Some say you should always bet on the favourites, but we disagree. Sometimes the best option is actually the underdog and sometimes that means you should go against the grain and bet on the underdog. Let’s have a look at the stats and prove which side of this argument we’re on.
Underdog Wins
Wins are an important part of a bet, especially if you’re looking for entertainment value. If you want to watch a game and you don’t care about who wins, there are plenty of options available. The only downside is that sometimes the underdogs can be a little more expensive to bet on. That being said, when compared to other options, such as pulling a number out of a hat or picking a winner at random, putting your money on the underdogs can be a relatively easy and fun way to spend a few hours.
Draws
A draw is when the initial scores are not resolved in favour of either team, or in the case of a Superbowl DRAW, the scores are not settled until the fourth quarter. The most exciting part about a draw is that, although it seems like an inconclusive match, there’s always the chance that one team could rally back and win. We don’t usually include draws in our list of profitable betting options because, typically, the game ends in a tie and, in some cases, there’s an additional charge for a tie or no winner, for example in a horse race. If you’re looking for a game that you think will end in a draw, then go for it, but don’t expect too much.
Totals
Totals are simply the sum of the scores at the end of a game. They can be extremely useful if you’re looking for an early prediction of the final outcome. However, the problem is that totals are often influenced by a number of factors, such as the number of injuries, weather conditions, quality of play and, in some cases, the betting patterns of the public.
For example, take a look at the 2014 Superbowl. The game was tied at the end of regulation, but the Patriots scored a last-second field goal, which was followed by a 49ers’ onside kick, which led to a touchdown, resulting in a 51-49 Patriots’ win. In that case, the total went up by 4 points because of the onside kick, which was the opposite of what happened in the earlier part of the game. The Patriots had been favoured by 4 points to start the game and gained a total of 11 points, while the 49ers went from an underdog of 3 points to a fair share at 7 points.
Point Spread
The point spread is how much one team is favoured to win. For example, let’s say you’re betting on the 49ers to win the 2014 Superbowl and they are an underdog of 3 points. The line would be set at (49ers -3). Now, if you were choosing the Patriots as your team, you’d have to pay attention to the other teams’ point spreads as well because they could vary from -20 to +20 points. Going against the grain here means you’re not going to get your money back, but it’s usually well worth it.
Money Line
The money line is probably the most straightforward and, at the same time, the most complicated betting option for the average person. The money line simply asks how much you’ll win or lose on a certain team. For example, if you think the Patriots are going to cover the 3 point spread and you place a bet, your money will be on the line and you’ll win if the Patriots win the game. Simple enough, but there are a lot of things that could go wrong. The main problem is that the money line doesn’t take into account all the factors that influence the final score. For example, if the 49ers defense is playing well and the Patriots’ quarterback struggles, it’s possible that the outcome could be the other way around than what you expected. The key to using the money line effectively is to pick your poison. Do you want to bet on the underdog and you want to make sure you win? Or do you want to go for the favourite and you’re ok with losing, as long as you win big? Think about what’s important to you and make a decision. If you’re going to lose anyway, why not do it on one of the best shows in the universe?
Combinations
Combinations are simply when you’re combining two or more of the above options, such as backing both the underdogs and the favourites in the same bet. For example, you might choose the 49ers and Patriots as your 2D team because you think they have a good chance of winning and it’s highly unlikely that either team will lose. The problem with combinations is that, typically, the payout is lower than it would be if you’d gone with just one or the other and you also need to keep an eye on the spread because you don’t want to risk getting overly dominated by the public’s betting pattern. The key to combinations is to find the right line for the right situation. If you want to bet on the underdogs, do it but only if they’re competitive enough to win. Going with the favourites is usually a safe bet, as long as you’re not getting carried away with the excitement of the moment.
It’s not always easy to find the right line for the right situation and that’s why some people prefer to play it safe by backing only the underdogs or the favourites. Of course, the choice is completely up to you but, if you’re wanting to make the right decision, it’s worth paying attention to all the information that’s out there. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of successfully selecting the right option and increasing your winnings rather than losing what you’ve staked. And that, my friends, is the key to successful betting! Good luck out there.