Some good info from wizard of Odds. Obviously if the right conditions (value) arise you should deviate from the strategy. But overall great advice!
Basic Strategy
I could talk all day about betting sports but I know some of my readers just want it simplified to nice sound bites. For them, here is my basic strategy for sports betting:
Money lines: Bet underdogs.
Point spread bets: Bet underdogs.
Totals: Bet unders.
Parlays: Bet off the board as opposed to the cards. Either do a three-team parlay or mix in one event that doesn't pay -110 odds.
Teasers: Unless you know to cross the key numbers (namely 3 and 7 in football), avoid teasers completely.
Futures: Avoid them, as they carry a high house edge of about 30%. If you must bet them, for entertainment reasons, do so in strict moderation.
Propositions: Bet unders and things not to happen.
All bets: Shop around. Lines can vary from one sports book to another. It pays to compare lines for extra points or better odds.