This year is a fortnight old already, and the sports schedule is picking up pace. As with every January, there is a lot of cricket on show, while the first numbered event of the UFC goes down in Los Angeles this weekend. Throw in a handful of NFL matches and some classic football, and there are plenty of excellent betting opportunities to be had this week.
We breakdown the 10 best bets to make over the next seven days, using odds from bookmaker Pinnacle. For those eager to jump into some sports bets this week, read on for all the latest tips and predictions on a range of sports.
Best Cricket Predictions This Week
There are plenty of cricket bets to be had this week, with a handful T20s, Tests, and ODIs to choose from. Here are our top cricket picks:
Brisbane Heat vs. Hobart Hurricanes – Hurricanes to Win @ 2.050
The Hobart Hurricanes take the party to Brisbane as they look to cement a favourable fixture in the finals. Flying to the Queensland capital, Nathan Ellis and company will be the league leaders with a certain finals berth. They are currently on a six-match winning run and don’t show any signs of running out of steam.
Brisbane, meanwhile, will be playing in front of their home crowd at The Gabba. While bookmakers are treating them as the favourites for this one, they are about to take on an uphill challenge in reality. With just three wins to show from their eight matches, the Heat desperately need a win to maintain their hopes for a playoff.
To steer the Hurricanes to a crucial victory over the Melbourne Renegades in Hobart, Matthew Wade and Tim David put on an explosive batting effort. With just two balls left, the four-wicket victory pushed the Hurricanes to top of the points table with two games left. But the triumph came with a significant drawback since opening bowler Billy Stanlake hurt his shoulder with less than a week remaining on the calendar for the playoffs.
The Heat were on the receiving end of a magnificent Matthew Short century elsewhere. Following the set 20 overs, Adelaide Strikers scored 251 runs for five at the Adelaide Oval. The second best total in BBL history proved insurmountable for the visitors. 195 for six is a commendable score for any team, but it was still 57 runs short of the monumental target the Strikers had set for the Heat.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
For the Hurricanes, the Gabba has not been an ideal place to hunt recently. From both of their last two trips to the famous arena, they returned empty-handed. Likely that has persuaded the bookies to give the Hurricanes longer odds in this game.
However, these odds present an excellent betting opportunity. With a return of 2.050 at bookmaker Pinnacle, the Hurricanes are greatly undervalued. Though they will be missing their star bowler, we believe they will be able to win the game since they are in great form.
Desert Vipers vs. MI Emirates – Vipers to Win @ 1.961
Defending champions MI Emirates will lock horns with the Desert Vipers in their third match of the International League T20 in Dubai. The Vipers have had the perfect start to their campaign with two wins in two outings. On the other hand, the Emirates have one win and one defeat to show for their first two matches.
The MI Emirates have only played the Dubai Capitals till now. In their first match, they fell to a narrow one run defeat. After batting first, the Capitals only managed 133 for eight in a low-scoring match. Still, it proved sufficient since the Emirates finished one run behind, even though they batted through their whole 20 overs.
The second match was a contrasting affair as it turned out to be a run-fest. Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran’s brilliant 109-run stand drove the Emirates to a stunning 187. Shai Hope responded by dazzling with a beautiful century for the Capitals, but his teammates’ lack of contributions left his team 26 runs short.
To keep a perfect record, the Desert Vipers have so far defeated Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. With the ball, Lockie Ferguson displayed a real captain’s performance since his spell of 22 for three in four overs confined the Giants to 119 runs. With six wickets and 14 balls remaining, the Vipers’ batters easily chased down the target.
As the Desert Vipers flew to a seven-wicket triumph against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Sam Curran and Dan Lawrence made match-winning knocks. Led by Andre Russell’s blazing 30 off 14 and Phil Salt’s perfect 71 from 49 balls, the Knight Riders scored 166 for five. Still, the Vipers’ batting line up beat the score comfortably.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Promising cricket fans a fiercely competitive encounter between two well-drilled sides, both teams have outstanding batting and bowling quality. That said, the Vipers appear to have the edge at the moment, having delivered dominant performances in both of their victories.
Once again, we spot the potential for an excellent value bet here. Bookmaker Pinnacle has the Desert Vipers pinned as the underdog at odds of 1.961. We think they have displayed enough to be confident that they can better a strong MI Emirates side.
Australia Women vs. England Women – England Women to Win @ 3.920
Friday’s final match in the Women’s Ashes ODI series takes Australia and England to the famous Bellerive Oval. Claiming the first two games has already helped the Aussies win the series, yet England will be driven to avoid a clean sweep and enter the T20 series with more confidence.
Heather Knight’s side did not make it easy for Australia in the first two matches, but their underwhelming batting performance has proven costly. Ash Gardner produced an all-round performance in the first match for the home side to snatch away the bragging rights. She captured three wickets for 22 runs with the ball then added 42 runs with the bat.
England struggled to cope with the difficult batting conditions in Sydney, and although a decent total seemed possible at one point, a late collapse left them stranded at just 203 runs. Australia lost six wickets in their chase, but easily turned around the mark with 67 balls to spare. Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer each claimed two wickets, but it wasn’t enough to derail their chase.
For England, the second ODI was a tale of so near but so far away. They dismissed Australia for 180, orchestrating a stunning batting collapse as the hosts lost eight wickets for only 49 runs. The English batters could only score 159 runs before being bowled out though, falling 21 runs short of the modest target set by Australia.
Over the past two decades, Australia have been the most dominant side in women’s cricket and ODIs have been their strongest suit. Hence, Alyssa Healey’s team were the favourites before the series began. England will feel unlucky not to get anything for the outstanding bowling performance they have shown thus far, even though they lost the first two games.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Bookmaker Pinnacle puts an Australia win at 1.231 and an England one at 3.920. Still, the teams don’t look that far off based on what we have seen in the first two games. England have a good opportunity to win in Bellerive if they can show greater resilience with the bat.
Australia will enter the fray as the favourites once again, but we believe the odds are quite inflated for another Aussie win. So, we will back England to grab a consolation victory and reward backers with a near 4x return.
Best MMA Predictions This Week
All eyes will be on the headline bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev as UFC 311 starts another busy year in the UFC calendar. But we will look elsewhere to find the best value bets of the event.
Jamahal Hill vs. Jiri Prochazka – Hill to Win @ 1.819
At UFC 311, two former champions and the second- and third-ranked fighters in the division square off for an explosive light heavyweight bout. Jiri “BJP” Prochazka challenges Jamahal “Sweet Dreams” Hill in a clash so closely matched that predictions are divided. So, who do we think will leave the Octagon with a smile on their face?
Following his knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 300, Hill returns after a nine-month break under immense pressure. That failure signified a major decline from his title run, forcing him to start anew in his quest for the belt. The Chicago man can’t afford to have another loss to his name if he is to keep his championship hopes alive.
Having taken part in 15 MMA events, Hill boasts 12 victories, two losses, and one no-contest. After defeating Glover Teixeira to secure the UFC Lightweight World Title, he lost it the next fight against Pereira. Of these victories, he has won seven via knockout and the other five by decision.
Though he is a year younger than his opponent, Prochazka has picked up significantly more MMA experience having fought 36 times and won 30 and 26 of those by knockout. He has only lost five times; his most recent losses in light heavyweight title bouts came to current champion Pereira.
The shared link between the two former champions is Pereira. Both will be eager to recover from recent setbacks and make a statement with a commanding triumph as they go head-to-head.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
After his Achilles surgery, Hill’s mobility has been a significant concern. Prochazka has also shown vulnerabilities in his latest fight. But we believe Hill’s strong striking prowess will deliver the x-factor in this fight. So, we will bet on a Hill win in this one.
Reinier de Ridder vs. Kevin Holland – Holland to Win @ 1.990
Kevin Holland will try to bounce back from his TKO loss to Roman Dolidze in the opening bout of the evening; Reinier de Ridder, his opponent, wants to add to his perfect record to 2-0 with the organisation. This middleweight collision could turn out to be one of the most hotly contested fights of the event.
The UFC record for Holland is 26 wins, 12 defeats, and one no contest. Having lost three of his last four fights—including a split decision to Jack Della Maddalena and a unanimous decision to Michael Page—he has been on a tough ride. A victory against Michal Oleksiejczuk momentarily stopped the slump, but in his most recent outing his corner pulled him from the UFC 307 fight against Dolidze.
After his amazing victory over former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Holland’s career has been a roller coaster. His record since then is 5-7-0-1; he has never had more than two consecutive wins or defeats within this spell.
Holland is a flexible boxer; only slightly over half of his successes come from knockout. De Ridder, his opponent, on the other hand, is a submission specialist.
Former ONE middleweight world champion De Ridder moved to the UFC in late 2024, winning his first fight by finishing Gerald Meerschaert—someone Holland had defeated by decision a few years prior.
Although this is only his second UFC fight, De Ridder already boasts an outstanding record of 18 wins and just two losses in his MMA career—both of which came from championship bouts against Anatoly Malykhin.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
De Ridder is a polished fighter, although he lags behind Holland in ground game. Look for Holland to set up this bout as a striker against grappler match. He has more experience against elite competition, which should also work in his favour in this fight.
The Dutchman showed little urgency in his fight against Meerschaert, which raises concerns when facing someone like Holland. RDR has been an unpredictable fighter lately, but Holland has been performing at a level that makes us believe he can win this fight.
Best American Football Predictions This Week
The NFL playoff fixtures are coming in thick and fast. Here are our American football betting predictions for the week:
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs – Texans to Cover +8.0 Spread @ 1.943
Though the favourites dominated the Wild Card Weekend, the Houston Texans were one underdog that made a statement by smashing the Los Angeles Chargers to move to the Divisional Round for the second year running.
Next, the Texans travel to Arrowhead Stadium, where they’ll attempt to overcome the two-time defending NFL champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in what would be one of the biggest shocks in recent NFL Playoff history.
Kansas City finished the top seed in the AFC in Week 17, hence the Chiefs’ starters have not had a significant game in three weeks. Will that prove to be a drawback, or can they take up exactly where they left off and advance another AFC Championship? The moment of truth is approaching fast.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Statistically, it is difficult to defend supporting the Chiefs on this spread. Just a few weeks ago, these teams had met at Arrowhead Stadium for week 16 with Kansas City closing as a 3.5-point favourite.
With the Texans losing wide receiver Tank Dell and the Chiefs peaking at the proper moment, there is no obvious cause for such a large line shift, particularly considering it is more than a touchdown.
Given the low total resting in the low 40s, supporting the underdog could be the best course of action now the number is above seven points. The likelihood of this being a low-scoring game mirrors the Texans’ performance this season.
When it comes to running the ball on early downs, the Texans are among the best teams in the league; DeMeco Ryans and his staff are more than ready to rely on the defence when needed. Houston has one of the best defences in the league, ranking fourth in success rate allowed, fifth in EPA per play, and second in points per quality possession allowed, so it makes sense why they have that confidence.
Playing against Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead is a tall order, but the Houston defence is capable of handling a Kansas City offence that has struggled to find consistency this year.
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions – Over 55 @ 1.943
On Saturday, the Detroit Lions take on the rising Washington Commanders in a 2025 NFL Divisional Round game, launching their quest for a first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Detroit got the only NFC bye while Washington stunned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round with a stunning 23-20 victory.
Second in the NFC East, the Commanders (12–5) arrive on a five-match winning run and have a 5-3 record on the road. Claiming the NFC North for a second running, the Lions (15-2) are 7-2 at home in 2024–25.
Had someone predicted the Commanders reaching this level prior to the season, they would have drawn plenty of dubious stares. The Commanders are much ahead of their expected schedule, though, given rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is making an amazing impact and most likely will earn Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Commanders fans are hoping the party doesn’t stop this weekend, but regardless of the outcome, the team has already exceeded expectations and built a foundation for future success. As things stand, however, it seems unlikely that they will be able to stop the roaring Lions.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
With an average of 33.2 points per game, the Lions top the NFL in scoring and will try to sustain that offensive momentum into the playoffs. Detroit’s defence has also been extraordinary. Under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn the unit has made impressive improvement.
Ranked seventh in total defence, they have let 20.1 points every game. But given Washington’s outstanding performance, in this contest we are choosing the over market.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles – LA Rams to Cover the -5.5 Spread @ 2.020
With dreams of moving to their second conference title in three years, the Philadelphia Eagles will square off with the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round.
Philadelphia dominated the Rams when these two teams got together on Sunday Night Football in week 12. Saquon Barkley ran for a franchise-record 255 yards and two scores; the Eagles wore the Rams down in the second half like they have done to many teams this season. Completing with six catches, 109 yards, and a touchdown, wide receiver A.J. Brown was also a serious threat.
The Rams, Buccaneers, or Vikings were one of three teams the Eagles were scheduled to meet in the Divisional Round. Given the pain the Buccaneers have caused Philadelphia in previous games, fans most certainly sighed with relief when Washington eliminated them. Shut down on Monday night, the Vikings entered the playoffs as the first 14-win club in NFL history to fail to win their division.
On paper, the LA Rams’ attack seems frightening, with Matthew Stafford linking with great wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. The Rams usually play better indoors, though, and this Sunday they will be on a short week trip to Philadelphia under an early projection showing rain, wind, and snow.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
This should be an end-to-end tie between the two sides, so we will back the underdogs to cover the spread. The LA Rams have the firepower to narrow down the margin even though we don’t fancy them to come back from Philadelphia with a win.
Best Football Predictions This Week
We will have a look at the English lower leagues to find the best football bets of the week and also feature a match from the Saudi Arabian top-flight.
Shrewsbury Town vs. Wrexham – Wrexham Over 1.5 @ 2.120
When Shrewsbury Town welcome promotion-chasing Wrexham to The Croud Meadow on Thursday night in League One, they want to increase their prospects of avoiding fourth-tier football next season.
With all eyes on the Red Dragons in the Hollywood glare, the Shrews are desperate for points while currently languishing near the foot of the third tier despite a managerial shake-up.
Gareth Ainsworth has come to grips with the difficult truth of Shrewsbury Town’s fragile predicament after his unexpected 3-2 victory over title favourites Birmingham City in his first match. The hosts on Thursday have only won one of their last eight League One matches as they battle to avoid relegation.
Following two years of back-to-back National League to League One promotions, Wrexham shows no slowing down in their ascent through English football. Their third-tier, 2024–25, debut season has not been totally seamless, though.
In 14 league games in North Wales, the Red Dragons are still perfect; yet, their on-road performance has suffered greatly. With just 13 of their 51 third-tier points from away games, Phil Parkinson’s side has won just three of 11 thus far.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
That said, the world’s most famous League One side should have an easy away day assignment against one of the most out of form teams in the division. We back them to score over 1.5 goals in this match.
Al-Hilal vs. Al Fateh – Over 4 @ 1.909
Two teams at opposite ends of the Saudi Pro League table meet this Thursday.Al-Hilal is at the top with 37 points, closely edging second-placed Al Ittihad on goal difference; Al Fateh is struggling at the foot of the table, six points from safety, with only six points from 14 matches.
Al-Hilal recovered with merciless intensity following their disastrous penalty shootout loss in the King’s Cup quarterfinals, thrashing Al Orubah 5-0 at the Al Jouf University Sports Stadium last weekend.
The visitors quickly turned their frustration into a commanding performance, with Ruben Neves opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute. A dominant win was guaranteed by second-half goals from Ali Albulayhi, Renan Lodi, and a brace from Marcos Leonardo.
Al Fateh are one of the league’s most ailing sides, having endured 10 defeats in 14 matches, with only one win and three draws to their name. Guido Hoffman, the interim manager, has overseen two games thus far: a 2-2 draw against Al Shabab and a 2-1 home loss to Al Wehda, extending Al Fateh’s run of losses in all competitions.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 15th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Al Hilal has one of the best frontlines in the league, so they should be able to exploit Fateh’s defensive weakness at home. We suggest betting on more than four goals to be scored in this match.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
We will be back with more tips next week, but before we go, let’s revisit this week’s betting recommendations:
- Brisbane Heat vs. Hobart Hurricanes – Hurricanes to win @ 2.050
- Desert Vipers vs. Mi Emirates – Vipers to win @ 1.961
- Australia Women vs. England Women – England Women to win @ 3.920
- Jamahal Hill vs. Jiri Prochazka – Hill to win @ 1.819
- Reinier De Ridder vs. Kevin Holland – Holland to win @ 1.990
- Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs – Texans to cover +8.0 spread @ 1.943
- Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions – over 55 @ 1.943
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles – LA Rams to cover the -5.5 spread @ 2.020
- Shrewsbury Town vs. Wrexham – Wrexham over 1.5 @ 2.120
- Al-Hilal vs. Al Fateh – over 4 @ 1.909
We have looked for the best undervalued bets this week and we were able to find some irresistible deals. The Hobart Hurricanes’ bet, in particular, looks to be the best value punt of the week.
