By Timothy An

Moneyline: Betting on what team is going to win the game. For example, if the Spurs odds to win are -130 and the Warriors odds to win are +110, it means the Spurs are favored to win.

- If you bet $130 on the Spurs, you would win $100.

- If you bet $100 on the Warriors you would win $110.

a). (z/100) = (y/x) b). (100/z) = (y/x)

If you want to calculate how much you would win if you bet a value other than $100, use the equations above to calculate. The equation in (a) is to solve for the odds if it is a negative number. You put the odd in (z), then how much you want to be in (y), then solve for (x). So, let’s say you want to bet $50 on the Spurs winning and their line is set at -140.

(140/100) = (50/x)

X = 35.71

In this particular case, you would get a payout of $35.71.

Betting the Line: Betting the line means that you are essentially betting to double your money. An example of a line would be Los Angeles Lakers -9.5 and Miami Heat +9.5. This means that the odds are set at the Laker’s winning by 9.5 points. You can either bet the Lakers -9.5, which means you are predicting the Lakers will win by 10 or more points. Or you can bet Miami Heat +9.5, which means you are predicting that the Miami Heat will win, or lose by 9 or less. If you are correct, you double your money, and if you are incorrect you lose it all.

SUREFIRE BETS OF THE WEEK:

Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) vs. Detroit Lions

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off a Week 7 bye to face the Detroit Lions. Though the Lions have been playing well as of late, including the miraculous comeback against the Falcons last week, I think the Colts will be prepared to win this game. The Colts defense has been great so far this season and I expect them to slow down Stafford and the Lions passing attack. I don’t think the Lions can rely on their running game and expect to win this game. With the AFC South being a tight race for the number one seed, I think the Colts will come out of their bye week with a game plan ready to shut down the Detroit Lions pass attack, leading to a victory by at least a field goal. 

Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) vs. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have surprised everyone this season, sitting at 3-3 with competitive games against the Seahawks and the Bills. This team is much better than anyone expected, but face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Rams are 5-2 with both their losses coming against playoff-contending teams by only one score. The Rams are a great football team, and I don’t think the Dolphins defense will have an answer for this high-powered Sean McVay offense. This is also Tua Tagovailoa’s debut, and I don’t think we can expect a great game from him coming up against Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and this Rams defense. I’m expecting a blowout, and expect the Rams to get an easy victory.

*Bet at your own risk

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