Betting Pro Football’s Three Game Teaser

By Robert James
9-16-06

Take 3 teams, add 10 points to the spread in your desired direction, and then hope you win all 3 games. Sounds good, doesn’t it? In fact, it sounds too good to be true. Hence, why it’s called a teaser. Let’s break the 3 team version of this bet down a bit more with a few imaginary spreads.

Favorites Spread Underdogs
Pittsburgh Steelers     3      Seattle Seahawks
New York Jets              4     Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland Browns       2     Houston Texans

Okay, now let’s say that you decide to take the Steelers, the Jets, and the Texans. Here’s what you’d be working with
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Pittsburgh Steelers   +7
New York Jets   +6
Houston Texans   +12

Looks like fun, and it is, but there are definitely some pitfalls to this wager. First, you must win all three games to take home the money (some casinos don’t take your money if you push one of the games, but most do). Next, it doesn’t pay that well (the odds on a 3 game, ten point teaser are usually around 10/12). Still, if done correctly, the 3 game teaser can be a winner. Further, there are really only two truly effective ways to look at this bet, and if you can employ either of them, you’ll be better off.

Best Case Scenario (pick the underdog winner)— Ever see a game where you really feel strongly that the underdog team will win it outright? In the example above, if you thought that the Cardinals had a great chance against the Jets, then taking the Cardinals would be the way to go. Even if you’re wrong and they lose to the Jets, you still get 14 points. Remember, though, that it’s important you truly believe that the underdog is going to win the game. If not, then you’re playing the whole, I don’t think they’ll lose by that much scenario, and that’s dangerous. So, if you can find three games where you feel the underdogs are going to win, take them. For that matter, you might want to even consider betting them outright. But if you can’t find 3 games that fit this ideology then read on.

Second Best Scenario (know the big favorite that will definitely win)— This used to be a very good way to bet all teasers in the NFL (both 3 game and otherwise). In fact, it used to work even better than the aforementioned best case scenario. Unfortunately, with parity, it is becoming harder and harder to find those big time favorites that will no doubt win contests. For example, back in the 80’s, you absolutely knew that the 49ers were going to beat the Cardinals, didn’t you? So even if they were 11 point favorites, once you dropped it down to 1 point, it was a virtual lock. Not anymore, though.

Still, if you feel extremely confident that the favorite will win the game, this is a good second option. Use it to round out your teaser when you can’t find 3 games that meet the best case scenario above.

Though these considerations can also be utilized with college football wagering, there is more to it in the NCAA (beyond the scope of this article). Yes football is football, but if the college and pro games were so similar, then Steve Spurrier might still be coaching the Washington Redskins (and Barry Switzer would have much fonder memories in Dallas than a 4th and less than 1 call he made). Regardless, always remember that gambling is just that, gambling. There are no locks or sure bets. However, when looking for a good 3 game teaser, consider the above. You’re likely to find it helpful, and perhaps profitable.

Ed Note:  Get the best lines in football, including football teasers at Canbet Sportsbook.