The Silcoff Selections: Best NFL & NHL Bets For January 12, 2026

The Silcoff Selections are here for January 12th, 2026. With all the action in sports tonight, here are some of my favourite plays across sports today.

NFL:

Pittsburgh Steelers Team Total Over 16.5 Points (-140) vs Houston Texans

Yes, Houston has one of the best defenses in the NFL, but lately we’ve seen they can still give up big plays in the right spots. Outside of the Week 17 game against Cleveland, Aaron Rodgers has been playing solid football, and getting DK Metcalf back from suspension gives Pittsburgh another way to create offense. On top of that, don’t be shocked if the Steelers defense chips in with points of its own, as Houston’s offense is far from a juggernaut. All of that makes the team total over worth a look.

NHL:

Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-150) @ Detroit Red Wings

This is a matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, but Carolina has had the edge when these sides meet. The Hurricanes have won eight of the last ten games against Detroit and just handled them 5–2 in late December. In a battle of contenders, I’ll take Carolina to go on the road and get it done again.

Florida Panthers Moneyline (-105) @ Buffalo Sabres

This is a massive Atlantic Division game with both teams firmly in the playoff race. Buffalo has been one of the hottest teams in hockey, while Florida is dealing with a long list of injuries, but the Panthers have still won seven of the last ten meetings against the Sabres. With the standings tightening and the margin for error shrinking, it’s getting late early for Florida to stay afloat in the division. I have a hard time seeing Buffalo open up a five-point gap on the two-time defending champs, so I’ll take Florida on the road.

Vancouver Canucks @ Montreal Canadiens over 6.5 Total Goals (+105)

Yes, it’s a big number, but the spot sets up for goals. Both teams are coming off shutout losses Saturday night, and Vancouver is expected to start AHL goaltender Nikita Tolopilo, while Montreal goes back to Jakub Dobeš, who hasn’t played since January 1 due to the team’s three-goalie rotation. Add in the fact that the over has hit in eight of the last ten meetings between these teams, and I think we see offense show up again tonight.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Colorado Avalanche over 6.5 Total Goals (-120)

Another high total, but this one makes sense. Both teams have elite offensive firepower, especially Colorado, which has been dominant all season and even more so on home ice. Toronto’s stars are also starting to show up consistently, setting up a fast-paced game with plenty of chances at both ends. With the over hitting or pushing in seven of the last ten meetings between these teams, I like the fireworks to continue.

Dallas Stars @ Los Angeles Kings under 6 Total Goals (-115)

This sets up as a goaltending-driven matchup with two Vezina-level goalies on the ice. The under has hit in eight of the last ten meetings between Dallas and Los Angeles, and these games tend to be tight and physical. With both teams comfortable grinding things down in a Western Conference battle, I expect another low-scoring affair.