Learn about Colin Cowherd's approach to NFL sports betting predictions and which odds to watch.

5 minute read

Colin Cowherd's NFL Predictions: Where does he get his number from?

Colin Cowherd, the host of "The Herd" on Fox Radio, is well-known for his strong NFL predictions. He stands out for engaging both serious NFL fans and casual listeners, making him a significant personality in sports broadcasting. However, there are moments when these sports analysts' predictions don't quite match up with statistical data, and this prompts questions about how accurate and reliable his sources are.

A portrait of Colin Cowherd for his NFL predictions and betting accuracy.

Who is Colin Cowherd?

Colin Cowherd, a key figure in sports media, focuses on providing analysis and commentary, especially on the NFL. On "The Herd," he covers a range of sports topics, including detailed discussions on quarterback performance and game predictions. As a sports’s analyst and media personality, he aims to connect with both avid sports fans and those who may not follow sports as closely, by offering expert sports insights along with compelling storytelling and entertainment. His unique approach has made "The Herd" a go-to source for professional football sports discussions.

For his often bold NFL predictions he relies on a variety of sources, including statistical data, team performance history, and information from NFL insiders. He uses these inputs along with his analytical capabilities and his own experience in college football to predict game outcomes and season trends.

However, there have been plenty of times when his predictions were quite different to statistical models.

Missing the Mark: A Closer Look at Colin Cowherd’s NFL Faux Pas/ Blunders

Underestimating the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: In a 2020 prediction, Cowherd underestimated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, citing their odds of reaching the playoffs as slim based on their prior season performance. However, he overlooked significant team changes, including the acquisition of Tom Brady, which drastically altered their prospects.

Underestimating the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: At the start of the 2017 season, Colin Cowherd was sceptical about the Philadelphia Eagles' chances of making any sort of playoff run. He cited the team’s inexperience and the tough competition within their conference. The Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LII, defying Colin’s expectations.

If Colin had checked the team's defence stats before the season, like their strong run defence (only allowing 79.2 yards per game) and their ability to pressure quarterbacks, his prediction would have likely been more accurate.

Overrating the Dallas Cowboys in 2018: Cowherd was optimistic about the Dallas Cowboys. He was impressed by their solid offensive line and Ezekiel Elliott's star performance. However, the Cowboys ended up having an inconsistent season, with a 10-6 record and a Divisional Playoffs exit. Looking more closely at their dropping success in scoring within the red zone from the previous season, which carried into 2018, could have led to more cautious expectations.

The Rise of the Buffalo Bills: In early 2019, Cowherd doubted the Buffalo Bills' ability to improve, focusing on their past difficulties instead of their recent progress. Despite this, the Bills reached the playoffs that year and have become strong competitors. A detailed look at advanced stats, such as their better defensive DVOA (Defence-adjusted Value Over Average) than the year before, would have indicated they were a team on the rise.

Discrepancy in 2012 NFL Football odds: On his ESPN Radio show, Colin discussed football betting, focusing on Over/Under win totals for the NFL season. In one episode, he shared four picks about NFL teams' expected performance, and gave his insights on potential overachievers or underperformers.

However, a problem arose when Beyond the Bets noted that Cowherd's NFL Betting odds didn't match those from top online sports betting sites at the time, like Cantor Gaming, 5Dimes, and BetOnline. These sites showed different Over/Under totals than what Cowherd used, and this led to confusion among listeners who rely on his advice for betting decisions.

Where Did the Numbers Come From For Colin’s predictions?

Without knowing where he got his numbers, it's unclear how he came up with them. He might have had early access to betting lines, used old data, or simply made his own guesses about how many NFL games teams would win. While his educated guesses could be interesting analytically, it doesn't match what the betting world expects.

What Bettors Need to Know About Relying on Colin Cowherd's NFL Predictions

If you’re considering using Colin’s NFL predictions for your betting strategy, it's essential to approach these predictions with a bit of caution. Yes, he is a seasoned sports broadcaster with a knack for engaging NFL commentary. However, as entertaining as his predictions may be, they sometimes stray from the statistical realities and established betting lines.

Risks of Relying on Cowherd's NFL Predictions

For the betting community, there could be some issues if Cowherd's predictions don't match the official betting lines. If his numbers are off, people who bet based on his advice could lose trust in him, especially those who really depend on getting the right data to make smart bets. Also, if someone places a bet using Cowherd's guesses and they're not accurate, that person could end up losing a significant amount of money.

Here are key points bettors should consider before taking his advice too seriously:

Verify Against Multiple Sources: Cowherd's picks may not always align with the data from NFL records or leading online sportsbooks. This makes it crucial for bettors to cross-reference his predictions with reliable online sports betting sites like Fanduel or Draftkings. These platforms offer NFL odds based on comprehensive analysis and market trends, and provide a more solid ground for making betting decisions.

Understand the Basis of His Sports Betting Predictions: The predictions shared by Cowherd on his Fox Radio show are based on a variety of factors, including his own personal analysis, early betting lines, and team and player history. Bettors need to be aware that these selections might just be educated guesses.

Recognize the Entertainment Factor: Cowherd is known for his charismatic delivery and ability to engage listeners. Cowherd’s dramatic presentation often leans more towards crafting exciting narratives rather than basing his NFL predictions on hard data. While this makes for compelling radio, it's important to differentiate between entertainment and betting advice. Betting decisions should be informed by thorough research and not just the persuasive power of a well-presented argument.

Historical Accuracy: Make sure to review instances where Cowherd's NFL predictions were significantly off the mark. Learning from these past discrepancies and why they were so off the mark can provide valuable lessons on the unpredictability of sports betting.

Diversify Your Betting Decisions: Relying solely on Cowherd's or any single analyst's predictions can be risky. Diversify your sources of information, including statistical analysis, team dynamics, player conditions, and other relevant factors. A well-rounded approach to betting will mitigate risks and enhance the potential for successful outcomes.

Develop Your Own Analysis Skills: Start with Cowherd's predictions, then do your own research. Follow other trusted sports betting experts, look into the stats, and keep up with NFL updates. This way, you'll get better at making smart betting choices on your own, without just following what celebrities say.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Colin Cowherd’s NFL predictions add an intriguing element to sports betting discussions, they should be one of many tools in a bettor's arsenal. By verifying his insights against established data, understanding their limitations, and conducting comprehensive research, bettors can make better NFL betting decisions.

Paul Richard - Author Visit my profile page Find me on LinkedIn

Paul Richard is a professional sports betting and casino content writer with over three years of experience. He provides expert tips, strategies, and betting advice to help bettors succeed.