Richard Sherman, Author at Hard Rock Bet

Richard Sherman’s Official Super Bowl LX Picks & Predictions

Richard Sherman — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:58:30 +0000

Here it is: the official Richard Sherman Podcast Super Bowl picks. As always, all odds and lines come from our partners at Hard Rock Bet.

We’ve got the New England Patriots vs. the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, and Hard Rock Bet has the Seattle Seahawks as 4.5-point favorites. I’ve got the Seahawks winning this game, and here’s exactly how I see it playing out.

Seattle is going to win this game by running the football.

K9 is going to control it early and often. They’re going to drive down the field on the first drive of the game and set the tone. It’s going to be a mixture. New England will try to double JSN and take him out of the game, but they’re going to get a little bit of Barner, some K9, a little bit of Cooper Kupp, then a Shaheed pass. Maybe they get a little sprinkle of Bobo in there.

Just understand it’s going to be a little bit of everybody.

And Sam Darnold? He’s going to be a magician. A technician. All those things. They’re going to go down and score.

New England’s Early Struggles

Then New England gets the ball, and they feel good. MVP candidate in the backfield. The young kid isn’t overwhelmed – he’s ready for this moment.

But is everybody else ready for this Seattle Seahawks defensive line?

They’ve been sacked 15 times. They start slow. They start sluggish in a lot of these games, and they do it again against this great Seattle defense. They punt the ball away.

It goes back and forth. A few drives, a few punts. Not three-and-outs, but not a lot of scoring either.

At halftime, you look up and it’s 13-3 Seattle. They’re in control and feeling really good about this game.

The Second-Half Push and the Turning Point

But New England doesn’t go quietly into the night.

They come out after halftime, get the football, drive it down the field, and score a touchdown. Now it’s 13-10. That’s the kind of dogfight you expect in the Super Bowl.

But then Sam Darnold shows you this is a new Sam Darnold.

He’s got Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and that’s the wave they ride the rest of the second half. JSN has his way, has a day. Klint Kubiak gets deep in his bag, and the Seattle Seahawks walk away with a decisive victory.

Richard Sherman’s Super Bowl LX Final Score Prediction

Seattle Seahawks 24, New England Patriots 10.

Book it.

This was a great season for New England. Mike Vrabel’s rookie season – Coach of the Year-type stuff. A young quarterback with a Super Bowl appearance, a really good defense, and a strong foundation for the future.

But the Seattle Seahawks are walking away with this one.

Richard Sherman’s Super Bowl MVP Pick

You’d think it’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, right? He’s been fantastic. Offensive Player of the Year type of season.

But no.

Super Bowl MVP is going to go to Sam Darnold.

This is the exclamation point on his resurgent season. He was the No. 3 pick in the draft, and this doesn’t seem surprising anymore.

Winning matters in the National Football League, and this man has won a lot in the last two years. Two different teams. 28 wins.

At some point, it’s got to have something to do with him.

Sam Darnold wins Super Bowl MVP: the first quarterback MVP in Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl history.

Richard Sherman’s Official Super Bowl Picks

Moneyline Pick: Seahawks
Spread Pick: Seahawks -4.5
Final Score Prediction: Seahawks 24, Patriots 10
Super Bowl MVP: Sam Darnold

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Richard Sherman’s AFC & NFC Championship Predictions

Richard Sherman — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:03:42 +0000

It’s championship week. These are the games that matter. The games that will send you to the Super Bowl and crush another team’s dreams.

This is where everything tightens. This is where preparation, belief, and execution collide. This is where legends are made. This is the game where legacies are created and upheld.

You don’t get here by accident. You get here by being battle tested, by building something real in the locker room, and by trusting who you are when the lights are the brightest.

Rams at Seahawks (-2.5)

They split the two games during the regular season. The last one was a shootout. It ended up 38-37 in favor of the Seahawks. Sam Darnold drives down the field in a valiant effort to win the game. They go for the two-point conversion. They convert in overtime. Walk-off win. Beautiful game.

The first matchup wasn’t as pretty. Four interceptions by Darnold, but his defense kept standing up for him. They held Matthew Stafford to 130 yards passing and had a chance to win at the end.

The Rams defense is incredible. They’re riding high. They played fantastic in tough conditions against a very good Chicago Bears offense. Matthew Stafford didn’t throw a touchdown pass. He didn’t play his best football, but they still came away with the win.

This Seahawks team is different.

A defense finding its rhythm at the right time is a dangerous thing. Their confidence is through the roof. This team has been on a mission from day one of training camp until now. They knew what they had in the building. If you spent any time around them, you could feel it.

Sam Darnold doesn’t have to save the world. He doesn’t have to throw five or six touchdowns. Run the football. Be consistent. Let the defense do their job.

This is a complete team. Special teams, defense, offense. They have everything they need.

Sherman’s Prediction: Seattle wins 27-17 with a defensive score.

Patriots (-5.5) at Broncos

This game was supposed to be magnificent until Bo Nix broke his ankle. Now the storyline has totally shifted.

Losing your quarterback is huge. Colossal. Monumental. That’s the difference between winning and losing in this league.

Denver has a defense. They’ve been fantastic. They’ve been dynamic. But asking a backup to come in and carry you in this moment is unrealistic.

They have to run the ball, protect the football, win time of possession, and hope everything goes right. That’s a tall mountain.

On the other side, New England is built for this. They’re underrated. Sixth against the run. Ninth against the pass. Number four scoring defense. They don’t have flashy names, but they play disciplined, high-level football.

They’re well coached. They’re ball aware. They have great ball skills in the secondary. They have everything.

Everybody loves a fairy tale. Everybody loves a happy ending. This isn’t one of those stories.

The Patriots will stack the box, force Denver to throw, and wear them down. Too many three-and-outs. Too many possessions.

Sherman’s Prediction: New England wins and covers the spread, 21-15.

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Richard Sherman’s CFP National Championship Breakdown & Predictions

Richard Sherman — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:40:40 +0000

The most wonderful time of the year keeps rolling, and now we’re getting gifts every single weekend. Tonight brings us the College Football Playoff National Championship, and we’ve got Miami vs Indiana with everything on the line. It’s a big stage, a big moment, and it’s going to be a great game. You look at these teams, you look at the spread, and you look at how this matchup is being framed heading into the national title game, and it’s clear there are very different viewpoints on how this game is going to play out.

The Betting Line and the Unknowns

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook has the Indiana Hoosiers as a 7.5-point favorite in this game. That alone tells you how people are viewing this matchup. You’ve got a championship game where Indiana is being trusted to control it, and that’s not something people would have expected not too long ago.

I’ll be honest about it. I don’t know enough about college football. Last time I bet against these kids, they put up a 40-something ball on Oregon. That’s real. That sticks with you. When you see something like that, it makes you pause before jumping to conclusions, especially when the stage gets bigger and the lights get brighter.

That’s why this game is interesting. You’ve got a spread that suggests Indiana will control the game, but you’ve also got a Miami team that’s here for a reason. This isn’t a fluke. This is the National Championship, and nobody just stumbles into this moment.

Confidence in Indiana Taking the Crown

There’s no hesitation from the other side of the table. Indiana is being picked to hoist up that championship trophy. Football, not basketball. That alone tells you how special this run has been. This isn’t about tradition. This is about what’s happening right now.

Indiana is being led by Fernando Mendoza, who’s projected to take home the game’s Offensive MVP. When you’ve got a quarterback playing at that level on this stage, you’re giving yourself a chance to separate. You’re giving yourself a chance to control the game.

On the defensive side, D’Angelo Ponds is the name that jumps off the page. A cornerback who already had a pick-six early in that Oregon game. Defensive MVP type impact. Those kinds of plays change games fast, especially in a championship environment where momentum swings are everything.

When you put that together, it’s not just a win being predicted. It’s a blowout. Indiana winning this game big. That’s the confidence level.

Curt Cignetti and What’s Being Built

You don’t get here without coaching. Curt Cignetti is doing something special in Hooserville. It’s not hype. It’s reality. You don’t lead a team to this moment without building something that players believe in, something that shows up on the field when the pressure is highest.

This is a team that people didn’t love early. People didn’t love their game. But being impressive is about results, and Indiana keeps producing results. When you beat Oregon the way they did, when you show up in moments like that, people start paying attention whether they want to or not.

That’s why Indiana is being trusted in this spot. That’s why they’re favored. And that’s why there’s confidence they don’t just win, but win convincingly.

Respect for Miami and the Stage

At the same time, you respect both sides. Good luck to the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes. This is the National Championship. It’s going to be a great game. That’s the bottom line.

Miami didn’t get here by accident. They’re talented. They’re well-coached. They’ve earned the right to be on this field Monday night. When you get to this level, it’s about preparation, execution, and who handles the moment best.

Even when you don’t know enough about college football, you know this much: championship games have a way of humbling people who think they’ve got it all figured out. That’s why the game still has to be played.

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Richard Sherman’s NFL Divisional Round Predictions

Richard Sherman — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:10:19 +0000

The divisional round is where the playoffs start to feel different. These aren’t unfamiliar opponents or lucky teams that slipped in. These are matchups built on familiarity and physical football. Short weeks, injuries, and momentum all matter, but what it really comes down to is execution when everyone already knows what’s coming.

This weekend is loaded with games where the point spreads don’t reflect how tight these matchups actually are. Division rivals, elite defenses, and quarterbacks under pressure everywhere you look.

Let’s go game by game.

49ers (+7.5) at Seahawks

This is a divisional matchup that feels impossible to separate. These teams just played, and now they’re seeing each other again on short notice – something that rarely happens in the NFL. The familiarity makes everything tighter, faster, and more physical.

San Francisco has been battered all season, losing key players and constantly adjusting. But they’ve weathered every storm so far. The defense played much better in the second half against Seattle last time and carried that confidence into their game against Philadelphia. The return of key linebackers has brought discipline and stability, especially in run fits and tackling.

Seattle’s defense is the defining unit in this matchup. Their front gave the 49ers problems, particularly against the run, and forced San Francisco into poor third-down efficiency. That pressure creates hesitation, and hesitation leads to mistakes. If the 49ers can’t establish the run, everything gets harder.

On offense, Seattle has to run the ball again. They had success with it in the first matchup, and if that continues, it takes pressure off Sam Darnold. With a defense this good behind him, Darnold can afford to be aggressive, especially pushing the ball downfield when needed.

That being said, 7.5 points feels too large for a divisional playoff game like this. Everything about it points to a one-score game that comes down to the final possession. I’ll take San Francisco with the points.

Rams at Bears (+4)

This matchup is defined by weather and defense. Chicago is at home, in cold and potentially harsh weather, and those conditions naturally favor the team that can run the ball and protect it.

The concern for the Rams is defense. They’ve given up significant points down the stretch and have struggled to consistently stop the run. That’s dangerous against a Chicago team that leans heavily on its ground game and uses it to open up opportunities.

Caleb Williams’ ability to escape pressure and extend plays puts stress on the Rams’ secondary, which has already shown vulnerability. Chicago doesn’t need perfection from him – they need ball security, smart decisions, and production off schedule.

Matthew Stafford isn’t the concern. He’s played in these conditions before and has proven he can handle playoff environments. But if the Rams can’t slow Chicago’s run game or generate turnovers, they’ll be forced into a tight, physical game that favors the home team.

Chicago’s defense creates takeaways, and if they win the turnover battle, they put themselves in position to advance. Give me the Bears +4.

Bills at Broncos (+1)

This line reflects respect for Josh Allen and his playoff résumé. He consistently shows up in these moments, using both his arm and his legs to create offense when things break down.

Denver’s defense is legitimate. They can stop the run, play man coverage at a high level, and generate pressure without selling out. That gives them a real chance against any opponent. The question is offense.

Bo Nix doesn’t need to be spectacular, but he can’t put the ball in harm’s way. The blueprint is simple: protect the football, use his legs when needed, and let the defense dictate the game. If Denver plays clean football, they can absolutely win.

Buffalo will lean on balance. Josh Allen will be aggressive, but James Cook’s ability to move the chains and control possession is critical. The Bills’ defense is often overlooked, but it’s been one of the best pass defenses in the league and won’t make things easy for a young quarterback.

This feels like a game where execution matters more than star power. If Denver’s defense plays the way it has all season, they belong here. I’m on Denver -1.

Texans (+3) at Patriots

This matchup comes down to defense. Houston is playing with momentum, belief, and a defense that attacks every snap. They don’t disguise who they are – they line up, hit you in the face, and dare you to hold up.

The Texans’ defensive front and secondary are deep, aggressive, and physical. They generate pressure consistently, and when the game becomes physical, that style benefits them in the playoffs.

Offensively, Houston doesn’t need fireworks. Protect the football, manage the game, and let the defense control the tone. When they do that, they’re extremely difficult to beat.

New England has been efficient and confident at home, but they haven’t faced a defense like this. Drake Maye has had an excellent season, and this is the type of game that determines whether he’s ready to take the next step.

Three points reflects home-field advantage, but this matchup feels closer than that. If Houston’s defense plays at its usual level, they have enough to overcome it. I’ll take Houston +3.

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Texans vs Steelers: Richard Sherman’s Pick for Monday Night Football

Richard Sherman — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:36:57 +0000

We’ve got the Texans at the Steelers on Monday Night Football tonight. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook has the Texans favored by a three-point spread in this game.

And I think that’s right. I think the Texans’ dominant defense with all these All-Pros in the secondary – Pitre, who I thought should be an All-Pro, the All-Pros on the defensive line, the Pro Bowler in the middle of that defense in Azeez Al-Shaair – are going to give the Pittsburgh Steelers a lot of trouble.

I know that Aaron Rodgers will look to get the ball out quick, but can you get it out quick enough when you’ve got Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. on the outside with Pitre in the middle, and then you’ve got Calen Bullock at safety? There’s just so much talent and speed on that defense. It’s going to be tough to deal with all night.

And then you’ve got C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins on the other side, and they can do damage. If Stroud gets in rhythm, this game can get out of hand.

Richard Sherman’s Anytime Touchdown Picks for MNF

In addition to Texans -3, I’ll also give you three players who can score an anytime touchdown tonight.

For the Texans, it’s Nico Collins (+135) and Woody Marks (+170). For the Steelers, it’s DK Metcalf (+190) making his return back into the lineup. He’ll get in the end zone.

However, I’m taking the under on Aaron Rodgers interceptions. He’s going to be careful with this football – he’s not going to put it in harm’s way. He knows how quick this pass rush can get home.

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Richard Sherman’s NFL Wild Card Weekend Predictions

Richard Sherman — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:18:53 +0000

Playoff football is different. Seeds don’t matter. Records don’t matter. What matters is matchups, execution, and whether you can handle the moment when everything tightens up. This Wild Card slate is loaded with games people are overlooking because the spreads look off or the narratives feel settled. I don’t see it that way. I see pressure, experience, and scheme clashes everywhere.

Let’s get into it game by game.

49ers (+4.5) at Eagles

This is the matchup people pretended they didn’t want – but deep down, everyone did. There’s real history here. There’s real tension here. I remember that NFC Championship game when Brock Purdy went down early and suddenly everything changed. Both teams remember it too.

Philadelphia has one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. That’s not debatable. But talent doesn’t automatically equal production, and lately, that offense has looked like a Ferrari shell with a Corolla engine. The explosiveness that used to define them just hasn’t been there. Long scoring droughts. Conservative play calling. Weapons like AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert didn’t suddenly forget how to play football – something changed.

The Eagles’ defense is still the backbone of this team. But if Brock Purdy has time, Kyle Shanahan will find matchups to attack. That secondary has good young players, but there are places to stress them. And if the 49ers can block the interior, I like their chances.

On the other side, San Francisco’s defense bent against Seattle but held when it mattered. That’s playoff football. Hold them out of the end zone. Make the stops when it counts. This game won’t be easy for either side, and I don’t see it as a true heavyweight-versus-underdog situation at all.

Rams at Panthers (+11)

This is one of the most disrespected games of the weekend. A 10.5-point spread in a matchup where Carolina already beat the Rams? That’s wild.

The Panthers controlled the first game. They dominated time of possession. They ran the ball. They forced turnovers. And now they’re at home with nothing to lose. That matters. It’s hard to convince grown men that a team they already beat is suddenly going to come in and blow them out.

Bryce Young doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards. He needs to manage the game, avoid turnovers, and trust his receivers when the Rams’ safeties play shallow. You have to take shots against this defense. You have to trust your guys’ ball skills. And if Carolina controls the clock again, they give themselves a real chance.

Now, let’s be clear – the Rams are the better team. Matthew Stafford is still elite. But they’re 5-4 on the road, and they made mistakes in the first meeting. If those mistakes show up again, this game is far closer than Vegas wants you to believe.

Packers at Bears (+1)

This one comes down to quarterbacks and turnovers. That’s it.

Jordan Love has a beautiful arm, and Green Bay can move the ball on Chicago. They’ve proven that already. But every time they’ve gotten in trouble against the Bears, it’s been self-inflicted – turnovers at the worst possible moments.

Chicago’s defense is opportunistic. If they get their hands on the football, the entire tone of the game changes. On the other side, Caleb Williams has to play beyond his years. This is his first playoff moment, and at some point, he’s going to have to push the ball down the field and trust his guys.

The Bears need to run the ball, control time of possession, and keep this from becoming a shootout. If they do that, they can win. And based on consistency throughout the season, I lean Chicago in a tight one.

Bills (-1) at Jaguars

If you’re Jacksonville, this is probably the one matchup you didn’t want. Buffalo has the most playoff experience in the AFC field, and Josh Allen plays his best football when everything is on the line.

The Jaguars are hot. Eight wins in a row. Trevor Lawrence has taken a step, especially with his legs in the red zone. This offense can score, and Buffalo’s defense hasn’t been dominant all season.

But playoff Josh Allen is different. He’s not conservative. He’s not sliding early. He’s taking yards however he can get them. James Cook gives them balance. And Allen rarely gives teams free possessions in January.

This feels like a chess match that comes down to a walk-off kick. I trust the experience. I trust the urgency. Buffalo finds a way.

Chargers at Patriots (-4)

This is about belief and leadership.

The Patriots are playing for something bigger than individual stats. You can feel it. Mike Vrabel has this locker room completely bought in. Guys are playing above their pedigree. They’re playing confident, fast, and connected.

Drake Maye has been one of the most accurate deep passers in the league. He’s elevated the talent around him. Defensively, New England doesn’t rely on stars – they rely on effort, discipline, and trust.

The Chargers have talent. Derwin James. Khalil Mack. Justin Herbert playing through injury. But it’s hard to go into Foxborough in the playoffs and come out alive, especially against a team that believes this is their year.

I like New England to take care of business.

Texans (-3.5) at Steelers

This might be the worst possible matchup for Pittsburgh.

Houston’s defense is relentless. The pass rush is real. The secondary is deep, physical, and complete. Aaron Rodgers is going to feel this one whether the ball comes out or not.

Pittsburgh has heart. Mike Tomlin deserves endless respect for getting them here. But C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, and that Texans defense are built for this moment. If Houston gets even average offensive production, their defense will do the rest.

I see Houston controlling this game and winning by a touchdown.

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Richard Sherman’s CFP Prediction: Why I’m Riding With Oregon and Miami

Richard Sherman — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:33:46 +0000

This is the time of year when opinions start flying and everybody suddenly feels confident about what’s going to happen. The College Football Playoff always brings that out. Two games this week, two very different matchups, and a lot on the line for four programs trying to prove they belong on the biggest stage.

No. 5 Oregon (+3.5) vs No. 1 Indiana

Let’s start with Oregon and Indiana.

Indiana is getting a lot of love, and I understand why. As Mitch pointed out, they’ve been composed all year, they’ve handled their business, and they’ve made believers out of people who didn’t think they should even be in this conversation. Veteran team, disciplined football, and they already showed they can handle Oregon once. That matters.

But I’m still riding with Oregon.

I’ve watched this Ducks team closely, and it starts at quarterback. Dante Moore looks like a top pick to me. He has command of the offense, he’s not rattled by big moments, and when the game tightens up, he has the arm talent and decision-making to separate. Oregon has been tested, they’ve been doubted, and that usually brings out the best version of a good team.

When I look at playoff football, I lean toward teams that can change the game with one throw, one drive, one response when momentum swings. Oregon has that gear. As a Stanford guy, give me the former Pac-10 team in this one.

No. 10 Miami (-3.5) vs No. 6 Ole Miss

The second matchup is Miami versus Ole Miss, and for me, this one’s a little more straightforward. I like the Hurricanes.

They’ve been disrespected all season. People questioned whether they belonged. People wanted other teams in ahead of them. All they’ve done is keep winning and keep proving they can handle pressure. That locker room is full of confidence, swagger, and belief, and that stuff counts when the lights are brightest.

I’m not going to pretend the entertainment factor isn’t part of it either. Watching Miami win means watching my guy Michael Irvin lose his mind on the sideline, and if you don’t enjoy that, you don’t enjoy college football. That energy feeds into the team. It becomes contagious.

Ole Miss is dangerous, no question. Beating Georgia showed that. But Miami has been building toward this moment, and I think they embrace it instead of shrinking from it.

This playoff feels wide open, and that’s what makes it fun. Nobody’s unbeatable. Nobody’s safe. You’re going to find out real fast who’s built for January football and who just had a nice regular season.

That’s why I’m taking Oregon to win and Miami to keep proving people wrong.

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Richard Sherman’s Seahawks-49ers Reaction & NFC Playoff Breakdown

Richard Sherman — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:21:46 +0000

Some games stick with you because of the score. Others stick with you because of how they’re played. Saturday’s Seahawks-49ers matchup was the second kind. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t explosive. It was about effort, mindset, and defense – the kind of football I’ve always loved. Watching this one, it was clear which team brought the urgency, the swagger, and the mentality needed to win at this time of year.

Seahawks vs. 49ers Recap: Effort, Energy, and a Defensive Clinic

This game was a defensive battle from the jump, and Seattle’s defense set the tone all night. What stood out to me wasn’t just scheme – although Mike Macdonald deserves credit for what he’s built – it was how hard they played. They flew to the football. They ran. They hit. They played with an edge. That kind of effort matters.

On the other side, San Francisco’s defense did some good things on paper. Holding Seattle to 13 points isn’t nothing, especially against one of the league’s top scoring offenses. But watching the game closely, something was missing. The urgency wasn’t consistent. The physicality wasn’t the same. And that difference showed up most clearly in the run game.

Seattle controlled the line of scrimmage. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet consistently moved the pile, and it felt like the Seahawks were resetting the line every drive. That’s about aggression and mindset as much as talent. Seattle played like the more dominant team.

Running to the Ball Takes No Talent

One of the biggest moments for me came on a play where San Francisco needed a stop badly. Third and long. A situation where your defense has to be desperate. Instead, Seattle ran a play that wasn’t even designed to convert – and it worked anyway because nobody finished the job.

That’s the kind of play you can’t put on tape if you’re a defense with championship goals. Running to the ball doesn’t take talent. Hustle doesn’t take talent. It’s about want-to, and that’s where Seattle separated itself.

When Seattle’s defense was on the field, you saw bodies everywhere. Three, four guys around the ball on every snap. That’s how great defenses play. That’s how momentum builds. San Francisco, whether from fatigue, injuries, or just a long season, didn’t consistently match that intensity.

Missed Chances That Defined the Game

Despite all of that, the 49ers still had opportunities. That’s what makes this game so telling. Even with Seattle dominating defensively, San Francisco was right there late. They moved the ball into the red zone. They had a real chance to win.

If Christian McCaffrey makes that catch, we’re talking about a completely different ending. It becomes a one-score game with timeouts left and pressure on everyone. That’s how thin the margin is in games like this.

But football isn’t about what almost happened. It’s about who executes when it matters. Seattle did that. On both sides of the ball, they looked composed, confident, and built for this moment.

Breaking Down the NFC Playoffs

From a playoff standpoint, the NFC is wide open – but Seattle sits at the top.

San Francisco’s matchup with Philadelphia will bring some real emotion with it, given the history between those teams. That game should be physical, personal, and intense – the 49ers are looking at a fight.

Then we have the Bears, Packers, Rams – there are no easy outs. The NFC doesn’t have many soft landings this year. And through all of it, Seattle gets to wait. That’s the advantage of being the top seed.

Final Thoughts: Playoff Football Is Here

This game showed exactly what wins in January. Effort. Defense. Mindset. Seattle checked every box. The 49ers still have life, and nobody should count them out – especially with a coach like Kyle Shanahan – but the standard has been set.

This is the money time. Seattle looks ready. The NFC playoffs are going to be a dog fight, and I can’t wait to watch how it all unfolds.

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Rams vs Falcons: Richard Sherman’s Picks for Monday Night Football

Richard Sherman — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:48:27 +0000

All odds and lines courtesy of our partners at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook — and when I look at Monday Night Football, this one feels pretty straightforward. We’ve got the Los Angeles Rams at the Atlanta Falcons, and Hard Rock Bet has the Rams favored by 7.5 points. To me, that number is accurate.

The Rams are a good football team. More importantly, they’re a motivated football team. I think the Rams cover this spread with no problems.

I expect them to go on the road and take care of business against an Atlanta team that, quite frankly, has nothing to play for. Now, let’s be real: the Falcons have played better offensively over the last few games. They’ve shown some life, and I do think they can put a couple touchdowns on the board.

But overall, this feels like a high-scoring night for the Rams.

The Pick: Rams -7.5

If you’re looking to have a little fun with this game, we’ve got a few anytime touchdown picks, parlay them if you like.

Puka Nacua Anytime TD

This guy has been absolutely dynamic for this offense. Over the last several seasons, he’s established himself as a difference-maker, and right now he’s playing football at a level that puts him in a league of his own.

Kyren Williams Anytime TD

We know Blake Corum has been getting more touches and the workload has evened out a bit, but we still think Kyren finds the end zone. He’s been too important to this offense, especially in scoring situations.

Kyle Pitts Anytime TD

And finally, one of the biggest revelations late this season: Kyle Pitts. He’s been hot the last few weeks — no question about it. I like him to find the end zone as well.

So if I’m putting it together, I’ve got:

Puka Nacua anytime touchdown
Kyren Williams anytime touchdown
Kyle Pitts anytime touchdown

Those are strong picks, and I like their chances.

As always, we appreciate everyone tuning in week after week. You could be anywhere in the world, but you’re here with us — and we don’t take that lightly.

The post Rams vs Falcons: Richard Sherman’s Picks for Monday Night Football appeared first on Hard Rock Bet.

49ers vs Colts: Richard Sherman’s Pick for Monday Night Football

Richard Sherman — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:08:24 +0000

We get a compelling Monday night matchup as San Francisco heads into Indianapolis to face a Colts team that’s been tougher than expected late in the season. Hard Rock Bet has the 49ers listed as 5.5-point road favorites, and that line tells the story of this game perfectly: trust the proven roster, but respect the resistance.

The Colts are playing hard. The 49ers are playing for something bigger.

Let’s break it down.

Why This Game Hinges on Quarterback Reality

Indianapolis has stayed competitive because they’ve played clean, disciplined football – but this matchup exposes the margin for error at quarterback. With Philip Rivers stepping in, the Colts are asking for experience and composure, not explosion. That worked against Seattle. Replicating it against San Francisco is another challenge entirely.

The 49ers defense thrives on forcing quarterbacks to hold the ball just long enough to make a mistake. Rivers can manage a game, but he can’t erase protection issues with mobility or arm strength. Against a team that disguises coverage and closes windows late, that limitation matters.

On the other side, San Francisco doesn’t need superhero quarterback play. They need efficiency. They need rhythm. And when they have it, their offense becomes relentless.

Why San Francisco Can Dictate the Game

Even with injuries on the edge – the 49ers still have answers. Their offense is built to stress defenses horizontally, vertically, and physically, all within the same drive.

Here’s where San Francisco can gain control:

Christian McCaffrey’s Versatility: He’s not just a runner. He’s a coverage problem. Linebackers can’t match him, and safeties can’t ignore him.
Sustained Offensive Pressure: San Francisco doesn’t rely on one big play. They stack first downs until defenses crack.
Motivation Matters: This team still has something to prove. They’re winning, but the division is far from settled – and they know it.

If the 49ers score early, this game starts to feel uncomfortable for Indianapolis fast.

Where Indianapolis Can Make It Interesting

The Colts aren’t outmatched everywhere. The return of DeForest Buckner is massive, especially against his former team. Interior pressure is the quickest way to disrupt San Francisco’s rhythm, and Buckner has the strength and awareness to do just that.

And then there’s Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor is the equalizer. If Indianapolis stays committed to the run and wins early downs, they can shorten this game and keep the 49ers’ offense watching from the sideline.

The Colts’ formula is simple but demanding:

Run efficiently on first down
Avoid third-and-long
Keep Rivers out of obvious passing situations

That’s a narrow path – but it exists.

The Matchup That Decides the Spread

This game comes down to pace and pressure. San Francisco wants tempo, rhythm, and cumulative damage. Indianapolis wants patience, balance, and control.

From a betting perspective, three things can swing the spread:

Red-Zone Execution: San Francisco turns trips into touchdowns. Indianapolis can’t afford field goals.
Quarterback Stress: If Rivers is forced into late-down throws, turnovers come into play.
Explosive Scoring Potential: The 49ers can score in waves. The Colts cannot.

If San Francisco plays clean football, they separate. If they don’t, this stays close longer than expected.

Final Read: 49ers vs. Colts

This feels like a game where competitiveness lasts for a half – and then reality settles in.

Indianapolis is well-coached and resilient, but San Francisco has more answers, more urgency, and more ways to score. Late in the season, that usually wins out. San Francisco controls the second half and covers.

My Pick: 49ers -5.5

Anytime Touchdown Picks

Three players positioned to find the end zone Monday night:

Christian McCaffrey: The safest touchdown bet in football when healthy.
Jauan Jennings: Quietly becoming a trusted red-zone option.
Jonathan Taylor: Volume and opportunity keep him live every week.

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