numberFire has built comprehensive algorithms to pinpoint the bets with the highest probability of returning money, whether you are betting on the total, the spread, or the moneyline.
For those new to numberFire, we use a five-star system to show which bets you should be targeting for any given game. Stars represent how much you should risk on a wager relative to what you would normally bet.
For example, if you would normally bet $110 to win $100 on a -110 spread wager, if we give a 3-star ranking, we suggest risking three times that amount: $330 to win $300. Here are the best bets for this weekend with guidance from our model. All advanced statistics are courtesy of the S&P individual team statistical profiles, except where noted.
Note: Lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. Please check here to make sure you're seeing the most updated information.
Boston College vs Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech -3.5: 3 Stars out of 5
Boston College went 4-0 in the non-conference this year, but they mostly benefited from a soft schedule. Their first 4 opponents were Colgate (FCS), Massachusetts, Temple, and Missouri. Those four have combined for one win against Power 5 teams this season. Boston College is 0-4 in conference games with an average margin of defeat of 15.25 points per game.
Virginia Tech is also 4-4 overall, but they are 2-2 in the ACC with victories over North Carolina and Georgia Tech in the conference. Three of the Hokies' four losses have been by six points or less, so they have been competitive in almost every single matchup.
Our model gives Virginia Tech a 62.22% chance to cover the 3.5-point spread, making this a three-star betting opportunity.
Utah vs Stanford
Utah -7.5: 3 Stars out of 5
Utah is 5-3 this season, and at 4-1 in the Pac 12, the Utes are still very much alive for the conference championship. They have a strong offensive team that has scored 30 points or more in six of their eight games, and we project them to break that mark yet again this week; our model predicts them to score 32.02 points.
Stanford is 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the Pac 12. They did have a shocking victory over Oregon in early October, but since then the Cardinal have not had much success. They have lost each of their last three games, and they have only rushed for 160 yards total in the three games combined.
Our model gives Utah a 62.29% chance to cover the spread -- good enough for a three-star betting opportunity for Friday.