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


by Docsports.com - 1/8/2019

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles

Doc's Sports Service has been helping avid sports betters earn more for their money since 1971 with high-unit winning selections for every major sport. We have also developed a strong working relationship with some of the best expert handicappers in the nation as a way to expand our overall offering of winning selection packages. Raphael Esparza has been a valued member of that team since he worked his way to the top of list during a long and successful career in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry. Leading up to his retirement from that industry in 2013, he was the Director of the Race and Sports Book for MGM Resorts' Aria.

Once known as the Vegas Sports Informer during his sportsbook industry days, he decided to shift all of his energy to running a successful sports investment business from his home base in Las Vegas as well as from the Big Easy in New Orleans. Offering selection packages from the NFL Playoffs all the way to prop bet picks for Hollywood happenings, diversity is Esparza's signature trait. Every week, Docs gets the chance to pick his brain over some the hottest trending betting topics in the world of sports. Here is this week's discussion.

Doc's: The sports betting world has to be stunned with Clemson's unexpected beatdown of Alabama in this season's College Football Playoff Championship Game. Who benefitted more from this outcome; the books or the bettors?

RE: The actual money bet on that game leaned towards Clemson and the points, so that win goes to the bettors. However, you also have to add in all the money the books took in on Alabama futures bets. This gets added to the overall handle to soften the loss.

Doc's: Both the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers went on the road last week as underdogs and won their NFL Wild Card Round game straight-up. Which team has the best chance to repeat that feat this weekend against much tougher competition in the AFC Divisional Round?

RE: I actually think that both of these teams have a decent shot at winning their games straight-up. Kansas City's defense is still suspect in my book, and I like the way the Colts shut down Houston. New England has not looked at that impressive down the stretch, and the Chargers have proven they can win on the road.

Doc's: The defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles continue to defy explanation with one upset after another behind Nick Foles at quarterback. Can he take this team into New Orleans on Sunday and reverse the outcome of Philly's dismal 48-7 showing in an earlier loss this season to the Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome?

RE: With Foles running the offense and the Eagles' defense playing much better than when these teams first met, I do think Philly would be a good bet with the points. Beating New Orleans SU at home is a whole other story.

Doc's: You have been big on the Mountain West's Nevada Wolf Pack as legitimate Final Four contenders in men's college basketball for this season's NCAA Tournament. Is there any reason for concern following Saturday's 85-58 loss to New Mexico as 14.5-point road favorites?

RE: This was definitely a bad loss for a very good team, but playing on the road against New Mexico has always been a challenge. It is always best to play your worst games in January as opposed to later in the season.

Doc's: You are coming off a big night of winning props bets at Sunday's Golden Globes. What can bettors expect next on the entertainment front as far as a new round of unique betting opportunities?

RE: The WWE Royal Rumble on Saturday, Jan. 27 is probably next on the list. There should be a strong lineup of bouts leading to some interesting prop bet opportunities. As far as MMA fighting, the UFC moves to ESPN+ this year with some solid cards on the upcoming schedule. This Sunday night after football, FOX Sports 1 serves up a good card of boxing from Los Angeles.

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 do not even have to enter credit card information. You can use this $60 credit for any sports Esparza handicaps. Click here for $60 worth of free picks from Raphael Esparza.

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