WinPicks Pro Football Analyst

WinPicks sports betting programs are some of the most popular ones around. Marketed by MicroBrothers, the programs are available separately or in a value-priced package of all four. Currently, there are programs for professional and college basketball, as well as professional football and college football. We'll look at the Pro Football Analyst in this review.

One of the first things you'll notice about WinPicks Pro Football Analyst is that it's easy to use. All of the WinPicks programs follow the same essential template, so if you've used one of the programs before, you won't have any trouble adapting to a new one.

The program may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but if you spend a few minutes reading over the user's manual and tinkering with the program you shouldn't have any trouble at all.

The great thing about WinPicks Pro Football Analyst, or any of the WinPicks programs, is that the user isn't limited to a pre-packaged system. While there are four different prediction formulas loaded with the program and others available from the Formula Warehouse, you can adjust any of the formulas or create your own from scratch.

There are nearly 30 variables included in each formula, such as points scored, rushing yards, passing yards, turnovers, points per 100 yards, yards per pass attempt and plenty more that you can assign a weighted average to when forecasting games. You also have the option of using statistics for the entire season or a set number of games.

There is really no limit to the different combinations of formulas you can create, and you'll have tools at your disposal to help you fine-tune and test any formula you come up with.

As with the college football program we reviewed here, many of the formulas you'll find have been programmed to match the previous season's results. It's a good idea to check several years worth of records before placing a wager on the advice of a formula which may have been created for the sheer purpose of having a lofty record the previous season.

At the very least, look through the formula to see if it makes sense. A formula that lists punt yards as the most important handicapping factor in pro football is likely a one-year wonder.

You can get the selections of any one formula or make a consensus of several or all the formulas at your disposal when it comes to the actual forecast of games.

Those with a bit of self-control may want to focus on the program's Platinum Picks, which have historically performed well against the point spread. The Platinum Picks use three different variables in selecting games, including the formulas you are using, trends and past head-to-head match-ups.

Games are predicted straight up (SU), against the point spread (ATS) and against the total (O/U) and certain formulas will work better in different areas.

WinPicks Pro Football Analyst is a solid buy for anybody who bets the NFL. The ability to make adjustments to different formulas, as well as create your own, is something you don't see in many handicapping programs. The fact that you can make adjustments to statistical factors is another big plus in my opinion.

The program will require a bit of work, such as analyzing formulas, fine-tuning formulas, etc., but should be worth the effort, as the vast majority of users are likely to have a winning season. That's something only about 5 percent of those who will wager on the NFL this season will be able to say.

The program sells for $59.95 or is available in the Parlay Pack, which consists of programs for picking college and pro basketball, along with college and pro football, for $149.95.

Each program is essentially good for one year and updated versions will have to be purchased annually in order to include current schedules and data. Repeat customers receive a price break.

The program is only sold through Micro Brothers or their affiliates and is no longer available in stores.

Overall, WinPicks Pro Football Analyst is a solid purchase and is likely to pay for itself many times over during the 2009 college football season.