Understanding Over/Under (Totals) Betting
Learn how over/under betting works in all major sports. Understand totals, key numbers, and what drives over/under line movement.
What Is an Over/Under Bet?
An over/under (also called a "total") is a bet on the combined final score of both teams. The sportsbook sets a number, and you wager whether the actual total will be over or under that line. For example, if the NFL total is 47.5, you bet whether both teams will combine for more or fewer than 47.5 points.
Over/under bets are available for full-game totals, team totals, quarter/half totals, and even player-specific props. The vig is typically -110 on both sides, just like point spreads.
Factors That Affect Totals
Weather is the most visible factor in outdoor sports — wind, rain, and cold consistently push NFL and baseball totals lower. In NBA, pace of play (possessions per game) is a key driver: fast-paced teams like the 2020s-era Kings push totals higher.
In baseball, the ballpark dimensions matter enormously — Coors Field (high altitude, Denver) consistently produces the highest totals in MLB. Pitching matchups are equally critical: two aces facing off can push a total from 8.5 down to 7.
Over/Under Betting FAQ
What is a key number for NFL totals?
The most common NFL total landing numbers are 41, 44, 45, 47, and 51. These correspond to common scoring combinations. Getting a half-point through line shopping (e.g., 44 vs 44.5) can be very valuable.
Does overtime count in over/under bets?
Yes. Unless specifically stated otherwise, overtime counts toward the over/under total in all major sports. This can be important in NFL and NBA where overtime adds 5-15 extra points.