against the spread on the road.

Green Bay are in an unfamiliar spot of being given points this season, but it should be noted that they have not covered in the last eight Divisional games when given points and having just cleared the spread by double digits, as the Packers did in the Week 12 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Most will expect this game to come down to the wire, but the Lions look capable of being the one left standing at the end of this opening Thanksgiving Day game.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Dallas Cowboys Pick: Non-Conference games may not be as significant in the first half of the season, but by Week 13, every game on the schedule matters.

For the Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1) and Kansas City Chiefs (6-5), it is vital that they build on Week 12 wins that have kept Playoff hopes alive.

This second Thanksgiving Day game sees both the Cowboys and Chiefs sitting in tenth place in their respective Conferences, but also noting that teams currently occupying the last of the Wild Card spots have only been beaten four times. Chasing down Divisional leaders will be difficult as games are running down, but both teams have just kept Playoff hopes alive with battling wins and that will give them some confidence.

The Kansas City Chiefs looked to be on course for another defeat that would have dropped them below 0.500 when trailing by double digits against the AFC South leading Indianapolis Colts. However, they rallied for an Overtime win to just keep themselves in a position to attack the Wild Card spots.

Dallas were in a bigger hole having fallen 21-0 behind against Divisional rivals and NFC East leaders Philadelphia Eagles, but the road team made enough errors to allow the Cowboys to rally for the upset.

Building on that is key and the Dallas Offensive unit are playing with enough confidence to believe they can do that, as long as they can clear up some of the drops that have been affecting recent performance.

It will feel important for Dallas to find a way to at least make the Kansas City Chiefs respect the run- the Chiefs have been pretty stout up front in recent games and they will feel like the real winners if they can force the Cowboys to become one-dimensional.

However, any impact that can be made by the Offensive Line will then strengthen Dak Prescott and a passing game that has been very explosive. George Pickens and Jason Ferguson have given the Quarter Back more options outside of CeeDee Lamb and Prescott will have enough time in the pocket if the team is in third and manageable spots to expose the Chiefs Secondary.

The expectation is that Dallas are going to be able to have enough Offensive success to put the pressure on a banged up Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to have to keep up on the scoreboard.

Where the Cowboys will still be confident they can have an impact with the running game, the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to establish the run in recent games. Making it tougher is the clear improvements made by the Dallas Defensive Line after trades made and placing all of the burden on Patrick Mahomes and the passing game will feel like a big win for the Cowboys.

The Quarter Back is clearly not looking as comfortable as usual and that has meant he has been restricting his use of his legs, which has perhaps made it a little easier to face the Kansas City Chiefs. If Patrick Mahomes is not looking to put pressure on the Linebackers and Defensive Backs by pushing himself down the field, the Kansas City Offensive Line could be challenged by this Dallas pass rush when in the obvious passing situations.

Patrick Mahomes is Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Receivers are still very capable of linking up with the Quarter Back through the air, but any one-dimensional approach is something that NFL level Defensive units will be comfortable facing. The Quarter Back can still have success considering some of the issues that remain in the Dallas Secondary, but turnovers could be an issue and that will make it all the tougher for the Kansas City Chiefs to back up the Week 12 win with another.

Of course Kansas City can win, but they are 1-4 against the spread on the road and facing a Dallas team that have thrived when set as the underdog.

Taking the hook to cross over the key number 3 is going to be important for the Dallas Cowboys who can then cover even in a narrow defeat. However, this feels like a game where the Cowboys can produce enough Offensive output to perhaps earn the outright upset and to keep the Playoff hopes on track.

Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles Pick: They remain the NFC East leaders, but the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) will want to flush the Week 12 loss at the Dallas Cowboys as soon as possible. They led 21-0 on the day, but the Offensive inconsistency came back to haunt them as the Cowboys fought back for the upset, although the Eagles are still a couple of games ahead of Dallas.

They are hosting another Divisional leader in this 'Black Friday' game on Friday- not many would have predicted that to be the case when the schedule came out, but the Chicago Bears (8-3) are the surprising team leading the way in the NFC North, although the likes of the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions will still believe they can chase the Bears down.

There is a lot to like about a Bears team that have won four in a row, although they have been on the right end of some of the tight margins. While this is unlikely to be sustainable, the Chicago players will be playing with a real sense of belief and that makes them dangerous against this Philadelphia team who are 8-13 against the spread after a defeat under Head Coach Nick Sirianni.

Injuries on both sides of the ball are also just holding the Eagles back, and first year Head Coach Ben Johnson has given Caleb Williams and the Bears a spark on the Offensive side of the ball.

The Bears will be looking to establish the run and they will use Quarter Back Caleb Williams to try and pick up some yards on the ground when the protection does break down. Credit has to be given to the way the Philadelphia Defensive Line have been playing of late, but all the Bears will want to do is to try and keep themselves in front of the chains and then see if the relatively young Quarter Back can then attack this banged up Secondary.

Caleb Williams has been getting the ball out of his hands pretty well and he should be able to connect with some of the Receivers to push the ball down the field.

Offensive problems have been a huge part of the Philadelphia season, even if they have still found a way to win more often than not. The defending Super Bowl Champions will feel they can find the right solutions if they can get a little healthier, but they could be without Lane Johnson on this short week and Saquon Barkley is also banged up.

Being without both of those players could make it tough for the Eagles to expose what has continued to be a vulnerable Chicago Defensive Line.

However, Jalen Hurts is capable of moving the ball with his legs out of the Quarter Back position and the Eagles will just be looking to keep ahead of the chains while still trying to find solutions to some of the passing problems. Adding to that is that the Bears have signed CJ Gardner-Johnson to improve the Secondary and Chicago could have Jaylon Johnson back from injury, which is going to make passing the ball against the Bears more challenging going forward.

They do not get a lot of pressure up front, but that has not stopped the Secondary from showing improvement during this winning run.

On paper you still have to believe the Eagles will be a little too good for the Bears, but this spread looks a bit too wide considering Philadelphia's struggles to blowout opponents this season.

With the battling that Chicago have continued to display, they could easily secure a backdoor cover in this one at the worst and the Bears can show the rest of the NFC that they more than just a surprising regular season team.

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets Pick: They are still only a couple of games out of the NFC South lead, but time is running out for the Atlanta Falcons (4-7) to chase down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Moving in the last weekend of November means Atlanta can ill-afford to lose games that they are expected to win and that will be the situation they are dealing with in Week 13 as the Falcons have been set as road favourites.

At this stage of the season and with games running out, even non-Conference games have added importance and the Falcons need to build on the win over the New Orleans Saints, which also ended the five game losing run.

Next up is a game at the New York Jets (2-9) who remain on course for a top five NFL Draft Pick and who will continue with Tyrod Taylor at Quarter Back in place of Justin Fields.

The decision to hand the keys to the veteran has stalled the Jets as far as an Offensive unit goes, but Tyrod Taylor is capable of moving the ball with his legs and Breece Hall should also be able to find more room to operate when the ball is handed to him. This is an Atlanta Defensive Line that has been struggling to stop the run, but there is also a game plan that could be put together to try and dare Taylor to beat them with his arm.

If they can put the Jets in obvious passing situations, the Falcons should be able to get to Tyrod Taylor and rush the throw, especially for a team that is missing some experience at the Wide Receiver position. This has led to some really poor numbers in recent games as far as the Jets passing game is concerned, although Tyrod Taylor may feel there are more opportunities against this vulnerable Falcons Secondary.

Kirk Cousins will be the veteran taking to the field for the Atlanta Falcons at Quarter Back and he should be able to use the confidence from last week to attack a Jets team that have traded away so many key players on this side of the ball.

He will be without Drake London again, but the Falcons had Darnell Mooney show some life and Bijan Robinson should also have a big impact on the game.

The Falcons are not easy to trust on recent form, although you have to keep pointing out the importance of winning against the New Orleans Saints.

Credit has to be given to the Jets for continuing to play hard on the Defensive side of the ball, despite the trades they have made, but the lack of Offensive output means the field position is against them. The Jets could have better chances to move the ball against this Falcons team, but ultimately they have looked like a team that is out of confidence and struggling to maintain any consistency within games, which should give Atlanta the edge in the game.

MY PICKS: Detroit Lions - 2.5 Points @ 1.80 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Dallas Cowboys + 3.5 Points @ 1.84 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Chicago Bears + 7.5 Points @ 1.80 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Atlanta Falcons - 2.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Los Angeles Rams - 10.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Buffalo Bills - 3 Points @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Denver Broncos - 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Week 12: 1-5, - 4.17 Units (6 Units Staked, - 69.50% Yield)

Week 11: 2-4, - 2.23 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37.17% Yield)

Week 10: 3-3, - 0.34 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.67% Yield)

Week 9: 2-2, - 0.18 Units (4 Units Staked, - 4.50% Yield)

Week 8: 4-3, + 0.52 Units (7 Units Staked, + 7.43% Yield)

Week 7: 3-2, + 0.69 Units (5 Units Staked, + 13.80% Yield)

Week 6: 3-4, - 1.09 Units (7 Units Staked, - 15.57% Yield)

Week 5: 3-3, - 0.33 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.50% Yield)

Week 4: 2-3, - 1.14 Units (5 Units Staked, - 22.80% Yield)

Week 3: 5-3, + 1.56 Units (8 Units Staked, + 19.50% Yield)

Week 2: 3-2, + 0.67 Units (5 Units Staked, + 13.40% Yield)

Week 1: 0-2, - 2 Units (2 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)

2025 Season: 31-36, - 8.04 Units (67 Units Staked, - 12% Yield)

NFL Week 12 Picks 2025 (Thursday 20th November-Monday 24th November)

The end of November is fast approaching and this is the time when people will begin to wonder which of the fourteen NFL teams are going to work their way into the Playoffs.

It really does feel like six of those teams will be playing in the West Divisions- both AFC and NFC- while the NFC North has set the table for three of the teams to be also be playing in the post-season.

Some big teams could still be missing when it is all said and done in early January and some are worrying about the Kansas City Chiefs- this feels like a big week for them against the Indianapolis Colts, while injuries have been really impacting teams all around the League at a much higher rate than is usually the case.

However, that has also kept the door open for some teams to challenge for Playoff spots and the Baltimore Ravens are proof of that with just a game separating them and the AFC North lead, while having big games against the Pittsburgh Steelers to be played.

The NFL have made a good decision to put plenty of Divisional games on the second half of the regular season schedule and that will keep players motivated.

It has been a difficult opening eleven weeks of the NFL season and the Picks are running just under 0.500, which is a real disappointment.

Special Teams have been having a big impact with the new kick off rules, and those have landed in the wrong way more often than not, but that should be something that reverts to the mean.

Once you reach Thanksgiving Day, it does feel like the regular season is on the turn towards home and that means there is some pressure to get the Picks moving with some momentum and consistency.

New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens Pick: They won, and that matters, but the Baltimore Ravens (5-5) will be aware that they need a stronger performance from Lamar Jackson at Quarter Back if they are going to have the kind of season hoped. He looked a little wary in the win over the Cleveland Browns and made some mistakes, but the Ravens have managed to remain hot on the heels of the AFC North leading Pittsburgh Steelers and they still have to face this rival twice in the final weeks of the regular season.

The Ravens are scheduled to play on Thanksgiving Day and will have a mini-Bye ahead of the first game with the Steelers, but Baltimore have been playing catch up after a slow start to the season and cannot afford any slips against teams they are expected to beat.

In Week 12 they are hosting the New York Jets (2-8) who had won two in a row before losing on Thursday Night Football against the AFC East leading New England Patriots.

This defeat has been seen as an opportunity to make a change at Quarter Back, which does feel harsh on Justin Fields.

Tyrod Taylor was scheduled to come in as starter during the opening run of losses, but the Jets backup was injured and Justin Fields helped put together a couple of wins. This has only delayed the move, but it will be asking a lot of the veteran to help the Jets find an Offensive spark they feel has been missing.

He started his career with the Baltimore Ravens, but Tyrod Taylor has bounced around the League as a backup since then and this is going to be a tough test against an improving Ravens Defensive unit.

The hope for the Jets is that they can hand the ball to Breece Hall and look for him to attack a Baltimore Defensive Line that is looking better, but which does give up some big runs when losing a bit of focus. The Quarter Back is capable of moving the pocket with his legs and looking to escape down the field where he can, which will also help, although you have to feel the Baltimore Ravens will know more than most how to handle someone behind Center who can make as many plays with his legs as he does with his arm.

New York will not want to have to rely on Tyrod Taylor and an inexperienced group of Receivers to have to step up and so it is very important to not lose touch with Baltimore on the scoreboard.

Lamar Jackson was clearly dealing with something in the win over Cleveland, but the Ravens are trying to downplay any injury being more than 'wear and tear' that comes with playing Football.

It was the lack of plays with his legs that caught the eye, but the Baltimore Ravens may be comfortable using Derrick Henry in the main to pound the rock against a Jets Defensive Line that have lost some key players in recent weeks. It has resulted in a decline in the numbers against the ground attack and the Ravens should keep Jackson and company in third and manageable spots.

The Sacks piled up last week against the Ravens, but it should be more comfortable for the team if they are running the ball as they should be able to do against the Jets.

This should mean Lamar Jackson does not have to hold onto the ball for too long and there is likely to be a lot more consistency from the home team when it comes to keeping drives moving up and down the field.

A distraction of playing on a short week against a Divisional rival is a concern, but Lamar Jackson has an 11-5-1 record against the spread when set as a double digit favourite in regular season games. After the poor overall performance in the Week 11 win, Baltimore can be much stronger all around in this one and rattle the veteran Tyrod Taylor into a mistake or two, which should see the Ravens pull away.

New York Giants @ Detroit Lions Pick: It has not been a good season for the two New York teams in the NFL and the Giants (2-9) are right there with the Jets in the fight for the Number 1 Pick in the Draft.

They have already fired the Head Coach, but the team have been decimated by injury and are going to be without rookie Quarter Back Jaxson Dart again. He was a part of the old regime so you do have to wonder if the Giants will think about taking a Quarter Back in the next Draft if they finish with the top Pick, so it is important for Dart to get back in the lineup and show what he can do as soon as possible.

It will be Jameis Winston again in Week 12 and the veteran did help the New York Giants to a competitive loss against the Green Bay Packers last week.

However, it was another defeat and that was at home, while this time they are travelling to face a NFC North team on the road and one that is looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat.

The Detroit Lions (6-4) made too many mistakes and were unable to reach double digits in terms of points in the defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. They are home this time and Detroit have regularly bounced back from setbacks, even in a season where they have suffered double the number of regular season defeats compared with 2024 and with seven games yet to play.

There is also the potential distraction of playing the early kick off on Thanksgiving Day, but the Lions are 3-1 against the spread in the last four years before that big game.

This season they are also facing an important game against Divisional rivals Green Bay Packers who are above the Lions in the standings, but Head Coach Dan Campbell will want to see a positive response from his team after the below par performance against the Eagles.

We should see a pretty comfortable game plan from the Detroit Lions when they have the ball- the Giants have struggled to stop the run and that is something that the Lions are going to exploit.

Jared Goff had some issues with his timing in the loss to the Eagles, but he should have more time with the team in front of the chains and the Quarter Back can also bounce back with the Lions looking to show off their teeth before the big rematch with the Packers.

Overall it is going to be a much more testing experience for the New York Giants when they have the ball.

Jameis Winston offered up some leadership to a young and banged up crew, but he is likely going to have to make some plays out of third and long spots on the field. The Giants have been operating well enough behind this Offensive Line, but running the ball against the Detroit Defensive Line is never easy and the Giants could soon become one-dimensional with the play-calling as they look to keep themselves in the game.

Despite the injuries in the Secondary, the Detroit Lions have continued to play the pass effectively- they are helped out by the fact that the team can generate a solid pass rush to put the pressure onto Quarter Backs, and that has aided the backup players coming in to plug holes.

This is where the Lions could take control of this game and they are facing a New York Giants team that have not been as effective on the road as they have been at home.

Over the last two and a half years, the Giants are 8-15 against the spread when playing on the road and Dan Campbell's record after a loss suggests the Lions will have too much for the visiting team in Week 12.

New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals Pick: The trade for Joe Flacco looked a decent decision for the Cincinnati Bengals (3-7) when they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. They would have been hoping that the veteran could keep them on track, while waiting for Joe Burrow to return, but the Bengals have lost three in a row.

This is a team that has been competitive in those games, but ultimately they needed to get over the line a couple of times.

Joe Burrow has been back in practice, but a decision has been made to not take any risks with the franchise Quarter Back and he has been ruled out for this Week 12 game. The Bengals do play against Divisional rivals Baltimore on Thanksgiving Day, which is a game that Burrow may be targeting, and that is a potential distraction knowing Ja'Marr Chase is also missing this week.

The Bengals are hosting the AFC East leading New England Patriots (9-2) who have been the big surprise package in the 2025 season and who will be looking to extend the lead over the Buffalo Bills.

Right now the Patriots look good to finish with the top Seed in the AFC and they have won eight in a row, while also having had a mini-Bye ahead of this game after beating the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

Drake Maye has really been growing into the Quarter Back position and he will be encouraged by some of the life being shown by the Offensive Line when it comes to run blocking. The more carries being picked up TreVeyon Henderson, the better the Patriots are becoming, and they can punish this Bengals team on the ground and just make things very comfortable for the Quarter Back.

Injuries on the entire Defensive unit has held the Bengals back and the Secondary have been struggling, which is going to be exposed if the New England Patriots are in third and manageable spots on the field. A confidence has been growing in the chemistry between Drake Maye and his Receivers and the Patriots should be able to keep drives moving with some real consistency.

This is unlikely to be a blowout immediately with the Bengals Offensive Line and Chase Brown showing life in recent outings, while they will have noted some of the issues the Patriots have had in stopping the run. However, the absence of Ja'Marr Chase makes it so much easier to find a game plan to deal with Cincinnati and that could mean focusing on clamping down on the run and asking Quarter Back Joe Flacco to beat them with the Receivers that are available.

Throwing against this Patriots Secondary would have been challenging even with a full complement of Receivers, and Joe Flacco will have to be careful after a back-breaking Interception in what had been a close game against Pittsburgh beforehand.

You cannot dismiss the spread and it being a touch high.

However, the feeling is that the Bengals could be gearing up to give Baltimore all they can handle on Thursday night and that may see them lose a bit of focus for what has been a very good New England team.

MY PICKS: Baltimore Ravens - 13.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Detroit Lions - 12.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

New England Patriots - 7.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Minnesota Vikings + 6.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Philadelphia Eagles - 3 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Los Angeles Rams - 6.5 Points @ 1.83 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Week 11: 2-4, - 2.23 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37.17% Yield)

Week 10: 3-3, - 0.34 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.67% Yield)

Week 9: 2-2, - 0.18 Units (4 Units Staked, - 4.50% Yield)

Week 8: 4-3, + 0.52 Units (7 Units Staked, + 7.43% Yield)

Week 7: 3-2, + 0.69 Units (5 Units Staked, + 13.80% Yield)

Week 6: 3-4, - 1.09 Units (7 Units Staked, - 15.57% Yield)

Week 5: 3-3, - 0.33 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.50% Yield)

Week 4: 2-3, - 1.14 Units (5 Units Staked, - 22.80% Yield)

Week 3: 5-3, + 1.56 Units (8 Units Staked, + 19.50% Yield)

Week 2: 3-2, + 0.67 Units (5 Units Staked, + 13.40% Yield)

Week 1: 0-2, - 2 Units (2 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)

2025 Season: 30-31, - 3.87 Units (61 Units Staked, - 6.34% Yield)

Boxing Picks 2025- David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde (Saturday 22nd November)

The undercard made up for what was a one-sided main event at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday and the real positive news was the announcement that plans are being made for a couple of big cards here next year.

Everyone is anticipating that we will have the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight that the fans want to see, even if it is four or five years too late, but the latter is expected to be out in February in Riyadh.

Before that Anthony Joshua is going to have to deal with Jake Paul and the expectation is that he is going to blitz through an opponent who looks to have bitten off far more than he can chew. He looked relaxed, but focused, and Joshua should be given a slightly tougher challenge in February, although not one that is expected to derail the super fight that could be the perfect way to end what has been a solid career.

Some very good main events have already been announced for the first two months of 2026, but Boxing is Boxing and the news about Subriel Matias potentially failing a drugs test and putting his World Title fight against Dalton Smith in jeopardy is a blow.

It hurts for Smith, who was hoping that World Title fight would be on the card in Riyadh this weekend, and the hope is that any potential suspension for Matias would mean a vacant Belt can be won in January. He needs to be active having last been out in April at a time when entering the peak of his career, and Dalton Smith vs Adam Azim continues to be the fight that so many do want to see with the two both hoping to have World Titles for a Unification at the end of next year.

Of course Dalton Smith is much closer to holding a World Title having a fight lined up to do that, but both are on a good path and the hope is that the Sheffield man gets his shot in January.

This week a loaded card takes place in Saudi Arabia with four very solid fights on the main feature.

The timings are not terrible for fans in the United Kingdom with the main event due out at 2am and this looks to be the best card left in 2025, although there are decent fights still to take place before the end of the calendar year.

David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde

He has come up short in two previous bids to become World Champion and you have to believe that this is going to be Anthony Yarde's last chance to get over the line.

Credit has to be given to Yarde for challenging Sergey Kovalev in Russia and then Artur Beterbiev in London, but this World Title bid against David Benavidez looks every bit as difficult.

For starters David Benavidez is six years younger at 28 years old and the unbeaten WBC World Champion has moved into the Light Heavyweight Division without missing a beat.

He will have to weather some of the early storm that Anthony Yarde can bring, but David Benavidez is going to be confident he can outlast an opponent who has had his gas tank questioned.

Since putting in a big effort against Artur Beterbiev and enhancing his reputation even in a defeat, Anthony Yarde has perhaps not capitalised on his profile. This is just the fifth fight since January 2023 and Yarde has not exactly been in with some of the top names in a tough Division, while the Mexican Monster has put together a much more solid overall resume, even if not being in with the top, top name like Artur Beterbiev.

It is not for a lack of trying, but David Benavidez will be hoping that he can push forward in 2026 by adding Anthony Yarde to his list of victims.

The two should gel together very well and this has every chance of being a really exciting fight.

David Benavidez has not had a Stoppage since moving up into the Light Heavyweight Division, but there have to be some questions about Anthony Yarde's ability to keep up with the pace that is going to be set by the WBC World Champion.

Anthony Yarde has been to the cards in consecutive fights, but those have been against a much lower level of opponent than the one that will be faced in Riyadh.

He impressed in the effort against Artur Beterbiev and it would not be a big surprise if Anthony Yarde does the same in this one through the first half of the Twelve Rounds scheduled.

However, that is where David Benavidez can take over with his pace and tempo and the Champion may be able to force Yarde into another Stoppage defeat.

In the next couple of months, the face of the Lightweight Division could have significant changes with the IBF World Title to be defended in January.

Before that, the WBO World Title will be decided between Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes and this looks like a potential headline stealer.

Both are unbeaten and have a huge amount of Stoppages in the victories that have been produced.

Abdullah Mason is seen as one of the brightest young fighters in the United States, but he has yet to hear the bell for the Seventh Round, while Sam Noakes has won British, Commonwealth and European Titles and at 28 years old is coming into the peak of his power.

The expectation is that neither is going to be taking a backwards step and this could very soon become a shoot out.

The younger fighter is the favourite, but Sam Noakes looks very dangerous and he is likely going to be confident if this fight does go longer than expected having completed Twelve Rounds twice before.

However, it is the athleticism of Abdullah Mason that may make the difference and could leave the 21 year old as the last one standing, even if Sam Noakes is able to offer him a real scare.

Eddie Hearn is expecting to extend his contract to promote Bam Rodriguez and the Number One Junior Bantamweight can Unify this Division by picking up a third World Title to go along with his WBC and WBO Belts.

There is no doubt that Fernando Martinez is coming into this one with the confidence of an unbeaten fighter, but the Argentinian WBA World Champion is 34 years old now and not nearly as active as his opponent.

The quality of the recent wins cannot be ignored, but Bam Rodriguez is younger and stronger and he can wear down Martinez in this one.

Fernando Martinez can make the first half of the contest competitive, but keeping up with the Bam tempo will be tough and that has seen a number of recent fighters just break down in the second half of the bout.

This very much feels like the direction of travel in this World Title fight.

The chief support on the Night of Champions card looks like one that could easily be given the main event slot.

Devin Haney is moving up to try and become World Champion in a third Division, but he has been given the task of facing Brian Norman Jr who looks to be the standout in the Welterweight Division that has recently seen the likes of Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr depart for Light Middleweight.

It has long been one of the top Divisions in Boxing, but the current group of Welterweight Champions have a lot to prove.

Brian Norman Jr is the leader of the current pack, but Devin Haney will feel this is a very winnable fight and he could soon be looking to Unify, and earn redemption, against Ryan Garcia who is expected to fight for the WBC World Title in February.

However, we are still trying to work out how much was taken from Haney in the manner of his defeat to Garcia, even if the latter was later found to have failed a drugs test that meant a victory turned into a No Contest. Unfortunately for The Dream, the eyes on that fight will have tarred him with a defeat and his performance against Jose Carlos Ramirez was really worrying, even if Devin Haney won easily.

He looked worried about engaging with Ramirez, who is not nearly the puncher that Brian Norman Jr is, and the question is whether Devin Haney is going to want to 'run' as much as he did in that fight at Times Square earlier in the year.

Devin Haney has something to prove, but so does Brian Norman Jr who is facing his toughest opponent.

The last two wins have been eye-catching, while Norman Jr broke down previously unbeaten Giovani Santillan to pick up an Interim World Title before being made full Champion.

He is 24 years old and Brian Norman Jr is still improving, while being the naturally more comfortable at Welterweight.

This has to be a factor and Devin Haney is unlikely to be able to keep firmly away from the World Champion for as long as he did against a faded Jose Carlos Ramirez.

There is confidence in the Devin Haney camp and he has upset the odds before, but the scars from the Ryan Garcia defeat may be on display if Brian Norman Jr starts landing that left hook.

It looks like another quality fight on what is a high-quality card, and the World Champion looks like he could have a little too much for a Devin Haney who may not be the Boxer he once was.

MY PICKS: David Benavidez to Win Between 7-12 @ 2.87 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Abdullah Mason to Win by KO/TKO @ 2.10 William Hill (2 Units)

Bam Rodriguez to Win Between 7-12 @ 2.37 Bet365 (2 Units)

Brian Norman Jr to Win Between 7-12 @ 5.50 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Boxing 2025: 24-73, - 45.02 Units (124 Units Staked, - 36.31% Yield)

College Football Week 13 Picks 2025 (Saturday 22nd November)

Two weeks remain in the regular season and so teams are fully in the mindset of jockeying for Playoff positions, while others have smaller, but no less important ambitions by earning Bowl eligibility.

Week 14 tends to be the one where so many rivalry games are set, which means there are some walkovers in Week 13.

However, that does not mean the schedule is missing big games and time is running out for teams to impress the Playoff Committee, while others are beginning to play politics behind the scenes. The likes of the Miami Hurricanes have to be pushing the win over Notre Dame as a big reason they should be included, although a loss in the next two weeks will end any reason for that.

The top of some of the Conferences could be decided by the end of Week 13, so there is a real importance attached to some of the games to be played and there are six selections below from another big day in College Football in the penultimate week of the regular season.

Miami Hurricanes @ Virginia Tech Hokies Pick: If you like looking at permutations around the Championship Game participants and, ultimately, the College Football Playoff, the ACC Conference may sate your appetite.

The highest Ranked team in the last College Football Playoff positions remains the Miami Hurricanes (8-2), but they are 4-2 in the Conference and need a lot of help to make it through to the ACC Championship Game. It feels incredibly unlikely that the Hurricanes will be playing in the twelve team Playoff if they are not able to at least compete in the Championship Game, and it is important to at least make sure they finish out with two wins.

Even that may not be enough with Georgia Tech in a position to secure one of the ACC Championship Game spots with a win this weekend, while the SMU Mustangs have a win over the Hurricanes and one fewer Conference defeats on the record.

All Miami can do is focus on winning out with two tough road games to come, although some politics are at play with some wondering how the Hurricanes are Ranked lower than the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who also have two regular season losses on the record.

The fact is that Miami have beaten the Fighting Irish this season and Notre Dame are not going to have a Conference Championship to win, but those playing politics will be wasting their time if the Hurricanes are to lose in either of the next two games.

First up is a trip to Blacksburg to face the Virginia Tech Hokies (3-7) who are 2-4 in ACC play, but who have announced that James Franklin will be taking over as Head Coach moving into 2026. That is a big time appointment for a school that have been treading water for far too long and underlines the ambitions around Virginia Tech and the players should be motivated to finish up at home on a high.

They would love to play spoiler for Miami, although some fans would be keener to see the Hokies do that next week in a rivalry game at Virginia Cavaliers who are chasing a spot in the ACC Championship Game.

Motivations of players is always going to be different to the fans, but this is a tough game for Virginia Tech who have suffered consecutive double-digit defeats and who are facing a Miami team looking for 'style points' and not just wins.

Kyron Drones is going to have to bring all of his dual-threat ability out of the Quarter Back position to give the Hokies a chance- he is facing a Miami Secondary that is banged up, but finding the time to attack them down the field is the challenge.

That makes the legs important as the Hokies Offensive Line tries to dictate at the Line of Scrimmage, although being able to establish the run against this Miami Defensive Line is going to be a huge test. Even with a Quarter Back capable of moving, the Miami pass rush is likely going to be able to shut off the ends and Virginia Tech will have to convert some third and long situations to sustain drives.

Unfortunately for the home team, the passing game has been erratic at best and it is likely going to be a tough day in the office for the entire Offensive unit.

Running the ball should be less of an issue for the Miami Hurricanes when they have the ball and that is where they should be able to push on and score the points needed to put togehter another impressive win.

Carson Beck has had a solid year at Quarter Back, but he will be well aware that he was brought in to take the Hurricanes into the Playoff- Beck should be able to make plenty of big plays from being put in third and manageable spots on the field and the road team look capable of winning and winning well.

Nothing is ever easy when playing on the road, as Miami know all too well with their 1-1 record on the road, but there is still a real potential for them to make the post-season if they can keep impressing the Playoff Committee.

We should see a top effort from Miami, and there is a real potential for this to be the 'easiest' win at Virginia Tech since 2018, a victory that sparked a three game road winning run against the Hokies.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ Ohio State Buckeyes Pick: The Georgia Bulldogs won back to back National Championships in 2022 and 2023, but the feeling is that the ever expanding post-season will make it that much more difficult for teams to be able to do that. There is also a huge turnover in personnel in College Football compared with the pro game, but the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) are looking very capable of becoming the first team to go back to back in the era of twelve teams playing in the post-season.

They are not only winning games, but the Buckeyes are crushing opponents and so they are once again being asked to cover a huge spread.

This is the last home game of the season, which will give the team some motivation, although there is a potential distraction of facing old rivals Michigan in Week 14 in a bid to end the long losing run against them.

However, it does feel important for the Buckeyes to focus when taking on Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-5) who still need one more win to become Bowl eligible.

The Scarlet Knights are just 2-5 in Big Ten play, while they have suffered a couple of heavy losses to the Oregon Ducks and Illinois Fighting Illini.

It is going to be tough for the road team to move the ball with any consistency against one of the top Defensive units in College Football- the Offensive Line is unlikely to force many holes up front and that is going to shift the pressure onto Athan Kaliakmanis at Quarter Back.

He did throw 4 Touchdown passes last time out against Maryland and Athan Kaliakmanis will have been preparing in the Bye Week, but this is the toughest test since facing the Oregon Ducks. In that game, Kaliakmanis managed just 79 passing yards and had 2 Interceptions, while that was also at home against Oregon and this is that much tougher being on the road.

One positive bit of news for the Scarlet Knights is that the Buckeyes are likely to be without the top two Receivers.

Unfortunately the bad news is that it should mean Ohio State are more willing to lean on the run and that against a Rutgers Defensive Line that had been punished going into the Bye Week. They will be rested, which can help, but it is very likely that the Buckeyes Offensive Line control the Line of Scrimmage and they will be able to rip off some huge gains on the ground throughout this contest.

Recent numbers posted by the Rutgers Secondary are perhaps skewed by the fact that teams have not had to throw against them to have a lot of success. Julian Sayin threw for less than 200 yards in the win over the UCLA Bruins, but the Buckeyes will not mind that with the Quarter Back readying himself to have all the weapons back for the big game in The Big House.

Covering this number will be tough considering running the ball also runs the clock, but the Ohio State Buckeyes are showing that good teams win, great teams cover in their 8-1-1 record against the spread. The line was actually slightly higher against the Bruins in Week 12, and Ohio State can show their dominance again before everyone turns their attention to the Michigan Wolverines for a big Week 14 game next Saturday.

Kansas State Wildcats @ Utah Utes Pick: A rare losing record in 2024 will have hurt, but the Utah Utes (8-2) are back on more familiar ground this season. They are 5-2 in the Big 12 Conference and the Number 12 team in the latest Playoff Rankings, but the Utes are going to need to find a way to push into the Championship Game and they need some help to do that.

The focus has to be on maintaining their own form though and Utah know that they have to win out to have any hope, regardless of what help they may, or may not, receive from others in the Conference.

They play the Kansas State Wildcats (5-5) in Week 13 and there has to be a respect for a team that are still chasing one more win to secure Bowl eligibility. This is also a team that has become accustomed to finishing with winning records, even if they are not going to match the win totals reached in each of the last three seasons, and Kansas State have a 4-3 record within the Big 12.

Kansas State have won three of the last four games played, but they are going to be travelling to face one of the tougher Defensive units in the Conference.

Everything begins at the Line of Scrimmage for the Utah Utes and the Defensive Line will feel they can contain the run and force teams to beat them from third and long spots. Stalling drives and winning the field battle is very important, while Avery Johnson will know that this is a Secondary that is going to be looking to turn the ball over with the pressure that the Utes can put on any Quarter Back when pushing them behind the chains.

In recent games the Utes have had big leads and that has forced teams to throw against them- it has allowed Quarter Backs to put up some decent numbers, but Utah's Secondary will have allowed some of those and so Johnson has to expect another tough game.

Quarter Back injuries hurt the Utes last season and they have had issues with the health of Devon Dampier in 2025.

However, this year the Utes have had Byrd Ficklin come into games and his dual-threat ability out of the position has allowed Utah to keep chugging along nicely. Last week Ficklin was dominant on the ground and the Utah Offensive Line have been pummelling teams during this three game winning run, which will put pressure on Kansas State.

The Utes have not needed to throw the ball too much in this winning run, but they will be able to do what is necessary if they are in third and short spots on the field.

Both Quarter Backs are expected to have a chance to shine in this one and the Utah Utes can do that, even if this is a huge spread to take on against what is always a feisty Kansas State team.

The Wildcats were blown out by the Texas Tech Red Raiders at home earlier this month though and they may struggle to keep up with the Utes if being forced into obvious passing situations. Consistency from Utah on the Offensive side of the ball and a turnover or two could just see the Big 12 contenders stay alive, for a few more hours at least, in the race to reach the Championship Game.

Pittsburgh Panthers @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Pick: You cannot underestimate the importance for any school when it comes to playing a 'bigger' rival in the regular season, but the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-1) have higher ambitions than merely beating the Georgia Bulldogs this season.

Any time they have the chance to upset and bloody the nose of the SEC-residing Bulldogs it is a chance that the Yellow Jackets will want to take.

However, the main focus in Week 13 has to be on the last ACC game on the regular season schedule- if the Yellow Jackets win, they will be playing in the Championship Game in a couple of weeks time and that will leave them a single win away from earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.

This should mean they are plenty motivated this Saturday as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Panthers (7-3) who are 5-1 in the ACC and who can move past the Yellow Jackets in the standings with a win.

Fans will have wanted to see the Panthers upset the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Week 12, but Head Coach Pat Narduzzi made it clear in the build up that the last two ACC games mean more to him and the team. The five game winning run was unsurprisingly snapped in the loss to the Fighting Irish, but Pittsburgh can only be encouraged by the fact they have won their last five Conference games as they prepare for this challenge.

The Panthers have to be excited about what they will be able to do Offensively against this Georgia Tech Defensive unit.

Running the ball has been a problem for the Panthers for much of the season, but in recent games the Yellow Jackets Defensive Line have allowed teams to rip off some big gains on the ground. All the road team will want to do is make sure the young Quarter Back, Mason Heintschel, is kept in third and manageable spots on the field and they can do that with the ground attack.

Being a Freshman does mean there will be some ups and downs in the performance, but overall the Panthers will be very happy with Mason Heintschel.

He is going to be throwing against a Georgia Tech Secondary that have allowed teams to have their way in recent games, although avoiding turnovers is going to be the test that Heintschel has to pass.

Pittsburgh will be confident in the ability of the Freshman Quarter Back and the whole of the Offensive unit, but there is an awareness that they are going to have to dig in on the Defensive side of the ball.

Haynes King will know that it didn't quite work for him when playing with the Texas A&M Aggies, but he has been really good ever since transferring to Georgia Tech. He has proven himself as a real dual-threat out of the Quarter Back position and has more Touchdowns on the ground than through the air (14 to 10).

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will feel that added crease offered to them by a moving Quarter Back should see them continue to move the ball behind this Offensive Line, even against a solid Pittsburgh Defensive Line in front of them. It is important to just make sure King and company are in front of the chains, while there is no concern if the Quarter Back has to throw the ball having put up over 2000 passing yards with just a couple of Interceptions in 2025.

Turnovers are going to be so important to the outcome of the game with the Pittsburgh Secondary ready to make big plays for the team, even if they are a team that will bend to the pass.

This has the makings of a close game, especially with so much on the line for both teams, but the narrow edge has to be with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Being at home is a big help, but the Pittsburgh Panthers are just 3-9 against the spread when set as the road underdog in recent yeas. They snapped a run of ten straight losses against the spread when given more than 2 points as a road underdog in the upset of Florida State last month, but this Georgia Tech team have really improved in the three years under Head Coach Brent Key and they can secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game.

BYU Cougars @ Cincinnati Bearcats Pick: They finished with eleven wins last season, and a 7-2 record in the Big 12, but the BYU Cougars (9-1) missed out on playing in the Championship Game. They lost the tie-breakers when four teams finished with the same record in the Big 12, but the Cougars have to be given credit for the season they have been putting together and may only be a couple of wins away from playing in the Championship Game this season, which will also keep a door open for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Thinking too far ahead would be a mistake and especially with this tough road game at the Cincinnati Bearcats (7-3) in mind.

Back to back defeats have all but ended the Bearcats hopes of making the Big 12 Championship Game, although they can win out and hope that a number of permutations land their way to have a chance to play for the title. However, that feels a long shot and the Bearcats are going to have to be a lot better than in the last two games if they are going to find a way to upset the Cougars.

The Bearcats Offensive Line is the key- they have been able to find a way to establish the run in recent games and this is an important part of this game against a strong looking BYU Defensive unit. In recent games, the Cougars Defensive Line have perhaps given up a bit more room on the ground, although this is still a very tough team to run against and Cincinnati will find it tough to move the chains with any consistency without being able to run the ball efficiently.

Brendan Sorsby has thrown for over 2200 passing yards and has 22 Touchdown passes with just 4 Interceptions, but he will be keen to be in front of the chains. The Cougars have produced a strong pass rush and this is a Secondary that will be looking to turn the ball over, although the Quarter Back will be confident in his own abilities.

He will need help from the Offensive Line, both to establish the run and to keep the pocket clean, while Sorsby has to be more careful with the ball after throwing 2 Interceptions in the home upset loss to Arizona.

The Cincinnati Defensive unit will also be confident that they can at least help out, although they have not been as effective at clamping down on the run. Bear Bachmeier has shown he can be very good with his legs out of the Quarter Back position and that has opened up the passing lanes to keep the Cougars ticking forward.

After losing to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Cougars showed how well they can bounce back and how much they still feel they can achieve this season by blowing out TCU in Week 12.

Bear Bachmeier should have success when he drops back to throw- unlike the Cougars, Cincinnati have struggled for a consistent pass rush in recent games and the time given to the Quarter Back should allow him to attack this Bearcats Secondary with some success.

This gives the Cougars a slight edge and they can make that show on the scoreboard and move into touching distance of playing in the Big 12 Championship Game. For much of the season BYU have perhaps been underrated and this line is perhaps shorter than it should be, even if they are playing on the road, and the Cougars can remind everyone why they are the second highest Ranked team in the Conference.

Washington Huskies @ UCLA Bruins Pick: This will not be an unfamiliar match up for the two schools, although the game is going to be played under the Big Ten banner rather than the Pac-12.

The USC Trojans and Oregon Ducks are facing off in Week 13 and have made comfortable transitions into this tough Conference, but that has not been the case for the Washington Huskies (7-3) and UCLA Bruins (3-7).

The host in this game are a little further behind and have a 3-4 record in the Big Ten this season, while the Washington Huskies have a 4-3 record in the Conference.

UCLA have also lost three in a row and you do have to wonder what motivation is left for a team who will be looking for a new Head Coach at the end of the season and who have massively underperformed. Blowout losses to the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers have been a reminder of how far from the top of this Conference the Bruins actually are, although they are at home for this game and UCLA have been more competitive in front of their own fans.

Nico Iamaleava missed out last week with a concussion and he could be sitting out again, although this has not been a season that the Quarter Back would have expected after forcing himself out of Tennessee. Even if he is able to suit up, the Bruins are going up against a very good Washington Defensive unit and it is going to be a huge challenge for them with the ball in hand.

The Bruins are not expected to run the ball with any consistency, but they will also be attempting to throw into a Huskies Secondary who have continued to play with real motivation. There are not many teams who can afford to be one-dimensional with their play-calling, which can become a problem when the Bruins struggle to run the ball, and Washington have to be comfortable on this side of the ball.

We should also see a pretty comfortable plan for the Huskies when they do get the ball- they are going to be able to run the ball much more effectively than the Bruins and Washington should be able to rip off some huge gains on the ground in this one. Keeping Demond Williams Jr in third and manageable spots should make things very easy for the Quarter Back, who is unlikely to be faced with any significant pass rush pressure.

It should lead to sustained Offensive drives for the road favourite and Washington should also be more comfortable playing a road game in the Pacific Time slot.

These two former Pac-12 teams have not faced each other in Los Angeles since 2022, but Washington were double digit winners when hosting UCLA last year. Clearing this spread will not be easy, but the Huskies can do enough at the Line of Scrimmage on both sides of the ball to put themselves in a position to win by a solid margin on the road and remain on course for a double digit win season.

MY PICKS: Miami Hurricanes - 17.5 Points @ 1.83 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Ohio State Buckeyes - 33 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Utah Utes - 17 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - 2.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

BYU Cougars - 2.5 Points @ 1.83 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Washington Huskies - 10.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Week 12: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

Week 11: 1-5, - 4.09 Units (6 Units Staked, - 68.17% Yield)

Week 10: 3-3, - 0.33 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.50% Yield)

Week 9: 3-3, - 0.19 Units (6 Units Staked, - 3.17% Yield)

Week 8: 2-3, - 1.18 Units (5 Units Staked, - 23.60% Yield)

Week 7: 4-1, + 2.62 Units (5 Units Staked, + 52.40% Yield)

Week 6: 2-4, - 2.22 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37% Yield)

Week 5: 1-5, - 4.20 Units (6 Units Staked, - 70% Yield)

Week 4: 2-4, - 2.14 Units (6 Units Staked, - 35.67% Yield)

Week 3: 4-4, - 0.36 (8 Units Staked, - 4.50% Yield)

Week 1: 1-4, - 3.14 Units (5 Units Staked, - 62.80% Yield)

Week 0: 2-1, + 0.75 Units (3 Units Staked, + 25% Yield)