1. How Does Nfl Handicap Betting Work
2. College Football Betting Lines
3. American Football Handicap Betting Lines

Football over/unders are one of the simplest type of football bets you can make. A sportsbook takes a particular game and predicts what the total score of both teams will be. Then you, as a bettor, can now bet whether that score will be over or under the predicted number. If it is higher than the posted number, then ‘over’ wins. If it is lower than that predicted number, then ‘under’ wins.

In American Football, the bookies will handicap the team they feel is more likely to win, they do this by starting them on minus points, the other team then has a plus handicap. The idea of this is to even. 37.5 total score. Over (-125) Under (+105) In this case, if you are betting that the total score will be over 37, then you will need to bet $125 in order to win $100. The (-) sign shows that this is a likely outcome.

Common Totals
Some of the most common total scores you will see in football are 37 and 41. In fact, these are the most common scores in the last 10 years in the National Football League (NFL). In a game where the total is 37, you will likely see a score of 20-17 or 27-10. In a game where the total is 41, you will likely see a score of 21-20. Of course, total scores could differ considerably from 37 and 41. Compared to baseball and soccer, football has a lot more points scored in a game and the totals could differ considerably. Thus, you can see a total score as high as 55 or as low as 24, although those totals are not very common.

* Please see illustration below to help understand over/under bets, text explanation follows.

Calculating Over/Under Bets
Let us say Baltimore Ravens are playing against Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Our recommended online sportsbook predicts that the total score of the two teams will be 37 points in this game. The odds will look like this:

37.5 total score
Over (-125)
Under (+105)

In this case, if you are betting that the total score will be over 37, then you will need to bet $125 in order to win $100. The (-) sign shows that this is a likely outcome –a favorite outcome on this type of game or specific match-, so you have to pay more to win less. If you are betting that the total score will be 37 points or less, then you would only need to bet $100 to win $105. The (+) sign shows that this is a less likely outcome –the underdog in this situation-, so you actually get better odds here and have to pay less to win more.

A “Push” and a Concept Of ‘0.5’
The ‘0.5’ element is used so that you can have a possibility of betting that the score will be exactly 37 or lower. So, if ‘0.5’ is not used and the score ends up being 37 points, then a “push” happens – which is when nobody wins and a sportsbook has to return the bets. Sometimes though, you will see over/under bets without the half-point element.

Tips and Strategies to Help You Win

Generally speaking in football betting, totals are one the easiest markets to beat. This is because much like football prop wagers a lot additional factors are involved. You see almost every handicapper starts with a simple system that “uses points” for and “points allowed” weighed against league averages for both teams to come up with a number and then starts making adjustments. The adjustments are however heavily researched and also subjective. For example if you’re seeing the Patriots should beat the Rams by 13.5 points this might be a game where the total needs be inflated, if you also notices the Patriots rarely let up once having a lead, and tend to play a lot of prevent defense at the end of the game.

Other adjustments that can be made relate to weather; an important factor is wind. Strong wind can make it harder for players to run and score touchdowns. It will not make a job of defenders much harder though as they typically do not have to run as much, but it will for the quarterback’s throw If anything. Thus, strong winds might help to lower the total scores of the teams. On the other hand, snow and rain will not affect the score as much. It might slow down offensive players, but it will also affect defensive players. Both types of players can slip and make mistakes in those weather conditions. Thus, it will not be as predictable when it comes to rain and snow.

Really the best at handicapping totals are the bettors who best get inside the coach’s heads and understand tendencies. John Fox and Jeff Fisher coached teams are not going to score as many points as a favorite as other teams will, due to their much more conservative and by the book approach. These are coaches that would much rather attempt to pin an opponent deep than attempt a long field goal and risk field position should they miss. Also they’re much more likely to take the 3 points in a close game than to go for it on a high probability 4th and an inch from the 15. I could go on and on and on some more about this topic but by now I’m sure you’re getting my point. Much deeper analysis is needed than simple math.

Best Way to Beat Football Totals

Perhaps the best way to beat football totals is to realize for reasons covered in my article on Fade the Public, the betting markets at PinnacleSports.com (No US Players) are pretty close to efficient. From here what you should know is that a lot of amateur bettors tend to bet on the ‘over’. They typically expect and hope for an interesting game with a lot of points. As a result, even though betting markets are efficient, you’ll find US friendly recreational sportsbooks such as www.bovada.lv often shading the line such a way that the under becomes the much better bet.

Finally, perhaps the best way to profit from totals is to use them in correlated parlays. Please understand though, in all but rare cases totals should not be used in football teasers. However, as you can read about in my article on parlays there are times where parlaying a total with a spread make absolutely great sense.

Author & Professional: Jim Griffin

The following is applicable to all Football games, including NFL, NCAA College Football, CFL and Arena Football.

Abandoned or postponed games are void unless rearranged and played in the same NFL weekly schedule (Thursday-Wednesday local stadium time), except for those bets that have already been determined at the time of abandonment or postponement.

If a game venue is changed, bets already placed will stand, providing the home team is still designated as such. If the home and away team for a listed game are reversed, then bets placed based on the original listing will be void.

In 2-Way markets Push rules apply, unless otherwise stated. Bet amounts on straight bets are returned, and in parlays the selection is treated as a non-runner. For example - in Handicap or Totals betting where the index (value) of the market is a whole number, bets are void and will be refunded where the score lands on that number.

All settlements are based on results and statistics provided by the relevant league’s governing body:

We reserve the right to suspend any or all betting on a game at any time without notice. For settlement purposes, the team listed first in the event name is always considered the Home Team. Example: Team A vs Team B - Team A is the Home Team.

Overview of Specific Markets

Live/In-Game Betting

For Live Betting purposes these rules apply unless stated otherwise.

• Where a Handicap Draw selection (3-Way Handicap market) is offered during live betting, only bets placed on the draw will be settled as winners when the result lands on the whole number selected.

Prices quoted are for the whole game inclusive of any overtime played unless otherwise stated. As the markets are in-running, we reserve the right to close the market at any time.

• When scores are displayed in running, every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the score and game time; however, no liability is accepted for incorrect information displayed.

Proposition bets

For season-long proposition bets on the NFL (including custom bets), teams must complete all regular season games for bets to stand.

In the event of an abandoned game all bet amounts are returned, unless a result is already determined through the course of play that has taken place.

All proposition bets are straight bets only. Overtime counts, unless otherwise stated.

Team/Player Passing Yards – Settlement is based on gross passing yards.

Team/Player Rushing Yards – Settlement is based on the total rushing yards gained (includes negative yardage).

Quarterback props are based on gross passing yards gained.

To convert a 4th down attempt - The ‘Yes’ option is determined by achieving a new set of downs, either by run, pass (this includes if a TD is scored as a result) or automatic 1st down penalty. Field goals (irrespective of being made or not) do not count as a converted down.

Quarter and half markets

For bets based on the specific quarters or halves, the entire period of play must be played unless the result is already determined. NFL fourth quarter betting includes overtime.

Half time/Full time markets are settled considering Full Time as regulation time. Overtime does not count toward Full time selections for settlement purposes.

Spread (Handicap) Betting

Overtime counts for game handicap betting. Overtime does not count for quarter and half-specific markets, except NFL fourth quarter betting. For quarter and half betting, the entire period must be played for bets to stand. In the event of a tie, bets are refunded.

Game betting

Overtime counts. In the event of a tie following overtime all bets are refunded.

Total points

Overtime counts for all total game/team total and prop points markets. Overtime does not count for total points on quarter and half-specific markets, except NFL fourth quarter betting.

For quarter and half betting, the entire period must be played for bets to stand. In the event of total points being exactly the Customer’s selected line, all bets are refunded unless a price for the exact amount is quoted.

First team/last team to score

In the event of an abandoned game, bets stand on scores that have taken place already. Overtime counts for these markets.

First/Last/Anytime/Next Touchdown scorer

Predict the name of the first/last/anytime Touchdown scorer in the game, or whether no touchdown will be scored. Only when a player is listed on NFL.com as 'inactive' for that game are the selections voided. ‘Any Other Touchdown Scorer’ refers to any player not specifically listed. If no Touchdowns are scored, bet amounts will be lost unless ‘no Touchdown scorer’ is selected. A Touchdown scorer is defined as the player that carries the ball across the goal line, catches the ball in the endzone or recovers a fumble in the endzone that is ruled a touchdown.

When “Defense/Special Teams” is listed as an option, and the First/Last/Anytime/Next touchdown scorer is Defense/Special Teams, this selection will be settled the winner and supersede the individual player.

Ex. Tyreek Hill is a listed option, but scores on a punt return touchdown for the first/last/anytime/next touchdown - For settlement purposes, Defensive/Special Teams touchdown would be the winning selection.

For Player to Score 2/3/4/etc. or More Times markets – A player scoring on a Defensive/Special Teams touchdown will not count towards their individual total.

Will Either Team Score 3 Unanswered Times?

Predict whether either team will score 3 consecutive unanswered times during the game. A Score excludes any PATs (point after touchdown or 2 point conversions).

How Does Nfl Handicap Betting Work

Total Game Touchdowns/Successful Field Goals

Predict the total number of Touchdowns/successful field goals in the game. Overtime counts.

Will there be Overtime?

Predict whether or not there will be overtime. If a game is abandoned prior to the end of normal playing time (regulation) bets are void, unless it is the final of the competition in which case all bets stand for the rescheduled game.

College Football Betting Lines

Will there be a safety?

Predict whether or not there will be a safety in the game. Overtime counts. A safety will be awarded by the game officials and is the only means whereby a team not in possession can score points. It can occur in a variety of ways but the most common is when an opponent in possession of the ball is tackled in his own end zone.

Super Bowl MVP

Predict which player will be voted the Most Valuable Player in the Super Bowl. For Super Bowl MVP propositions, if there are co-MVPs, any bet related would be paid at full odds.

Longest/Shortest Touchdown Markets

Shortest Touchdown Scored, Fumble recovered in end zone, under is a winner. If there are no Touchdowns then bets are void.

Longest/Shortest Successful Field Goal Markets

If there are no successful Field Goals, then bets are void.

Winning Margin

Predict the team to win the game and the margin.

Futures

All Futures markets include playoffs where applicable.

Super Bowl winner, Conference Outright and Divisional Futures bets stand regardless of the length of the season.

NFL Conference Winner

The team that progresses to the Super Bowl will be deemed the winner of the conference. NFL Divisional winner markets are determined by games won during the Regular Season (where appropriate NFL tie-break rules will apply).

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American Football Handicap Betting Lines

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