Teasers move a spread or total by a fixed number of points in exchange for a set price. You combine two or more legs; all must win (or push) under your book’s rules. The edge comes from crossing “key numbers” where NFL scoring clusters.
Plain-English basics
A 6-point teaser shifts an underdog from +2.5 to +8.5 or a favorite from -7.5 to -1.5. You pay a fixed price (often around -120 for two legs) for that cushion. The teaser only makes sense if those 6 points cross the right numbers.
Key numbers are margins that occur most often because teams score in 3s and 7s. In the NFL, the most important are 3 and 7, then 6, 10, and 14. Teasing through 3 and 7 captures the biggest chunk of probability.
Why this favors sides, not totals
NFL sides benefit because final margins cluster tightly around key numbers. Moving a side through 3 and 7 changes the game state that beats you.
Totals spread out across many outcomes. Six points rarely swing enough probability on totals to beat the teaser price. Unless you have a very specific angle, skip totals.
When teasers add value
Stick to NFL, not college. NFL scoring and coaching make margins more stable; college variance is too high. Lower game totals also help: in tighter games, each point is worth more.
Target logical “Wong-style” entries: underdogs moving up through 3 and 7, and favorites moving down through 7 and 3. Avoid crossing zero; points wasted on the “other side” rarely help.
| Starting Line (NFL) | 6-pt Tease To | Keys Crossed | Good Candidate? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +2.5 | +8.5 | 3, 7 | Yes | Classic dog leg |
| +1.5 | +7.5 | 3, 7 | Yes | Solid if price fair |
| -7.5 | -1.5 | 7, 3 | Yes | Classic favorite leg |
| -8.5 | -2.5 | 7 | Maybe | Better at 7-pt tease |
| -2.5 | +3.5 | 3, 0 | No | Crossing zero wastes value |
Pricing and rules that matter
Check the sticker price first. Two-team 6-pt at roughly -120 can be workable; worse prices demand more discipline. 6.5 and 7-point teasers cost more; only use them if you still cross both 3 and 7.
Know house rules. “Ties push” keeps EV; “ties lose” kills it. Some books ban teasing certain numbers or alter prices near key ranges. If rules are unfriendly, pass instead of forcing action.
How to pick legs step by step
Start with market lines and totals. Prefer sides in games lined below the mid-40s; each point carries more weight. Filter for spreads that a 6-point move will cross both 3 and 7.
Stress test each leg. Ask, “If this line moved a half-point, would I still like it?” If the answer is no, the edge is probably just price noise. Don’t build parlors out of coin flips.
Quick checklist (use in order):
- NFL only; avoid college and most totals.
- Aim to cross both 3 and 7; never tease across zero.
- Favor lower game totals; points are worth more.
- Demand fair pricing (e.g., ~-120 for 2×6-pt).
- Confirm “ties push” and no exotic exclusions.
Common pitfalls and clean fixes
Don’t force second legs. If you find one great leg, it’s okay to wait for another slate. A mediocre add-on turns a smart idea into a break-even ticket.
Avoid correlated teasers. If one leg implies the other, books may void or the math collapses. Keep legs independent so your price matches the true risk.
Bankroll and cadence
Set a fixed teaser unit smaller than your straight-bet unit. Teasers compound risk across legs; protect the roll. Track closing line value on each leg to verify you’re capturing good numbers, not just buying comfort.
If your book hikes teaser prices on game day, build earlier or skip. Paying extra juice to “feel safer” is how edges disappear. Prices first, key numbers second, action third.