With the sports calendar packed on the first Saturday of the new year, bettors are treated to a loaded slate across the NBA, NHL and NFL — but all roads lead to Southern California for a marquee showdown under the lights.

The NFL playoff picture will finalize after the NFL Week 18 schedule. The top seeds in both the AFC and NFC are still at stake, as is who is going to take the NFC South and AFC North title and the playoff spot that comes with it.

For the second straight game, the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies face off, and L.A. is favored by two possessions at home.  The Grizzlies have a lengt

Ed Scimia tells you why Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears will come away with a win today. Free Lions vs. Bears predictions for Sunday, January 4, 2026.

NFL Week 18 concludes Sunday and we asked USA TODAY Sports' staff for their top bets for the entire NFL slate. Here are their picks and predictions.

SportsLine's model simulates every game 10,000 times and reveals its NFL picks today for spread, over/under and money line

The final week of the NFL regular season is always tricky when it comes to setting the spreads. It’s one thing to set the lines for the two games this week that will decide division titles — Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers. But there are several games this week for which motivation is a mystery.

Compare the best sports betting apps and sites for 2026. See reviews, bonuses, and features to help choose the right sportsbook for your needs.

Sam Farley likes L.A. to cover today. Free Cardinals vs. Rams predictions and best bets for Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Find best bets and props for the biggest games in sports on Saturday from the SportsLine Projection Model and top CBS Sports experts