Alternate spreads and alternate totals let you choose a different line than the standard spread or total — at adjusted odds. They provide flexibility to express different opinions about a game's likely outcome.
How Alternate Spreads Work
Standard line: Chiefs -7 at -110
Alternate spreads might include:
- Chiefs -3 at -175 (easier to cover, but you pay more)
- Chiefs -10.5 at +130 (harder to cover, but you're paid more)
- Chiefs -14 at +230 (much harder, high payout)
Each alternate spread represents a different combination of probability and payout. The book prices each to maintain approximately the same expected value from their perspective.
How Alternate Totals Work
Standard total: 47.5 at -110 each side
Alternate totals:
- Over 44.5 at -175 (easier, you pay more)
- Over 51.5 at +145 (harder, you're paid more)
- Under 50.5 at -115 (adjusted depending on movement)
When Alternate Lines Offer Value
Alternate lines can offer genuine value when:
- The standard line is near a key number: If the standard spread is -3.5 and you can get the alternate of -1.5 at a specific price, you're crossing the key number 3 — worth analyzing whether the price is fair.
- High-confidence games: If you strongly believe a game is a blowout, taking a larger alternate spread at better odds might reflect your view more accurately than the standard line.
- Line shopping reveals price gaps: The same alternate spread might be available at better odds at different books — the same shopping logic applies.
[Compare alternate lines across books with Oddible →]
