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Sports Betting
On this page
Introduction
I have a ton of stuff on this website about sports betting. Way to much to fit on one page. If you're already familiar with the basics of how to make a sports bet, I invite you to go to skip this page and jump to one of my pages on a specific sport, as follows:
If you're new to sports betting, this page will endeavor to teach you the major types of bets. We'll use the photo above as a reference for some of them. In particular, we'll focus on the Rams/Vikings game, which looks like this:
Oct. 11, 2009 — Vikings Vs. Rams
| 401 | Vikings | -10 | -600 |
| 402 | Rams | 41 | +400 |
In all sports betting, the odds are on a "to one" basis. In other words, you always get your bet back, plus winnings, if you win. So, for example, if you must bet $11 to win $10, then you would present $11 at the window and the writer will give you a ticket worth $21 if it wins.
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Money Line
Money Line bets are simply on whom will win. No point spreads or any other nonsense.
Most of the time, one team will be favored over the other. So, if you bet the underdog, then you're rewarded with more than even money if they win. If you want to bet the favorite, then you will have to risk more than what you stand to win.
Consider game numbers 401 and 402 in the example above. The +400 for the Rams means that a bet on the Rams would pay 4 to 1. The -600 on the Vikings means that if you bet them, then you have to lay 6 to 1.
Examples:
- A $100 on the Rams would win $400.
- A $600 bet on the Vikings would win $100.
Point Spread
The most common way to bet football and basketball is with a point spread. Most sports bettors like a wager that has about a 50% chance to win. Less than that and you'll probably lose. More than that and you won't win much if you do win.
Compare Online NBA Odds
Basketball : NBA
Today
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
Sacramento Kings Los Angeles Lakers |
⇗20.00 |
|
|
The Sacramento Kings have improved, but the Lakers' star power and experience often dominate. Look for fast pace and high scoring from both teams. |
This Week
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat Dec 21st 7pm
Orlando Magic Miami Heat |
⇗4.00 |
|
-105 (207.5)
⇗5.00 |
Miami Heat have a stronger lineup. Magic's recent form is inconsistent. Heat's home performance is solid, making them favorites. Watch injury reports for late game changes. |
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Sat Dec 21st 7pm
Brooklyn Nets Utah Jazz |
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Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz clash with dynamic offenses. Key players include Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell. Defensive strategies will be crucial. Expect a high-scoring, intense battle. |
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Sat Dec 21st 7pm
Atlanta Hawks Memphis Grizzlies |
105
|
|
⇗5.00 |
Hawks have strong offense; Grizzlies rely on their defense. Watch Trae Young’s performance. Home-court advantage could be crucial. Betting on total points might be an option. |
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Sat Dec 21st 8pm
Chicago Bulls Boston Celtics |
⇗15.00 |
|
⇗5.00 |
Chicago Bulls struggle vs. Boston Celtics' strong defense. Watch out for Tatum and Brown to lead the scoring. Bulls need shooting consistency to compete effectively. |
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Sat Dec 21st 8pm
Minnesota Timberwolves Golden State Warriors |
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Timberwolves vs. Warriors: Golden State's strong home performance could give them the edge, but Minnesota's young talent poses a challenge. Watch for key matchups and shooting efficiency. |
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Sat Dec 21st 8pm
New Orleans Pelicans New York Knicks |
⇘1.00 |
-105 (7.5)
⇗5.00 |
|
Pelicans focus on Zion Williamson's inside game, while Knicks rely on Jalen Brunson's perimeter shooting. Anticipate a tight matchup with a slight edge to home court advantage. |
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Sat Dec 21st 8pm
Cleveland Cavaliers Philadelphia 76ers |
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Cavaliers focus on defense against 76ers' strong offense. Watch Embiid's playmaker role. Both teams show playoff form. Key players: Mitchell and Maxey. Bench depth could be decisive. |
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Sat Dec 21st 8pm
Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards |
|
|
-105 (222.5)
⇗5.00 |
With strong home-court performance, the Bucks are favorites. Wizards rely on their offensive pace. Key players and defense strategies are crucial for both teams to secure a win. |
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Sat Dec 21st 8pm
San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers |
⇗10.00 |
|
100 (226)
⇗210.00 |
The Spurs' young talent faces Blazers' dynamic guards. Consider the Spurs' home-court advantage and Blazers' recent struggles. Focus on guard matchups and bench performance for wagering insights. |
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Sat Dec 21st 8pm
Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles Clippers |
⇗25.00 |
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|
Mavericks' Doncic is pivotal, while Clippers rely on Leonard's defense. Dallas's three-point shooting is critical. Watch team injuries closely, impacting game dynamics. Clutch plays might decide the outcome. |
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Sat Dec 21st 9pm
Phoenix Suns Detroit Pistons |
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|
⇗5.00 |
Phoenix Suns are strong favorites with a better record. Pistons struggle defensively. Consider betting on Suns, but watch Pistons' young talent. Monitor player injuries before wagering. |
Next Week
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wed Dec 25th 12pm
New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs |
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The Knicks have a strong defense this season, while the Spurs struggle on the road. Expect a low-scoring game with the Knicks as favorites. |
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Wed Dec 25th 2pm
Dallas Mavericks Minnesota Timberwolves |
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Consider player matchups, recent performance trends, and home-court advantage. Dallas's offense versus Minnesota's defense could be pivotal. Injuries and bench strength might influence outcomes. |
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Wed Dec 25th 8pm
Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Lakers |
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-105 (233)
|
Warriors' strong perimeter shooting meets Lakers' tough defense. Watch Curry vs. LeBron duel. Lakers' size advantage could be key. Close match expected with high-scoring potential. |
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Wed Dec 25th 10pm
Phoenix Suns Denver Nuggets |
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Consider Denver's strong home record. Suns' depth increases their competitiveness. Check injury reports for impact players. Nuggets' Jokic is a key factor. Look at recent head-to-head performance. |
Basketball : NBA Championship Winner
Later
| Sat May 31st 6pm | Competitor/Team | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics |
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More odds |
| Oklahoma City Thunder |
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| New York Knicks |
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| Dallas Mavericks |
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| Cleveland Cavaliers |
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| Denver Nuggets |
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| Milwaukee Bucks |
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| Golden State Warriors |
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| Phoenix Suns |
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| Minnesota Timberwolves |
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| Memphis Grizzlies |
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| Los Angeles Lakers |
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| Orlando Magic |
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| Houston Rockets |
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| Philadelphia 76ers |
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| Miami Heat |
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| Los Angeles Clippers |
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| Sacramento Kings |
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| Atlanta Hawks |
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| Indiana Pacers |
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| San Antonio Spurs |
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| New Orleans Pelicans |
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| Chicago Bulls |
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| Utah Jazz |
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| Brooklyn Nets |
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| Charlotte Hornets |
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| Detroit Pistons |
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| Toronto Raptors |
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| Portland Trail Blazers |
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| Washington Wizards |
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Basketball : NCAAB
Today
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Xavier Musketeers Marquette Golden Eagles |
185
|
|
⇗2.00 |
Xavier Musketeers and Marquette Golden Eagles have strong offenses. Consider total points market. Home court advantage for Marquette could be decisive. Both teams have contrasting playing styles. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Maryland Terrapins Syracuse Orange |
-1100
⇘100.00 |
|
-105 (155)
|
Maryland Terrapins have a strong defense while Syracuse Orange excel at shooting. Expect a tight game with potential for a close finish. Team form and injuries may influence outcome. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Boston College Eagles SMU Mustangs |
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⇗5.00 |
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Boston College Eagles have strong defense. SMU Mustangs excel in offense. Watch for three-pointers. Close game expected. Consider recent form and injuries for betting decisions. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Butler Bulldogs UConn Huskies |
360
|
⇗7.00 |
⇗5.00 |
Expect a competitive matchup as Butler Bulldogs face UConn Huskies. Key factors include team form, player injuries, and home-court advantage. Close examination of recent games is essential. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Indiana Hoosiers Chattanooga Mocs |
⇗200.00 |
⇗14.00 |
|
Indiana Hoosiers have a stronger roster and home court advantage. Chattanooga Mocs are underdogs, but can surprise with a strong defensive strategy. Consider point spread betting. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Drexel Dragons Penn State Nittany Lions |
900
|
⇗220.00 |
⇗5.00 |
Consider Drexel's strong defense and Penn State's scoring ability. Key players' performances could tip the balance. Watch for turnovers and rebounds as crucial factors. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Duke Blue Devils |
950
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Duke's offense is powerful, likely leading to a high-scoring game. Georgia Tech's defense will be tested. Consider betting on a Duke win with a large point spread. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Florida Gators North Florida Ospreys |
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Consider Gators' strong defense and Ospreys' reliance on perimeter shooting. Betting on total points or Gators' margin may provide value. Watch for changes in lineup or injuries. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Princeton Tigers |
⇘5.00 |
⇗5.00 |
|
Rutgers' strong defense versus Princeton's efficient offense makes for a thrilling matchup. Watch for Princeton's three-point shooting; Rutgers' home-court advantage is significant. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Virginia Tech Hokies Saint Joseph's Hawks |
⇘15.00 |
⇗5.00 |
⇗10.00 |
Expect a competitive game as both teams showcase strong defensive skills. Key players could swing the momentum. Monitor injuries and recent performance stats for better betting insights. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Dartmouth Big Green Vermont Catamounts |
185
⇘20.00 |
|
⇗10.00 |
Vermont dominates with superior defense and experienced roster. Dartmouth struggles offensively. Consider Vermont for significant advantage. Betting leans towards Catamounts covering spread. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Northern Kentucky Norse South Carolina St Bulldogs |
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|
⇗10.00 |
Northern Kentucky Norse are favored due to strong defense and home advantage. South Carolina State Bulldogs struggle against higher-ranked teams and have a weaker scoring record. |
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Sat Dec 21st 12pm
Memphis Tigers Mississippi St Bulldogs |
|
⇗2.00 |
⇗5.00 |
The game is expected to be intense; Memphis Tigers have a strong offense, while Mississippi St Bulldogs boast a solid defense. Watch for key player matchups and momentum shifts. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Texas Tech Red Raiders Lamar Cardinals |
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Analyze team stats, player form, and recent head-to-head results for Texas Tech vs. Lamar. Consider defensive capabilities and scoring potential for informed betting insights. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Pittsburgh Panthers Sam Houston St Bearkats |
-2400
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Analyze players' performance and past match stats. Study team's defense and offense balance. Consider home-court advantage for Pittsburgh. Odds favor Bearkats' recent form. Assess injury reports for key players. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Monmouth Hawks Fairfield Stags |
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Monmouth Hawks have a strong home record; Fairfield Stags struggle on the road. Key players from both teams could influence the high-scoring potential of this game. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
St. Bonaventure Bonnies Niagara Purple Eagles |
|
|
-105 (129.5)
⇗5.00 |
St. Bonaventure Bonnies have a strong home record. Niagara Purple Eagles struggle on the road. Expect a competitive match with Bonnies favored to win. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
LIU Sharks Lehigh Mountain Hawks |
⇗45.00 |
⇘3.00 |
|
LIU Sharks possess a dynamic offense, but Lehigh's strong defense could create challenges. Key players and current form suggest a tightly contested match with potential surprises. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Central Connecticut St Blue Devils Quinnipiac Bobcats |
|
⇘3.00 |
|
Consider the Blue Devils' defense against the Bobcats' offense. Home-court advantage is key for Quinnipiac. Watch for key players' performance in the matchup. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Coppin St Eagles Navy Midshipmen |
335
⇗25.00 |
|
⇗10.00 |
Coppin State Eagles face Navy Midshipmen with Navy favored. Consider their strong defense, recent form, and home advantage. Coppin State's underdog status could offer value. Monitor player health updates. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Loyola (MD) Greyhounds Hampton Pirates |
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Analyze team form, head-to-head history, injuries, and location to guide betting on Loyola (MD) Greyhounds vs. Hampton Pirates. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Stony Brook Seawolves Maine Black Bears |
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Maine Black Bears have a slightly better recent record over Stony Brook Seawolves. Home advantage could be pivotal. Watch for key players' form. Close match expected. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Presbyterian Blue Hose Manhattan Jaspers |
-155
|
⇗10.00 |
|
Consider Presbyterian's strong defense and Manhattan's rebounding edge. Look for Manhattan potentially exploiting Presbyterian's turnovers, but Presbyterian's shooting efficiency could keep the game close. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Marist Red Foxes UMBC Retrievers |
-170
|
|
|
Analyze team stats: Marist's weak defense vs. UMBC's scoring potential. Home-court advantage and player injuries could be decisive. Consider recent form and head-to-head matchups for accurate predictions. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Robert Morris Colonials St. Francis (PA) Red Flash |
-345
⇘10.00 |
|
|
Consider team's form, injuries, head-to-head results, and home-court advantage. Analyze recent performance trends for informed betting decisions. Stay updated with expert predictions. |
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Sat Dec 21st 1pm
South Carolina Upstate Spartans Youngstown St Penguins |
320
|
|
|
Youngstown State has a stronger record this season. South Carolina Upstate may struggle against their defense. Key players to watch include Youngstown's top scorer and Upstate's leading rebounder. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Clemson Tigers Wake Forest Demon Deacons |
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The NBA Clemson Tigers have strong defense, while Wake Forest Demon Deacons excel in three-point shooting. Consider performance trends and player injuries when placing bets. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Michigan St Spartans Florida Atlantic Owls |
|
|
|
Both teams exhibit strong defenses, but Spartans have a better three-point strategy. Owls excel in fast breaks. Consider matchup history and injury reports for smarter bets. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Florida St Seminoles Louisville Cardinals |
|
⇘205.00 |
⇗5.00 |
Analyzing Florida St vs Louisville: focus on Seminoles' defensive rebounds, Cardinals' scoring efficiency, and recent form. Consider home court advantage and injury reports before making a bet. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Houston Cougars Texas A&M-CC Islanders |
⇗210.00 |
|
Houston Cougars have a strong defense, while Texas A&M-CC Islanders rely on their fast-paced offense. Expect a high-energy game. Betting edge favors the Cougars. | |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Miami Hurricanes Mt. St. Mary's Mountaineers |
-2000
|
|
|
Miami Hurricanes hold a strong home advantage. Focus on their offensive strategies. Mt. St. Mary's must improve defense to compete effectively. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Ball State Cardinals Evansville Purple Aces |
⇘25.00 |
⇗10.00 |
|
Ball State Cardinals and Evansville Purple Aces face off. Analyze team performances, injury reports, and recent matchups. Favor Cardinals' home advantage and stronger defense in predicting the outcome. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Bowling Green Falcons St. Thomas (MN) Tommies |
140
⇘12.00 |
⇗5.00 |
-110 (154)
|
Bowling Green’s strong defense meets St. Thomas' fast-paced offense. Falcons favored by experts, but Tommies’ underdog spirit poses a challenge. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Bradley Braves Canisius Golden Griffins |
|
⇗1.00 |
|
Bradley Braves have a strong defensive lineup. Canisius Golden Griffins rely on fast-paced offense. Watch the key players’ form and injury updates before betting. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
UMKC Kangaroos East Tennessee St Buccaneers |
|
⇗5.00 |
|
UMKC's recent form is strong, but East Tennessee's defense is tenacious. Expect a close game as both teams compete fiercely to secure a crucial win. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Eastern Michigan Eagles Wright St Raiders |
|
|
|
Wright St Raiders have a home advantage and stronger recent form. Eastern Michigan Eagles face challenges in defense. Closely contested game expected. Consider betting on under total points. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
South Alabama Jaguars James Madison Dukes |
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|
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James Madison Dukes strong defense against South Alabama's offense. Jaguars struggle on road. Dukes more consistent for a win. Monitor player injuries closely before betting. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Liberty Flames UT-Arlington Mavericks |
|
|
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Liberty Flames hold a strong home advantage. UT-Arlington struggles with away games. Key players' performance will be crucial. Watch for turnovers and three-point efficiency. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Troy Trojans Georgia St Panthers |
|
|
⇗5.00 |
Analyze team statistics, player form, injury updates, and head-to-head results. Focus on recent games, defensive capabilities, and betting trends. Home advantage may impact the outcome. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Fordham Rams Albany Great Danes |
|
|
⇗10.00 |
Consider Fordham’s strong defense and home-court advantage against Albany. Watch for player injuries and recent performance trends for more insights. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
UMass Lowell River Hawks Boston Univ. Terriers |
-365
⇘10.00 |
|
⇗5.00 |
Watch for scoring averages. River Hawks excel in offense; Terriers strong in defense. Recent player injuries may impact performance. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
CSU Northridge Matadors Chicago St Cougars |
|
|
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CSUN's strong defense may challenge Chicago State. Watch for rebound battles. Cougars need to improve shooting accuracy against Matadors. Expect a close match with potential for overtime. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Eastern Kentucky Colonels Jacksonville St Gamecocks |
100
⇗210.00 |
⇗204.00 |
⇗5.00 |
Eastern Kentucky has strong defense but struggles away. Jacksonville State solid at home and offensively skilled. Key players likely decide outcome. Watch for turnovers impacting the game result. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Minnesota Golden Gophers Fairleigh Dickinson Knights |
-2400
|
|
|
Check team stats and current form. Injuries and past matchups are decisive. Minnesota may have the edge, but Fairleigh Dickinson can surprise. Bet responsibly. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Southern Illinois Salukis High Point Panthers |
140
|
|
|
Southern Illinois's strong defense meets High Point's agile offense. Expect a close match. Key players will be crucial, with momentum possibly shifting late in the game. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Winthrop Eagles Mercer Bears |
⇗40.00 |
|
|
Winthrop Eagles have a strong offensive edge. Mercer Bears boast solid defense. Winthrop's recent form makes them favorites. Close game expected. Key players will be crucial. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
UNC Wilmington Seahawks UNC Asheville Bulldogs |
⇗20.00 |
|
⇗10.00 |
Consider UNC Wilmington's defense as a key factor; also, look at recent form and head-to-head records. Home court might influence outcome. Balance them when deciding your bet. |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Arkansas Razorbacks North Carolina A&T Aggies |
-110 (-29.5)
|
⇗10.00 |
Razorbacks expected to dominate Aggies with strong offense. Look for Arkansas to exploit North Carolina A&T’s defensive weaknesses. Consider betting on Arkansas to cover the spread. | |
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Sat Dec 21st 2pm
Duquesne Dukes UC Irvine Anteaters |
⇗20.00 |
⇗210.00 |
⇘5.00 |
Consider Anteaters' solid defense against Dukes' inconsistent offense. Home court advantage might favor UC Irvine. Key players to watch: DJ Davis (Anteaters), Jimmy Clark (Dukes). |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
North Carolina Tar Heels UCLA Bruins |
⇘5.00 |
|
|
UNC Tar Heels have a strong defense, but UCLA's balanced offense poses a challenge. Expect a close game with both teams having equal chances to win. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Vanderbilt Commodores Austin Peay Governors |
|
⇗5.00 |
⇗5.00 |
Vanderbilt's strong home performance gives them an edge. Austin Peay struggles on defense. Expect a high-scoring game with Vanderbilt likely covering the spread. Monitor injury reports for key players. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Colorado Buffaloes Bellarmine Knights |
|
|
⇗5.00 |
Consider Buffaloes' strong home record and Knights' defensive struggles. Watch for point spreads and over/under bets. Injuries could impact team performance significantly. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Arkansas St Red Wolves Coastal Carolina Chanticleers |
|
⇗5.00 |
⇗220.00 |
Coastal Carolina has strong home advantage while Arkansas State struggles on the road; consider point spreads. Check injury updates for impacts on the game outcome. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Harvard Crimson Furman Paladins |
|
|
|
Harvard Crimson shows strong defense while Furman Paladins excel offensively. Harvard's strategic plays can counter Furman's scoring. Key players and turnovers will decide the match outcome. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Marshall Thundering Herd |
|
|
⇗215.00 |
Consider Southern Miss's strong defense; Marshall struggles offensively. Key player injuries could influence scoring. Monitor total points and spread bets, as fluctuations are expected pre-game. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
UL Monroe Warhawks Old Dominion Monarchs |
|
|
⇗205.00 |
Old Dominion's defense is strong, could limit Warhawks' score. Key players impact will be crucial. Check injury reports for any last-minute changes before betting. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Pepperdine Waves UC Davis Aggies |
|
|
|
Consider Pepperdine Waves' home advantage against UC Davis Aggies. Focus on key players' performance, recent form, and historical matchups. These factors can influence the betting odds significantly. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
UNLV Rebels UC Riverside Highlanders |
|
|
|
UNLV Rebels' strong home performance makes them favorites against UC Riverside. Key players can impact total scoring. Consider betting on point spread and total points over/under. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
East Carolina Pirates Gardner-Webb Bulldogs |
⇘100.00 |
⇗5.00 |
|
Consider East Carolina's strong home performance against Gardner-Webb's recent struggles. Key players and injury updates could influence the outcome. Analyze the scoring trends for potential betting opportunities. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Miss Valley St Delta Devils |
|
|
|
Tulsa likely outperforms Miss Valley St. Focus on their defensive stats and recent home success. Miss Valley struggles away. Consider the point spread and under on the total points. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
South Florida Bulls Texas A&M-Commerce Lions |
⇗200.00 |
⇗5.00 |
⇗5.00 |
South Florida Bulls may have an edge against Texas A&M-Commerce Lions due to their strong offense. Watch their key players for potential standout performances. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Boise State Broncos Air Force Falcons |
|
⇗5.00 |
|
Consider Boise State's strong defensive stats. Air Force struggles against fast-paced teams. Check injury reports and past head-to-head matchups. Betting on Boise might be safer with a spread advantage. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Texas State Bobcats Georgia Southern Eagles |
|
|
|
Texas State's defense is robust, limiting opponent scoring. Georgia Southern thrives on offensive plays. Expect a low-scoring game, with Texas State marginally favored. Watch for strategic defense maneuvers. |
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Sat Dec 21st 3pm
Morehead St Eagles Tennessee St Tigers |
⇗10.00 |
|
|
Morehead St Eagles have a strong defense. Tennessee St Tigers excel in fast breaks. Expect a close game with potential for high scoring. Team form could influence the outcome. |
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Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Massachusetts Minutemen Arizona St Sun Devils |
|
|
⇗5.00 |
Arizona St Sun Devils favored over Massachusetts Minutemen. Strong offensive play expected. Betting trends favor Sun Devils based on recent performance. |
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Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Arizona Wildcats Central Michigan Chippewas |
|
⇗2.00 |
|
Arizona Wildcats have a strong offense. Central Michigan Chippewas struggle defensively. Betting favors Arizona. Consider point spread and over/under totals. Key players' performances are crucial. |
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Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Creighton Bluejays Villanova Wildcats |
|
|
|
Consider Creighton's strong offense versus Villanova's consistent defense. Monitor injuries and recent performance trends. Home advantage could be a factor. Analyze both teams' three-point shooting capabilities for smarter bets. |
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Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Northwestern Wildcats DePaul Blue Demons |
|
|
⇗5.00 |
Consider Northwestern's strong defense and DePaul's inconsistent offense. Northwestern has a slight edge due to their disciplined gameplay. Monitor player injuries for last-minute betting adjustments. |
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Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans Eastern Illinois Panthers |
|
|
⇗206.00 |
Arkansas-Little Rock has a strong home advantage, while Eastern Illinois struggles on the road. Consider recent injuries and player performance trends when placing bets on this match. |
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Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Washington St Cougars Northern Iowa Panthers |
|
|
|
Consider home advantage and recent forms. Washington St's defense strong. Northern Iowa shows promising offensive plays. Injury updates can impact game dynamics. |
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Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Pacific Tigers Idaho Vandals |
|
|
|
Pacific Tigers have a strong defense this season. Idaho Vandals struggle on the road. Expect a low-scoring game. Key players will determine the outcome. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Southern Utah Thunderbirds Northern Arizona Lumberjacks |
⇘10.00 |
|
|
Southern Utah's strong offense faces Northern Arizona's tough defense. Look for a high-scoring game with close margins. Consider Southern Utah's home advantage and recent form. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Abilene Christian Wildcats Texas Southern Tigers |
-480
|
⇗5.00 |
|
Consider team's recent performance and players' injuries. Analyze head-to-head stats. Abilene Christian may have an edge over Texas Southern, but betting lines could be close. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Alabama A&M Bulldogs Samford Bulldogs |
950
⇘100.00 |
|
|
Alabama A&M and Samford are set for a thrilling game. Watch out for key players and recent form. Expect a high-energy match with potential surprises. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Portland Pilots Lafayette Leopards |
|
⇗205.00 |
|
Portland Pilots vs. Lafayette Leopards: Examine team form and player injuries. Portland's home advantage is key, but Lafayette's recent defensive record may sway the game dynamics. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Auburn Tigers Purdue Boilermakers |
⇗60.00 |
|
|
Auburn Tigers and Purdue Boilermakers face off in a close contest. Key factors include defensive strategies, player performances, and home-court advantage. Betting might lean towards consistent scorers. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Lindenwood Lions Western Illinois Leathernecks |
-145
⇗20.00 |
⇘5.00 |
|
Lindenwood Lions and Western Illinois Leathernecks clash in a tight matchup. Consider team form and key players. Watch for home advantage and recent head-to-head records. Betting remains unpredictable. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles Tenn-Martin Skyhawks |
|
|
⇗7.00 |
Focus on team performance trends. Analyze player injuries and past matchups. Factor in home-court advantage and key players. Research betting odds for informed decision. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
SE Missouri St Redhawks SIU-Edwardsville Cougars |
100
⇗205.00 |
⇗7.00 |
|
SE Missouri St Redhawks have a strong home game record. SIU-Edwardsville Cougars struggle on the road. Watch player matchups to gauge potential outcomes. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 5pm
Davidson Wildcats Bethune-Cookman Wildcats |
-1600
|
|
|
Davidson Wildcats have a strong record and home advantage. Bethune-Cookman may struggle defensively. Consider betting on Davidson's higher score and potential win margin. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 5pm
Nevada Wolf Pack Colorado St Rams |
|
|
|
Assess teams' past performances and player conditions for strategic betting. Consider venue impact, historical matchups, and current streaks. Monitor any late injuries or lineup changes. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 5pm
Ole Miss Rebels Queens University Royals |
⇗210.00 |
⇗2.00 |
Ole Miss favorites with strong home advantage. Queens strong in the paint but lacks three-point range. Expect high-scoring game with key matchups in forward positions. | |
|
Sat Dec 21st 5pm
Fresno St Bulldogs Cal Baptist Lancers |
130
⇘10.00 |
|
|
Fresno St Bulldogs' strong defense meets Cal Baptist Lancers' versatile offense. Key players impact the odds. Watch for home-court advantage and recent form trends to guide your bet. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 5pm
Denver Pioneers N Colorado Bears |
222
|
|
⇗213.00 |
The Denver Pioneers have a strong home record. Watch for their key player’s performance. N Colorado Bears are improving their defense. Consider betting on the under for total points. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 5pm
Santa Clara Broncos South Dakota Coyotes |
|
⇗5.00 |
|
Broncos have a strong home record. Coyotes struggle on the road. Betting on Broncos is favorable. Key players' performance crucial. Over/Under depends on game pace. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 5pm
Kentucky Wildcats Ohio State Buckeyes |
⇗20.00 |
-105 (-8)
⇗10.00 |
⇗5.00 |
Consider Wildcats' offense and Buckeyes' defensive strategies. Kentucky's attack is strong, but Ohio State counters effectively. Analyze player performance trends before placing bets. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
Drake Bulldogs Green Bay Phoenix |
⇗210.00 |
|
Drake Bulldogs favored for strong offense; Green Bay Phoenix inconsistent. Consider Drake's home advantage. Monitor player injuries and recent form. Betting insight favors Bulldogs in this matchup. | |
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
Iowa Hawkeyes Utah Utes |
|
⇗5.00 |
⇗5.00 |
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Utah Utes: Consider home advantage, recent form, head-to-head stats, injury updates. Hawkeyes' defense vs. Utes' offense could be pivotal. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
UCF Knights Jacksonville Dolphins |
⇗400.00 |
⇗13.00 |
⇗5.00 |
UCF Knights have a strong defense which could challenge the Jacksonville Dolphins. Look for UCF's consistent shooting to make the difference. Key players: UCF's guards. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
San Francisco Dons Montana Grizzlies |
|
|
|
The San Francisco Dons are favored against the Montana Grizzlies, with strong offensive stats and home-court advantage tipping the scales in their favor. Consider betting on the Dons. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
Florida Int'l Golden Panthers IUPUI Jaguars |
⇗75.00 |
⇗215.00 |
|
Florida Int'l Golden Panthers hold a slight edge over IUPUI Jaguars. Watch player form and recent performance trends. Home advantage could be crucial for final result. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
Richmond Spiders VMI Keydets |
⇘25.00 |
|
|
Richmond Spiders favored due to strong defense and home advantage. VMI Keydets struggle with away games. Key players: Spiders' Gilyard, Keydets' Bonham. Monitor injury reports and betting trends. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 6pm
Rhode Island Rams Temple Owls |
|
|
⇗5.00 |
Analyze team form, player injuries, and head-to-head stats. Rams strong at home; Owls rely on defense. Betting odds favor Rams. Consider under total points market for potential value. |
This Week
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat Dec 21st 7pm
Wichita St Shockers Kansas St Wildcats |
⇘10.00 |
⇗13.00 |
|
Shockers have strong defense; Wildcats excel in offense. Key players will impact the game. Consider recent performances when betting. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 7pm
Elon Phoenix UNC Greensboro Spartans |
110
⇗230.00 |
⇗10.00 |
⇗10.00 |
The Elon Phoenix's strong home performance could challenge the UNC Greensboro Spartans, whose defense will be crucial. Expect a competitive game with potential for an upset. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 7pm
Jackson St Tigers Akron Zips |
Jackson St Tigers vs. Akron Zips: Look for team stats, current form, and injuries. Home court advantage and player matchups are crucial for betting insights. | |||
|
Sat Dec 21st 8pm
Stanford Cardinal Oregon Ducks |
|
|
|
Stanford's defense will be pivotal. Oregon's fast pace challenges opponents. Injuries on both sides could affect odds. Key players might swing the outcome. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 9pm
Gonzaga Bulldogs Bucknell Bison |
|
|
⇗5.00 |
Gonzaga Bulldogs hold a strong advantage over Bucknell Bison. Analyze player stats and recent performances. Consider underdog potential. Check the spread and money line odds before betting. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 9pm
Weber State Wildcats Utah Valley Wolverines |
-125
|
|
|
Assess Weber State's offensive strategies and Utah Valley's defense efficiency. Home-court advantage for Utah Valley could influence the outcome. Consider recent performance trends. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 9pm
Omaha Mavericks Cal Poly Mustangs |
⇘5.00 |
⇗3.00 |
|
Expect a tightly contested matchup. Omaha's offense versus Cal Poly's defensive strategies will be key. Watch for three-point accuracy. Mavericks hold the advantage in rebounds. Home court may influence outcome. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 9pm
San Diego Toreros UC San Diego Tritons |
|
⇘205.00 |
⇗5.00 |
The game features evenly matched teams. Key players to watch include San Diego's guards versus UC's forwards. Expect a competitive game with possible overtime. Keep an eye on shooting percentages. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 9pm
UTEP Miners Yale Bulldogs |
Yale Bulldogs are favorites against UTEP Miners based on recent form. UTEP's defensive struggles could be pivotal. Monitor player injuries and recent game performance for betting insights. | |||
|
Sat Dec 21st 9pm
CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners Portland St Vikings |
-170
|
|
|
Portland St Vikings hold a slight edge with a strong home record. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners rely on defense. Watch out for player injuries affecting team performance. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 10pm
San Diego St Aztecs California Golden Bears |
-210
|
⇗10.00 |
|
San Diego State's strong defense may limit Cal's scoring. Look for a low-scoring game. Betting on the under could be a smart move. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 10pm
San José St Spartans Kennesaw St Owls |
|
|
|
San José St Spartans vs. Kennesaw St Owls: Consider Spartans' home advantage. Owls may struggle with Spartans' defensive tactics. Monitor player injuries and recent form for informed betting. |
Next Week
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun Dec 22nd 7pm
Jackson St Tigers Akron Zips |
Jackson St Tigers vs Akron Zips: Analyze team performance and stats. Consider injuries, recent games, and home advantage. Look for trends and player matchups for betting insights. | |||
|
Sun Dec 22nd 9pm
UTEP Miners Yale Bulldogs |
Yale Bulldogs have a strong defensive record, while UTEP Miners have been inconsistent. Key players' performance could determine the game outcome. Analyze recent matchups for betting insights. |
To achieve about a 50/50 chance of winning a bet on a lopsided game, like the Rams vs. Vikings above, the sports books have come up with the "point spread."
Before I go on, let me clarify some terminology. Despite it being probably the most popular way to bet, there is no particular term for a bet against the spread. Many people call this a "straight bet." However, this term can also be used, and is printed on tickets for, money line bets, total bets, and any other bet involving just one game. For purposes of this page, I call such bets a "point spread" bet, and invite the rest of the world to adopt this terminology.
A point spread is simply a handicap you give the weaker team, or deduct from the stronger one, depending on how you look at it. For example, if my average scoring in bowling is 120 and I play somebody with an average of 140, then to make a wager fair, I might be given a free 20 points. In this case you would say my point spread is +20.
In the example above you can see a -10 next to the Vikings. That means that the Vikings are favored to win by 10 points. So, if you bet the Vikings you give up ten points and if you bet the Rams you get 10 points.
Usually with point spread bets you risk $11 for every $10 you stand to win.
Examples:
- A $110 bet on the Rams would win $100 if they win the game or lose by less than 10.
- A $110 bet on the Vikings would win $100 if the Vikings win by more than 10.
Both bets will push if the Vikings win by exactly 10.
Total
Total Bets are similar to point spread bets, except the bettor bets on the total points scored. In the example above the bettor bets whether the total points combined between the Vikings and Rams will be over or under 41. Like point spread bets the bettor must generally risk $11 to win $10, for a house edge of 4.54%.
Examples:
- A $55 bet on the under would win $50 if the total points in the game were 40 or less.
- A $55 bet on the over would win $50 if the total points in the game were 42 or less.
- Any bet on the over or under would push if the total points in the game were exactly 41.
Parlays
Parlay bets are a good and popular way to potentially win big with a small wager. The way they work is the bettor picks two or more events, which all must win or push to win the bet. One or more loss will cause the whole parlay bet to lose. In the event of a push, that "leg" of the parlay bet will be ignored and the win will be reduced to whatever it would pay if that selection were never made.
The way the win on parlay bets is calculated is as follows:
- If the player made two or more picks that are at -110 odds, then a parlay table will be used to determine to determine the win for just those events. These tables offer stingy odds, except for the two-leg parlay.
- After that, a mathematical calculation will be used for the other legs, as if the player made each bet independently.
As an example, consider the following parlay bet I made at the Golden Nugget, for the purposes of example only.
Note the parlay above contains four legs at -110 odds and one at +210. The Golden Nugget pays 11 to 1 for a four-leg parlay. The total return of a parlay, including the return of the original bet, is the product of what every bet would be on a for one basis. In this case, $10 × 12 × 3.1 = $372.20.
My advice on parlays is to never include more than two legs at -110 odds.
For more information on parlays, please see my section on parlay bets the NFL. You can also find a survey of Las Vegas parlay tables at Wizard of Vegas.
Compare Online NFL Odds
American Football : NFL
Today
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat Dec 21st 1pm
Kansas City Chiefs Houston Texans |
⇗10.00 |
|
|
Kansas City Chiefs possess a stronger roster and home advantage, making them favorites against Houston Texans, despite Texans' potential for an upset. |
|
Sat Dec 21st 4pm
Baltimore Ravens Pittsburgh Steelers |
|
⇘5.00 |
-110 (44)
|
Ravens and Steelers rivalry is intense. Ravens’ offense is strong but inconsistent. Steelers' defense is tough. Key factors: turnovers and home-field advantage. Both teams have passionate fanbases. |
This Week
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
Carolina Panthers Arizona Cardinals |
|
|
-110 (47)
|
Expect an intense matchup. Panthers aim to dominate with McCaffrey, while Cardinals rely on Murray's agility. Defensive strategies will be crucial. Watch for turnovers impacting game flow. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
Atlanta Falcons New York Giants |
|
|
|
The Falcons' offense is strong, but their defense struggles. Giants show solid defense, but lack offensive consistency. Look for turnovers and QB performance to be key factors. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
Buffalo Bills New England Patriots |
|
|
-110 (46.5)
|
Buffalo's strong offense faces Patriots' resilient defense. Key players: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs vs. Mac Jones, Matthew Judon. Consider home advantage, weather, and recent form for placing bets. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
Chicago Bears Detroit Lions |
|
|
-110 (47.5)
|
The Bears' defense struggles against high-powered offenses. Lions have a potent passing game, making them favored. Weather conditions could influence play. Monitor any injuries for impact on betting lines. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
Indianapolis Colts Tennessee Titans |
|
|
-110 (42.5)
|
Colts and Titans have a strong rivalry. Colts excel in passing; Titans dominate the ground game. Key matchup: Colts’ defense vs. Derrick Henry. Weather could impact passing plays. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
New York Jets Los Angeles Rams |
|
|
-110 (46.5)
|
Jets rely on solid defense; Rams boast a stronger offense. Watch for quarterback matchups. Possible low-scoring game. Special teams could decide. Bet cautiously. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
Washington Commanders Philadelphia Eagles |
|
|
-110 (45.5)
|
Eagles are favored with strong offense. Commanders need defensive strategy. Key player performance could shift odds. Watch for turnovers and special teams impact. Betting line fluctuates with injuries. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm
Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns |
|
|
|
Consider the Bengals' strong offense against the Browns' defense. Check injury reports. Weather could affect gameplay. Recent head-to-head statistics and home-field advantage are pivotal for betting decisions. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm
Seattle Seahawks Minnesota Vikings |
130
|
⇗210.00 |
|
Seahawks' strong offense clashes with Vikings' tight defense. Key players: Wilson, Cook. Home advantage favors Vikings. Monitor weather conditions. Bet cautiously, as both teams show unpredictable performances. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm
Las Vegas Raiders Jacksonville Jaguars |
|
-110 (-2)
|
-110 (40.5)
|
Las Vegas Raiders boast a strong offense while Jaguars' defense shows resilience. Monitor line movement and injury reports. Raiders slightly favored, expect a close game with potential high scoring. |
|
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm
Miami Dolphins San Francisco 49ers |
-105
|
|
|
The Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers face off in a close matchup. Evaluate recent performance, injuries, and weather conditions before placing your bets. Home advantage favors the 49ers. |
Next Week
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun Dec 22nd 8pm
Dallas Cowboys Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
175
|
|
|
Cowboys' strong offense faces Buccaneers' solid defense. Key players and turnovers will likely decide the game's outcome. Watch for momentum shifts in crucial moments. |
|
Mon Dec 23rd 8pm
Green Bay Packers New Orleans Saints |
|
-110 (-14)
|
-110 (42.5)
|
Green Bay Packers may face challenges against New Orleans Saints due to strong Saints defense. Key players to watch: Aaron Rodgers and Alvin Kamara. Weather could impact play strategies. |
|
Wed Dec 25th 4pm
Pittsburgh Steelers Kansas City Chiefs |
|
|
-110 (42.5)
|
Pittsburgh's defense meets Kansas City's high-scoring offense; pivotal match for playoff positions. Watch for Mahomes' passes and Steelers' counter play. Weather could impact game dynamics. |
|
Wed Dec 25th 8pm
Houston Texans Baltimore Ravens |
|
-110 (3)
|
-110 (47.5)
|
Baltimore Ravens likely favored. Monitor Texans' rookie QB play. Consider Ravens' home-field advantage and recent performance. Weather conditions may influence the game strategy. Evaluate injury reports. |
|
Thu Dec 26th 8pm
Chicago Bears Seattle Seahawks |
|
-105 (2.5)
|
-110 (41.5)
|
Consider the Bears' improving defense against Seattle's inconsistent offense. Watch for weather impact as it could favor the ground game. Key players' injuries might influence the outcome heavily. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
Buffalo Bills New York Jets |
|
-105 (-10)
|
-110 (48.5)
|
Buffalo Bills strong offense meets New York Jets resilient defense. Watch for key player matchups, turnovers, and weather impacts. Bills favored, but Jets' underdog status could offer value. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Carolina Panthers |
-250
|
-110 (-8.5)
|
-110 (47.5)
|
Tampa Bay's strong defense faces Carolina's struggling offense. Monitor player injuries. Weather might impact gameplay. Consider betting under on total points and favor Tampa Bay to win. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
Minnesota Vikings Green Bay Packers |
122
|
-110 (-1.5)
|
-110 (48.5)
|
Vikings face Packers, NFC North rivalry. Key players matter: Cousins for Vikings, Love for Packers. Weather at Lambeau Field plays a role. Defense challenges and interceptions can decide winner. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans |
|
-110 (-1)
|
-110 (39.5)
|
Jaguars' strong offense faces Titans' robust defense. Key players: Jaguars' Lawrence and Titans' Henry. Home advantage may favor Jaguars. Monitor Titans' injuries for betting impact. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
New Orleans Saints Las Vegas Raiders |
|
-110 (-2.5)
|
-110 (40.5)
|
Consider Saints' strong home record and Raiders' travel fatigue. Saints' defense solid, Raiders' offense struggles. Saints favored but expect a close game. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
Washington Commanders Atlanta Falcons |
122
|
|
-110 (46)
|
The Commanders' defense may struggle against the Falcons' versatile offense. Betting on Atlanta could be wise as they play strongly at home. Monitor injury reports closely before placing bets. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
Cincinnati Bengals Denver Broncos |
|
-105 (-3)
|
-110 (47.5)
|
Cincinnati Bengals have strong offense. Denver Broncos rely on solid defense. Key player injuries might affect game outcome. Weather conditions could play a role. Bet cautiously on point spread. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
New York Giants Indianapolis Colts |
|
-110 (6.5)
|
-110 (40)
|
The betting insight for New York Giants vs. Indianapolis Colts: Giants' strong offense vs. Colts' inconsistent defense may lean the scale. Consider the home field advantage in Giants' favor. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 1pm
New England Patriots Los Angeles Chargers |
|
-110 (5.5)
|
-110 (41.5)
|
Patriots' strong defense faces Chargers' dynamic offense. Quarterback matchup is crucial. Both teams aim for playoff contention. Key injuries could impact performance. Weather may play a role. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 4pm
Los Angeles Rams Arizona Cardinals |
|
|
-110 (49)
|
Rams' defense outshines Cardinals. Expect high-paced game, Rams likely to cover spread. Key players: Stafford, Kupp. Cardinals need Murray's agility to excel. Watch weather conditions. |
|
Sun Dec 29th 4pm
Philadelphia Eagles Dallas Cowboys |
-145
|
-110 (-11)
|
-110 (44.5)
|
Eagles' strong offensive line balances Cowboys' defense. Watch Hurts vs. Prescott duel. Turnovers and home advantage crucial. Eagles favored slightly, but it's a close matchup. Monitor injured players closely. |
Next Month
| Upcoming matches | Money Line | Spread | Total | Featured Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun Dec 29th 8pm
Cleveland Browns Miami Dolphins |
|
-110 (3.5)
|
-110 (41.5)
|
The Cleveland Browns face the Miami Dolphins. Consider Miami’s strong offense and Cleveland’s inconsistent form. Monitor injury reports and line movements for strategic betting decisions. |
|
Mon Dec 30th 8pm
San Francisco 49ers Detroit Lions |
|
|
-110 (51.5)
|
49ers have a strong defense, but watch out for Lions' offensive push. Injuries could affect performance. Home advantage favors Lions, but 49ers' track record shines. |
Teasers
Teasers are similar to parlays except the point spread on each game moves a certain number of points in the player's favor. In football the player gets 6 to 7 points, and in basketball, 4 to 5 points. The player pays for this in the form of much lower winnings. For example, if the Vikings were part of a 6-point teaser, then they would only need to win by more than 4 points to cover. If the Rams were part of a teaser, they could win, or lose by less than 16, and cover.
More information:
- Teaser bets in the NFL.
- Vegas sports book comparison for the teaser odds at all the Vegas sports book groups.
Buying Half a Point
In football and basketball, the straight bet player has the option to move the point spread 1/2 point to his advantage. The cost of this half point is laying 120, as opposed to 110. Not all sports books allow this, and if they do, they usually don't let you buy off of the common three-point margin of victory in football.
Futures
Futures are a bet on who will win the championship when there are still more than two possible teams to bet on. The house edge on futures varies substantially from one sports book to another. However, in general, they are a sucker bet.
More information:
- For information on who does offer the best futures in Las Vegas visit my sports betting appendix 5.
- You can also use my sports futures calculator to calculate the overall house edge of a set of futures bets.
Propositions
Often big games will have "proposition" bets on things not directly related to the final score of the game. These are usually abbreviated to "prop" bets. For example, in football whether or not the first score will be a touchdown. In baseball whether a run will be scored in the first inning. In hockey/soccer, whether anybody will score a hat trick. The odds on these are expressed like point spread bets. For example, as I write this the Golden Nugget has the following proposition bet on Super Bowl 49:
Will there be a safety in the game?
Yes: +500
No: -700
This means a bet on the "yes" pays 5 to 1, and on the "no" pays 1 to 7.
More information:
Basic Strategy
I could talk all day about betting sports but I know some of my readers just want it simplified to nice sound bites. For them, here is my basic strategy for sports betting:
- Money lines: Bet underdogs.
- Point spread bets: Bet underdogs.
- Totals: Bet unders.
- Parlays: Bet off the board as opposed to the cards. Either do a three-team parlay or mix in one event that doesn't pay -110 odds.
- Teasers: Unless you know to cross the key numbers (namely 3 and 7 in football), avoid teasers completely.
- Futures: Avoid them, as they carry a high house edge of about 30%. If you must bet them, for entertainment reasons, do so in strict moderation.
- Propositions: Bet unders and things not to happen.
- All bets: Shop around. Lines can vary from one sports book to another. It pays to compare lines for extra points or better odds.
Internal Links
- Betting the NFL In-depth look at betting professional football.
- Betting College Football In-depth look at betting college football.
- Parlay Bets in the NFL
- Teaser Bets in the NFL
- Pleaser Bets in the NFL
- Betting the MLB In-depth look at betting professional baseball.
- Betting the NBA In-depth look at betting professional basketball.
- Appendix 1 Comparative study on who has the best lines in Vegas.
- Appendix 2 Various topics in sports betting.
- Appendix 3 List of Las Vegas sports book families.
- Appendix 4 Fair prices to buy and sell points in the NFL.
- Appendix 5 Explores sports futures in greater depth.
- Appendix 6 Lost and expired tickets.
- Appendix 7 Companion to appendix 1, showing NFL money line pairs from several Internet sportbooks.
- Appendix 8 Comparative study on who has the best lines offshore.
- Appendix 9 Companion to appendix 8, showing NFL money line pairs from offshore sportbooks.
- Appendix 11 College football money lines.
- Total number of kickoffs in Super Bowl 43. Were there 9 or 10?
- Vegas sports book comparison at WizardOfVegas.com. Who offers what odds on parlays and teasers, as well as rebate percentages.
- NFL proposition bet calculator: The fair line on lots of common props, given the spread the total.
- Sports parlay calculator: To see what an off-the-board parlay pays, that isn't all -110 legs.
- Straight bet calculator: Calculate the house edge of any straight (two outcome) bet.
- Sports futures calculator: Calculate the house edge of a set of futures bets.
Sports Book Reviews
- 18bet
- 1xbet
- 22Bet
- 888sport
- bet-at-home
- Bet365 Sportsbook
- Betfred Sportsbook
- Betiton Sport
- betObet Sports
- BetOnline Sportsbook
- BetOwi
- BetRegal
- Betsson
- BetUS
- Bodog Sportsbook
- BookMaker Sportsbook
- Bovada
- CampeonBet
- CloudBet
- CobraBet
- Everygame Sports
- Gbets
- GTbets
- Horse Racing Betting
- LeoVegas
- Linesmaker - No new players
- LV Bet
- Melbet Sports
- Mr.Play Sports
- MyBookie
- Neobet Sports
- OddsMaker
- Paddy Power Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sports
- Ruby Bet
- Sapphirebet
- Shangri La Live Sportsbook
- Sports Betting Online
- SportsBet
- Sportsbetting
- Sportsbook.ag - No new players
- SuperBoss Sports
- TigerGaming Sports
- Titanbet
- Top Bet
- Unibet Sports
- WagerWeb
- William Hill
Outside Links
- For a simplified explanation of sports betting, please visit my companion site Wizard of Vegas.
- My sports betting advice in Spanish at LasApuestas.mx.