The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have put together an extraordinary season, finishing with a 14-1 record while compiling an even more impressive 13-2 mark against the spread. They’ve covered 11 consecutive games, including all three playoff matchups, showcasing their ability to outperform expectations on the biggest stages. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes stand at 13-2 with a 9-6 ATS record, though their recent form has been transformative. Following their November 30th loss to Michigan, Ohio State has elevated its play, delivering three dominant playoff performances that justified their role as substantial favorites in this championship matchup. The game’s defining battle will pit Ohio State’s top-ranked defense, which allows just 251 yards per game, against Notre Dame’s potent ground attack, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Ohio State also boasts the best scoring defense in the nation, surrendering only 12.2 points per game, while Notre Dame ranks just behind them, allowing 14.3. This clash of elite units will set the tone, though the Buckeyes’ defense has been particularly imposing during the postseason, racking up 16 sacks across their three playoff victories. Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard and star receiver Jeremiah Smith have been especially lethal against man-to-man coverage this season. Howard has thrown nine touchdowns without an interception against man defenses, which spells trouble for a Notre Dame unit that employs man coverage on 57% of its snaps, more than any other team in the country. On the other side of the ball, the Irish will face a daunting challenge with their injury-depleted offensive line. Left tackle Anthonie Knapp is sidelined, and right guard Rocco Spindler is playing through an ankle issue, leaving Notre Dame’s offense vulnerable against Ohio State’s aggressive defensive front and versatile linebackers.
Despite Notre Dame’s success this season, including their impressive streak of ATS covers, their playoff opponents have exposed a favorable path. Wins over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State came against teams with glaring weaknesses, from Indiana’s inexperience to Georgia’s backup quarterback and Penn State’s lack of receiving threats. Ohio State, in contrast, has encountered and defeated tougher competition, shaking off any residual doubts following their loss to Michigan. Their postseason dominance has reaffirmed why they’re considered the most talented team in the nation.
While Notre Dame’s resilience has been admirable, this matchup appears to be a step too far. The Buckeyes have answered every challenge during the playoffs, and their talent, depth, and momentum should carry them to a decisive victory. It’s difficult to envision a scenario where the Irish keep it close beyond the third quarter. Ohio State’s quest for a third National Championship of the 2000s seems well within reach, with a multiple-score win likely to cement their place atop college football.
🏈Ranked matchups when the spread is between -7.0 & -17.0 in the playoffs are 19-2 ATS since 2015 when the opponent averages less than 45 points per game and the home team is above .670
📊Ohio State are 24-6-2 ATS when they are priced between +4.0 & -1.0 vs 4+ ranked opponent with a total below 64.0
🕢7:30 PM EST
📈Buckeyes are 5-1 ATS vs teams above .700
#️⃣Notre Dame has gained 2,912 yards on 272 receptions (just 10.7 YPR) this season – T-15th-worst among FBS skill players. Ohio State’s defense has allowed just 9.9 Yards Per Reception this season – 2nd-best among Big Ten defenses.
#️⃣Notre Dame’s offense has thrown for 2,915 passing yards in 15 games (just 194.3 YPG) this season – 33rd-worst among FBS offenses. Ohio State’s defense has allowed just 161.1 passing yards per game this season – best among P5 defenses.
🖥️Score prediction: 27-21 Ohio State Buckeyes
✅Active on Ohio State Buckeyes -8.5 (ATS)
✋🏻My play is Ohio State ML + Q. Judkins TD + W. Howard 200+ passing yards (+140)
The Los Angeles Clippers are finding their stride at the right time, coming off wins against the Trail Blazers and Lakers and now gearing up for matchups against the Celtics, Wizards, and Bucks. This team has been efficient on both ends of the court, averaging 109.7 points per game on 47 percent shooting while holding opponents to 106.5 points on 45.4 percent shooting. Norman Powell has been a key offensive weapon, putting up 23.7 points per game, while James Harden is contributing 21.4 points and 5.8 rebounds. Ivica Zubac has provided consistent support as the third double-digit scorer, and the Clippers are also shooting a solid 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and converting 78.2 percent of their free throws. Defensively, they’ve been strong, allowing just 34 percent shooting from deep while pulling down 44.2 rebounds per contest.
Recent trends favor the Clippers in this matchup. They’ve dominated Central Division opponents with losing records, winning 21 of their last 22 such games. Meanwhile, the Bulls are struggling, dropping their last five games, including embarrassing losses as favorites against weaker teams like the Trail Blazers, Hornets, and Pelicans. The Bulls have also failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
The Clippers are in a rhythm, covering the spread in each of their last eight games as home favorites. They’ll have the added advantage of playing at home without the travel fatigue their opponent is dealing with on the second leg of a back-to-back. On the other hand, Chicago has been dismal, ranking last in the league in opponent field goal attempts per game (95.5) and struggling offensively with a turnover percentage of 14.6, which ranks 29th in the NBA.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have shown resilience, notching four straight wins and covers. They are clicking at the right time, while the Bulls are sliding further into mediocrity. With momentum, home-court advantage, and a superior matchup on both ends of the floor, the Clippers are poised to take care of business against a team heading in the wrong direction.
🏀The Los Angeles Clippers are 10-0 ATS as home favorites vs teams with less than 2 days rest.
📊Road underdogs of less than 5 points who are coming off a 2+ games homestand are 20-48 ATS (29.4%) when facing teams they beat in a previous meeting in which they made more threes.
🕢10:30 PM EST
📈Clippers are 10-2 ATS as home favorites.
📈Clippers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games.
📉Bulls are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
📉Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against LA Clippers.
🎯James Harden has 6+ rebounds in 8 straight games vs CHI.
🎯James Harden has 10+ assists in 7 straight games vs CHI.
🖥️Score prediction: 121-111 Los Angeles Clippers
✅Active on Los Angeles Clippers -6.5 (ATS)
✋🏻My play is LA Clippers ML + J. Harden 7+ assists + J. Harden 3+ rebounds (-115)
The Jets have been on a roll as road favorites, showcasing their ability to perform consistently against Central Division opponents. Utah, meanwhile, has struggled to maintain momentum, particularly at the Delta Center, where they’ve faltered in seven of their last eight games following a win. Despite a recent victory over the Blues, Utah’s inconsistent play at home this season has been a glaring issue. Their inability to cover the puck line in four straight home games following a win underscores a pattern of underwhelming performances when expectations rise.
On the other hand, the Jets bring a decisive edge into this matchup. The last meeting between these two teams, a dominant 3-0 Winnipeg shutout back in early November, set the tone for what to expect. With the standings reinforcing Winnipeg’s position as a favorite, the road team appears poised to take care of business once again. Adding to their advantage is the stellar play of Connor Hellebuyck, who has been nothing short of exceptional this season, posting a 1.97 GAA and a .929 save percentage alongside 28 wins. Hellebuyck’s consistency in net provides a rock-solid foundation for Winnipeg’s success. Offensively, the Jets boast firepower that few teams can match. Kyle Connor, with 60 points on the season, and Mark Scheifele, leading the team with 27 goals, form a formidable duo. Winnipeg’s power play is a lethal weapon, converting at an elite 32.1% rate, complementing an overall offensive output of 3.51 goals per game, one of the best in the league. Even with injuries to key players like Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg’s depth continues to shine, allowing them to maintain a high level of play on both ends of the ice.
Utah’s struggles, particularly on offense, paint a stark contrast. With just 2.82 goals per game and an inconsistent supporting cast behind Clayton Keller, their scoring options are limited. The team’s 21.3% power play conversion rate further highlights the gap in offensive efficiency between these two teams. While Karel Vejmelka has been reliable in net with a 2.54 GAA and a .910 save percentage, the lack of consistent defensive support and the challenges of a backup goaltender like Connor Ingram put additional pressure on their efforts. Injuries to key contributors such as Dylan Guenther and Robert Bortuzzo only exacerbate their issues.
This matchup is one where the disparity in quality is evident. The Jets’ combination of offensive firepower, elite goaltending, and special teams proficiency should prove too much for Utah to handle. Winnipeg is well-positioned to control possession, capitalize on opportunities, and exploit the defensive vulnerabilities of their opponent. With their current form and the momentum they carry, Winnipeg appears primed for another strong performance on the road.
🏒Winning record teams having lost their last game facing a losing record team having won their last game are 16-2 SU since 2021 when they have more rest than the opponent and their line is set between -170 & +115
📊Away favorites of less than -110 holding a win record above .480 and having played their last 3+ games at home while losing the last one are 29-6 SU since 2020 when playing against a division opponent.
📊The Winnipeg Jets are 10-0 SU when they are priced between -129 & -159
🕢9:30 PM EST
📈Jets are 10-1 SU as road favorites.
📈Jets are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games against Utah.
📉Utah are 2-8 SU as home underdogs.
📉Utah are 1-7 SU vs teams allowing less than 2.6 goals per game.
🥅Connor Hellebuyck (88) / Karel Vejmelka (55)
🎯Gabriel Vilardi has a point in 6 straight road games.
🖥️Score prediction: 3-2 Winnipeg Jets
✅Active on Winnipeg Jets ML
✋🏻My play is Winnipeg Jets +1.5 + G. Vilardi o0.5 points (-115)
🏈 Most Bet Player Props – Ohio State vs Notre Dame
1st TD Scorer
- Jeremiah Smith (+450)
- Jeremiyah Love (+900)
- Quinshon Judkins (+500)
- TreVeyon Henderson (+500)
- Emeka Egbuka (+650)
Anytime TD Scorer
- Jeremiah Smith (-140)
- Jeremiyah Love (+130)
- TreVeyon Henderson (-140)
- Quinshon Judkins (-135)
- Riley Leonard (+120)
2+ TD Scorer
- Jeremiah Smith (+425)
- Jeremiyah Love (+950)
- TreVeyon Henderson (+425)
- Quinshon Judkins (+450)
- Riley Leonard (+850)
3+ TD Scorer
- Jeremiah Smith (+2000)
- Riley Leonard (+4000)
- Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame) (+16000)
- Emeka Egbuka (+3500)
- Jeremiyah Love (+4000)
Most Bet Player Props Overall
- Will Howard: Passing Yards 225+ (-205)
- Will Howard: Passing Yards 200+ (-450)
- Riley Leonard: Rushing Yards 25+ (-310)
- Will Howard: Passing Touchdowns 2+ (-170)
- TreVeyon Henderson: Rushing Yards 40+ (-330)
🏈 100% Props ALT Lines – ND vs. Ohio St.
- R. Leonard (ND): 25+ Rush Yards (13/L13 Games)
- J. Love (ND): 5+ 1Q Rush Yards (8/L8 Games)
- E. Egbuka (OSU): 40+ Rec Yards (5/L5 Games)
- J. Faison (ND): 25+ Rec Yards (3/L3 Games)
- T. Henderson (OSU): 40+ Rush Yards (3/L3 Games)
- W. Howard (OSU): 200+ Pass Yards (3/L3 Games)
- Q. Judkins (OSU): 5+ 1Q Rush Yards (3/L3 Games)
- M. Evans (ND): 3+ Receptions (2/L2 Games)
- J. Greathouse (ND): 2+ Receptions (2/L2 Games)
- J. Price (ND): 25+ Rush Yards (6/L7 Games)
- J. Smith (OSU): 50+ Rec Yards (12/L15 Games)
- C. Tate (OSU): 25+ Rec Yards (10/L14 Games)
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Championship Prop Bets Analysis
- We dive into the prop bets for the Notre Dame vs. Ohio State championship game. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key prop bets:
- Riley Leonard is expected to throw over 0.5 passing touchdowns, with a strong historical performance of 100% over the last 5 games and 90% over the last 10.
- Will Howard has a high chance of throwing over 0.5 interceptions, with an 80% success rate over both the last 5 and 10 games.
- Jaden Greathouse is likely to have a reception longer than 14.5 yards, with an 80% and 40% success rate over the last 5 and 10 games respectively. However, he’s also expected to have under 25.5 receiving yards with an 80% and 60% success rate.
- Riley Leonard to attempt under 27.5 passes, with consistent performance at 80% over the last 5 games and 70% over the last 10.
- Aneyas Williams is expected to have under 21.5 receiving yards, with an 80% rate over both time frames.
- Emeka Egbuka: Over 4.5 receptions, with an 80% success rate over the last 5 games but drops to 50% over the last 10.
- Jadarian Price is likely to rush for over 24.5 yards, with an impressive 80% success rate over both periods.
- Jeremiyah Love and TreVeyon Henderson are both favored to score over 0.5 touchdowns, with Love at 80% over the last 5 and 90% over the last 10, and Henderson at 80% over both time frames.
🔪UTA/NOP u229.5 is receiving the most sharp action from respected bettors.
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