Tim Lavalli

Tim Lavalli, PhD, is an expert in sports psychology whose research has focussed on the mental aspects of competitive games. He helped co-author (with Amy Calistri) poker pro Mike Matusow's autobiography, Check-Raising the Devil. His coverage area for OG is broad, but he can't help but pay special attention to the Big Ten.

The Atlanta Falcons are at the wrong end of the longest odds this week. (Image: Deadspin)

NFL Betting: Longest and Shortest Odds of the Week

Betting against the Miami Dolphins seemed like a safe wager until last Sunday. So did betting on another Patriot’s win, which is why they still play the games. Upsets happen. Teams have bad weeks, and the ball takes funny bounces. Still, the bookies carry on, leaving us to ask, what […]

The Baylor Bears are undefeated but still not in the running for the College Football Playoffs. (Image: Sports Illustrated)

Baylor Bears are Undefeated and Going Nowhere Fast

The 8-0 Baylor Bears are ranked #11 in the nation, and have virtually no shot at the College Football Playoffs. A weak schedule, a weaker conference, and a one-loss Oklahoma team have put the Bears in championship limbo. Sure, there’s a postseason bowl game awaiting the team from Waco, Texas, […]

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 8-0 and ranked #13 in the country. (Image: WordPress.com)

What’s Up With the Undefeated Minnesota Golden Gophers?

The University of Minnesota football team is the Rodney Dangerfield of Division 1 football. The Golden Gophers are ranked #13, making them the lowest ranked undefeated team in football. As such, Minnesota is getting very little respect. The question is — do they deserve any? That question will be answered […]

Colorado will vote on legalizing sports betting on November 5th. (Image: votecolorado.gov)

Colorado Voters to Decide on Legal Sports Betting Nov. 5

Colorado is set to become the most recent state to legalize sports betting — with a ballot referendum putting the issue directly to its citizens. Voters head to the polls Tuesday, and one of the issues on the ballot is Proposition DD, which would establish legal sports wagering as a […]

The big bosses in the NBA have picked Giannis Antetokounmpo as the overwhelming favorite to win this year's MVP. (Image: AP)

NBA General Managers Make Their Picks for League Favorites

Do you want hot, insider information on the upcoming NBA season? Then look no further than the collective wisdom from the 18th annual NBA GM Survey, the results of which the league released on Thursday. All 30 current general managers voiced their opinions on a series of questions asked by […]

The league releases injury information to the public on a weekly basis. (Image Sporting News)

NFL Injury Report: What the Numbers Aren’t Telling Bettors

The NFL Injury Report is an essential tool to set a betting line, and a necessary data source for savvy gamblers. But, the weekly league injury report might not provide the long-term information bettors need to make truly wise decisions. The numbers are there, but they need some interpretation to […]

US Legal Sports Betting: An Update for All 50 States

US Legal Sports Betting: An Update for All 50 States

While all 50 US States can legally have sports betting, the legislative slog to get a system up and running is becoming more challenging as more states attempt to make it so. As of today, legal sports bets can be made in 13 states, with another half-dozen close behind. But […]

Can the Los Angeles Rams beat the Super Bowl curse and make it back to at least the playoffs?

Los Angeles Rams: Is the Super Bowl Curse for Real?

The Los Angles Rams started this season like the team that made it to last year’s Super Bowl. It didn’t appear they had fallen to the Super Bowl Curse when they opened with wins over Carolina, New Orleans, and Cleveland. But now the Rams are riding a three-game losing streak, […]

Monday night matchup brings Detroit to Green Bay. (Image: CBS Detroit)

Monday Night NFC Central Showdown – Detroit at Green Bay

In years past, a Green Bay-Detroit matchup meant frustration for the Lions. But, a closer look shows that Detroit has slowly been turning the corner on the Packers. Going into Monday night’s game, the Packers (4-1) and the Lions (2-1-1) hold down the top two spots in the NFC North. […]

ESPN offers up a season long look at college football history and culture. (Image: ESPN)

(Review) College Football 150: The American Game on ESPN

Halfway through what ESPN is calling “a year-long, multi-platform storytelling experience,” there are some things to be learned from College Football 150: The American Game. This multi-layered series marks ESPN’s celebration and exploration of 150 years of college football. “The American Game” is an 11-episode documentary series focusing on college […]

The Eagles are about to open seven tough weeks on their schedule. (Image: clipart)

Philadelphia Eagles Begin a Mid-Season Schedule of Pain

The Philadelphia Eagles are 3-2 and tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East division lead. But, their next six games in the next seven weeks may be the toughest stretch for any team this season. When it’s over, the Eagles season might well be done as well. The […]

Are the number of called penalties in the NFL going up? (Image: You Tube)

Penalties in the NFL – Are the Refs Really Calling More?

Even the game announcers are saying it: The refs are calling more penalties and slowing down the NFL games. It does feel like there are a lot more yellow flags on the field, but what do the numbers have to say? So far, the answers are mixed. The NFL office […]