Betting Systems - Historical Matchups

In sports betting, one of the angles that handicappers use is the historical matchup angle. In baseball, it is how the pitcher has fared against the opposition in the past; in the other sports, it is the historical data between the two teams in question.

As a sports bettor, this is useful because there are instances where one team simply owns another team. In other words, one team always beats another (and covers the game likewise). It is at these instances that the sports bettor should be aware and bet accordingly. In some matchups, the home team is really dominant, whereas in other matchups, the visiting team has the advantage. Another thing to consider is who covers the majority of the games. In some instances one team may own another, but does not cover the spread.

A theory that explains this effect is the actual matchup. Some teams do not match up well with another, perhaps this is why some teams simply beat another over and over again. Surprisingly this disparity occurs in the professional and college teams. A clear example is the Dallas Mavericks ownership of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Mavs’ style of play does not suite and complement that of the Grizzlies’, and as such, the Mavs have continued to dominate them in the regular season and in the post-season.

Another factor to consider is who wins the games. In baseball, and perhaps the most storied rivalry in all of sports is the matchup between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. In this matchup, betting on the underdog blindly has resulted in profits, year after year. Since both teams put on their A game every time they meet up, betting on plus money every time they meet creates inherent value.

One should be careful, though, in placing too much value in historical matchup. Although it is true that historical matchups can predict future outcomes, teams do change over time. What was an advantage ten years ago might have changed now, and it might currently be a disadvantage in the present.
In closing, historical matchups can provide the savvy sports bettor an edge in predicting future outcomes.