Wagering on over/unders, also known as totals, is common in sports betting. This is one of the most popular betting markets for games, along with point spreads and money lines. We'll go over over/under betting, how it works and some strategies for wagering on over/unders.
An over/under, or total, is the combined score of each team in a game. For example, let's say the total for the opening game of the 2026 NFL season between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots is 46.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Bettors could wager on the Over or Under, predicting whether the combined score of the game would exceed 46.5.
Those who bet the Over would hope for 47 or more points, while those on the Under hope for the opposite. Totals are set by the oddsmakers. They are largely determined by an algorithm, but will be influenced by which teams are playing, weather conditions, and injury information.
For example, if Seattle ruled quarterback Sam Darnold out for Week 1 or if there was a high chance of rain, the total would be impacted. Similar to point spreads, the lines on totals are usually -110 on both sides, with occasional differences (-120, +100) or (-115, -105). Most sportsbooks offer the ability to modify the total with alternate over/under betting, though this will impact the odds.
Bet over/unders at DraftKings Sportsbook: Totals exist across the board, whether you are engaging in soccer betting or NFL betting. As mentioned earlier, the over/under market is one of the standard markets offered along with point spreads and money lines. Regardless of the sport, the total is the combined score at the end of a game.
In NFL and college football, totals are usually in the 40s and 50s, though some can stretch into the 60s and 70s in matchups between two great offensive teams. By contrast, NBA totals are usually in the 220s. College basketball totals typically reside in the 130s and 140s, though these can also be pushed into the 150s and 160s depending on the teams in question.
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