You bet OVER the number or UNDER that number. Over Under – known as totals betting, this is a combined number of all points scored in a game by both teams. In this case, the Cowboys win the game but lose against the spread. Example if the Cowboys win 21-17, they won by just four points, so 21 -7 = 14, therefore the final ATS score is 17-14 for the Saints. Example, if the final score is 21-10 for Dallas, they won by 11 points, so even after subtracting 7 (for the -7), the final ATS score is 14-10. You simply subtract the negative value from the favorite’s final score or add the positive value to the underdog’s final score. Meanwhile the Saints can lose by six points and still win ATS (against the spread).
This means the Cowboys must win by eight points or more to cover the spread. For example, if Dallas is favored by 7 points against New Orleans, they will display as -7. Point Spread – the most popular way to bet on football, point spread bettors simply choose a favorite or underdog and decide if one team can cover the spread.
