NFL betting on totals, where the gambler wagers that the combined points scored by the two teams in an individual game are over or under a predetermined number, represents only about 10 percent of overall football handle but that's more a function of bet takers being cautious than bet makers being reticent.
In fact, most sportsbooks accept far less of a wager--sometimes as little as a third of what they'll take on a side--to be bet on the total. So, if a wagering establishment has a limit of $3,000 per bet giving or taking points on an individual NFL game, that same bet house may allow you to wager just $1,000 on the game's total.
Some gamblers believe that "totals," as they're called, are sucker bets, a wager designed by the house to separate the foolhardy player from his money. But if that's true, sportsbooks wouldn't have to place such severe restrictions on over/under wagering.
From a statistical perspective, the odds of a game going over or under the total are about even. Over the past five years, there have been 1,280 regular season games in the NFL. Of those, 618 have gone over the total, 622 have gone under the total and there have been 40 pushes. That's about as random a result as you can get.
One way to approach totals is to look to historical tendencies. Here, based on five years (2005-09) of play, are some things to watch. (Pushes have been eliminated):
Arizona: With a 48-32 over-under record, the Cardinals have gone over the total more than any team in the league the past five seasons.
Atlanta: The "under" is 26-14 in Falcons road games.
Carolina: The "under" has a 25-13 mark in Panther home games over the last five seasons.
Baltimore: The "over" is 12-2 the week before the Ravens play the Steelers.
Buffalo: The "over" is 8-2 the week before the Bills play the Dolphins.
Carolina: The "under" is 25-13 in Carolina home games.
Chicago: The "over" is 11-3 when the Bears play non-conference foes on the road.
Cincinnati: The "under" is 25-14 in Bengals home games.
Cleveland: The "under" is 30-19 when the Browns play outside the division.
Dallas: The "over" is 22-16 in Cowboys road games.
Denver: The "over" is 24-15 in Broncos road games.
Detroit: The "over" is 25-15 in Lions road games.
Green Bay: The "over" is 29-20 in Packers non-divisional games.
Houston: The "over is 21-9 when the Texans play within the division.
Indianapolis: The "over" is 11-0 when the Colts are coming off a straight up road loss.
Jacksonville: The "over" is 28-20 when the Jaguars play non-division opponents.
Kansas City: The "over" is 28-20 when the Chiefs play outside the division.
Miami: The Dolphins have gone over the total in nine of their last 10 season finales.
Minnesota: The "over" is 8-0 when the Vikings face a division foe that beat them their last meeting.
New England: The "over" is 27-21 when the Patriots play outside the AFC East.
New Orleans: The "over" is 27-21 when the Saints play outside their division.
NY Giants: The "over" is 11-3 the week after the Giants play the Cowboys.
NY Jets: The "under" is 12-2 after a Jets bye week.
Oakland: The "under" is 21-9 when the Raiders play outside the AFC West.
Philadelphia: The "over" is 10-1 after an Eagles bye week.
Pittsburgh: The "over" is 26-12 in Steelers home games.
St. Louis: The "under" is 25-15 in Rams road games.
San Diego: The "over" is 29-20 when the Chargers play non-division opponents.
San Francisco: The "over is 18-12 in Niners division games.
Seattle: The "over" is 25-14 in Seahawks road games.
TampaBay: The "under" is 24-17 in Buccaneers road games.
Tennessee: The "over" is 26-13 in Titans home games.
Washington: The "under" is 24-15 in Redskins home games.
There are no guaranteed paths to victory but adding over/under wagering to your NFL betting menu could help you achieve "total" success.
This article was written by Luken Karel for http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering college football betting and sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com
