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You’re preparing for family to come into town for Thanksgiving, checking Black Friday sales, and dealing with the high volume holiday work load that comes annually. To top it off you’re planning on placing some wagers on Turkey day and rivalry week in college football.

Rivalry games do tend to bring out some of the best matchups of the season. What’s better than in-state games at all hours of the day. No need to argue with other family relatives anymore as you have your tablet to isolate the game you want to watch.

In the NFL there will be three Thanksgiving games starting with the Bears vs Lions, than the Cowboys vs the Eagles, and last will be the Seahawks vs the 49ers.

It sounds like a great lineup to get some action on. And there may be value but be extra cautious before placing wagers. Here are a few keys to enjoy the Thanksgiving week and family time.

Family Influence
Love for our family is endless but many of them will probably recite players names that heydays were many years ago. We all have been in family conversations or friend conversations where they have no clue what they’re talking about when it comes to sports. Remember that when they’re trying to influence you on a play Thursday and into the weekend.

Consumption
This is a huge key. You’re going to already be consuming endless amounts of food. Don’t carry that over into wagers. You should not be placing wagers on every game. Limit the board to where true value is and let the rest take care of itself. Who cares if you’re not on the afternoon game in the NFL. If you live on the west coast and aren’t buried in snow, head outside and toss the ball around with family members. Turn on the radio and listen to Kevin Harlan, Boomer Esiason, and countless others that call radio broadcasts. If you’re stuck indoors pull out one of those closet board games that are always fun to entertain everyone with and keep the game on in the entertainment room.

Stay away or keep totals limited
I hardly recommend totals to my clients and the reason for it is the game changing moments in football. You can account for turnovers in a point spread but in a total they can be absolute daggers. Not to mention time of possession, red zone failures, etc. One or two crucial mistakes and you’re total could be dead in a heartbeat. At least with a spread you’re truly never out of it unless you’re counting on the Jets/Titans/Jaguars.