Definition of Alternate Total

What does the term "alternate total" mean in the world of sports betting? What is meant by an "alternate total" when it comes to betting on the NFL?

Each NFL game will have a total - this is the total number of points that is expected to be scored in the game. Bettors can bet that the total number of points will be over or under this total.

For instance, a typical total might look like this:

Over 41.5 points, -110
Under 41.5 points, -110

With the "alternate total", you can change the total line, and the odds will change as a result.

For instance - one alternate total line for the game mentioned above might look like this:

Over 51.5 points, +700
Under 51.5 points, -850

So let's say that you expect that the game will be a high-scoring affair.

In this case, you would want to bet on the "alternate total" of 51.5 points (Over), as you'd be setting yourself up for a very big win ($700 in profit for every $100 wagered) if the game ends up going over 51.5 points.

On the other hand, if you think that the game will be low-scoring, you'd want to seek out a low "alternate total" and bet that.

For instance, a line might look like this:

Over 36.5 points, -525
Under 36.5 points, +400

In this case, you'd be setting yourself up for a nice payday if the gaem ended up going under 36.5 points.