Good ole' Tony over at TonysPicks.com does a sweet job breaking down the upcoming Saints/Vikings game. Here's a snippet:

"The early money from the NFL betting public has been home favorite money, as the New Orleans Saints are currently a 4.5 point favorite. The total has seen early movement in the betting towards the over, as the over/under is currently lined at 53 for the NFL betting public to play into. NFL moneyline gamblers can make a play on the favored New Orleans Saints at -205 with Bret Favre and the road team Minnesota Vikings returning +175 to pull off the straight upset victory without the point spread a factor in the moneyline bet."

I wonder if Tony could take down The Mighty Lord Hatton?

NFL Picks [via TonysPicks.com]

When the Packers/Cardinals put up so many points that many of us had to get the abacus out of the closet to add them all, it seemed to indicate that high scoring playoff games might ensue. Remember: past performance is no indication of the future (look at Matt Forte’s season if you need an example).

The next logical step would be to infer that the Saints/Cardinals would be similar in numbers as Brees and Warner start firing passes left and right.  

CappersPicks.com analyzes the match-up and points out that it has been quite some time since the Saints have won (December 13th to be exact). They muse on whether the Saints are following the 2007 Patriots path or whether they are regrouping for a big game. They also discuss the fact that the Cardinals are looking like the 2008 team when then struggled into the Playoffs, caught fire, and then missed the big dance by a single play.

Interesting analysis and the read on the Over/Under discussion of how O/U in the 50s rarely are met or exceeded is worth considering.  

Pick: Saints (but strongly consider the Under)

NFL Picks [via CappersPicks.com]

With an intriguing match-up in the AFC between Indianapolis and Baltimore, BetUs.com does some interesting statistical analysis of this difficult-to-call game. With Baltimore working-over the storied Patriots, it elevated this game from strong Indianapolis to neutral. BetUs.com offers this trending insight on the game and concludes that the Ravens at +6.5 is the way to go.

• The Baltimore Ravens are 10 and 2 ATS in their last 12 games after rushing for 150 yards or more in their previous game.
• The Baltimore Ravens are 3-1-1 against the spread in their last 5 games overall.
• The Baltimore Ravens are 4 and 12 against the spread in their last 16 games as an underdog on the road between 3 ½ to 10 points.
• The Indianapolis Colts are 5-1-1 against the spread in their last 7 games as the favorite.
• The Indianapolis Colts are 3-0-1 ATS versus a team with a winning record.

Read the full article for the entire game break-down but needless to say this will be a tough decision. Ravens with that strong defense and powerful run game against the aerial attack of Peyton Manning is really a contrast of styles. However, as of now it looks as if BetUs.com might have this one right. Take the Ravens and that generous 6.5.

Pick: Ravens (+6.5)

NFL Picks [via BetUs.com]

Orlando Magic at Sacramento Kings

Even without Vince Carter -- injured for the 475th time in his career -- the Magic haven't skipped a beat. J.J. Redick has stepped in beautifully for Carter, displaying some big O and big D as starter.

Pick: Magic


Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs

With All-Star forward Pau Gasol out, the Laker's team chemistry is all out-of-whack. Kobe Bryant's peformance has noticeably suffered from Gasol's absence -- increased shot totals and decreased accuracy. Of course, the fact that Kobe is only playing with 8 good fingers may have something to do with that. Ron Artest hasn't been the same either since bumping his head at home.

Pick: Spurs

NBA Picks [via Covers.com]

You may have noticed a new entrant in the weekly leaderboard this week, our first algorithmic bettor, the NBA Over/Under Bot. We'll be using this bot (and a few others over the coming weeks) to work out the kinks in the WinTheTrophy BetBot API.

The algorithm behind this first bot is incredibly simple, but we look forward to seeing what the developer community comes up with in terms of computer bettors and we are confident, that you, our human experts, will smite them all!

And don't worry, we're going to be setting up the system to be fair to both the human and computer players alike and to ensure you always know when you are going up against a computer. They'll have their own silicon ghetto.

Good luck! Take NBA Over/Under Bot down! Viva la flesh and blood!