Kurt Boyer

Mother of Invention: Coronavirus Creates Crazy Sportsbook Odds in Weird Markets

April 7, 2020 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

You know those Laurel & Hardy routines where a tremendous crash occurs off-camera, announced with a symphony of sound effects, after which only the aftermath is seen? That’s what it’s been like at offshore sportsbooks as the dreaded Coronavirus peaks in major countries, and as the entire sports world … Read More... about Mother of Invention: Coronavirus Creates Crazy Sportsbook Odds in Weird Markets

PGA-LIV Merger: Why Golf’s Sportsbook Odds Are a Calm Port in the PGA Tour’s Ongoing Storm

June 10, 2023 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

Could it be that this Tuesday's announcement of a 3-way merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf is the biggest golf story in history, as some bloggers have already labeled it? Maybe not. Walter Hagen walking into the clubhouse at Royal St. George and gaining the support of the Prince of Wales … Read More... about PGA-LIV Merger: Why Golf’s Sportsbook Odds Are a Calm Port in the PGA Tour’s Ongoing Storm

Belmont Stakes Betting – What Superstar Thoroughbred Will The 2019 Belmont Stakes Winner Emulate?

June 7, 2019 By derek Leave a Comment

Handicappers from disparate parts of the horse racing industry are sitting right now and attempting to profile the ten horses about to line-up for the 151st Belmont Stakes, staged this Saturday in New York. As always history will be used as a guide, but there is no scientific way to build an FBI-style … Read More... about Belmont Stakes Betting – What Superstar Thoroughbred Will The 2019 Belmont Stakes Winner Emulate?

UFC Singapore: Max Holloway vs. Korean Zombie Preview, Odds, Prediction, Picks

August 21, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

Max Holloway and the Korean Zombie clash at the UFC Singapore next Saturday. The two explosive featherweights will surely bring one hell of a spectacle, and knowing their style of fight, we can expect to see at least one highlight reel. Max is searching for his place in the UFC following a trilogy against … Read More... about UFC Singapore: Max Holloway vs. Korean Zombie Preview, Odds, Prediction, Picks

2023 FIBA World Cup: USA vs. New Zealand Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

August 25, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

USA opens the 2023 FIBA World Cup against New Zealand in the central game of Saturday's program. The media attention will be the highest possible because all the NBA stars showed incredible potential despite playing together only for a few games. New Zealand is an underdog who is aware of its position. They … Read More... about 2023 FIBA World Cup: USA vs. New Zealand Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

UConn Wins the NCAA Title, Dominates San Diego State, 76-59

April 4, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

UConn Huskies are the new NCAA basketball champions, winning the title following a dominant victory over San Diego State. The final result of this event was 76-59 for the Huskies, who were in control throughout the entire game. Everything was evident in the opening 20 minutes, with the Huskies making a … Read More... about UConn Wins the NCAA Title, Dominates San Diego State, 76-59

Preseason Thursday Night Football in Philly, Browns vs. Eagles, 18-18

August 18, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

The Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles opened the second week of the NFL preseason, playing an interesting Thursday Night Football game. The result of the contest at the Lincoln Financial Field was 18-18, with both head coaches resting their starters. Neither Keving Stefanski nor Nick Sirianni … Read More... about Preseason Thursday Night Football in Philly, Browns vs. Eagles, 18-18

College Football Picks in Week 11: LSU Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks Odds, Spread, and Pac-12 O/U Point Total Wagers

November 8, 2022 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

With the FBS bowl season fast approaching, it's another excuse to bring-up how pigskin gamblers are actually some of the most "wholesome" and "optimistic" sports-watchers out there, in direct defiance of old-fashioned countryside writers who argue that gambling detracts from the audience's genuine sporting … Read More... about College Football Picks in Week 11: LSU Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks Odds, Spread, and Pac-12 O/U Point Total Wagers

Stanley Cup Finals: Golden Knights vs Panthers Series Price Odds, Game 1 Preview, and Championship Pick

June 2, 2023 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

The 2022-23 Stanley Cup playoffs did not produce a pair of 4-game sweeps in the conference finals, a scenario that "Super" Mario Lemieux last helped to bring about back in the 1990s. But, in any case the results of this year's conference-title playoff series were noteworthy for speculators, thanks to the … Read More... about Stanley Cup Finals: Golden Knights vs Panthers Series Price Odds, Game 1 Preview, and Championship Pick

Cincinnati Masters: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic Preview, Odds, Head to Head, Predictions

August 20, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

The Western and Southern Open finals feature two of the top tennis players in the world, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. This will be a splendid way to finish one of the biggest Masters tournaments in the world and a perfect intro for the upcoming US Open. On one side, we have the future of the sport, the … Read More... about Cincinnati Masters: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic Preview, Odds, Head to Head, Predictions

MLS: LA FC vs. Inter Miami Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

August 31, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

There isn't a bigger MLS game this weekend than the one between LA FC and Inter Miami. The champions from Los Angeles host the recent Leagues Cup … Finish Reading about MLS: LA FC vs. Inter Miami Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

Serie A: Napoli vs. Lazio Preview, Odds, Prediction, Picks

August 30, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

The Italian champions, Napoli, will host Lazio this Saturday night. San Paolo Stadium, or Diego Armando Maradona as some call it now, should be … Finish Reading about Serie A: Napoli vs. Lazio Preview, Odds, Prediction, Picks

Lewis Hamilton Conquers Hungaroring, Verstappen Second, Bottas Third

July 19, 2020 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

Lewis Hamilton dominantly won the Hungarian Grand Prix today, posting his second win of the season, and eighth here at the Hungaroring. The … Finish Reading about Lewis Hamilton Conquers Hungaroring, Verstappen Second, Bottas Third

Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari Parting Ways After 2020 Season

May 12, 2020 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari revealed today that they wouldn't extend their partnership after the end of 2020 season. It is the news that … Finish Reading about Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari Parting Ways After 2020 Season

Evil Geniuses vs Ninjas in Pyjamas – MDL Disneyland Major

May 10, 2019 By Shehryar Raza Leave a Comment

The MDL Disneyland Paris Major is a premier competition of the 2018-2019 season of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). The tournament started on May 4 … Finish Reading about Evil Geniuses vs Ninjas in Pyjamas – MDL Disneyland Major

Virtus.Pro vs Mineski – MDL Disneyland Major Dota 2

May 7, 2019 By Shehryar Raza Leave a Comment

MDL Paris Major is taking place in Disneyland Paris from May 4 to 12. The prize fund for the competition is one million dollars and 15 thousand … Finish Reading about Virtus.Pro vs Mineski – MDL Disneyland Major Dota 2

Top-10 Sports Plays of 2020

January 1, 2021 By Kreighton R Leave a Comment

With 2020 in the rear view mirror, Wagerbop will now rank our top-10 plays in sports from the past year. Here is the logic behind the … Finish Reading about Top-10 Sports Plays of 2020

What Have You Done For Me Lately? Parity in the 4 Major Sports Over the Past 20 Years

July 22, 2019 By Kreighton R Leave a Comment

Take yourself back to 1999. John Elway led the Broncos to victory in Super Bowl 33, UCONN won the NCAA tournament with Rip Hamilton winning MVP … Finish Reading about What Have You Done For Me Lately? Parity in the 4 Major Sports Over the Past 20 Years

Golf Odds in 2022: Betting Lines on the 4 Major Championships and Updated Masters Trends

March 31, 2022 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

A reader confessed yesterday that she's unfamiliar with the "Chevy Show," a now-defunct syndicated thrill ride that somehow thrilled Midwestern … Finish Reading about Golf Odds in 2022: Betting Lines on the 4 Major Championships and Updated Masters Trends

2020 Tokyo Olympics: Men’s and Women’s Golf Preview and Odds

July 27, 2021 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

We're still very early in the Tokyo Olympics. But it's safe to say Team USA hasn't had the strong start that was expected, at least not in … Finish Reading about 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Men’s and Women’s Golf Preview and Odds

Hot MLB Teams to Bet in August (and Those to Avoid)

July 31, 2023 By Kreighton R Leave a Comment

Are you in a rut with your MLB betting? Is the variance of MLB baseball eating you alive? Yeah, it happens. There is so much volume to the … Finish Reading about Hot MLB Teams to Bet in August (and Those to Avoid)

Unlikely Hero Clutches Up, NL Snaps All-Star Game Drought

July 12, 2023 By Kreighton R Leave a Comment

Do you remember the MLB All–Star Game in 2012? It's okay, most people don't. Even hardcore baseball fans have a tough time remembering what … Finish Reading about Unlikely Hero Clutches Up, NL Snaps All-Star Game Drought

UFC 292: O’Malley KOs Aljamain Sterling, Weili Humbles Lemos

August 20, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

Sean O'Malley rocked the world last night, beating Aljamain Sterling and becoming the new UFC bantamweight champion. Also, Zhang Weili ruthlessly … Finish Reading about UFC 292: O’Malley KOs Aljamain Sterling, Weili Humbles Lemos

UFC Paris: Ciryl Gane vs. Sergey Spivak Preview, Odds, Predictions, Pick

August 19, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

The UFC on ESPN 53, or simply the UFC Paris as some call it, includes the main event in which the home favorite Ciryl Gane clashes with Sergey … Finish Reading about UFC Paris: Ciryl Gane vs. Sergey Spivak Preview, Odds, Predictions, Pick

FIBA World Cup: Serbia vs. China Preview, Odds, Predictions

August 25, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

Serbia and China open their 2023 FIBA World Cup adventure on Tuesday. These two teams met just a couple of days ago, and the Serbs showed their … Finish Reading about FIBA World Cup: Serbia vs. China Preview, Odds, Predictions

Frank Kaminsky Signs for Serbian and European Powerhouse Partizan Belgrade

August 17, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

The former No.9 pick at the 2015 NBA draft and an 8-year NBA veteran Frank Kaminsky signed a one-year deal with the Serbian powerhouse, Partizan … Finish Reading about Frank Kaminsky Signs for Serbian and European Powerhouse Partizan Belgrade

San Diego State and UConn reach the NCAA Championship Game

April 2, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

UConn Huskies and San Diego State Aztecs are in this year's NCAA Championship Game. These two teams reached the finals despite having slim … Finish Reading about San Diego State and UConn reach the NCAA Championship Game

2023 NCAA Tournament: Men’s and Women’s Final Four Matchups, Odds, Leading Cagers, and Prop Bets

March 31, 2023 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

WagerBop has noted that the chances of picking a perfect March Madness bracket are as high as 9 quintillion-to 1. In March of 2023, the chances … Finish Reading about 2023 NCAA Tournament: Men’s and Women’s Final Four Matchups, Odds, Leading Cagers, and Prop Bets

NCAAF Week 5: Iowa vs Michigan Point Total Pick and Best Prime-Time Pac-12 Odds

September 29, 2022 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

This handicapper has held for years that Friday Night Lights pigskin is becoming more and more like post-Y2K college football all the time. For … Finish Reading about NCAAF Week 5: Iowa vs Michigan Point Total Pick and Best Prime-Time Pac-12 Odds

USFL Week 5 Preview and Odds: Generals vs Breakers Moneyline Pick and Best Sunday Point Spread

May 11, 2022 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

The USFL can count itself fortunate not to be folding midway through the season. That may sound like a cruel joke at the United States Football … Finish Reading about USFL Week 5 Preview and Odds: Generals vs Breakers Moneyline Pick and Best Sunday Point Spread

Hall Of Fame Game: Browns Flip the Jets, Win 21-16

August 3, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

The Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns officially opened the NFL preseason. Cleveland was better, 21-16, in an … Finish Reading about Hall Of Fame Game: Browns Flip the Jets, Win 21-16

Chargers’ Herbert Becomes the Highest-Paid Player in NFL History

July 26, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

The Los Angeles Chargers and their quarterback, Justin Herbert, have agreed to a five-year extension worth $262.5 million. Meanwhile, the Dallas … Finish Reading about Chargers’ Herbert Becomes the Highest-Paid Player in NFL History

Bundesliga: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Bayern Munich Preview, Odds, Prediction, Picks

August 30, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

Borussia Monchengladbach hosts Bayern Munich in Bundesliga round 3. The game is set for September 2, that is, Saturday at the Borussia Park. … Finish Reading about Bundesliga: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Bayern Munich Preview, Odds, Prediction, Picks

Marketa Vondrousova Wins the Wimbledon, Defeats Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4

July 15, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

Marketa Vondrousova is the 2023 Wimbledon champion, as she defeated Ons Jabeur in the finals, 6-4, 6-4. This is the first Grand Slam title for … Finish Reading about Marketa Vondrousova Wins the Wimbledon, Defeats Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4

2023 Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic Preview, Odds, Predictions

July 15, 2023 By Nikola Velickovic Leave a Comment

It's Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon finals. For many, the two present the top of the elite of today's tennis, and … Finish Reading about 2023 Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic Preview, Odds, Predictions

NFC Playoff Betting Tips: Vikings Great Underdogs, Seahawks…Not So Much

January 9, 2020 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

There's only 1 thing to say about WagerBop's fail of a New Orleans vs Minnesota pick in the Wild Card Round. I didn't learn my own lesson. It's a real bad idea to rate NFL quarterbacks in terms of "great," "good," "bad," "terrible" and so on. Those words make for nice tabloid headlines and soundbites from TV. They are not in any way, shape, or form applicable to NFL … [Read more...] about NFC Playoff Betting Tips: Vikings Great Underdogs, Seahawks…Not So Much

NFC Wild Card Predictions: Saints vs Vikings Spread and Eagles vs Seahawks O/U

January 2, 2020 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

Some will say that the NFL playoffs are unpredictable, and others will point to the top seeds' perpetually-solid % chances to advance and play in the Super Bowl. As usual, the truth is right down the middle, between the 2 extreme opinions. All kinds of favorites have a shot at success in the NFL postseason. Dozens of wide-open passing teams have won Super Bowls and NFC … [Read more...] about NFC Wild Card Predictions: Saints vs Vikings Spread and Eagles vs Seahawks O/U

Armed Forces Bowl Odds: Predictions on January’s FBS Bowl Games

January 1, 2020 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

It feels strange to title a blog post "January Bowls" and not focus exclusively or semi-exclusively on Clemson vs Louisiana State. To a plurality of fans nationwide the Clemson-LSU scrum for a College Football Playoff championship is the only event in January, with all other FBS pairings worth a nickel having been played-out over the holidays. But even though the fan bases of … [Read more...] about Armed Forces Bowl Odds: Predictions on January’s FBS Bowl Games

Steelers at Ravens Odds: Predictions on NFL Playoff Bids in Week 17

December 29, 2019 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

I maintain that legalized betting comes with a lot of positives for the sporting culture, and among them is observing how people think when money is on the line. Loyal readers know that this handicapper gets quite upset when reading descriptions of NFL players like "sucks" and "pathetic." It's not that I think such shock-value punditry suffers any real illusions as to the … [Read more...] about Steelers at Ravens Odds: Predictions on NFL Playoff Bids in Week 17

FBS Championship Betting: Odds and Leans on the New Year’s Six

December 27, 2019 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

WagerBop had another hot week predicting NFL games, and I'm wondering how to translate that handicapping success into a winning record in the biggest bowl games. There's something to be said for analyzing more games at a time. For instance, it was hard to do more than tread water on 3 or 4 NFL picks at a time early in the season. Parity in pro football is dead, at least for … [Read more...] about FBS Championship Betting: Odds and Leans on the New Year’s Six

Vikings vs Packers Odds: Why NFL Week 16 Favorites are Best Bets…Except in Minnesota

December 21, 2019 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

Only a shrink could tell exactly why, but I'll be damned if I don't double-bogey a lot of holes right after making a par or birdie. The syndrome doesn't go away when I closet my golf clubs and sit down to handicap football. It's bad news when handicappers get too confident. Earlier this season, I hit 5 out of 5 NFL picks for WagerBop and started feeling pretty good about … [Read more...] about Vikings vs Packers Odds: Why NFL Week 16 Favorites are Best Bets…Except in Minnesota

Tottenham vs Chelsea: Betting the Changing Premier League Odds on Matchday 18

December 20, 2019 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

Strange days are at hand (or afoot, more accurately) in the European football landscape. The biggest story of the week is the riot in Barcelona. How could it not be? Michael Wilbon once reminded a group of Northwestern students, “don’t let anyone ever tell you sports isn’t a serious topic.” It’s situations like Wednesday’s El Clasico that Wilbon had exactly in mind. We sit … [Read more...] about Tottenham vs Chelsea: Betting the Changing Premier League Odds on Matchday 18

FBS Bowl Odds: Predictions on the First Week of College Football’s Postseason

December 18, 2019 By Kurt Boyer Leave a Comment

The best feeling a handicapper can have is to win a wager after predicting exactly how the game will go. But the worst feeling isn’t to get everything wrong, which inexorably happens from time to time. Rather, it’s to be right about a majority of tactical outcomes only to lose the prediction anyway. Navy’s 31-7 win over Army is an example, at least as far as WagerBop is … [Read more...] about FBS Bowl Odds: Predictions on the First Week of College Football’s Postseason