USA TODAY Sports now offers pregame betting insights with data-driven analysis provided by TrueTandem. Gain an edge with TrueTandem’s exclusive NFL picks powered by its proprietary algorithm, which utilizes 25 selective datasets along with predictive analytics.
Here’s how it all works:
Create a free account to see the picks
To see the latest data-driven picks, you’ll need to create a free account. After setting up your login information, you’ll be able to see the full slate of picks for free. You can sign up using an email address, or sign in via Facebook, Google or Apple.
[ This week’s NFL playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions ]
How to read the data
Each game will feature data-driven assessments of a specific line or wager, including point spread, moneyline and point total. The projections include key factors and analysis for the specific game. Betting insights with “high confidence” will feature a red bar and flame emoji, while less confident recommendations appear in yellow. However, there is no such thing as a “lock” or a guaranteed win in betting. These insights should be used as a few of the many data points available to help bettors reach their conclusions. These insights are provided for information and entertainment purposes and are not professional advice or guarantees.
What is TrueTandem?
TrueTandem is based in Herndon, Va., and combines industry expertise with cutting-edge data science to transform complex datasets into actionable insights. Whether supporting government agencies or private enterprises, TrueTandem says it’s dedicated to driving impactful outcomes through data-driven strategies and solutions. TrueTandem uses the power of data to inform decisions, optimize processes, and create lasting change.
Explain the science
A team of TrueTandem data scientists use more than 25 datasets to power a proprietary algorithm that analyzes each matchup to create a predicted score, compare that to the odds available and then generate suggested picks. A confidence factor is assigned to each pick using a set of rules in the algorithm that indicate how much the datasets are in agreement and meet certain criteria. The analysis of the pick is then generated automatically.
How do point spread bets work?
A point spread is the bettor’s answer to “how many points would you have to spot this bad team in order for them to beat a better team?” If the favorite in an NFL game is favored to win by a touchdown, they’d have a -7 distinction on the betting line. Their opponent, the underdog, would be listed at +7. Most spreads include a half-point to avoid ties. This bet increases the stakes beyond a team winning or losing on the field. Learn more here.
What is a moneyline bet?
Betting the moneyline means you’re strictly picking a winner (or loser) on the field. Whereas a spread favorite needs to win by a certain amount of points to cash a bet, a moneyline winner simply needs to win the game. The moneyline for each team is expressed with a three-digit number. For favorites, it tells you how much you’d need to bet to win $100. A -400 favorite means you’d have to wager $400 to make a $100 profit in victory. The number is different for the underdog; it’s an indicator of how much you’d win with a $100 bet. A +350 line means you’d pocket an extra $350 if the underdog wins. However, it’s also an indicator of how little faith oddsmakers have in that outcome. Learn more here.
How do bets on the total work?
The total is the projected total amount of points, goals, runs, etc., scored in a game. Bet the under if you think the final score will be less than that number. Bet the over if you think the final score will be more. Both sides will have a moneyline attached that is typically closer to an even money payout. The over is the only bet you can cash before the game goes final if the score exceeds the total before the final whistle. Learn more here.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.