March Madness Expert Picks and News

The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) has announced the stakes lineup for Laurel Park's 2025 winter-spring meet. The meet will feature 25 stakes races with over $2.6 million in purses. This meeting marks the first under TMJC, a new nonprofit entity established by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). Starting January 1, TMJC will take control of daily racing operations in Maryland and set the stage for an exciting racing season with boosted purses and revamped stakes.

The Kansas City Chiefs clinched their ninth consecutive AFC West title with a close 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.  A last-second 31-yard field goal by Matthew Wright sealed the win for the Chiefs, solidifying their dominance in the division and maintaining their position atop the AFC standings at 12-1. For bettors eyeing NFL Futures, Kansas City’s resilience in close games makes them a top contender for another Super Bowl run.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered a significant fracture in his left hand during the team’s Week 14 win against the New York Giants, leaving his availability for the remainder of the season in doubt.  With only four games remaining, Carr is also in the concussion protocol, making his status a week-to-week concern, as confirmed by interim head coach Darren Rizzi. The Saints’ playoff hopes and place in NFL Futures markets could shift significantly as the team navigates another quarterback change.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense has suffered a significant setback with the announcement that All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will miss multiple games due to a right knee sprain. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed the news following Tampa Bay's 28-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. This development could impact the team’s position in the NFC South standings and shake up NFL Futures for playoff contenders in the division.

In a surprising twist to his legendary career, Bill Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach, has expressed interest in taking over the University of North Carolina’s football program. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Belichick confirmed discussions with UNC chancellor Lee Roberts about the head coaching vacancy. His remarks included a vision for transforming the program into what he described as “an NFL program at a college level.” This potential shift in Belichick’s career carries significant implications for NCAAF Odds and the broader football landscape.