Objective or Subjective, which is better?

When it comes to handicapping sports, there are many ways to do it, but I believe it really boils down to two schools of handicappers, objective and subjective.  The question is, which one is better?

Let's take a look at each of these schools.

Objective handicappers rely solely on statistics and metrics, with metrics becoming a very popular tool.  A truly objective handicapper will use one or more statistic or metric to come to a betting conclusion.  Often, the handicapper will use a formula based on his favorite, or most relevant stats to rate the matchup.  These formulas range from relatively simple ones using 2 or 3 statistics, to those that may include 10 or more stats.  I believe the best formula is one that uses fewer, but highly relevant stats, as opposed to those that cram a plethora of data into a calculation.  The reason I feel less is better is because of the risk of redundancy when using too much data.

The subjective handicappers are those that rely heavily on their "gut" and go a lot by what they see on the field.  This can be a successful method if the capper is very knowledgeable about the sport and watches a lot of games.  However, the big problem here is that in reality, most using this method aren't as knowledgeable as they need to be and don't watch nearly enough games to accurately judge the next outcome.

Consider that professional coaches watch hours of game film every day in order to prepare their team for a game.  Even with that level of preparation, it is obvious that teams are still often not ready an opponent.  So, unless you are watching hours of film or tape every day, you don't stand a chance using this method.  Then why is this the most popular method?  Because when you win, you feel good.  You feel that you outsmarted the book, that your eye and analysis is better than theirs.  But this is dangerous, because it's what the book wants.  It wants you to be emotional about sports betting.  Because an emotional bettor is a losing bettor in the long run.

Vegas and the books aren't subjective.  They clearly fall into the objective school.  They use math, stats and metrics to set lines and to move lines.  They are also successful in making money.  With that said, I believe it would be wise to follow their lead by being an objective handicapper and rely on those stats and metrics rather than your emotional eye.

Agree?  Disagree?  Have an additional thought?  I would like to hear from you.  Please comment below.

Thank you.