Instead of going the free play route I’ll delve into some handicapping tips for this week in the NFL.

** Limit your plays on totals. There are professional handicappers that steer clear of totals and it’s for a good reason. They’re difficult to pick on a consistent basis. Oddsmakers have a far and away better advantage on totals because of the unpredictability of miscues. Missed field goals, special teams errors (returns and muffs), defensive touchdowns, etc, can drag a total one way in a hurry. I always limit my total plays and it should be one of your trademark rules as well.

** Avoid playing the same team ATS on consecutive weeks. This is one of my personal rules because a winning ticket on a team you played the last week gives you a bit of a heightened influence on that team. You have a narrow view on them because you’re thinking of what they did for you last—CASH. Guess what, they’re not playing that team again this week and a lot changes in a span of a week. Ask people that bet Cincinnati after New England’s blowout loss to Kansas City. There are enough games to find better value without last week being an influencing factor.

** Prime time should not always be avoided. You shouldn’t be thinking about betting a prime time game after the Sunday day and afternoon games are complete. Or even Monday Night’s game on Sunday. Know your plays by before Sunday and stick to them. That gives you time to analyze the complete board and feel confident in your plays. Some people are scared to play the prime time games because of the money flow on them or to protect their gains or losses for the week. If you’ve analyzed the board properly and you like the Prime Time game, play it.