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Weekly Q&A with Doc's Sports Expert Handicapper Raphael Esparza

by Doc's Sports - 8/18/2015

Boise State Broncos wide receiver Thomas Sperbeck

Doc's Sports' expert handicapper Raphael Esparza has made a name for himself over the past eight years for releasing selections for one of the widest array of betting events in the business, and in this week's discussion he more than proves that point.

Raphael honed his craft in the sports gambling capital of the world during a long and successful career in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry that included a run as the Director of the Race and Sports Book for MGM Grand's Aria. Formerly known as the Vegas Sports Informer until his retirement from the sportsbook industry in 2013, he continues to run his sports investment business with that same "insider's edge" that has led to one winning season after another. The following is this week's conversation.

Doc's Sports: Over the past few weeks we have been discussing your top pick to win each of college football's major conferences this season, but this week we wanted to get your thoughts on the Mountain West as one of your favorite mid-majors. Which team do you have coming out on top in the MWC in 2015?

RE: The competition in the MWC gets better each year, but this is still Boise State's conference to lose as the cream of the crop. I also like San Diego State, but the lack of a solid defense remains an issue. I would also add Nevada to the mix, and keep an eye out for Hawaii behind Ikaika Woolsey at quarterback.

Doc's Sports: Turning to the NFL, we have also covered your picks for all four divisions in the AFC, so moving onto the NFC West, is Seattle your top choice to repeat as champs for the third straight season?

RE: I would still have to go with Seattle as the favorite, but once the big-time players start getting paid, the motivation to stay on top starts to fade a bit. The recent addition of Chris Johnson in Arizona could be huge if he has anything left in the tank as a solid running game would make the Cardinals a legitimate threat.

Doc's Sports: Last week you mentioned the importance of studying and understanding a team's quarterback rotation when it comes to betting on preseason games. Can you give up one or two teams to go with this week based on their quarterback depth chart?

RE: I usually take a hard look at a team's third-string quarterback since they will be taking most of the snaps in the second half. A few names that come to mind are Josh Johnson in Cincinnati and Charlie Whitehurst in Tennessee. The duo of Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow in Philadelphia makes the Eagles a solid pick as well.

Doc's Sports : One of your favorite and most unique events to handicap is the Little League World Series. From what you have seen so far, can you give us the United States' "team to beat" in this year's tournament?

RE: The first thing that really surprised me about this year's tournament is that the United States, as a whole, has been opened a -130 favorite despite some strong international teams from both the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. As far as my top team from the U.S., it would be California. Kentucky is also strong but is in the same bracket. My sleeper team would be Rhode Island as one of the scrappier ball clubs in this year's field.

Doc's Sports: In a recent article for Doc's you covered your picks for some entertainment props surrounding HBO's popular series "Game of Thrones" based on odds by Bovada. While you released your top picks for which character will end up as the ruling King or Queen of Westeros at the series end, which one would be your top unit play?

RE: I would have to go with the Mother of Dragons Daenerys Targaryen at +300 betting odds as my top play. Anyone with two dragons on their side is a pretty formidable character. If you are looking for my top long shot, then go with Arya Stark at +5000. Anyone that headstrong and fierce has to be taken seriously.

Click here to visit Raphael Esparza's Insider's Page at Doc's Sports for more information on his amazingly-profitable sports handicapping picks. Also, get $60 worth of Esparza's member's picks absolutely free - no obligation, no sales people - you don't even have to enter credit card information. You can use this $60 credit for any sport Esparza handicaps. Click here for $60 worth of free picks from Raphael Esparza .

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