CFP National Championship prediction | Commanders fire Ron Rivera

Good afternoon, sports fans.

Monday marks one of the more exciting days of the sports calendar with the College Football Playoff National Championship set to take place between No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington. In addition to the national title game, we've got a six-game NBA slate on tap. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• The Yankees and free-agent pitcher Marcus Stroman have mutual interest.
• Tiger Woods and Nike have parted ways after a 27-year relationship.
• Patriots coach Bill Belichick hints he could be giving up his general manager duties.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

COMMANDERS FIRE RON RIVERA

The NFL regular season wrapped up Sunday as Week 18 came to a close. For many teams that didn't make the playoffs, they chose to make head coaching changes. On Monday, the Commanders decided to fire head coach Ron Rivera after four seasons with the franchise. Rivera led the Commanders to a 26-40-1 record during his time with the team, which did include an NFC East division title in 2020.

• "Rivera's exit is not surprising, but it confirms a forthcoming overhaul of the Commanders in the 2024 offseason, when the team's new ownership group led by Josh Harris will also own the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, plus a league-leading $78 million in projected salary cap space."
  

Michigan vs. Washington, 8 p.m. | TV: ESPN

• The Pick: Washington +5 (-110)
• Key trend: Washington is 3-1 ATS over their last four games.

SportsLine expert Sia Najad is 11-6 in his last 17 CFB ATS picks.

"The betting market and NFL prospect market continues to disrespect Michael Penix and he gets one last chance to prove everyone wrong. Michigan is a great all-around team, but they have yet to face a quarterback who can sling it like Penix. While Michigan should be able to move the ball via the ground game, I question J.J. McCarthy's ability to make big plays when it matters. Ultimately, I think Penix and this wide open offense keep this game close, and I think this Washington team continues to surprise like they did against Oregon and Texas."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the spread, while having "C" picks on the moneyline and total.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Celtics at Pacers, 7 p.m. | TV: League Pass

• The Projection: Pacers +3 (-110)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the spread with "B" grades for the moneyline and total for the contest. The Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games, so we'll trust that trend in this spot.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Monday night NBA slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

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