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What is a Team Total? Team Total Betting Explained

Team total betting, often referred to as over/under betting, is a simple yet popular way to bet on sports. Instead of betting on who wins or loses, you’re focused on how many points, runs, or goals one team (or both teams combined) will score in a game. The sportsbook sets a predicted total, and you place your bet on whether the actual score will be over or under that number. This kind of bet can be made in nearly every sport, though the strategies you use may change depending on the game.

Let’s break down how team total betting works across different sports and what factors can help you make smarter bets.

How Team Total Bets Work

With team total betting, you’re not worrying about who wins the game. Your only concern is how many points, goals, or runs are scored, either by one specific team or by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a total for the game, and your job is to predict whether the final score will go over or under that number. This type of betting is especially popular because it’s straightforward and can be easier to pick than predicting a winner in close matchups.

Team Total Betting in Different Sports

Total betting strategies can vary depending on the sport. The way each sport is played whether it’s how points are scored or the importance of key players can change how you approach betting the over or under.

Football: A Strategic Totals Game

Football totals betting is exciting because there are many ways teams can score touchdowns (6 points), field goals (3 points), and safeties (2 points) which adds a layer of strategy to your bets.

For example, oddsmakers might set the total for an NFL game at 45.5 points:

  • If you bet the over, you’re predicting that both teams will combine to score at least 46 points.
  • If you bet the under, you’re betting that the total score will be 45 points or less.

Football totals are influenced by many factors, such as:

  • Team Offense and Defense: Games between two strong offensive teams might lead to high scores, while defensive matchups often favor the under.
  • Weather: Bad weather like wind, rain, or snow can make it harder to score, pushing people to bet the under.

Football’s unpredictable scoring makes it a great sport for totals betting, especially if you can account for things like player form, team strategies, and weather conditions.

Basketball: High Scoring, Fast Action

In basketball, scoring happens fast and often, which makes for higher totals than you’ll see in other sports. NBA totals typically range from 210 to 240 points.

For instance, if the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Miami Heat, and the sportsbook sets the total at 215.5 points:

  • A bet on the over wins if both teams combine to score 216 points or more.
  • A bet on the under wins if the combined score is 215 points or less.

Some factors to keep in mind for basketball totals include:

  • Free Throws: Fouls and free throws can push scores higher, especially late in games.
  • Game Pace: Fast-paced teams that take lots of shots tend to score more, driving up the total.
  • Three-Point Shooting: Teams that rely on three-pointers can change the total quickly, while teams that don’t shoot well may struggle to hit the over.

Baseball: A Game of Pitching and Totals

Baseball is a lower-scoring sport, making totals betting a bit trickier. Most MLB games have totals between 7 and 10 runs.

For example, a game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox might have a total set at 8.5 runs:

  • If the total number of runs scored by both teams is 9 or more, the over wins.
  • If the combined score is 8 runs or less, the under wins.

Pitching plays a huge role in baseball totals:

  • Starting Pitchers: A game between two great starting pitchers is more likely to have fewer runs, favoring the under.
  • Bullpen and Closers: After the starters are pulled, the bullpen can either keep the game low-scoring or allow more runs to pile up late.
  • Weather and Ballpark: Wind, stadium design, and even altitude can make it easier or harder to hit home runs, which directly impacts the total.

Hockey: Low-Scoring but Strategic

Hockey is one of the lowest-scoring sports, which makes totals betting a bit more straightforward. NHL games usually have totals set around 5.5 goals.

For instance, if the Boston Bruins are playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the total is set at 5.5 goals:

  • A bet on the over wins if both teams combine for 6 or more goals.
  • A bet on the under wins if the combined score is 5 goals or less.

Like baseball, hockey totals are heavily influenced by the goalies and defensive play:

  • Goaltending: Two elite goalies are more likely to keep the game low-scoring, favoring the under.
  • Power Plays: Teams with strong power-play units can score more often, pushing the game toward the over.

What to Consider When Betting Team Totals

Betting on team totals can be fun and profitable, but it requires some thought. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

  1. Game Style: Each sport and matchup is different. Offensive and defensive strategies, player performance, and even coaching decisions all affect the total.
  2. Pace of Play: Teams that play fast and score often can push games over, while slower, more defensive teams are more likely to keep the score low.
  3. Injuries and Absences: If a star player is out, especially in football or basketball, it can drastically change the scoring potential of a game.
  4. Weather: In outdoor sports like football and baseball, bad weather can make it harder to score, while good weather might push the total higher.
  5. Public Betting Trends: Many people like to bet the over because it’s more exciting to root for points, but there’s often good value in betting the under, especially when everyone’s backing the over.

Conclusion

Team total betting is an exciting and simple way to get into sports betting, focusing only on the number of points, goals, or runs scored rather than the winner of the game. Whether you’re betting on football, basketball, baseball, or hockey, understanding the dynamics of each sport is key to making successful bets. Pay attention to factors like game pace, key player performances, and external conditions like weather to help you make smarter picks. With the right research and strategy, you can turn team total betting into a fun and rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a team total bet?

  • A team total bet is a wager on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will go over or under a set number.

How do football totals work?

  • Football totals are set based on expected scoring from touchdowns, field goals, and other scoring opportunities, considering each team’s offense and defense.

Why are basketball totals higher than other sports?

  • Basketball is fast-paced, with consistent scoring throughout the game, which is why NBA totals are usually much higher than sports like baseball or hockey.

What impacts baseball totals the most?

  • Pitching is the biggest factor in baseball totals. The strength of starting pitchers, bullpens, and even the weather can influence how many runs are scored.

Do goalies affect hockey totals?

  • Absolutely. Strong goaltending usually keeps the score low, while weaker goaltending or poor defense can lead to more goals and push the total higher.