What is alternate passing yards? How to bet on football online

Alternate passing yards refer to the modified passing yards totals offered by sportsbooks, allowing bettors to adjust the standard totals to better align with their own predictions or risk tolerance.

Many bettors, regardless of their level of experience, are well-acquainted with the concept of totals in prop betting. Essentially, this involves predicting whether a player will exceed or fall short of a specific number of yards in various scenarios—be it throwing, running, or receiving yards. If the bettor's prediction about whether the actual performance will be over or under the set total is correct, they win the bet.

Alternate yard totals come into play when bettors wish to customize the set totals provided by sportsbooks. This option allows for adjustments to the standard yardage totals in prop bets, providing a more tailored betting experience. For example, if a sportsbook sets a passing yards total at 250 yards for a quarterback, an alternate passing yards market might offer adjusted totals like 200 or 300 yards, with corresponding odds.

Understanding alternate passing yards

Every week throughout the NFL and college football seasons, online sportsbooks offer prop wagers focused on passing yards for quarterbacks. These wagers are designed to predict whether a quarterback will throw for more or fewer yards than a specific total set by the sportsbook. The odds for these passing-yards props typically range from -130 to +100, depending on factors such as the quarterback's performance and the strength of their opponent.

Alternate passing yards take this concept a step further by allowing bettors to adjust the standard passing yards line to better align with their own predictions or risk preferences. Instead of betting on the fixed total set by the sportsbook, you can choose from a range of alternate totals.

Here’s a breakdown of how alternate passing yards work:

• Adjustable totals: With alternate passing yards, you can select a different yardage total than the one initially offered. For example, if a sportsbook sets the standard passing yards total at 250 yards, you might have the option to bet on alternate totals like 200 or 300 yards, each with its own set of odds.
• Customization: This option allows you to tailor your bet according to your own expectations and risk tolerance. If you anticipate a quarterback will have an exceptionally high or low performance, you can choose a more suitable alternate total. 
• Odds bariation: The odds for alternate passing yards will vary based on the difficulty of the bet. Betting on a significantly higher or lower total than the standard line may come with different odds, reflecting the increased or decreased likelihood of that outcome.
• Strategic betting: Alternate passing yards can be used strategically to better align with your analysis of the game. If you believe a quarterback will surpass the standard passing yards total by a significant margin, you might select a higher alternate total for potentially larger payouts. Conversely, if you expect a quarterback to fall short, you might choose a lower alternate total.
• Risk management: This betting option provides flexibility in managing your risk. Higher alternate totals usually offer higher payouts but come with greater risk, while lower alternate totals might have lower payouts but also lower risk.

In summary, alternate passing yards offer a way to adjust the standard betting lines to match your personal predictions and risk appetite, providing a more tailored betting experience and allowing for strategic adjustments based on your insights into the game.

Maximizing profit with alternate passing yards when confident

If you’re confident in a quarterback’s performance and believe he will fall short of a standard passing yards line—say, over/under 304.5 yards—you can choose a lower alternate total to potentially increase your profit. For instance, instead of betting on the under 304.5 yards with odds of -110, you might opt for a lower alternate total, like 274.5 yards, which could offer better odds, possibly around +130.

This approach comes with risks: if the quarterback throws for 285 yards, your adjusted bet would lose, whereas the original under 304.5 bet would have been successful. Nonetheless, selecting a more favorable alternate total can yield higher returns if your prediction is correct.

On the flip side, if you anticipate that the quarterback will exceed 304 yards due to facing a weak pass defense, some sportsbooks allow you to push the line to a higher total, enhancing your odds for the over bet. For example, you might bet on the quarterback to throw over 330 yards instead, which could offer better odds but involves a higher risk.

Reducing risk in multi-leg parlays with alternate passing yards

When constructing a multi-leg parlay, especially with three or four legs, you might want to reduce the risk of losing the entire bet. By using alternate passing yards totals, you can make individual legs of your parlay more achievable. For example, instead of betting on a quarterback’s standard passing yards total, you could choose an alternate total, such as over 250 yards at -200 or over 275 yards at -170.

By selecting a more achievable alternate total, you increase the likelihood of hitting that particular leg of your parlay, thus improving your chances of winning the overall bet. However, this adjustment typically results in lower odds for that leg, which can reduce the potential payout of your parlay.

When choosing alternate passing yards props for your parlay, exercise caution. While a lower total might seem more likely to hit, and the odds might appear attractive, there’s always the risk that even seemingly secure props can fall short of expectations. Balancing risk and reward is key to crafting a successful parlay strategy.

Advantages and disadvantages of alternate passing yards

Advantages

• Customized betting: Alternate passing yards allow you to tailor the betting line to match your predictions more closely. If you have a strong belief about a quarterback's performance, you can adjust the total to better reflect your expectations.
• Potential for higher payouts: By choosing a more challenging alternate total, you can potentially earn higher payouts. For example, betting on a significantly lower or higher passing yards total than the standard line can offer better odds, leading to greater rewards if your prediction proves correct.
• Risk management: Alternate passing yards can be used to manage risk more effectively. If you believe a quarterback is likely to perform within a more certain range, selecting a less extreme total can reduce the chance of a losing bet, especially when used in combination with other betting strategies like parlays.
• Strategic flexibility: These options provide flexibility in adjusting your bets based on the specific game conditions or your insights into the matchup. This can enhance your betting strategy and allow for more precise wagers.

Disadvantages

• Increased risk: While alternate passing yards can offer higher payouts, they also come with increased risk. If the adjusted total is too optimistic or pessimistic, it can result in losing bets if the quarterback's performance doesn't align with your adjusted prediction.
• Lower odds for safer bets: If you choose an alternate total that is easier to hit (such as a lower or more conservative number), the odds are typically lower. This means while the bet may be safer, the potential payout is reduced compared to betting on more challenging totals.
• Complexity: Using alternate passing yards can add complexity to your betting strategy. It requires a deeper understanding of both the player’s performance and the associated odds, which can be overwhelming for some bettors.
• Potential for misjudgment: Even with alternate totals that seem likely, there is always the risk of misjudgment. A quarterback's performance can be unpredictable, and choosing an alternate total doesn't guarantee a successful outcome. 

In summary, alternate passing yards offer both strategic advantages and potential drawbacks. They provide an opportunity for customized betting and higher payouts but also come with increased risk and complexity. Careful consideration and a solid understanding of the associated risks are essential when incorporating alternate passing yards into your betting strategy.

Tips for betting on alternate passing yards

Here are some tips to consider before placing a bet on alternate passing yards:

• Do your research: Analyze the matchup to determine if a player is likely to perform exceptionally well against their opponent. For instance, does a quarterback have a history of impressive performances against a specific team, such as Kyler Murray against the Cowboys? Consider if the player is facing a team with a weak pass defense or one dealing with significant injuries. The more data you gather, the more confident you can be in your bet.
• Factor in weather and game conditions: Weather and game strategy can significantly impact a quarterback's passing performance. For example, if a game like Jets vs. Bills is played in harsh December weather in Western New York, the team might focus on a running game due to snow, wind, and cold temperatures. In such conditions, betting on an alternate passing yards prop, even at a lower total like 225 yards, might be unwise. 
• Build a game narrative: Consider the game flow and scenario when betting on passing yards. Passing-yard props are often more successful when the quarterback is playing from behind, which forces more passing attempts. For example, if the Jets are leading comfortably, Aaron Rodgers might not throw much in the second half, jeopardizing even a lower alternate passing yards bet. Conversely, if the Jets are trailing, Rodgers could exceed 400 yards.
• Trust your instincts: Avoid overthinking your bets. The wagers you feel most confident about are often the ones worth placing. If you have a strong feeling about a particular leg but hesitate to bet on it, you might regret it later. Trust your instincts and go with what you’re confident in for a better chance of winning.

By following these tips, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success with alternate passing yards bets.