Handicap -1.5 (Incl. Overtime) in American Football Sports Betting
Handicap -1.5 in American football betting means the selected team must win the game by at least 2 points for your bet to win. Since the market says “Incl. Overtime”, any overtime points scored also count toward the final result.
This is one of the most common handicap lines used by bookmakers because it removes the possibility of a tie in betting outcomes.
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What Does Handicap -1.5 Mean?
When you bet on a team with -1.5 handicap, the bookmaker subtracts 1.5 points from that team’s final score.
For your bet to win:
- Your team must win by 2 points or more
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Simple Formula
Final Score – 1.5 = Adjusted Result
If your selected team still leads after removing 1.5 points, your bet wins.
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Example 1 — Bet Wins
Bet:
- Kansas City Chiefs -1.5
Final Score:
- Chiefs 30 – 27 Bills
Apply handicap:
- Chiefs 30 – 1.5 = 28.5
- Bills = 27
Adjusted Result:
- Chiefs 28.5 – 27 Bills
Bet wins
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Example 2 — Bet Loses
Bet:
- Dallas Cowboys -1.5
Final Score:
- Cowboys 21 – 20 Eagles
Apply handicap:
- Cowboys 21 – 1.5 = 19.5
- Eagles = 20
Adjusted Result:
- Cowboys 19.5 – 20 Eagles
Bet loses because Cowboys only won by 1 point.
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Example 3 — Overtime Included
Bet:
- San Francisco 49ers -1.5 (Incl. Overtime)
Regular Time:
- 24 – 24
Overtime Final Score:
- 49ers 30 – 27 Seahawks
Apply handicap:
- 49ers 30 – 1.5 = 28.5
- Seahawks = 27
Bet wins because overtime points count.
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Why Bookmakers Use -1.5 Handicap
The -1.5 line is designed to:
- Increase betting value on favorites
- Remove draw/push outcomes
- Create more balanced odds
Since American football games rarely end with exactly 1-point margins, this line is popular among bettors.
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Difference Between -1.5 and +1.5 Handicap
-1.5 Handicap
Your team must win by 2 or more points.
+1.5 Handicap
Your team can:
- Win
- Or lose by just 1 point
and your bet still wins.
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When Handicap -1.5 Is a Good Bet
Strong Offensive Teams
Teams with explosive offenses can easily create winning margins.
Elite Quarterbacks
Top quarterbacks help teams finish games strongly.
Home Teams
Home-field advantage often improves performance.
Weak Opponent Defense
Poor defenses increase scoring chances.
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When to Avoid Handicap -1.5 Bets
Tight Rivalry Games
Rival matches are often decided by small margins.
Defensive Matches
Low-scoring games can finish within 1 point.
Bad Weather Conditions
Rain and wind reduce scoring opportunities.
Injury Concerns
Missing key players may affect winning margins.
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Important Betting Tips
Study Winning Margins
Check how often teams win by 2+ points.
Analyze Recent Form
Teams in good form cover handicaps more consistently.
Watch Injury Reports
Quarterback injuries heavily affect handicap outcomes.
Understand Overtime Impact
Late overtime touchdowns or field goals can decide handicap bets.
Compare Betting Lines
Some bookmakers may offer:
- -1
- -1.5
- -2
Even small line changes are important.
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Beginner Example
Bet:
- Baltimore Ravens -1.5
Final Score:
- Ravens 27 – 24 Bengals
Adjusted Score:
- Ravens 25.5 – 24 Bengals
Your bet wins because Ravens won by more than 1.5 points.
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Final Advice
Handicap -1.5 betting is ideal when you strongly believe a team will win comfortably. It offers better odds than simply betting on the team to win outright.
Before betting, always check:
- Team form
- Injuries
- Offensive strength
- Weather conditions
- Home advantage
These factors can greatly improve your handicap betting decisions.
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