Questions to ask yourself about NFC & AFC title games
Steve Makinen digs deep into the VSiN database for his Championship Sunday betting trends and systems.
As with the first two rounds, there is a lot of data to sift through, but Steve offers this filter for you:
Sometimes, we tend to overcomplicate things at this time of year as we look for the golden nugget. If you’re looking for some questions to ask yourself to start handicapping these games, go with these:
Is the host playoff team experienced?
Where is the money going?
Which team has the better quarterback?
Which team is playing better RIGHT NOW?
Which team gets after the opposing quarterback better?
If the playoffs so far have demonstrated anything, it’s that the answers to these questions are key.
As I have previously in the playoffs, I took Steve’s story and ran it through an AI program (Gemini) and asked for the single Best Bet based on the data. The answer:
Eagles -6 vs. Commanders
Here’s why:
Large Spread Trend: While large favorites can be risky, the Eagles’ 6-point spread falls below the threshold where home favorites historically struggle to cover (7 points or more).
Intra-divisional Games: Favorites in intra-divisional Conference Championship games have a winning record, which supports the Eagles in this matchup.
Playoff Experience: Home teams with playoff experience from the previous year perform well, especially against teams that missed the playoffs. This favors the Eagles.
Defensive Strength: Teams that allowed fewer points per game in the regular season have a good ATS record in Conference Championship games. The Eagles have a significant edge in this category.
Everything we post on the conference championships is here.
Listen Now: Fox Sports betting analyst Chris Fallica joins host Gill Alexander and regulars Will Hill and Todd Wishnev to give their Best Bets for the weekend games on the Beating The Book podcast.
Today in College Hoops
Greg Peterson has posted his Best Bets for today’s menu.
Adam Burke and Tyler Shoemakerwill have their top plays later this morning.
Listen now: Greg’s daily podcast handicapping every game on the menu every day.
Quick Hits
NHL: Look for Jonathan Davis‘ picks later today.
NBA: Zach Cohen will post his Best Bets by mid-morning.
Australian Open: Zach Cohen is posting his Australian Open semifinal previews on our tennis page. Both Zach and Gill Alexander are posting their plays on the VSiN Pro picks page.
Horse Racing: 1/ST BET handicapper Jeremy Plonk has picks for today’s card at Gulfstream. 1/ST BET offers wagering on hundreds of races every day from across the country and around the world. Sign up at 1STBET.COM with promo code VSIN200 to claim a 20% rebate for your first 60 days, up to $200.
Contest Corner: Finally, congrats to Diana Fukakusa, who won the drawing held on Wednesday’s Follow The Money for the $5,000 first prize in the Road to Jansanity Contest. She along with Chet Gartner, Russ Ullinger, Josh Barker and Ed Ibarra finished 11-0 and in a five-way tie in the CFP pick’em contest. Our other four undefeated contestants will receive a three-year VSiN Pro subscription.
Horse racing/NFL handicapping contest: Put your skills to the test in the Pegasus Playoff Pick’em Challenge, brought to you by our friends at 1/ST BET. Make your picks for Saturday’s marquee horse races at Gulfstream Park, as well as Sunday’s big football games. Top pickers will receive 1/ST BET vouchers you can use to play the ponies, and everyone who plays will receive the VSiN Super Bowl Betting Guide. >>Sign up here FOR FREE.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Thursday, January 23. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
