How to Bet Totals on FanDuel Sportsbook | Complete Guide

ByFrank Ammirante

Sep 15, 2022

FanDuel is renowned for its user-friendly experience and robust selection of betting markets, so it’s no surprise that they’re also one of the best platforms for Over/Unders.

These are types of wagers where you pick Over or Under the assigned number. It can involve the full game or focus on one quarter or half. You can bet the combined score or the total for each team.

This is a popular form of betting across all sports, especially the NFL, which involves a bit more strategy because points are mostly scored in multiples of three and seven.In this article, we’ll show you how to make an Over/Under bet on FanDuel Sportsbook.

How to Bet Over/Unders on FanDuel

Placing an Over/Under wager is a simple process on FanDuel. Follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Create an Account or Sign In

Click one of our links to bring you to the FanDuel homepage. This will grant you access to their welcome offer. If you already have an account, you can sign in. If not, you’ll have to create a username and input your personal information (name, address, etc.)

Step 2: Deposit Funds

Once your account has been verified, you’re able to put in money and place your wagers. FanDuel has multiple payment methods available, such as credit card and PayPal. Type in your preferred amount and click “Deposit." Your balance will immediately reflect this transaction.

Before you sign up and deposit, take advantage of FanDuel’s No Sweat Bet promo. If your bet loses, you will get 100% of your wager back in free bets, up to $1,000.

Step 3: Choose Your Wager

Pick your preferred sport to access the day’s slate of games. You’ll see traditional markets like moneyline, point spread, and full game totals. If you want more options like team or alternate Over/Unders, select “More Wagers." This will open up more options for you.

Step 4: Add to Bet Slip

Click the Over/Under wager that you want. This will add it to your Bet Slip. You can now type in your stake. Once you’ve done that, you’ll see the potential payout for this specific bet, based on the odds. Usually, totals vary from +100 to -120 on either side.

Step 5: Straight Bet or Parlay?

Now is the time to decide whether you want to make a straight bet or combine it into a parlay with other selections. If you want the former, simply click “Place Bet" after inputting your allotted risk. To add it into a parlay, click other totals from different games. You’ll see it appear in a parlay on your Bet Slip.

What Is Over/Under Betting on FanDuel?

Each event is given a total, where bettors can wager on the Over or Under. If you bet on the Over, your pick needs to eclipse the assigned number. For example, if I take Over 50.5 in the Chiefs-Chargers game, they need to combine for 51 or more points. Taking the Under in this scenario would require the combined score to be 50 points or fewer.

It’s a popular bet type because it’s easy to understand, simply choose Over or Under. If the total is a whole number, there’s a chance that your wager can push. For example, if the Knicks-Nets game had a 212-point total and the game finished 107-105, that would result in a voided bet while your money would be returned to your balance.

There are also a number of different ways to approach Over/Under betting. You can choose the full game or opt to go with a portion of it by choosing a quarter or half total. If you want to focus on one specific team, you can ride with a team total. You can even focus on player-based outcomes. There are also futures bets with Over/Unders, which get settled at the end of the season. Lastly, you can take alternate totals for higher payouts. We’ll describe each of these later in the article.

How Do FanDuel Totals Work?

The total is determined by a number of factors, including the following:

  • Style of Play: High-scoring teams will have higher totals
  • Pace of Play: Slow-paced teams will have lower totals
  • Weather: Windy, rainy, or snowy conditions can affect scoring, impacting the total
  • Injuries: If notable players are out for that game, you could see it affect the total

The odds for Over/Under bets are usually between +100 and -120. The most common that you’ll see is -110 on both sides. Sometimes, you’ll see -115/-105.

If you notice that the Over or Under is at -120, there’s a good chance that the number will move. For example, a 49.5-point total may move to 50 in that scenario.

FanDuel Over/Under Rules

There are various rules to remember with Over/Unders on FanDuel, such as the following:

  • Season Win Totals:The team must play 98% of their scheduled games. This is put in place in case there are cancellations due to extenuating circumstances.
  • Overtime Included:Each total will include overtime, so if you need the Over and it goes past regulation, you’re in luck.
  • Rain Delays:If an MLB game resumes after a rain delay, the bets will stand. If the game is postponed, all bets are void. Results are official if the game goes nine innings or 8.5 if the home team wins. If your total goes Over but the game is called after six innings, you may have to contact customer support. This happened to me once — I spoke to an agent and they awarded me with a win.
  • Cash Outs:Cash outs are not available on all markets. This is where you take a profit or loss before the event has concluded. You will see the option available on your Bet Slip.

Types of FanDuel Totals

There are several types of totals to bet on FanDuel, each of which is described below.

Game Total

The combined score for the full game.

Example: Over 47.5 points in Giants-Cowboys

The two teams must combine for 48 or more points for this bet to hit.

Team Total

The total score for one team.

Example: Under 21.5 points for the Eagles

If Philadelphia scores 20 points or fewer, you’d win this bet.

Halves Totals

You can bet on the combined or team total for the first or second half.

Example 1: Over 24.5 points in the 2nd half of the Chiefs-Broncos game.

Example 2: Under 13.5 points for the Saints in the 1st half

Quarters Totals

Place a wager on the combined or team totals in the first through fourth quarters.

Example 1: Over 10.5 points in the 1st quarter of the Rams-49ers game.

Example 2: Under 7.5 points for the Buccaneers in the 3rd quarter.

Player Totals

You can put in a bet on a player’s stats, selecting Over or Under the number.

Example: Over 26.5 points for LeBron James.

Futures Totals

These are bets that are settled at the end of the season.

Example: Minnesota Vikings Over 9.5 wins.

Alternate Totals

Bet on a higher or lower number at better odds for a larger payout.

Example: Brewers-Twins has an 8.5-run total. If you bet Over 8.5, you would have -105 odds. However, if you take Over 14.5, you would get +680 odds.

FanDuel NFL Totals

The NFL works perfectly for Over/Under betting because there are so many games happening at once, so you’re certain to get your fix of action here. It’s also great since the final scores are often in multiples of three or seven points, adding more strategy. There are key numbers to consider, such as 48 or 51.

The best Over/Under wager to consider are game totals and NFL player props. It’s much easier to project the combined score for a full game, so you should go this route instead of quarters or halves. Player props with Over/Under options are preferred because they’re safer choices and easier to project based on their usage. For example, wideouts who have larger target shares will likely go Over their reception totals.

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl will feature each of the totals bets outlined above, but the difference here is that you’ll have a few novelty props that allow you to bet on the Over or Under.

The most popular example of this is the national anthem, where bettors can predict the length of the song. They can also choose the length of the Halftime show or number of specific types of commercials, like beer or cars.

Be sure to have fun with some of these wagers, but focus more on the football-related selections.

Over/Under Bet Strategies

There are a number of different betting strategies related to Over/Under bets, such as:

  • Odds Shopping:Check out each sportsbook to find the best line. You may find a total of 51 points at one site but 50.5 on another. Every fractional point can make the difference between a win and a loss.
  • Over/Under Record:Look to see what a team’s record has been on the Over and Unders. This helps to show you how they have performed in relation to the market. Teams with records skewed in one direction indicate that they have been mispriced by oddsmakers.
  • Head-to-Head Matchup:Think about a team’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, prolific passing games facing a weak pass defense could have a chance to put up a ton of points in the NFL.
  • Determine the Number:Decide whether you think the total is too high or too low, based on how both style and pace of play for both teams. Fast-paced teams work well with the Over.
  • Weather:Always monitor the weather because this can impact scoring.
  • Line Movement:It’s important to see how the number has moved as we get closer to gametime.
  • Player Usage:When wagering on Over/Under player props, check to see how often a player is used. This can be target share in the NFL or minutes and shot attempts in the NBA.
  • Injuries:Make sure that there aren’t any prominent players that will be missing the game.

Over/Under Betting for Beginners

If you’re new to Over/Under betting, here’s a set of guidelines to set you on the right path to profit:

  • Focus on full-game totals because they’re easier to project than quarters or halves.
  • Target player props with Over/Unders by looking at player usage stats, like target share or minutes played.
  • Don’t be afraid to go Over on a really high number or Under on a low total because it’s set there for a reason.
  • Make sure to shop around to find the best number on your total.
  • Focusing on Unders with player props can be the prudent move because if the player is forced to leave the game early, you’ll win your bet. This gives you another “out" to win your wager.
  • As a good rule of thumb on anything newly embarked on, comprehensive search is always a good idea. Shop different US sportsbooks to get the most out of your buck.

How to Calculate Over/Under Odds?

Over/Under odds can be displayed in three formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional. You’ll find a description of each below.

American Odds

These are displayed in positive or negative integers and related to $100. For example, you may see -110 as the American odds for the Over or Under. To calculate how much you’d win on a $100 wager here, simply divide 110 by 100 and divide that number by your bet. In this case, it would be 100 divided by 1.1, which equals $90.90.

If the moneyline is plus, you can multiply that number by your wager. For example, an Under of +105 would mean that you multiply 1.05 by your $100 bet, which would equal $105.

Decimal Odds

This is where the odds are displayed in decimals and relate to $1 instead of $100. The decimal number reflects your stake plus winnings on a $1 bet. For example, an Over with 1.91 odds would mean that you’d get back $1.91 on a $1 bet ($1 stake, $0.91 profit). The lower the decimal, the less potential payout on that wager.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are displayed as fractions. If the denominator (second or bottom number) is 1, you can simply multiply the numerator (first or top number) by your wager to find the payout. For example, with 2/1 odds on a $100 bet, multiply 100 by 2 to find your payout of $200.

If the denominator isn’t 1, you will need to divide the numerator by the denominator and multiply that result to find your payout. For example, 5/2 odds: 5 divided by 2 equals 2.5, 2.5 x 100 would mean a $250 payout on a $100 wager.

You’ll notice that Over/Under odds are most commonly -110 on both sides. The next most likely is -115/-105. You’ll sometimes see -120/+100 — if it’s at these odds, the number is likely to move in the direction with the minus moneyline.

Why Are Over/Unders a Good Bet?

Over/Unders are a good bet for the following reasons:

  • They are easy to understand, simply choose Over or Under.
  • The odds aren’t expensive like on moneyline bets, so you won’t have to risk as much.
  • They can be easier to project by looking at team playing styles and player usage.
  • Sometimes you’ll find that the total goes way Over or Under the number, giving you an easy win.

Can Over/Unders Be a Bad Bet?

There are also some negatives with Over/Unders, such as:

  • The payouts are low, as there aren’t longshot odds, unless you take an alternate total, but those are tough to hit.
  • You can handicap the game correctly, only to lose your Over/Under because of random turnovers like an interception for touchdown.
  • If you take the Over on a player and they leave early due to injury before eclipsing the number, you’ll lose your bet.

What Sports Are Available for Over/Unders?

Over/Unders are among the most popular bet types around, so they’re available in several sports, such as:

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Hockey
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • MMA
  • Formula One
  • Cricket
  • Rugby

You can also choose where to

Is There Bet Insurance on Over/Unders?

FanDuel currently offers a Parlay Insurance which can be used on Over/Under parlays. If your 5+ leg wager loses by one, you’ll get a maximum refund of $25 in site credit. The minimum odds are -200 on each selection. This is a good promo that can compensate you for your close loss.

Author

Frank Ammirante

Frank Ammirante is a Senior Sports Writer at The Game Day. Previously, he wrote for 4for4 Football and RotoBaller. Frank is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writer's Association while maintaining an active presence within the community. He has competed in industry contests like the Scott Fish Bowl, The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational, and more. Frank will be making his debut in Tout Wars this year. He's got a diverse sporting background, but specializes in football and baseball.

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