Wild Card Sunday

The old saw that I heard a long time ago has been pretty reliable throughout the last few seasons.

"Pick the winners and let them cover for you."

What this means is that if you really wish to maximize returns and minimize risks you need to pick the best of two ways to wager your team.

Take for example today's Carolina/N.Y. Giants match-up. The Giants are a 2' point favorite, and there are two ways to bet them. You can lay the points and pay standard odds (usually -110). Or you can wager the "moneyline." A moneyline wager means that for your bet to win the Giants only need to win the game, not win by three or more. Odds on the moneyline are -145.

What this means is that a player can risk $110 to win $100 by giving the 2 1/2 points or risk $145 to win $100 in the event that the Giants win the game.

A player liking Carolina can take the 2' at -110 ($110 to win $100) or they can take the Panthers on the moneyline at +125 (risk $100 to win $125).

Now, back to the adage of post-season football, that teams that win also cover. If Carolina is going to win, wouldn't a player rather collect $125 than $100 at the pay window? Of course. Conversely, if the Giants are going to win, wouldn't a player rather risk $110 than $145 to collect that c-note? Absolutely.

So here's the practical strategy of postseason football:

• When betting the favorite, lay the points to risk less.
• When betting the underdog, bet the moneyline to collect more.

I'll keep a running tab on how this works throughout the playoffs.

Saturday Winners ATS: 2-0

Sunday's choice: Carolina ML +125