The betting term that encompasses the prediction of whether the total combined score of a National Football League game during the ninth week of the season will be higher or lower than a specified value set by oddsmakers. For example, if a game between Team A and Team B has a projected total of 45.5, a bettor wagers on whether the final score will be above or below that number.
This type of wager provides an alternative to simply picking the winner of a contest. Its popularity stems from the ability to analyze offensive and defensive strengths, historical scoring trends, weather conditions, and potential injuries, and then to leverage that information regardless of which team ultimately wins the game. Examining these metrics from prior seasons, particularly those impacting offensive output and defensive vulnerabilities, can offer insights into anticipating future scoring patterns.