Alabama is a 13½-point favorite over Cincinnati in Friday’s CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, and Georgia is a 7½-point favorite over Michigan at the Orange Bowl.
Todd Dewey
Todd Dewey covers sports betting for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
tdewey@reviewjournal.com … @tdewey33 on Twitter. 702-383-0354
The Houston Texans’ upset helped Las Vegas sportsbooks to a small winning day despite the fact that double-digit favorites went 4-1 ATS and favorites went 7-4 ATS overall.
When Richard Parsels and Malcolm Weiss learned through a mutual friend that they were the final two men standing after Week 10, they quickly decided to chop the pot.
The Lions dominated the Cardinals as 13-point underdogs in a stunning 30-12 victory and the Saints bullied the Buccaneers as 11½-point underdogs in a shocking 9-0 win.
In addition to handicapping a team’s motivation, bettors must be aware of a plethora of players who are opting out of bowl games.
BetMGM and Caesars each reported a seven-figure loss, the SuperBook reported a six-figure loss and Station Casinos also reported a big losing day capped by the Packers’ 45-30 win and cover over the Bears on “Sunday Night Football.”
Last season, home teams had a losing record (127-128-1) for the first time in NFL history. This season, home teams are 92-98 straight up and 81-109 ATS.
Favorites went 7-5 ATS and double-digit favorites went 3-0 ATS as the Bucs (-10½) beat Atlanta 30-17, the Colts (-10½) whipped Houston 31-0 and the Rams (-14) ripped the Jaguars 37-7.
Alabama has been favored in 92 straight games and 164 of 165 dating to 2009. Those streaks will come to an end in Saturday’s SEC title game against Georgia.
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