When betting the underdog in football, it can be a quite attractive proposition to take additional points in hopes that the dog beats the favorite either outright or with the help of the point spread. However, it does not always make sense to grab points when betting a dog. A football bettor should consider things such as the venue in which the game is being played and how they perform against the spread.
When to use the Money Line
A good football betting pro should bet the money line when the underdog is receiving less than three points. Statistically, it is almost as likely that the dog will beat the favored team outright as it is that the points will help them. However, the increased winnings that the money line will provide will certainly help to pad your bankroll. Additionally, the dog is more likely to overcome the odds when they are playing at home, as opposed to on the road. Thus, a football bettor is better off using the money line to bet on an underdog at home, especially when the point spread would provide them less than three points.
When to take the dog with points
When the underdog is receiving more than three points and playing at home, it might be time to take the points. The home team plays in their own environment and has the hometown crowd cheering for them. Often the added points, when the spread gives more than four points, will benefit the underdog at home. This does not mean that a football bettor should always take the dog and points at home, however. Odds are in the bettor’s favor when the dog gets four or more points and are playing at home.
When to avoid betting the dog
A road dog rarely exceeds expectations. A football bettor should avoid betting the footbal odds underdog when they are on the road and getting less than seven points. This is especially true when the underdog would still be a dog even if they were playing at home. In instances such as this, a football bettor wants to avoid the dog at all costs. Additionally, when the road dog is getting a large number of points (13, for example), the odds makers are expecting a huge win and it is unlikely that the underdog will keep the game close enough for the bet to pan out.