A "Game of the Year" is simply the best pick from that handicapper in that category of game. ("Best" as in highest chance to win).

For example, a NFL GOY is the best NFL game from that handicapper that season.

For example, a CFB underdog GOY is the best college football underdog from that handicapper that season.

Simple concept. So what's the confusion?

1) People mistake GOY with LOCK. There are no locks. If a handicapper says a game is a lock, run the other way. If you think a game is a lock, you need to educate yourself about sports betting. But it is fair and logical that a handicapper will like one game the best in each major category each season. To inform his followers of this fact is a good thing (imagine the opposite: the capper refuses to tell you when he really likes a game). It's only human to get excited about big games (I sure do) but just because a game is the best, it's far from a sure thing - even the best games will lose 40 of 100 times. You should NEVER bet more than double your normal bet (I personally limit my top bet to 1.5 times my normal wager).

2) Some "Touts" create illogical categories for GOY. An extreme example would be: "A PAC 10, double-digit road team underdog GOY" . . . in theory such a category would have a strongest game each season, but slicing so thinly takes away from the purpose of the GOY tag - which is to call attention to the picks with the best likely win percentage. With http://www.pregamepros.com/ we encourage our Pros to stick with categories that are meaningful.

Game of Year tag can be informative (and exciting) as long as it's not misunderstood.