Our Seahawks kick off the 2026 NFL season against the New England Patriots, and the early talk at DraftKings Sportsbook has the game’s combined score total sitting at 46.5 points. Watching every play, especially in those crucial early regular season matchups, this number is a big deal for us fans.
So, What Even IS a Total, Anyway?
You’ve probably seen that “total” line on the betting boards, but for anyone who’s ever wondered what that number actually *means*, it’s the combined score of both teams in a game. Think about that Patriots game. If you’re feeling like our boys, led by Sam Darnold, are gonna light up the scoreboard alongside their opponents, you’d be looking to bet the Over. That means you’re hoping for 47 points or more between both squads. But if you’re predicting a hard-nosed, defensive slugfest, then the Under is your play, banking on 46 points or less. It’s one of the most popular betting markets, right alongside the point spreads and money lines.
How the Odds Shift on Our Emerald City Squad
Now, the real question for us die-hard fans: who actually *decides* that 46.5 point total? It’s the oddsmakers, and it’s a wild mix of complex algorithms, specific team matchups, and seriously, even the latest weather conditions or crucial injury information. This is where it gets absolutely vital for us Seattle faithful. Just imagine this: if our QB Sam Darnold suddenly gets ruled out for Week 1, or if there’s a high chance of a downpour over Lumen Field, you can bet that total is going to shift significantly. The standard lines for these totals usually hover around -110 for both sides, but they can definitely jump around with differences like -120, +100, -115, or -105. You can even get creative and modify that total with alternate over/under betting, though playing with those numbers will impact your odds.
Across the Board, Across Our Sports
It’s not just football where these totals matter, either. This concept of over/under totals is everywhere. In NFL and college football, you’ll usually see them in the 40s or 50s, but man, they can totally rocket into the 60s or 70s when two high-powered offensive teams are going at it. Hoops are a different beast: NBA totals are way up in the 220s, with college basketball usually around the 130s and 140s, though depending on the teams, they can push into the 150s or 160s. For baseball and hockey, those totals are much, much lower, typically sitting between six and seven runs or goals, sometimes pushing into double digits. But those aren’t the lowest. Soccer’s got that distinction, with totals usually sitting at just 2.5 or 3.5 goals. Most soccer bets are for regular time only, that 90-minute line, though alternate totals are available. Even sports without traditional scoring, like tennis, have over/under markets for total games or sets played.
So, as we gear up for the absolute start of the NFL season, keep a super close eye on those factors for our boys in green and blue. Whether it’s Sam Darnold’s health and readiness for Week 1, or a blustery, classic Seattle day in the Emerald City, those totals can tell you a whole lot about what the experts truly expect from our squad’s performance. Next time you’re looking at a Seahawks game, don’t just check the spread or money line, really, truly *think* about that total. What’s your gut telling you about that final score for the 12s?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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