Kirk Cousins will keep on rolling against the Niners

Is it getting hot in here or is it just our takes? BetAmerica columnists Ashley Anderson,  Jeremy Balan, Ryan Murphy and Thomas Tassone share their sizzling picks for this weekend’s sports action. Handle with caution!

NFL: Minnesota will run wild over San Francisco

Ashley: Kirk Cousins silenced his critics, temporarily, with a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime against New Orleans in the wild-card round. Next up is a road trip to No. 1 seed San Francisco, the second-best rushing offense in the league. The Niners’ other strong suit is their top-ranked pass defense, but against the run, the defense has surrendered an average of 112.6 yards per contest. With Dalvin Cook back for Minnesota and coming off a two-touchdown outing and 94 yards on the ground, San Francisco could find itself in trouble, especially if Cousins is also playing at the top of his game on Sunday afternoon.

NCAAB: Providence will give Butler a beating

Jeremy: Why is Butler—the darling of the Big East, now ranked No. 6 in the nation—favored by less than a bucket at Providence? Because Butler is going to lose. After an embarrassing loss to Florida on Dec. 17, Providence has won four straight over quality opponents—Texas, Georgetown, DePaul, and Marquette—and they have a terrifying, massive, inflatable Friar on their side. Butler is the better team, but better teams get beaten in road conference games all the time.

NBA: The Kings will push the Bucks to the limit

Ryan: At first blush it isn’t surprising to see Milwaukee is a nine-point favorite over Sacramento. After all, Coach Bud’s team has the best record in the NBA and has already dashed off an 18-game win streak this season. However, Milwaukee will be playing its third game on the road this week and will likely be without the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ersan Ilyasova, both of whom are game time decisions. It isn’t easy replacing the production of the league’s reigning MVP, and it’s even harder when his backup is also in street clothes. Sacramento is banged up too, but Luke Walton’s squad is riding a two-game win streak and is showing signs of life after a disastrous 0-5 start. Sactown may not win, but they’ll keep things close tonight.

NFL: DK Metcalf will punish Green Bay

Thomas: Would you believe me if I said a 6'4", 230 lb. receiver with a 40-inch vertical and 4.3 speed fell to pick 64 in last year’s draft? Well you better believe it, because that’s exactly what happened to DK Metcalf, and general managers around the league will be kicking themselves after watching the rookie sensation go for seven catches 160 yards and a touchdown in his playoff debut. Although it’s expected to be a cold one at Lambeau, as long as Russell Wilson is slingin’ the ball I see no signs of DK slowing down against this middling Green Bay secondary. I expect Metcalf to catch another touchdown pass and the Seahawks to cover the four-point spread in Sunday's affair.