Football Totals Wagering
Written May 21, 2008 by Jack Jones
A lot of people out there make the mistake of focusing only on offensive strengths and weaknesses when they break down the totals. Common questions they take into account for their handicapping is how good the quarterback is, how good he can get the ball downfield, what is the weather going to be like, is the game inside or outside, and so on.
While we don’t recommend you ignore these questions, it’s important to also factor in the defensive side of the ball.
One thing that you can normally take advantage of are the teams like the Chicago Bears or the Baltimore Ravens who are known as defensive powerhouses. True, they have been great in the past, but how are they really doing in the current season? Are there injuries that are hampering their efforts? You’ll be surprised at teams that have been good, or bad for that matter, in the past on the defensive end and how they still get their totals set according to past seasons. Be careful and monitor the current results.
A lot of times teams change philosophies from one season to the next, so when you get started on the year be checking out the preseason reports to see which direction the team is heading. A few years ago the Kansas City Chiefs were running and gunning all over the field trying to win shootouts, but enter Herm Edwards and Larry Johnson and next thing you know the team is grinding it out trying to win defensive battles.
So as you prepare for handicapping football this year, think about adding more totals wagers to your arsenal. Remember to keep the complete picture in mind and don’t get bogged down on past results or focusing on only one side of the ball. Bad defenses can help you go over the total as well as explosive offenses, and a team that can’t move the ball will have trouble scoring on anyone.
