Football Betting: NFL & NCAAF Weekend Top Game Preview and Analysis
by Bodog Sportsbook | Oct 29 2009
Another week, another round of BCS controversy. The undefeated Cincinnati Bearcats are No. 5 on the AP poll, but only No. 8 on the BCS computers. There's only one possible conclusion here: The Big East is for all intents and purposes a mid-major. Fans may not like it, but anyone with
college football betting experience understands. The Big East is really that soft. Their uniforms are made from angora.
Fair or unfair, the SEC and the Big 12 remain the center of the college football universe. Our latest weekend betting preview will hit Florida and Texas before turning to the NFL. All times are Eastern; for updated odds, visit Bodog Sports.
Saturday: Georgia vs. No. 1 Florida (3:30 p.m., CBS)
The Gators (7-0 SU, 3-3 ATS) are getting the benefit of the doubt in the polls, but handicappers feel otherwise after watching the defending champions squeak by Arkansas (+24) and struggle to beat Mississippi State (+23). The offense isn't living up to its usual lofty standards; the offensive line is shaky, and QB Tim Tebow has three TD throws and four INTs in SEC action. They'll need to perform better against Georgia (4-3 SU, 2-5 ATS) to cover the 15-point spread in this matchup at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. The Bulldogs have had two weeks to prepare, and although their pass defense has been awful this year, the Dawgs are dangerous on the ground. Georgia has forced nine fumbles, but with the bad fortune of only recovering one.
Saturday: No. 3 Texas at No. 14 Oklahoma State (8:00 p.m., ABC)
Texas (7-0 SU, 2-4-1 ATS) is in much the same boat as Florida - too high in the polls, based as much on reputation as results. The ‘Horns finally got their first Big 12 cover of the year last week against a Missouri team that has seen better days. The Texas offensive line isn't up to snuff, and QB Colt McCoy (14 TDs, eight INTs) has yet to go pick-free this season. The Cowboys (6-1 SU, 3-2-1 ATS) are on the rise with QB Zac Robinson (12 TDs, three INTs) and have the luxury of getting nine points at home.
Sunday: Denver at Baltimore (1:00 p.m., CBS)
It's been nothing but paydirt for the Denver Broncos at 6-0 SU and ATS. They've scored twice as many points (22.2 per game) as they've given up (a league-low 11). Kyle Orton (100.1 passer rating) has thrown just one pick all season. And the Broncos are unusually healthy at this time of year. Baltimore (3-3 SU, 4-2 ATS) isn't quite as defensively stout as we're used to, ranking No. 14 in efficiency against the pass. But the Ravens are still laying three points (-125) as they try to snap a three-game losing streak. The total is 42; the under is 5-1 for Denver this year.
Sunday: N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia (1:00 p.m., FOX)
This NFC East rivalry sees the division-leading Giants (5-2 SU, 4-2-1 ATS) trying to stay that way against the Eagles (4-2 SU and ATS). This game was a pick 'em at press time with a total of 44. That throws a bit of a wrench into the betting trends in this matchup, which has seen the underdog cash in nine times in a row. Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) is being called a game-time decision, and he's coming off a short week after playing Monday night, but the chatter from Philly officials suggests Westbrook (4.8 yards per carry) is in relatively good shape.
Sunday: Minnesota at Green Bay (4:15 p.m., FOX)
This is Brett Favre's first game at Lambeau Field as the quarterback of the Vikings (6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS). They're coming off their first loss of the season at Pittsburgh where they gave up two defensive TDs in the fourth quarter. Green Bay (4-2 SU and ATS) lost to the Vikings 30-23 back in Minneapolis in Week 4 as a 4.5-point road dog. Minnesota sacked QB Aaron Rodgers eight times in that contest. The Packers are 3-point faves with a total of 47; the over is 5-2 for the Vikings this year and 3-3 for the Pack.
