The news, games and picks By Iván Pirrón

The news

The news this week is that the New York Jets informed what we all suspected and announced that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not return for the 2025 season.

“Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback,” new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey said in a statement.

“It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.”

Now we face a new dilemma: where are you going to play Rodgers in 2025? What do odds say?

These are the favorite teams:

As collateral damage, Rodgers’ departure also means that receiver Davante Adams won’t also be returning with the team in 2025 and it remains to be seen whether the team that sticks with Rodgers will also be willing to bring his friend along.

Games and picks Liga MX

February 14th

América vs Necaxa

América is the most dominant team in Mexican football and has played 13 consecutive games without losing in the Liga MX, including the Apertura 2024 Liguilla.

Necaxa is one of the worst visitors and has lost five of the last six away games. Furthermore, the last time the Rayos defeated América as visitors was in February 2020.

As locals, Las Águilas has five games without losing against the Rays, with four victories and a draw.

The pick: América is leader of the Liga MX with an average of 2.5 goals per game, but Necaxa is right there with 1.8. América wins and over 2.5 goals.

February 15th

Tigres vs Cruz Azul

Tigres have won six of the last seven home matches and haven’t lost a Liga MX game at the Estadio Universitario since May last year. However, Cruz Azul is a team that has recently made it difficult for Tigres at home: since 2014, Tigres has only been able to defeat Cruz Azul twice in El Volcán. Of those 12 games, La Máquina won five.

The pick: Including Concacaf games, Cruz Azul has only lost one of the 10 most recent as visitors. Furthermore, Tigres played with the majority of their starters for half a week match against Real Estelí. I like the draw and under 2.5 goals.

Toluca vs Guadalajara

None of these teams arrive at this game on good shape: both Toluca and Chivas have only won one of the five most recent matches in Liga MX.

As locals, Diablos Rojos have won one of the last five, with two draws and one defeat, while Guadalajara has lost three of its last four away games.

Maybe I’ll surprise you, but Toluca hasn’t beat Chivas at home since 2020. In fact, the last four in Toluca ended in a draw with three or less goals between them.

The pick: History tells me a draw and under 2.5 goals.

February 16th

Pachuca vs Pumas

Los Tuzos have only been able to win one of their last four games at home, while Pumas has two victories in their last seven away games.

The pick: The last four between Tuzos and Pumas in Pachuca were draws. So, I like another draw, with under 2.5 goals.

Bundesliga

February 15th

Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

The game of the year in the Bundesliga. This is Leverkusen’s opportunity to close the gap with leaders Bayern Múnich, with eight points of advantage over second place Leverkusen.

Leverkusen won the last two at home against Bayern Munich. Munich has only lost one of its last 13 matches in all competitions.

Including Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League, Leverkusen has only lost one in its last 19 games, while Bayern has only lost one in its last 10 away games in Bundesliga.

The pick: Bayer Leverkusen scores 2.3 goals per game (second in Bundesliga), while Bayern Munich receives 0.9 goals per match (leader in Germany). Leverkusen wins with under 2.5 goals.

NBA

February 13th

L.A. Clippers (-9.5) vs. Utah Jazz

The Jazz gained a little confidence last night, after defeating the Lakers 131-119, but against the Clippers it could be very different.

Utah averages 112.2 points per game, 4.3 points more than the 107.9 that the Clippers allow to opponents.

Los Angeles scores 110.8 points and beat its opponents by 2.9 points per game.

Pick: Utah +9.5 and under 224.5 points.