It is no secret that the sports world is filled with unpredictable outcomes. Just when you think you have a game figured out, the unexpected happens, and the favored team loses. However, some sports are easier to predict than others. In this article, we will explore three such sports and provide statistics to support our claims.
Baseball
Of all the major sports, baseball is probably the easiest to predict. This is due in large part to the nature of the game itself. Unlike football or basketball, there are relatively few variables in baseball. Each team has nine players, and each player only performs one specific function. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for things to go wrong.
In addition, baseball is a low-scoring game. The average team only scores around four runs per game, so even a small lead can be difficult to overcome. Finally, the fact that each team has three outs per inning also makes it difficult to come from behind. All of these factors make baseball games easier to predict than other sports.
Prediction Statistics for Baseball
- Over the last 10 years, favorites have won 62.5% of all baseball games.
- The average margin of victory in baseball is 1.5 runs.
- 12% of all baseball games are decided by a margin of three runs or less.
- 9% of all baseball games are decided by a margin of two runs or less.
- According to an Ohio sports betting study, baseball is the easiest sport to profit from when betting.
Football
Football is a bit more challenging to predict than baseball, but it is still easier than most other sports. The reason for this is that football is a very high-scoring sport. Since each team can score multiple touchdowns in a game, it is easier for the favored team to come from behind and win.
In addition, football games are often decided by a small margin. The average margin of victory in the NFL is just 3.3 points, which means that even a single touchdown can be the difference between winning and losing. Finally, football games tend to be relatively low-scoring affairs. The average NFL game features just 44 points, which makes it easier to predict than a high-scoring sport like basketball.
Prediction Statistics for Football
- 56% of games are correctly predicted
- 74% of games are within 7 points
- 47% of games are decided by a touchdown or less
Basketball
Basketball is a bit more challenging to predict than football, but it is still relatively easy. The reason for this is that basketball is a high-scoring sport. Since each team can score multiple baskets in a game, it is easier for the favored team to come from behind and win.
In addition, basketball games are often decided by a small margin. The average margin of victory in the NBA is just 4.5 points, which means that even a single basket can be the difference between winning and losing. Finally, basketball games tend to be relatively low-scoring affairs. The average NBA game features just 196 points, which makes it easier to predict than a high-scoring sport like football.
Prediction Statistics for Basketball
- 60% of games are correctly predicted
- 77% of games are within 7 points
- 50% of games are decided by a basket or less
Conclusion
In conclusion, baseball, football, and basketball are the three easiest sports to predict. This is due in large part to the nature of the games themselves. Baseball is a low-scoring game with few variables, football is a high-scoring game often decided by a small margin, and basketball is a high-scoring game often decided by a single basket. As a result, these three sports are easier to predict than most others.