Black Friday Betting: Best Deals in Sports Wagering
By Covers.com
Black Friday makes people crazy.
They line up in the freezing cold at 2 a.m. to nab a deal on a flat screen, rush the front doors of Walmart like a scene from The Walking Dead, and pepper spray each other in face just to get the last iPad mini.
No one loves a deal more than sports bettors, which is why we’re putting together this list of value bets heading into the biggest shopping day of the year. Hopefully, we’ll save you some handicapping time so you can spend it drop-kicking soccer moms for the final Furby on the shelf.
NFL
Arizona Cardinals
Remember when the Cardinals were 4-0 to start the season? It’s kind of fuzzy. Most bettors have forgotten about Arizona all together, but the Cardinals have quietly become the best under bet in the NFL at 2-8 over/under. Helping that cause is the revolving door under center and injuries to the running backs, leaving Arizona to average just 16.3 points per game. That number will only go down with the Cardinals’ upcoming sked featuring some defensive stalwarts like Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco.
NBA
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors offense, which is known for consistently topping the century mark, stumbled out of the blocks to start the year. Business has picked up over the last five games, averaging 102.8 points and winning four of those SU and ATS. On top of that, Golden State has played over the number in four of those five outings and is 8-4 over/under on the year. Following a trip to Denver, Golden State is back home for four straight stands in which the odds should be favorable.
NCAAF
Syracuse Orange
Cuse is leaving the Big East in style, picking up wins in its last two games – both as an underdog – and covering the spread in four of its last five contests. The Orange offense has gone off during that span, averaging 35.4 points – more than 12.5 points more than in the six games before it. They’ve also played over the total in all five of those outings. Syracuse and gun-slinging QB Ryan Nassib are 7.5-point road favorites visiting Temple Saturday and could be a nice bet during bowl season.
NCAAB
Illinois State Redbirds
It’s tough to get a solid take on the college hoops season so early into the schedule but Illinois State has started strong against the spread, going 2-0 ATS in both lined games. The Redbirds can fill it up, averaging 91 points per game and are shooting a red-hot 54.9 percent. Four starters and a ton of experience is back for a team that battled hard in last year’s NIT and nearly stole the Missouri Valley title from Creighton, losing by four in overtime. Illinois State could be a solid bet against Louisville on Dec. 1.
Friday College Football Betting Odds and Matchups for Nov. 23
Atssportsline.com
Betting Odds and Matchups for Friday
Now that the turkey has been eaten the NFL games are over, it's time for college football. But you need to get up early to catch the first game. Get away from the shopping malls and keep a tab on some great football action on Friday. Here at ATS Sports Line, we wish you and your family a great holiday weekend. College football is on tap again today so get your pencils ready.
Good luck!
Ohio (8-3) at #23 Kent State (10-1)
Kent State has a chance to play for their first MAC championship in 40 years. They’ve won eight straight and can’t afford to take a rest in this finale. The star for the Golden Flashes this season is Dri Archer, who ran for a career-high 241 yards and two scores. He has 1,284 yards and 14 TMs this year. He’s followed by RB Trayion Durham, who has 1,079 yards and 14 rushing TMs. Kent State ranks 11th in the FBS with 244.6 rushing yards per game. Ohio has dropped two straight and three of four following a 7-0 start. In their four games, they have been outscored 142-28. Kent State is 6-1 ATS L7 conference games College Line: Kent State is a 9.5-point favorite. Total: 60.
#14 Nebraska (9-2) at Iowa (4-7)
Last year: NEBRASKA (-9’) over Iowa, 20-7. Trap game? Nebraska is 6-1 in the Big 10 after routing Minnesota last week, 38-14, to extend their winning streak to five straight. Nebraska is tied with No. 20 Michigan for the division lead but owns the tiebreaker since they beat Michigan, 23-9 on Oct. 27. Nebraska owns the edge over an Iowa team that allows 482.6 yards per game during their five-game losing streak. Iowa is coming off a 42-17 loss at Michigan. Nebraska RB Ameed Abdullah could be in for a big day against an Iowa defense that allowed 208.2 rushing yards per game during their losing streak. Nebraska is 6-2-1 ATS L9 on fieldturf.. College Football Lines: Dallas is a 16.5-point favorite. Total: 51.
#7 LSU (9-2) at Arkansas (4-7)
Last year: LSU (-12’) over Arkansas, 41-17. LSU secured a 13th straight postseason appearance weeks ago and is looking to reach its sixth BCS bowl game over that span. They need a win and some help for a chance at one of the SEC’s two spots with Alabama, Georgia and Florida ranked above them. LSU escaped their 41-35 home win over Ole Miss last Saturday. Odell Beckham’s 89-yard punt return tied the game and Jeremy Hill’s third TD run provided the final margin with 15 seconds left. Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson, who has 12 picks this year, will look to exploit an LSU pass defense that gave up over 300 yards last week against Ole Miss. LSU is 7-2 ATS L9 road games.. Football Odds: LSU is a 11-point favorite. Total: 51
#25 Washington (7-4) at Washington State (2-9)
Last year: WASHINGTON (-8.5) over Washington State, 38-21. Washington hasn't won five in a row since its Rose Bowl-winning season in 2000. The Huskies will look to match that gaudy win streak on Friday when they travel to Pullman to face rival Washington State in the Apple Cup. A year ago, the Huskies gave up nearly 36 points and more than 450 yards per game. The Huskies will need to prepare for two quarterbacks this week, as Mike Leach said he's not yet ready to make a decision about whether Jeff Tuel or Connor Halliday will get the nod. Tuel and Halliday played in a 46-7 loss to Arizona State last Saturday, the Cougars' eighth straight defeat. Washington is 5-0 ATS L5 Friday games. College Football Odds: Washington is a 14-point favorites. Total: 51.
Arizona State (6-5) at #24 Arizona (7-4)
Last year: Arizona (+10) over ARIZONA STATE, 31-27. Arizona sophomore Ka’Deem Carey looks to break the school’s single-season rushing record when the Wildcats host Arizona State on Saturday in the annual Territorial Cup. Carey leads the nation with 1,585 yards rushing, including 570 over the last two games, and is only 18 yards away from passing Trung Canidate’s school record of 1,602 yards set in 1999. The Wildcats seek their fourth victory in the last five meetings with the visiting Sun Devils when they meet for the Territorial Cup on Friday night. Arizona State had lost four straight, though, before becoming bowl eligible with Saturday's 46-7 rout of Washington State. Arizona State is 0-6-1 ATS L7 as an underdog. Football Odds: Arizona is a 2.5 point favorites. Total: 68.