Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, NFL Picks, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/25/24

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, NFL Picks, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/25/24

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

KANSAS CITY @ PITTSBURGH (KC -2.5, 44.5)

STEELERS (3Q) +0.5 & STEELERS (3Q) ML

On this beautiful Christmas Day 2024, the gift that has given 12 out of 14 times is my very own Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter. As a Steelers fan, getting to watch them on Christmas Day is an absolute score! The only thing better would be watching it with my grandfather as he smoked his stogie and sat in his chair bitching at the TV all game.

Now, about that gift. Pittsburgh leads the NFL, covering the 3Q spread in 12 of 14 games this season. Remember, the third quarter is all about coaching. Kansas City's Andy Reid is also very good at making adjustments. Still, I'll take Mike Tomlin at home. Kansas City is 7-8 ATS in the third quarter this season.

With the third quarter spread at just a half point, I'll also take Pittsburgh on the 3Q moneyline. The Steelers are 13-1-1 on the 3Q moneyline this season, winning all but two third quarters. Last week against the Ravens, the two teams each scored touchdowns and the quarter ended 7-7. The Steelers lost one third quarter, 10-7 to Washington back at mid-season.

BALTIMORE @ HOUSTON (BAL -5.5, 47)

LAMAR JACKSON 40+ RUSHING YARDS

LAMAR JACKSON UNDER 0.5 INTERCEPTIONS

The Texans are pretty good against the run and you can bet they are going to do everything they can to limit Derrick Henry. Otherwise, Houston is done. The Texans are third in DVOA against the run, but they do give up six yards a carry to opposing QBs. Houston has two pretty good edge rushers (Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter), which means Jackson may take off on dropbacks from time to time.

Jackson has only thrown 4 INTs all season. He threw one last week against Pittsburgh, but went three in a row without one prior to that. Half of his interception total has come against the Steelers. Houston is second in the NFL in picks with 19, but I expect Jackson to be extra careful with the ball today. Jackson has played Houston three times. In 2 of the 3 games, he did not throw a pick.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in MLB, college football, the NFL, and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.