Welcome to Las Vegas, where the betting begins! The NFL season is officially over, which means that your fantasy football team lost and you have to get back to reality. But before you dive head first into your daily routine, there’s still one last game you can go watch – the Jaguars hosting the Patriots in a battle of the unbeatens.
While the Patriots seem like a lock to win their ninth Super Bowl, the Jaguars are a totally different story. Coming off their first losing season since 2010, the Jags are not one bit intimidated by the defending champions. Vegas has the Jags as 3.5 point underdogs in a game that the oddsmakers consider “a toss-up.” Let’s find out how you can bet on the game, starting with the Over/Under lines. Before heading to the stats, it’s important to note that gambling is not allowed inside Nevada sportsbooks. So if you’re looking for a way to make some money off this year’s playoff games, you can’t do it legally.
Over/Under Lines
The OVER/UNDER lines represent the amount of points that will be scored in the game. If you’re trying to win big, you’ll want to bet on the OVER, and if you’re looking to cover your losses, go with the UNDER. Before making any bets, though, you should know that these numbers can vary widely from one sportsbook to the next, so make sure you get the best deal you can!
As for the spread, this is the difference in points between the two teams. When the spread is called “even” money, this means the two teams are evenly matched. A team that is 3.5 points better than expected usually wins big with the spread, while a team that is 3.5 points worse than expected covers the spread. This game has the potential to be a blowout, so try and avoid betting on the spread if you’re looking to win.
Point-spread
This is the difference in points between the two teams. When the point-spread is even money, this means the two teams are evenly matched. A team that is 3.5 points better than expected usually wins big with the point-spread, while a team that is 3.5 points worse than expected covers the point-spread. This game has the potential to be a blowout, so try and avoid betting on the spread if you’re looking to win.
Total
This is the total amount of points that will be scored in the game. When there is no spread, the total is usually between 40 and 49 points. This is the most popular number to bet on because it is most likely to produce a winner. However, if the total is less than 40 points, then the underdogs usually cover the spread. If the total is 50 or more points, then the overdogs usually cover the spread. This is another game with the potential to be a blowout, which means you’ll want to avoid betting on total numbers unless you’re looking for an upset.
First Quarter
This is the first quarter of the game. The first quarter is usually the most exciting part of the game, and you’ll want to be on the field to catch all the action. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a long shot at a big win because there is generally a lot of action during the first quarter. You’ll want to avoid betting on the first quarter if you’re looking for a straight bet. However, if you’re looking to hedge your bets or place a last-minute wager, then this is the place to be. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the kickoffs because they can put points on the board quickly in the first quarter. You won’t want to miss a kickoff if you’re looking for some action because the average kickoff goes for 42.6 yards in the air, meaning it is likely to go for at least a field goal. If the kickoff is not returned, then the other team will get a free point, which can add up quickly!
Second Quarter
This is the second quarter of the game. The second quarter is usually much less exciting than the first, and you’ll want to avoid betting on it if you’re looking for action. However, if you’re looking for a sure thing, then this is the place to be. There is not a whole lot of action during the second quarter, which means there is less chance of winning. You’ll also want to avoid betting on the second quarter if you’re looking for a straight bet. However, if you’re looking for a way to hedge your bets or place a last-minute wager, then this is the place to be. Look to see if there are any breaks in the action, as sometimes there are big changes towards the end of the second quarter that can put points on the board or take them off. For example, say the Patriots kick off and the Jags kick off, which is a very common thing during the playoffs. If the Patriots then go three and out, the Jags will get the ball first and have the opportunity to score quickly. You’ll have to wait until the fourth to hear about this game again!
Third Quarter
This is the third quarter of the game. The third quarter is usually the least exciting part of the game, which is why you won’t want to be in the middle of the action when it’s happening. The third quarter is usually when you need to back out of your wager, if you lose then you’ll want to try and make it back in the next quarter. You’ll want to avoid betting on the third quarter if you’re looking for a straight bet, however, if you’re looking to hedge your bets or place a last-minute wager then this is the place to be. The third quarter is usually when the big plays happen. You’ll want to keep your eyes open for long passes that will put points on the board. There will also be a lot of short-field stops where a quarterback sneaks for a first down, which can also put points on the board.
Fourth Quarter
This is the fourth quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is the least exciting part of the game, which is why you don’t want to be in the middle of the action when it’s happening. The end of the game will begin to happen, and you’ll want to leave the stadium. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a sure thing, but there are also times when the fourth quarter puts points on the board, which is why you can’t always judge by what happens in the fourth quarter alone. You’ll want to avoid betting on the fourth quarter if you’re looking for a straight bet. However, if you’re looking to hedge your bets or place a last-minute wager, then this is the place to be. The fourth quarter is often times more exciting than the third, which is why it’s such a popular place for fans to be during the last minutes of the game. Don’t be afraid to get loud and crazy if you’re at a game during the fourth quarter!
After the game has ended, there will be some time left on the clock. Depending on the game’s result, this can vary from a few minutes to a few hours. After the time has expired, the game will officially be over. You’ll want to check the result and, if you lost, leave the stadium. This is also the place to be if you’re looking for a sure thing but want to make sure it is said exactly that you were sure about. If you didn’t win and were betting on the game, then this is the place to be, as well because you’ll want to check the results to see if your wager paid off. You can also follow the results on social media to get instant updates on the game’s outcome!