Mid-January Momentum: Bankrolls Growing, Surplus Building

Another Winning Night – January Keeps Rolling:

The middle stretch of January is here, and we’re sitting in a great position as our bankrolls continue to grow. Each day builds on the last, proving again that when you follow our daily picks and apply our wager guidance, you create consistent gains over time.

If you’ve been with us since the start of the year, you’re now working with a solid surplus—a direct result of our disciplined approach. Our goal is simple: to manage this surplus to the end of the month, finish above where we started, and let you cash out that overage as passive income.

Disciplined Management for Long-Term Success:

At BrownBagBets, we’re not just about making picks; we’re about managing your bankroll for consistent growth. Every wager is calculated, every play is backed by data, and every decision is designed to move us closer to the ultimate goal: ending the month with profits you can withdraw.

Our method is deliberate, focused, and built to win over time—not by luck, but by strategy.

Today’s Slate – A Balanced Board Across Sports:

• EPL Plays:

A couple of strong plays in English Premier League action highlight today’s slate, offering opportunities to leverage our soccer indicators.

• College Basketball:

Our bread and butter returns with another day of smart, calculated plays across key matchups.

• NHL and NBA Action:

Rounding out the day, both leagues offer select plays to add value to our slate.

Final Thought – The Process is Working:

Another winning day shows that our disciplined process continues to deliver results. As January moves forward, we’re staying focused on our mission: to grow bankrolls, create passive income, and prove the power of the BrownBagBets system.

Let’s keep this momentum rolling and make today another step toward a profitable month. Stay sharp, stay disciplined, and let’s crush it.

English Premier League: Fulham FC at West Ham United

Pick: Fulham ML @ +145 / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

Fulham comes into this match in top form, riding an eight-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. This impressive run includes a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, demonstrating their ability to compete with high-caliber teams. West Ham, on the other hand, has suffered three consecutive losses, signaling a clear dip in form. Key attackers Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Füllkrug are sidelined due to injuries, which significantly diminishes their offensive threat. Meanwhile, Fulham’s Raul Jimenez is in red-hot form, having scored four goals in his last three matches, giving Fulham a potent attacking edge. With West Ham struggling at both ends of the pitch, Fulham is well-positioned to capitalize on the Hammers’ vulnerabilities and secure an away win.

Betting Indicators:

• Current Form: Fulham is unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches, including a victory over Chelsea.

• Injury Concerns: West Ham is missing key attackers Bowen, Antonio, and Füllkrug, reducing their scoring potential.

• Player Form: Raul Jimenez has scored four goals in his last three matches, boosting Fulham’s attacking firepower.

• Recent Trends: West Ham has lost their last three matches, exposing defensive and offensive weaknesses.

Projected Score: Fulham 2, West Ham 1.

English Premier League: Manchester City at Brentford

Pick: Manchester City ML / Wager: 4%

Analysis:

Manchester City appears to be back to their best after winning two consecutive Premier League matches and demolishing Salford 8-0 in the FA Cup. With Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne leading the charge, City’s attacking depth and creativity remain unparalleled. Meanwhile, Brentford is enduring a poor run of form, having lost their last three home matches without scoring, which underscores significant vulnerabilities for City to exploit. The Bees’ struggles at home and their inability to find the back of the net make them unlikely to contain City’s relentless attacking pressure. Historically, City has dominated this matchup, winning 12 of 20 meetings, and they should have no trouble extending that trend against an out-of-form Brentford side.

Betting Indicators:

• Form: Manchester City has won their last two Premier League matches and dominated in the FA Cup.

• Brentford’s Struggles: The Bees have lost their last three home matches without scoring, highlighting their defensive and offensive vulnerabilities.

• Head-to-Head Trends: Manchester City has historically controlled this fixture, winning 12 of 20 encounters.

• City’s Firepower: With Haaland and De Bruyne in form, City’s offense is a consistent threat to Brentford’s leaky defense.

Projected Score: Manchester City 3, Brentford 0.

NCAAB: Ball State at Ohio

Pick: Ball State +10.5 / Wager: 3%

Analysis:

Ball State is far from a helpless underdog, coming into this matchup with five wins in their last six games, including a dominant 91-69 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday. A key feature of this team is their inside presence, led by 6-10 C Payton Sparks, who has scored 19+ points and grabbed 12+ rebounds in four of his last five outings. Complementing Sparks is juco transfer Fatt Hill, who averages 16.5 points per game and provides floor balance. Ohio, meanwhile, has struggled as a favorite this season, going 4-8 ATS as chalk. Saturday’s blowout win over a weak Northern Illinois team does little to inspire confidence in the Bobcats covering this large spread.

Betting Indicators:

• Ball State’s Momentum: Winners of five of their last six games.

• Ohio as a Favorite: Just 4-8 ATS as a favorite this season.

• Payton Sparks Impact: Four double-doubles in his last five games.

• Head-to-Head Trends: Ball State playing competitive basketball in MAC matchups.

Projected Score: Ohio 74, Ball State 68.

NCAAB: Evansville at Northern Iowa

Pick: Under 133.5 / Wager: 3%

Analysis:

The Purple Aces continue their streak of low-scoring games, having hit the under in 11 straight contests. Coach David Ragland has slowed Evansville’s pace significantly, with their last five games averaging just over 114 points total. Offensively, Evansville struggles mightily, scoring only 63.7 points per game (ranked 346th nationally) and shooting just 29% from beyond the arc (334th). Even if Northern Iowa prefers an uptempo approach, Evansville’s deliberate style should dictate the tempo.

Betting Indicators:

• Evansville’s Unders: 11 consecutive under results.

• Evansville Offensive Struggles: 63.7 points per game (346th nationally), 29% 3-point shooting (334th nationally).

• Northern Iowa’s Unders: 10-3 to the under to start the season before recent overs against faster-paced teams.

• Game Pace: Evansville’s slow, grinding pace limits scoring opportunities.

Projected Score: Northern Iowa 68, Evansville 59.

NCAAB: Iowa at University of Southern California (USC)

Pick: USC +1.5 / Wager: 3%

Analysis:

This is a good spot to sell high on Iowa, a team that has struggled away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena with a 1-3 record in road or neutral site games. The Hawkeyes have dropped both of their true road contests to Michigan and Wisconsin, exposing vulnerabilities on the defensive end. Iowa ranks 96th nationally in defensive efficiency and has given up an average of 91.5 points per game away from home. On the other hand, USC is showing improvement under Eric Musselman, winning five of their last seven games. The Trojans are building momentum, and their recent 85-74 loss to Michigan was more competitive than the score suggests. Playing at home, USC should capitalize on Iowa’s defensive lapses in this non-conference matchup.

Betting Indicators:

• Iowa on the Road: 1-3 record away from home this season, allowing 91.5 PPG in those games.

• USC’s Form: Winners of five of their last seven games.

• Defensive Efficiency: Iowa ranks 96th in defensive efficiency, struggling to stop opponents in road environments.

• USC at Home: The Trojans have been competitive, even in losses to quality teams like Michigan.

Projected Score: USC 80, Iowa 76.

NHL: Florida Panthers at New Jersey Devils

Pick: Devils ML / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

The Panthers made an interesting decision to start No. 1 goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in a relatively easier matchup against the Flyers on Monday, leaving Spencer Knight to take the net against the Devils on Tuesday. Knight has struggled on the road, posting a 3.39 GAA and .871 SV, which are significantly worse than his home numbers. Florida is also dealing with injury concerns, as top defenseman Aaron Ekblad was out on Monday and has already been ruled out for this matchup. With potential additional wear and tear from the Flyers game, Florida enters this contest at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, the Devils are rested and ready, boasting a strong home-ice advantage and consistent offensive production led by Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. With a Panthers team likely fatigued and missing key players, the Devils have a great opportunity to secure a win in this potential Eastern Conference Finals preview.

Betting Indicators:

• Goaltending Edge: Spencer Knight’s road struggles (3.39 GAA, .871 SV) vs. the Devils’ likely starter, who has been solid at home.

• Injury Concerns: Florida is without Aaron Ekblad, significantly weakening their blue line.

• Schedule Impact: Florida played Monday night, while the Devils are rested.

• Head-to-Head Matchup: The Devils have the firepower to exploit Florida’s fatigued and undermanned lineup.

Projected Score: Devils 4, Panthers 2

NHL: Calgary Flames at St. Louis Blues

Pick: Blues ML / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

This matchup sets up well for the Blues, as Calgary enters the second half of a back-to-back (B2B) situation. With rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf getting the start on Monday in Chicago, Dan Vladar is expected to take the crease in St. Louis. Vladar has struggled recently, losing four straight outings while allowing 17 goals combined. His road performance this season has been subpar, with just three wins in 10 starts and a 3.07 GAA.

The Flames are also dealing with a key injury, as forward Connor Zary (10G, 12A) is out indefinitely, leaving a noticeable gap in their offensive production. On the other hand, the Blues are rested and have been solid at home. They’ll look to capitalize on Calgary’s fatigue and Vladar’s recent struggles to secure a win on home ice.

Betting Indicators:

• Goaltending Disadvantage for Calgary: Dan Vladar has a 3.07 GAA on the road and has allowed 17 goals in his last four starts.

• Injury Impact: Calgary is without Connor Zary, one of their most productive forwards.

• Schedule Edge: St. Louis is rested, while Calgary is playing on consecutive nights.

• Home-Ice Advantage: The Blues have been consistent at home and face a fatigued Flames team.

Projected Score: Blues 3, Flames 1.