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The 2014-15 NFL season has come down to the grand daddy of them all, Super Bowl XLIX.  The Seattle Seahawks came from behind to beat the Green Bay Packers 28-22 in OT.  The New England Patriots routed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 to win the AFC.

If you just watched the 1st half of the Packers/Seahawks NFC Championship game than you may have walked away thinking the Packers had the momentum and the 16-0 half time lead.  In fact, the Packers were leading the Seahawks 19-7 with a little over 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter when Russell Wilson scored a TD to put Seattle within 5 points.  This is when the momentum changed and perhaps NFL history.  With 1:25 left in the 4th quarter, Marshawn Lynch rushed for a 24 yd touchdown and the Seahawks converted on a 2 point conversion putting them up 22-19.  But it wasn’t over for the Pack as they got the ball back and moved it within range for Mason Crosby.  Crosby hit a 48 yard FG with :14 seconds left to push the game to over time.

Seattle won the coin toss and started out on their 13 yard line.  On the first play, Wilson connected with Doug Baldwin for a 35 yard gain to put them at the Packers 43 yard line.  The very next play, Wilson threw deep to Jermaine Kearse down the middle for a 35 yard touchdown pass to end it.  Truly one of the best come backs and best games in NFL history.  Big time players make big plays in big games and despite a terrible performance by Russell Wilson, he managed to lead his team to what looked like an impossible victory.

In the AFC Championship, the New England Patriots bull dozed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7.  Andrew Luck and the Cols ran out of gas and were out played and out coached by a superior team.  The Patriots are headed to their 6th Super Bowl in 14 years but they have not won since they beat the Eagles in 2004.  The last two Super Bowls (2007 & 2011 seasons) the Patriots were defeated by the New York Giants.  Seattle’s defense and offense are superior to both the 2007 & 2011 New York Giants teams.  Just like the 2011 Giants, Seattle has a whole lot of momentum heading into this game as they look to win back-to-back Super Bowl’s.

Super Bowl Odds: New England Patriots (-1, 49)

Not surprising as early Super Bowl betting action shows roughly 61% of the public taking the Patriots.  There is always an overreaction with how the public perceives the AFC and NFC Championship games.  It happened last year with the public backing Denver only for the Seattle to dominate the contest.  Squares will look at New England pounding the Colts, when in all fairness, the Colts were lucky to be playing in the AFC Championship game despite the ups and downs throughout the season.  The Colts were a one man show and they were exposed by a better team.  You compare the AFC to the NFC Championship game and think that the Seahawks were lucky to pull this one out.

Tuesday night MAC football highlights Bowling Green Falcons (5-3) vs Akron Zips (4-4)

Odds: Akron -7, 58

Bowling Green sits a top of the MAC East Conference heading into Tuesday night’s matchup in Akron.  The Zips are breathing down their neck at a game behind the Falcons.

The Zips have had a little trouble putting points on the board this season but do have a win over Pitt in week 4.  However, Akron has failed to score over 21 points but once this season in week 1 vs Howard, not exactly stiff competition.

Akron was leading Ball State 21-6 at one point in their last game but failed to hold onto the lead and fell to a 35-26 loss.  Last week Akron had a bye.

Although Bowling Green has a better record and leads the MAC East they are slated as +7 point road underdogs.  Bowling Green is also coming off a loss to Western Michigan 26-14.  Heading into the Western Michigan game, the Falcons had rattled off 3-straight wins.  The Falcons were leading 14-13 at half but were outscored 13-0 in the 2nd half.

For the Bettors…

The under is 7-0 in Falcons last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home 

4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home 

7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game 

Zips are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall 

1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record

Head to head the favorite is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings 

Falcons are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Akron 

Falcons are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings

What we have seen from Akron this year is disappointing.  Will you get the team that beat Pitt or will you get the team that got shutout in the 2nd half by Ball State?  Akron is 3-1 at home this season but the wins came over Howard, Eastern Michigan and Miami-Ohio.  These three team have a combined 6 wins which doesn’t make the 3-1 home record that impressive.

College Football Playoff and National Championship implications are on the line Saturday night when the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame travel to Tallahassee to take on the #2 ranked Florida State Seminoles.  Florida State is the defending National Champion while Notre Dame was the runner up in 2013 after losing to Alabama.  This matchup on Saturday will help shape the college football playoff picture in 2014-15.

Notre Dame vs Florida State Preview

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

When: Saturday, October 18, 8:00 PM ET

Line: Florida State Seminoles (-11.5) view all NCAA Football picks

Florida State is currently ranked #2 in the nation despite a (6-0) record which indicates they have not won in dominating fashion compared to 2013.  The Seminoles have gotten off to some slow starts in games this season and have had some close calls, most notably vs Oklahoma State and Clemson.  From a football betting outlook, Florida State is just 1-5 ATS on the season with the only ATS win on the Wake Forest game where they were favored by -37.5 points and led only 13-3 at half.  A fire was lit at half time and the Seminoles scored 30 points in the 2nd half to cover the large margin.

Florida State has been surrounded by controversy from the start of Jameis Winston’s tenure as QB.  There have been rape allegations dating back a couple of years that seemed to get swept under the rug during last seasons national title run.  However, the case is still open and it appears prosecutors are gaining more evidence.  On top of these very serious allegations there are new reports that indicate Winston signed autographs for money, just like Georgia RB Todd Gurley who was suspended for the season.  Autograph signing has become a big issue in college sports but it is prohibited for college athletes to sign memorabilia for money.

On top of all of this drama, criminal allegations and 1 game suspension earlier this season; Jameis Winston is (19-0) as a starter.  The biggest concern for Florida State is that Jameis Winston will not start this game on Saturday night with the recent autograph signing allegations.  This story will continue to develop throughout the week.

Notre Dame is also no stranger to controversy.  Several players have been suspended this year due to academic violations and a cheating scandal with Notre Dame athletes.  Everett Golson was suspended the entire 2013 season after leading the Irish to the National Championship game as a freshmen in 2012.  Golson was also suspended for academic cheating and it appears to be a big problem for head coach Brian Kelly and the Irish.  To Golson’s credit, he took his suspension like a man and worked hard in the off season and it appears that he is much improved from 2012.

Golson has only one blemish on his starting record and it was the biggest of his career so far.  Golson is (16-1) with the only lose to Alabama in the 2012 National Championship.  Notre Dame is (6-0) on the season and 4-2 ATS.  Notre Dame is currently ranked #6 in the nation but some could argue that besides Stanford they haven’t truly played top ranked teams.  The Irish won a thrilling game vs Stanford 17-14 and also won a close game on Saturday over UNC which may have been a little too close for comfort, 50-43 as -16.5 favorites. S

Notre Dame vs Florida State Prediction

This should be a very good game.  Florida State is 22-0 SU last 22 games but just 1-6 ATS last 7 games.  Notre Dame is 7-2 ATS last 9 games and 4-0 ATS last 4 games as an underdog.

Early lean is to take Notre Dame and the points +11.5 on the road.  This Florida State team is not the same team as the 2013 team.  On the flip side, Notre Dame has yet to play a team like Florida State and playing on the road in Tallahassee is a HUGE task.  If there is one thing to be said about Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is that all he really does is win.  FSU has been surrounded by controversy which may play to the Irish’s favor but it has yet to affect the Seminoles.

If Winston is suspended for this game, which appears unlikely at this point, this game will be pulled by the books.  At this point in the week there is something about Notre Dame where they continue to be bashed by critics, however, they keep winning with Golson at QB.  This will be by far their biggest game of the year but let’s not forget the big games Golson played and won as a freshman.  He won at Michigan State, at home vs Michigan, played part of the game at home vs Stanford (before suffering a concussion), at Oklahoma and at USC.  They didn’t fare so well against the powerful Alabama in 2012 but that just adds to his experience.

Take Notre Dame and the points and we’ll see the Irish can hang in there to make this a close game or even shock the nation and win outright.

Don’t you just love Thursday night football!?  We have two dandies on Thursday with Texas Tech visiting Oklahoma State in a Big 12 matchup at 7pm and the 10pm late game features Pac 12 foes UCLA @ Arizona State.  Two great opportunities for oursports betting top handicappers to cash in on early weekend college football action.

Take a look below for our preview on the Texas Tech vs Oklahoma State

Game Date: Sept. 25, 2014

Game Time: 7pm EST

Where: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK

Line: Oklahoma State (-14.5)

It is no secret that Texas Tech’s defense is in disarray after a 49-28 loss to Arkansas.  Tech gave up 438 yards rushing and so far have given up 36.7 points per game good for 112th in the nation.  Since the Arkansas game, defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt has resigned from his position for being under the influence of an improper substance on campus.  This sounds like a recipe for disaster and it’s a wonder that Tech is (2-1) on the season.

Texas Tech have beaten Central Arkansas and UTEP by a combined total of 11 points so it’s not a huge surprise that Oklahoma State is favored by 14.5 points at home.  OSU is 5-0 ATS last 5 meetings between the two schools since 2009 and have won by no less than 17 points in each outing.

Oklahoma State showed up for a very difficult week 1 game in the national spotlight vs the defending national champs, Florida State.  The Cowboys had Florida State on the ropes at one point and it was looking like Oklahoma State could pull off a remarkable week 1 upset.  Florida State battled back and won 37-31 but OSU covered the +18 point spread.  OSU went on to beat Missouri State in week 2 40-23, but failed to cover the -33.5 points spread and also beat Texas-San Antonio 43-13 covering the -18 point spread.  Oklahoma State has not failed to put points on the board so far this season.

Both teams are coming off a bye in week 4 to prepare for Thursday night’s tilt in Stillwater.  Likely this benefit Texas Tech and -14.5 points are a lot of points to lay to a team that can score like the Red Raiders.  Junior QB J.W. Walsh is out for the season after breaking his ankle in the Missouri State game.  In stepped junior QB Daxx Garman and he has relished the opportunity throwing for 559 yards, 4 TD - 0 INT and the Cowboys haven’t skipped a beat.

It’s tough to lay the -14.5 points in a conference game but if history is any indicator the Cowboys have owned this matchup.  Look for Oklahoma State’s defense to make just enough stops for OSU to pull away with a victory and cover the -14.5 point spread.

Pick: Oklahoma State -14.5

View all our NCAA football picks from the best sports handicappers online!

By RC Blevins

#5 Auburn Tigers (2-0, 2-0 ATS) @ #20 Kansas State Wildcats (2-0, 0-2 ATS)

Line: Auburn (-9, O/U 65)

Game Time: Thursday September 18, 2014 7:30pm EST on ESPN

Thursday night football is usually a good chance for MAC, Mountain West or your “mid-major” teams to showcase their school and football teams.  However, this Thursday is different as we are treated to a SEC vs Big 12 show down.  Tomorrow night we see the defending SEC Champion, and national runner up, #5 Auburn Tigers travel to Manhattan, Kansas to take on #20 Kansas State.

Auburn covered and won both games to start the season vs Arkansas and San Jose State.  Kansas State beat Stephen F. Austin with ease but needed to comeback two weeks ago vs Iowa State to pull out the victory.  Both teams are coming off an early season bye so they will be well rested.

Auburn has rushed for over 300 yards in both games to start the season and rank 7th in rushing.  Kansas State will need to contain the running game to pull out a victory Thursday night.

Kansas State has lost 6 straight games playing against top 25 non-conference opponents.  Auburn has won all 3 match ups vs Kansas State including a 23-13 win in 2007, their last game.

Auburn ATS Trends

Auburn is 4-0 ATS on the road vs a team with a winning home record

Auburn is 11-0 ATS last 11 games following an ATS win

Auburn is 5-0 last 5 non-conference games

Auburn is 10-1 last 11 games vs a team with a winning record

Kansas State ATS Trends

Kansas State is 4-0 ATS last 4 games following a BYE

Kansas State is 18-7-1 ATS vs a team with a winning record

Kansas State is 4-9 ATS last 13 games at home vs a team with a winning record

Kansas State is 2-5 ATS last 7 non-conference games

Kansas State is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games

When you study the ATS betting trends in depth you clearly get the idea that Auburn is the better team ATS.  Bill Snyder and Kansas State are great at controlling the clock and time of possession by slowing down the play and running the ball effectively.  Kansas State has a solid defense and they will need to make stops against QB Nick Marshall and the Auburn rushing attack.  The trends and line are begging you to take Auburn but this has the makings of a close Thursday night game.

Pick: Kansas State (+9)

Some of our Documented Handicappers have strong opinions when it comes to Penn State vs. Central Florida on Saturday at 8:30am.  You read that right, the game is scheduled for 8:30am since it will be played in Ireland.  However, this game may not even kick off due to the possibility of a volcano posing a threat of eruption.  This is the first time to our knowledge we have heard of this reason for canceling a game so stay tuned to see if this game will kick off on time.  Just in case, we have a FREE pick against the spread below.

Penn State vs. Central Florida (-2)

Some of us are sold on the positive vibes coming out of Happy Valley with hiring of head coach James Franklin.  Franklin made waves at Vanderbilt and built up a team that played in the brutal SEC.  Franklin was considered a coach on the rise and many top programs would have loved to get the chance to hire James Franklin.

Penn State starts the 2014 season with their 2nd head coach in three years.  Joe Paterno was the head coach for 46 years making him the longest serving head coach in the history of college football.  So let’s just say Penn State is not used to this type of turnover.

Bill O’Brien took over for Paterno and did a fine job recruiting and restoring the faith of Penn State alumni and fans.  It was well known that O’Brien was just waiting for an opportunity to jump back to the NFL which is what he did when he was hired by the Houston Texans.

James Franklin takes over a team that is coming off a (7-5, 4-4 Big 10) season.  Last season they lost to UFC 34-31 and they also lost games to Illinois and Nebraska in overtime.  A 7 win season could have very easily been a 9 win season.

UCF was (12-1, 8-0 ACC) and had a tremendous year lead by QB Blake Bortles who was taken #3 overall in the NFL Draft by Jacksonville.  The Knights capped off their magical season by beating Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl.  UCF returns the bulk of their roster from 2013 including a led by Ranell Hall, J.J. Worton and Breshad Perriman. The trio combined for 143 catches, over 2,400 yards and 16 touchdowns.  Redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo will take over the reigns at quarterback and will have to fill some big shoes.

Penn State returns only 1 starter from the offensive line which could take some time to gel.  Sophomore QB Christian Hackenberg looks to build upon an impressive freshman year throwing for 2,995 yards and 20 TDs.  The Nittany Lions have a talented group of running backs and tight ends but they did lose WR Allen Robinson.  Penn States defense will be improved from last season with more experience as they return some key starters such as LB Mike Hull, CB Adrian Amos and Jordan Lucas not to mention some talented defensive front.

Christian Hackenberg will throw his hat into the ring this season as one of college football’s best young quarterbacks.  He was a top recruit out of high school and decided to commit to Penn State even after the bowl sanctions prohibiting Penn State from bowl inclusion until after 2015.  This kid has the poise and arm to lead this Nittany Lion team to a winning season.

FREE NCAAF Pick

Our prediction for this game is to take Penn State (+2).  While UCF returns a slew of starters from 2013, it was Blake Bortles that made the offense click.  He will be missed and it may be too much for the redshirt freshman to handle with the 1st game of the season.

When you think of the NFL teams in the AFC North you think of blue collar, hard working cities with passionate football fans.  That is exactly what we will get from the improved North division in 2014 since every team has taken a step forward since 2013.  The road to the AFC North title usually goes through Pittsburgh or Baltimore but the Bengals won in 2013 and seem to be a team on the rise.  Will the Bengals repeat as AFC North Division champs in 2014?  Our sports betting top handicappers give their NFL predictions and analysis below.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have won 2 Super Bowls since 2000 with the most recent coming in 2012.  The Ravens lost a lot of key players in 2013 to free agency as the team made a decision to pay Joe Flacco but let other players walk and start to rebuild around Flacco.  Baltimore will be without Ray Rice for two games due to his highly publicized beating of his fiancé in the off season.  The Ravens drafted CJ Mosley at #17 which could prove to be a steal. Mosley is projected to fill the middle linebacker spot left when Ray Lewis retired after the 2012 season.  He has big shoes to fill but could provide a much needed presence in the middle.

Vegas odds show the Ravens with 8.5 wins on the season but our NFL betting experts see the makings of another 8-8 season in an improved division.  Take the under 8.5 wins bet.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are a team on the rise in the AFC North.  QB Andy Dalton is heading into the 2014 season with a massive new contract and preps to lead his team back into the NFL playoffs.  The Chargers exposed Dalton with blitz heavy play calling and Dalton struggled to get rid of the ball quickly.  The Bengals have one of the best offensive lines in football and went 11-5 in 2013 but will be playing in a tougher division in 2014.  They gained the much needed experience last season and this season they will be put to the test to whether or not they can take the next step of winning a game in the playoffs.

Vegas predicts the Bengals winning 9 games this season and our NFL handicappers view this as a push.  We don’t see the Bengals winning 11 games this season mainly due to a more difficult schedule playing New England and Denver this season.  We see the Bengals going 9-6 but not winning the AFC North and clinching a wild card spot in the AFC.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland is a work in progress and the talk of the Browns this preseason has been all about Johnny Manziel.  Johnny football was a late 1st round draft pick of the Browns and they hope the quarterback of the future.  For now, he is 2nd on the depth chart behind Brian Hoyer.  The Browns lost TJ Ward to the Broncos which means their defensive secondary could be exposed this season and hurt the Browns in close games.

Our top NFL handicappers see the Browns improving upon their 4-12 record in 2013 but only look for them to go 6-10 in 2014 and UNDER the 6.5 games Vegas pegs them to win.  We see Hoyer starting the season as QB but Manziel gaining some experience towards the end of the season and instilling hope for the future to the franchise.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh came within a FG last season of clinching the wild card in the AFC but instead the Chargers went into OT to clinch the spot in the playoffs.  The Steelers have now gone 8-8 in back to back years and missed the playoffs in both seasons.  Pittsburgh had a rough start to the season in 2013 but came together late in the season which put them in a position to make the playoffs.  

In 2014, the Steelers need to get off to a positive start considering their first 6 games are not as difficult on paper.  Two of those games are vs the Browns and 1 against the Ravens which gives them an opportunity to get a leg up in the North.  The Steeler really are a coin flip this season.  Will they get a healthy Ben Roethlisberger?  Will their defense get exposed?  Can they play well enough to win the games they are supposed to and be competitive vs the likes of New Orleans, Kansas City and Carolina where they will be underdogs?

Vegas odds have the Steelers winning 8.5 games in 2014 and our Documented Handicappers like the Over with the Steelers going 9-7, possibly 10-6 if they can stay healthy.  We see the Steelers taking back the AFC North title from the Bengals in a surprise bet for 2014.

The NFC North should make for a interesting division in 2014 with the Packers, Bears and Lions all competiting for the division title.  It should be an improved division with both all three teams looking to not only win the division but clinch a playoff spot.  Our NFL predictions this year will be taking close consideration to the tough NFC North division.

Detroit Lions

Vegas Odds Win Total: 8 wins (over -150, under +130)

The Lions have a legit shot at winning the NFC North in 2014.  In fact, our sports betting top handicappers predict the Lions will win the NFC North behind Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and their ferocious defense. Vegas has Detroit’s season win total set at 8 games and that would be our play as most of the Documented Handicappers have them as a 9 win team making the playoffs.  Since the NFC North will be a tough division, no team will run away with the title and it may come down to the last couple weeks of the season.

Green Bay Packers

Vegas Odds Win Total: 10.5 wins (Over -150, Under -115)

The linesmakers know that many people and Packers fans will be backing another Packers run to the playoffs.  A 10.5 win total for a team out of the North is a tough feat to accomplish but when you have Aaron Rodgers as your quarterback it will tend to sway a lot of bettors to favor the Packers.  Our NFL handicappers do not think the Packers will win more than 10 games and favor the under.  A season win total of 9 games is more realistic but they could have 9 wins going into the last game of the season and depending on it’s meaning, it could push over.  Since we like the Lions to win the division, we don’t see the Packers winning more than 9 games but they make the playoffs with a wild card spot.

Chicago Bears

Vegas Odds Win Total: 8.5 wins (Over EVEN, Under +120)

The Chicago Bears are not the Bears of years past with shut down defenses.  The Bears could have a great offense with most likely the best wide receivers core in the NFL.  With gunslinging Jay Cutler at quarterback the Bears will put up points.  But it’s not the offense we are concerned about nearly as much as the defense.  The defense was one of the worst in the NFL in 2013 and will undoubtedly give up a lot of points in 2014.  In order for the Bears to win more than 8 games their defense will have be significantly improved but we just don’t see it happening.  We like the bet of the Bears Under 8.5 wins in 2014.

Minnesota Vikings

Vegas Odds Win Total: 6 wins (Over -150, Under +130)

A 6 game win total is quite generous for the rebuilding Minnesota Vikings.  The Vikings are led by RD Adrian Peterson the top running back in the league when healthy.  Their quarterback situation is not unique with starter Matt Cassel on a short leash as 2014 NFL Draft pick, Teddy Bridgewater, waits and learns the system. Christian Ponder was drafted in the 12th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft and has not lived up to expectations. Ponder was considered a reach at that pick in 2011 and he has now slipped down to 3rd in the depth chart behind Bridgewater.  The Vikings will have a bad defense and no longer have Jared Allen.  Take the under 6 games in 2014 for the Vikings.

The 2014 college football season is upon us and for the first time since 1998 a national champion will be determined without the help of the BCS.  Will this new college football playoff system fix all the issues with the BCS?  We will have to wait and see how this season unfolds but we can assure you there will always be disgruntled fans.  The Documented Handicapperscollege football picks will not be affected but we explain below how the new college football playoff system will work in the 2014 NCAAF season.

How the Playoff System is Designed to Work

The College Football Playoff will be comprised of 6 bowl games and then a National Championship that will change venues each year.  Among these bowls, three of them have contracts with the various conferences, the Sugar (contracted with the SEC and Big 12), the Rose (Pac 12 and Big Ten) and the Orange (ACC). The other three are non-contract bowls in the Cotton, the Fiesta, and the Chick-Fil-A. The sixth guaranteed spot will be determined by the team with the highest ranking among five smaller conferences that include the American, Mid-American, Mountain West, Sun Belt and Conference USA.

The Semifinal stage will see two of the six CFP bowls hosting the games that will help determine who plays for the National Championship. In 2014, the bowls that have been selected are the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. In 2015, it will be the Orange and Cotton, and 2016 will see the Fiesta and Chick-Fil-A Bowls hosting the CFP Semifinals. The other four remaining bowls for each year will either host their contracted conferences as usual or, in the case of the non-contract bowls teams will be decided upon by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.

Why the College Football Playoff May Pose Problems

The above may seem clear cut on how the bowl games are determined.  However, this is where the college football playoff could get messy.  The selection committee, lead by Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long, will meet each week to discuss the top 25 rankings.  At the end of the end of the season there is a chance that the rankings may not reflect which teams get to play for the National Championship.  So at the end of the season the committee will hand select 4 teams to play in the semifinals games to compete for the National title and select 8 other teams that will play in non-championship games.

I know this seems a tad complicated but we have to see how this season unfolds to see if this is a better option compared to the BCS.  We have been calling for human interaction to determine which teams play it certain bowl games so hopefully it’s a change for the better by taking away the computer generated ratings.

It’s hard not to think that this College Football Playoff Committee will be partial to their own conferences or former teams.  Anytime a group of people get together in a room there will be differences in opinion which could lead to some controversy.

Predictions of the 2014 College Football Playoff

1. Florida State

2. Alabama

3. Oregon

4. Ohio State

These are the 4 teams that will be in contention at the end of the season for the 2014-15 National Championship.

Our documented football picks will be released the night before each game.  Check by with the Documented Handicappers for winning NCAAF Picks and NFL Picks.

By RC Blevins

The NFL has become a money making machine and has become the most popular sports in the US.  But the NFL is growing beyond the US borders and more international fans and bettors have become familiar with the game.  The NFL plans on playing more games in the UK in the upcoming years which means international NFL betting is on the rise.

Whether you are new to NFL betting or an international member new to the NFL, Documented Handicappers is breaking down how to bet on the NFL in simple terms to help you better understand why the NFL is so popular.

NFL Betting

Since we are keeping it simple we have decided to just explain how our online sports handicappers predict the outcome of NFL games.  The Documented Handicappers will released NFL picks based on the Spread or Total (Over/Under).

NFL Spread Betting

One of the most popular forms of NFL betting is based on the point spread.  The point spread in NFL betting basically means that you need to cover the point spread to win the bet.  For example, you purchased an NFL pick from one of our Documented Handicappers.  The pick shows to take the Dallas Cowboys (+3) vs the New York Giants. Now that you know the pick and the spread we will explain how you will win your NFL bet.

So you have purchased an NFL pick and you take your information to your favorite sports book (for a list of our top sports betting sites click here).  Your favorite sports book has odds posted for every NFL game and shows you can place a wager on the Dallas Cowboys (+3) -110.  The (-110)  means that you will need to pay $110 to win $100.  The $10 difference is the juice each sports book will charge to allow you to place the bet.

So you place a $110 wager to win $100 with the Dallas Cowboys getting +3 points.  In order for you to win your NFL bet the Dallas Cowboys will need to either win out right, meaning the Cowboys will need to beat the Giants straight up.  OR, the Cowboys will need to lose by no more than 2 points.  If the Cowboys beat the Giants straight up you win your bet and if the Giants beat the Cowboys 24-22 you win your bet, fairly simple and straight forward.

Now there is another possible scenario in regard to NFL spread betting and it’s called a push.  A push basically means that the final score ended on the spread line.  For instance, the Giants beat the Cowboys 27-24 a difference of -3 points.  You needed the Cowboys to cover the spread of +3 and they just missed covering the spread.  So what happens?  Since the bet pushed, as long as you secured your bet of Cowboys +3, you’re sports book would refund your money.

Picks resulting in a push are common in the NFL since Vegas is very precise with their lines.  Odds released in increments of 3 and 7 points are fairly common which means that a late field goal or touchdown will often result in a push.

NFL Total Betting

Another common NFL bet is betting on the Total score of the game which is often referred to as the OVER/UNDER.  This means that you are betting on the outcome of the total score of the game.  You’re bet is determined by betting that the total score will go OVER the line or UNDER the line.  For example, take the above game with the Cowboys vs Giants.  We know that the spread is Dallas +3 and when Vegas releases the odds they will also release a Total line.  The total in this particular game is O/U 45 points.  This means you would bet for the game to go OVER 45 points or UNDER 45 points.

To continue this example, you just purchased a Total pick from your favorite Documented Handicapper.  The Doc capper says to take the OVER 45 points.  Once you have placed your wager with your favorite sports book, you now are rooting for a lot of points to be scored in this game.  You need to the total score of this game to go OVER 45 points so you aren’t rooting for a specific team but you just want an offensive heavy game.  If the game ended with a final score of the Giants winning 27-24 then you would have won the total bet and you commence by celebrating with your friends.

This is NFL betting 101 in the most simplest form.  The Documented Handicappers will always release their selection based on the spread or total since this is the most common forms of NFL betting and all sports books will have odds on the spread and total of each NFL game.

Historically the NFC East has been one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL.  While the teams still play each other tough, the NFC East isn’t considered a division with 4 potential playoff teams.

In 2013 the Philadelphia Eagles, led by 2nd year QB Nick Foles and rookie Head Coach Chip Kelly, took the division by surprise.  The Eagles went 10-6 but lost to the Saints at home in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

There are still a lot of questions surrounding the Eagles and whether they will have the same success after a year of tape.  RGIII should be healed from surgery and a miserable year in Washington.  Eli Manning and the Giants had a tough year losing their first 6 games but seemed to pull it together to win 7 of their last 10 games of the 2013 season.  The Cowboys will be the Cowboys as they define mediocrity going 8-8 in 2013.

Here is the 2014 NFC East Betting Preview

Philadelphia Eagles 7-5 Dallas Cowboys 7-2 New York Giants 5-2 Washington Redskins 7-2

Dallas Cowboys

2013 Record: 8-8 (9-7 ATS)

Super Bowl Odds: 50/1

The Cowboys would need a miracle to pull of a Super Bowl win let alone an NFC East division title.  They stood idle in the off season and really did nothing to improve an awful defense.  LB Sean Lee is out for the season so the Dallas defense will need to step it up to fill the void.  Look for Dallas to compete but ultimate lose close games due to their defense and Tony Romo’s inability to come through in the clutch.  Dallas may start strong but they seem to falter come December.  We can’t see them winning more than 8 games in 2014.

New York Giants

2013 Record: 7-9 (7-9 ATS)

Super Bowl Odds: 40/1

We certainly don’t expect Eli Manning to throw 27 INT’s again in 2014 or start the season 0-6.  The offensive line should be improved and Tom Couglin should have this team in playoff contention towards the end of the season.  The Giants have questions surrounding their entire team but Tom Coughlin has surprised us in the past and back to back under .500 records might spell the end of his tenure in New York.  Look for the Giants to hover around the 9-7 mark and contend for a Wild Card.

Philadelphia Eagles

2013 Record: 10-6 (8-7-1 ATS)

Super Bowl Odds: 20/1

Chip Kelly and the Eagles offense took the NFL by storm last season as Kelly’s high octane offense went over the Total in 5 of 6 games to start the season.  However, Vegas was able to make some money as the Eagles defense improved and 7 of their last 11 games went Under.  Nick Foles had a remarkable year at QB throwing for 27 TDs and 2 INT’s.  That will be very hard to repeat considering they released their top WR threat in DeSean Jackson.  Jackson’s absence will be a question until we see the Eagles play.  Many comments have been made about his negative effect on the locker room compared to his positive play on the field.  The Eagles traded for RB Darren Sproles which will be a nice addition to the back field and help keep one of the top RB’s in the league, LeSean McCoy, fresh late in the game and season.  We know the Eagles offense will score points but the question surrounds their defense and special teams.

Washington Redskins

2013 Record: 3-13 (5-11 ATS)

Super Bowl Odds: 50/1

The Redskins should be an improved team from 2013.  RG III should be healed from his surgery in 2012 and it was obvious that he came back too soon for the start of the 2013 season.  A healthy RG III puts the Redskins at a 9 win season.  New head coach Jay Gruden has some nice offensive talent to work with in addition to RG III with new addition DeSean Jackson, WR Pierre Garcon and Alfred Morris.  The verdict is still out on RG III and his recovery.  Will he even be the same dual threat QB or will his injury affect how he makes decisions?  Dual threat QB’s are a rare bread in this league and we know how quickly a hit can side line them for a season.  Will DeSean Jackson bring a renewed energy and provide a significant deep threat or will he turn sour if the going gets tough in Washington?  Many questions also surround the Skins in 2014.

2014 NFC Betting Preview Outlook

A poll of the Documented Handicappers favor the Eagles to win the NFC East in 2014.  The Giants should put up a stronger fight this season and will contend for the wild card.  The Cowboys and Redskins have too many question marks but the Redskins could surprise us if their offense is clicking.  In the end if comes down to smart decision making by the QB and while Foles may not be the best QB in the NFC East, he was a good decision maker and may be on the rise with many offensive weapons.  If the Eagles defense can mold quicker than last season they should be a tough team to beat in the NFC conference.

The Documented Handicappers are prepping for football.  Be sure check back with us for the start of the 2014 NFL season and college football season.  Our handicappers will have winning football picks released the night before each game.

By RC Blevins

Who’s HOT Documented MLB Handicappers to follow and profit.  MLB baseball is almost at the half way point with the 2014 MLB All Start Game next week.  Find out which Documented Handicappers are heating up during the summer months.

39 Fans MLB Sports Picks From Jack Jeffries

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40 Fans MLB Sports Picks From Richie Law

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We are nearly one month away from the start of the 2014 NFL preseason but who’s counting?  The NFL betting season is the most anticipated sport in America and is catching on across the globe with each passing year.  The Documented Handicappers intensely prepare for the 2014/15 NFL season throughout the summer.  In fact, for the Documented Handicappers there never is an off season for any sport and must continue to prepare months in advance for each upcoming season and sport.

Our job is to prepare you for the 2014-15 NFL season with a look at the top 5 NFL games that already have our online sports handicappers licking their chops with anticipation to bash the books with loose NFL odds.  Take a look at our most anticipated games of the 2014-15 NFL season.

2014 NFL Season Week 1

San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys (+4, 48.5)

The 49ers hit the road the 1st week of the season to take on “America’s Team” the Dallas Cowboys.  The 49ers are coming off another solid season and Colin Kaepernick is fresh off a rich contract.  The Cowboys are always public favorites with fans across the globe.  Each year they are hyped with hopes that the time has come for Tony Romo and the ‘Boys.  Let’s face it, the Cowboys are coming off another mediocre year and lost LB Sean Lee for the season.  Early odds look good for the Niners laying the -4 points.

2014 NFL Season Week 3

Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)

A Super Bowl rematch ensues in week 3 with the Denver Broncos visiting the Seattle Seahawks.  The Seahawks thrashed the Broncos in the Super Bowl and from the very first snap it was evident that the Broncos were over matched.  This off season the Broncos went wild in free agency with hopes of filling gaps in their defense which were evident in the Super Bowl.  The Broncos signed CB Aquib Talib, DE DeMarcus Ware and S T.J. Ward.  They also added WR Emmanuel Sanders who will replace Eric Decker.  It’s clear the Broncos are making one last push with Peyton Manning leading the way.  This will be a game that will help determine where the Broncos stand in the NFL.  It’s early enough in the season that it won’t determine how each team will fare throughout the season but the Broncos may have something to prove.  At this moment it’s tough not to take the Broncos (+3.5).

2014 NFL Season Week 7

San Francisco 49ers @ Denver Broncos

Another key game for the 49ers and Broncos mid way through the 2014/15 NFL season.  The Broncos are tough at home and it the thin air proves tough for opponents.  This should be a tight contest with the 49ers defense helping maintain Manning and the Broncos offense.  Early lean says take the 49ers (+3.5).

2014 NFL Season Week 11

New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts (Pick)

This should be an interesting matchup.  Is this the year Andrew Luck has a breakout season and leads his team to the AFC Championship?  All roads in the AFC go through the Patriots.  You can’t ever count the Pats out so early lean will go with the experience of Tom Brady and the Patriots.

2014 NFL Season Week 13

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (-2.5)

This could be the game of the year and is on the radar for all NFL handicappers.  Seattle travels to the Bay to take on the 49ers for the late Thanksgiving day game.  These two teams play each other twice in three weeks in week 13 and 15.  Two late season games that will impact the NFC West.  These games are always close and it will come down which team is healthier and which defense is playing better ball.  Early lean has the 49ers winning by a FG.

There you have our top 5 NFL betting games for the 2014-15 season.  Check back with our NFL handicappers for picks each week this NFL season.

By RC Blevins

Top 5 Centers in 2014 NBA Draft

1.  Joel Embid (7ft/Kansas)

Embid could have been a lock as the #1 overall selection of the Cavs but foot surgery will sideline him for up to a year.  Many scouts believe that Embid has the highest ceiling of any NBA prospect but his draft stock may have taken a hit just like Nerlens Noel last year.  The Sixers may actually take a chance on him at #3 if he falls to them which would be hard to swallow for many Sixers fans seeing back to back top draft picks sitting out their rookie season.

2.  Jusuf Nurkic (6-11/Croatia)

In terms of centers in the 2014 Draft there is Embid and everyone else, it’s a thin center draft.  Another international player that may tempt a team in the later 1st round, early 2nd.

3.  Mitch McGary (6-10/Michigan)

A big bodied center that can bang around but he has many questions marks and character issues.  He didn’t play much this past season due to a back injury but may be worth a shot to a team in the 2nd round.

4.  Patrick Young (6-10/Florida)

Good size and good rebounder but limited offensive ability.

5.  Walter Taveres (7-3/Spain)

Top 5 Small Forwards in the 2014 NBA Draft

1.  Jabari Parker (6-8/Duke)

Parker could also be the #1 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers and is the most polished player of the top 3 players that could potentially go #1 (Parker, Wiggins, Embid).  A Coach K product out of Duke knows the intensity level that is required to compete at a high level.  Parker could certainly become a leader and tone setter but will need to work on his defense.  This is a common theme for great high school players that rarely had to guard high level athletes in a AAU or high school.

2.  Doug McDermott (6-6/Creighton)

The best shooting forward available in the draft and one of the most prolific shooters in NCAA history.  The senior out of Creighton won’t be asked to carry a team like he did in high school and college so he will have to learn to adjust to distributing the ball.  McDermott can post up and hit the mid range jumper but his defense and speed may be a liability.  McDermott could go in the top 10 due to his shooting ability but we don’t see him making an immediate impact as a starter right away.

3.  Rodney Hood (6-8/Duke)

Another Duke player, by way of Mississippi State, could go off the board early in the 2014 NBA Draft.  Hood is not as well built as Parker but is one of the better shooters of the 2014 class.  Defense and rebounding is a question but he is an intriguing player to a lot of teams.  He would be a great pick for some team in the 10-15 range.

4.  K.J. McDaniels (6-6/Clemson)

Very athletic and explosive and a lock down defender, something you don’t see much of in this class.  McDaniels could very well be ranked #2 or #3 but he will need to do more than dunk in the NBA.

5.  Cleanthony Early (6-7/Wichita State)

Wichita State had a good run at an undefeated season last year and one of the biggest reasons was Cleanthony Early.  Early is not as well known as some of the other players since he didn’t play for a top level program.  However, Early is a good athlete that can score.  Defense is a question and also whether or not he can compete on the NBA level.

Top 5 Power Forward in the 2014 NBA Draft

1.  Noah Vonleh (6-9/Indiana)

Big frame PF that could easily add more muscle to become more of a force.  Strong work ethic and good rebounder.

2.  Julius Randle (6-9/Kentucky)

Randle averaged a double-double this season as a freshman at Kentucky.  Good size and strength and his game will certainly translate to the NBA level.  He could be a Zach Randolph type player which a lot of teams would love to have on their roster.

3.  Aaron Gordon (6-9/Arizona)

Gordon was once regarded as one of the top prospects out of the 2014 class.  Gordon seems to be a raw talent and needs a lot of work on the offensive side of his game.  A good defender but was not really dominate in his freshman year.  Another year at Arizona would have probably done him really good to help work on some of his weaknesses.  Either way he will be a nice project for some team in the late 1st round.

4.  Dario Saric (6-10/Croatia)

If you want to take a chance on an international player, Saric may be your man.  A big forward that could benefit from adding some muscle but is your typical international big man that can shoot and rebound.  The biggest obstacle to overcome may be that his camp wants him to go to a big market team or even stay over seas for a couple of years.  This will certainly scare off a lot of teams from drafting him high.

5.  Adreian Payne (6-10/Michigan State)

The 2014 NBA Draft is a few days away and will take place on Thursday June 26th.  The Documented Handicappers have listed the Top 5 NBA prospects at each position:

Point Guard

1.  Dante Exum (6-6/Australia)

A tall point guard with a large wing span that is getting compared to Michael Carter-Willaims of the 76ers but may have a higher ceiling.  One of the reasons why the 76ers may trade MCW and draft Exum.

2.  Marcus Smart (6-3/Oklahoma State)

Exum may be picked higher than Smart but Marcus Smart has proven his ability in the US with having a nice year at Oklahoma State.  His suspension for pushing a fan at Texas Tech may have brought up questions about his character and hurt his draft stock.

3.  Tyler Enis (6-2/Syracuse)

A true point guard but there are many questions about his shot making ability and defense.  He is young and would benefit by going to a team where he can back up and learn the NBA game.

4.  Zach Levine (6-6/UCLA)

Another freshman entering the draft, Zach Levine, has some serious hops, 46″ vertical to be exact.  However, there are concerns about ball handling if he projects as a PG at the next level.  Another young prospect that needs development.

5.  Shabazz Napier (6-1/UCONN)

Napier, a senior, is a proven winner as he leaves UCONN with 2 National Championships.  He would be a higher draft pick but is small compared to the rest of the PG class at 6′1.  His experience and maturity may make up for his lack his size which would fare well with a young team.

Shooting Guard

1.  Andrew Wiggins (6-8/Kansas)

Perhaps the #1 overall pick, Andrew Wiggins, is the 2014 NBA Draft poster boy.  He is the one receiving all the hype and many feel he has the highest ceiling if it can be coached out of him.  Many feel he lacks the “killer instinct” and leadership skills but after all he is only 19.

2.  Gary Harris (6-4/Michigan State)

Harris seems to fit the Tom Izzo PG mold which include intelligence, versatile and polished in all aspects of his game.  He is slightly undersized for 2 guard but may fit in well with a team like the 76ers that have an established PG that can get him looks.

3.  Nik Stuaskas (6-6/Michigan)

A 6-6 shooting guard that has faired well shooting from outside the arc.  Defense and frame will be a concern in the NBA.

4.  James Young (6-7/Kentucky)

A good shooter but not great and he only relies on the jump shot.  In the NBA he will need to learn how to attack the rim.

5.  P.J. Hairston (6-5/UNC)

A new study was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry that claims that gambling addiction could be the result of your genetics.  Gambling addiction, like many other behavioral traits, runs in your family.

Family members are eight times more likely to develop pathological gambling in their lifetime than relatives of people without pathological gambling, a research revealed. To understand this, researchers recruited 95 pathological gamblers and 91 control subjects as well as 1,075 first-degree adult relatives (including parents, siblings and children) of the participants.They found that 11 percent of the gambling relatives had pathological gambling themselves compared to one percent of the control relatives.

Addicts in general may be predisposed to make certain decisions or impulses.  Certain behavioral traits may be passed down from generations or skip generations.  Families with addicts must learn the early warning signs and teach their children from a very young age about making the right decision and not always succumbing to impulses.

If you or any of your family may have a gambling addiction you can contact Gamblers Anonymous.

By RC Blevins