With a whole month of the season already passed, maybe you’re feeling a touch more daring when it comes to placing your bets on NFL Week 5 this weekend.
As the busy season for Virginia sportsbooks begins, football enthusiasts are presented with an abundance of betting options to explore.
As the Washington Football Team (2-2) gets ready for their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints (2-2) this Sunday, maybe you notice a chance worth seizing.
Do the lines seem inaccurate? Do you believe that a slightly different number could lead to a successful bet? Are you anticipating that the first quarter or first half of the game might differ significantly from the remainder?
There are various betting options available to you.
What are NFL alternate lines?
You are likely acquainted with the typical methods of betting on football. One option is to wager on the point spread, where a team is favored (indicated by a negative number like -3), while the opposing team is considered the underdog and receives points (+3).
Additionally, you have the option to forego the spread and instead place a wager on a team’s straight-up victory using the moneyline. Furthermore, you can also choose to bet on the over/under, predicting the total number of points scored in the game. Maybe you have even engaged in prop betting or constructed a parlay.
However, certain sports, particularly the NFL, offer unique betting options where you can wager on specific timeframes or segments of the game. These markets allow for more targeted and specific bets.
- First quarter
- First half
- Second half
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
In most VA sportsbooks, all you need to do is select the game you wish to place a bet on, and you will be presented with a wide array of betting choices and markets.
As of Thursday afternoon, BetRivers had Washington listed as a 2-point underdog for their game against the Saints on Sunday at FedExField, which will be televised on CBS. The total points expected for the game was set at 44.5.
However, what if you prefer the Washington Football Team (WFT) to be favored by 3 points, ensuring that a potential field goal by the Saints does not cause you any trouble? What if you strongly believe that the predicted total score is significantly inaccurate? Moreover, what if you anticipate that one team will begin the game strongly but ultimately end with a lackluster performance?
If you find yourself in such situations, the sportsbooks do offer alternatives. However, they do come with a cost.
How and why to bet an NFL half
The NFC South finds the Saints trailing the first-place team by just a game, while in the NFC East, Washington is in a similar position.
However, the similarities between the Saints and Washington end there. The Saints suffered a devastating 27-21 overtime defeat against the previously winless New York Giants in their previous game. On the other hand, Washington is basking in the glory of a 34-30 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
It’s understandable if you believe that Washington will capitalize on their momentum from last week and have a strong start against the Saints this weekend. With the support of their home crowd, the atmosphere should be electrifying right from the beginning.
Nevertheless, as a WFT supporter, there may be concerns regarding a potential decline in performance during the second half. It’s possible that the initial rush of adrenaline fades, the crowd loses its fervor, and there is a fear that the superior team, the Saints, may seize control.
If you find yourself in that situation, you may want to consider placing a bet on the WFT solely for the first half. Alternatively, you could consider betting on the Saints for the second half.
For instance, let’s take a look at BetRivers. The Washington team is favored with a +2 point spread for the entire game, with odds of -108. Alternatively, you have the option to bet on the Washington Football Team with a +1.5 point spread, but only for the first half, with odds of -132. If you choose this option, as long as Washington is not losing by more than one point at halftime, your bet will be successful. Additionally, you can even place a bet on a tie at halftime, which has odds of over 10-1 (+1050), if you believe the game will be extremely close.
In addition, bettors often prefer to check the live odds during halftime; however, it is possible to place a bet on the second half even before the game begins. In the given situation, the Saints are favored by -2 (with -113 odds) for the entire game. Nevertheless, if you have confidence in their performance during the second half specifically, you can bet on them with a spread of -1.5 (+100). Therefore, regardless of the outcome of the first half, as long as the Saints outscore the WFT by at least two points in the second half, the bet will be successful.
Naturally, all the typical betting choices are accessible for both halves, including the initial half.
- Moneyline: Washington Football Team is listed at +100 odds, while the New Orleans Saints are favored with -130 odds.
- The total score is 21.5 points, with -115 odds for choosing over and -113 odds for choosing under.
A look at alternate lines
Another option to wager on the Washington vs. New Orleans game is to explore alternate lines.
Jameis Winston, the quarterback for the Saints, has faced difficulties in finding his rhythm this season, managing to surpass 150 passing yards only on one occasion. On the other hand, Washington is currently dealing with a few injury concerns, causing some setbacks in their performance.
Given these reasons and more, it is reasonable to anticipate that Sunday’s game will have a minimal number of points scored. Despite the game already having one of the lowest totals of the week according to oddsmakers (43.5 at BetMGM), you might believe that the score will be significantly lower.
If that’s what you prefer, go ahead and place a bet on the regular total and select under 43.5 (-110). However, if you’re willing to take on more risk for a higher payout, you might want to consider betting on an alternate total. By choosing a lower number, you’ll be rewarded, but if you opt for a higher number, you’ll face corresponding odds.
For instance, at BetMGM, instead of opting for a total of 43.5, you have the opportunity to choose a lower total and potentially gain better odds by placing an “under” bet on these totals.
- 43: -105
- 42.5: +100
- 42: +105
- 41.5: +110
- 41: +115
- 40: +135
- 38: +165
- 35: +230
The principle applies to the spread of every team as well. At BetMGM, you can obtain the WFT at +2 with -110 odds. However, if you believe they can not only cover the spread but surpass it comfortably, you have the option to utilize an alternate line and receive a reward.
- +1: +100
- -1: +115
- -1.5: +120
- -3: +155
- -3.5: +180
- -6: +240
- -7: +310
- -9.5: +400
Alternatively, you have the option to acquire points by “purchasing” them and receive WFT at +3. However, this choice comes with a disadvantage of lower odds (-135).
Make sure to check the betting options offered by different sportsbooks before making a decision. If you are interested in specific types of bets, ensure that your chosen sportsbook provides them. In case they don’t, you can refer to the VA sportsbook reviews in the site’s header to discover an alternative that does offer the desired betting options.
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