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TodaysPicks.net provides a guide to popular sports forums

A successful sports bettor needs to use all the resources in his arsenal in order to make informed and solid decisions. The evolution of the internet has made getting information easier and quicker than ever, but it comes with drawbacks as well. With so many to choose from, sometimes it’s hard to know where you can get fast and reliable information to help you winy our bets.

At TodaysPicks.net we have identified a few reputable sources of information that you can depend on when doing your homework for your betting decisions, whether it’s breaking news about your team or comprehensive data that you need to give you an edge. Here are three sites we recommend:

www.ESPN.com:  The self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader in Sports remains at the top of its game with its web site, which is a valuable tool for sports fans and bettors. The scores are update quickly and accurately, with final scores coming in quicker than any other major media outlet.

The site features many video clips that allows you to see highlights and portions of its broadcasts from the popular daily show “Sports Center.” The Game Cast feature allows you to follow along with the games in real time, and provide consistent updates on the score and time. It also features live and updated statistics while the game is in progress.

Featured columnists such as Rick Reilly and Bill Simmons provide insight to current sports issues with entertaining commentaries on a variety of topics.

The site also is a valuable resource for those who enjoy fantasy sports, as it offers a variety of fantasy leagues while also maintaining updates and stats regarding the fantasy values of players in each sport.

With a site that is easy to navigate and full of fresh news and stats for every team in all major sports, www.espn.com is a recommended outlet for your sports information needs.

www.Foxsports.com: Fox Sports has become an industry in large part because of the success of its extensive web site. The Fox Sports site can be a valuable tool for sports bettors for many reasons, chief among them being the news outlet’s reputation for being the first to break several big stories.

Whether it’s a key injury, trade or coaching decision, Fox Sports has gained a reputation for reporting breaking news right as it becomes available, which is can be a critical asset as you handicap your games. For instance, if a key injury is reported right before your game starts, there’s a good chance Fox Sports will report this in time for you to adjust your betting decisions. This will give you time to possibly hedge your wager or make a bet on the other side and avoid a catastrophe that might have occurred had you not known about the breaking news.

Fox was ahead of the curve in regard to interactive forums, which give readers the chance to post blogs and feedback on the content that is offered on the site. While many of the comments are simply rants and raves from sports fans, you can find informative dialogue that can sometimes provide good information or perspective on a team or a player.

The site is particularly helpful for NFL bettors as Fox beat writer Jay Glazer is one of the most connected media figures in the business, and he has access to news and information that few, if any, other reporters are privy to.

Fox Sports also offers a Game Trax feature that allows viewers to follow games in real time and get consistent updates on the scores and important developments in the games you are following.

www.sportingnews.com:  Before the internet became the primary means from which most people receive their news and sports information, the Sporting News was the long-respected industry leader in providing useful sports data. Loyal readers would wait for the weekly newsletter to come out so they could browse the Sporting News’ extensive collection of data and information on every team for each major sport.

The Sporting News has kept up with the times, and its vast database can now be found online on its web site. It still specializes in comprehensive statistics and other information that most outlets do not provide, including hard-to-find and rare reference material and records for sports franchises. Its team and player projections and value rating systems are also a unique feature that sets Sporting News apart.

The site also runs regular features on players who might not be prototype superstars but who add immense value to their respective teams. Learning about such players can give you an extra edge when assessing a team’s value.