NFL Total Betting

Explore the strategic side of NFL wagering beyond just picking winners. NFL total betting—or Over-Under betting—invites you to predict the game's pace, focusing on total points rather than outcomes. It's a dynamic aspect of NFL odds and lines, integral to both regular season matchups and Super Bowl betting odds.

What are NFL Totals?

NFL totals involve betting on the combined score of both teams. Before the game, bookmakers set a projected total—the 'number'—based on detailed analysis. Bettors then decide if the actual score will be 'over' or 'under' this number, a popular component of Super Bowl betting odds and regular matchups alike.

How Does Betting on NFL Totals Work?

During the 2008 Super Bowl, the Giants and Patriots were expected to surpass 54 points, but the actual total was just 31. Bettors who paired the Giants on the spread with the Under scored big. Odds for the Over and Under shift according to market action, affecting payouts and betting strategies.

Example odds:

  • Minnesota Vikings O 46 (—120)
  • Jacksonville Jaguars U 46 (—110)

Adjustments in odds, like moving the Over from -120 to -130, help balance betting action. Half-points are often added to totals to prevent ties and ensure a definitive result.

Total Bets

When to Bet on Totals

Total bets can be placed strategically considering factors like weather, stadium type, and key player injuries. Timing your bets can also optimize your chances, especially with public tendencies skewing totals as the game day approaches.

Whether betting Over early or Under later, total bets add depth to your NFL betting strategy, potentially leading to rewarding payouts at the window.