It is football season at Doc’s Sports, and that means it is another fantastic opportunity to cash in on a winning tradition that has been going on for well over 40 years at one of the premier selection companies in the sports gaming industry. We attribute the bulk of our success to a long-term relationship with some of the best handicappers in the business. One of our top performers for the past seven years has been Raphael Esparza. Previously known as the Vegas Sports Informer as a result of a long and illustrious career working behind the counter for some of the biggest sportsbooks in Las Vegas, Raphael has recently retired from the sportsbook industry, but he continues to work hard at maintaining a number of key relationships in town. This insider’s edge remains instrumental to bringing you winning selections in a wide array of sporting events.

Doc’s Sports decided to tap into this Las Vegas betting edge by sitting down with Raphael on a weekly basis to gain insight into some of the hottest trending topics in the sports gaming industry today. He has that unique insider’s perspective that can only be gained by living in the sports gambling capital of the world. The following is this week’s discussion.

Doc’s Sports: Week 1 of the new college football season went pretty much according to script with no major upsets, but can you give a team or two that surprised you the most with their opening-week performance?

RE: I was surprised at the outcome of the Georgia verses Clemson game not so much because the Tigers pulled off the upset but how well their quarterback played to carry that team. I knew that Tajh Boyd was a heck of an athlete, but he showed some tremendous leadership in that game. The other surprise was how easy Washington rolled over Boise State. I thought the Huskies would take a step backwards this season, but that was definitely not the case in that game.

Doc’s Sports: The two big games on this week’s college slate are South Carolina at Georgia and Notre Dame at Michigan. Can you give us your take on each of these games?

RE: The Gamecocks could find themselves between a rock and a hard place against a stunned Georgia team that will fight to the bitter end to avoid a 0-2 start. I see this as a three-point game either way. Notre Dame was great on the road last season and a solid pick getting as many as four points on some of the boards in town. Look for the early money on the Wolverines to swing the other way by game time.

Doc’s Sports: The new NFL season gets underway this week starting with Thursday night’s Baltimore at Denver game. Which key Week 1 matchups have attracted you the most?

RE: I was recently in Denver and that whole town is abuzz with Super Bowl talk, so I am very interested to see how the Broncos handle the pressure as heavy favorites against the Ravens. The other game would be the Giants at the Cowboys on Sunday night. I do not think that New York is as good as advertised, but Dallas is another team that is feeling the pressure for a quick start out of the gate. All eyes are sure to be on Tony Romo to see how he responds to the challenge.

Doc’s Sports: Is there one or two NFL favorites on this week’s board that offer bettors a golden opportunity to go against them in their season opener?

RE: I am kind of surprised to see Indianapolis as such a heavy favorite at home against Oakland, and the spread between the Packers and the 49ers keeps growing, making Green Bay a much more attractive play. Another favorite that could be in trouble is Chicago against a very good Bengals team.

Doc’s Sports: We have been talking about a few tight MLB Division races over the past few weeks, but the best one we have yet to discuss is in the crowded NL Central. With St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati currently in a log jam at the top of the standings, which one prevails to with the title?

RE: As I die-hard Cubs fan, it is very hard for me to side with the Cardinals as the favorite in this race. Not to mention, Pittsburgh’s schedule down the stretch is much more favorable than the other two teams, which might be just enough to push the Pirates to the top of the heap. Regardless of what happens, this race has all indications of going down to the final series of the season.

Raphael Esparza is fresh off The Strip as he was the Sports Book Manager at Aria Resort & Casino. Last year he had a winning football season, and this year he looks for another stellar football year. You can get $60 worth of free picks from Esparza for any sport by clicking here (first-time clients only). Follow Esparza on Twitter @VSIdocsports.