What Does Alternate Passing Yards Mean?

The “alternate passing yards” betting market allows you to bet Over or Under on passing yards lines other than the standard line that sportsbooks set. The odds on alternate passing yards lines change from the standard line based on if you move it in your favor or against it.

For example, say the standard line for Patrick Mahomes' passing yards is Over/Under 288.5. Alternate passing yard lines available may include 200, 230, 260, 300, and 340 yards.

If you think Mahomes is going to have a big game, you may decide to bet Over 300 yards instead of 288.5, and, in exchange, you receive better odds (higher payout) than you would get if you took Over the standard line of 288.5.

If you think Mahomes is going to have an off day or the Chiefs will run a lot, you may decide to bet Under 260 yards in exchange for better odds and a higher payout.

You can also “play it safe” with alternate passing yards lines by betting Over a lower number than the standard line or Under a higher number than the standard line.

Using the same example, if you think Mahomes will get close to his standard passing yards line but want a safety net, you may decide to bet Over 260 yards instead of Over 288.5 yards. Since you're moving the odds in your favor, you would receive a lower payout.

Similarly, if you think Mahomes isn't going to hit his standard line but want to play it safe, you may choose to bet Under 300 yards in exchange for a lower payout.

All of the best NFL betting sites offer this market for each NFL game, as well as alternate rushing yards and alternate receiving yards lines.

How I Bet Alternate Passing Yards Lines

One of my favorite ways to bet alternate passing yards lines is to use them in parlays. Since these require you to hit every leg in order to win the bet, “buying” the extra yards allows you some wiggle room in case the player gets close to their standard line.

For example, I may include Mahomes Over 260 passing yards (instead of 288.5 yards) in combination with another player's alternate line so they have a higher chance of winning.

I also sometimes will take an alternate passing yards line if I think the standard line is too high or too low and want to go for a higher payout. For example, if the Eagles' running backs are dealing with injuries but Jalen Hurts' passing yards line is around his average for the season, I may take Over on an alternate passing yards line that is higher than his standard line.

If you don't understand how the odds on alternate passing yards markets work, check out our guide to reading betting odds.