If you’re diving into football betting, especially player props, you may come across bets on tackles and assists. But what does this mean in the world of betting, and how do tackles and assists impact your strategy? This article will explain what these stats are, how they’re used in betting, and offer insights on how to use this data to make smarter bets.

Tackles and Assists in Football

In football, a tackle happens when a defensive player brings down the ball carrier, preventing them from advancing. Tackles are divided into two main categories:

  1. Solo Tackles: This is when one player tackles the ball carrier by themselves. A solo tackle is a straightforward measure of a player’s individual contribution on defense.
  2. Assisted Tackles: Sometimes, two or more players combine to stop the ball carrier. In these cases, the tackle is shared among the players involved. This is called an assisted tackle, or just an assist.

When you combine both solo and assisted tackles, you get a player’s total tackles. This stat is a key measure of a defensive player’s impact, particularly in the NFL, and is often featured in prop bets.

Tackles and Assists in Betting

In football betting, particularly in NFL player props, you can bet on the total number of tackles and assists a player will record in a game. Player prop bets like these have gained popularity because they allow bettors to focus on individual player performances rather than just the outcome of the game.

A typical tackles and assists prop bet might look something like this:

  • Player X Total Tackles and Assists Over/Under 7.5: In this case, you’re betting on whether the player will have more than 7.5 tackles and assists combined (the over) or fewer (the under).

These bets are fun because they turn every defensive play into an opportunity to win. You’re not just watching for touchdowns or big offensive plays—you’re following key defensive moments that can rack up tackles for the players involved.

How Do Sacks Count Toward Tackles?

One common question when betting on tackles is whether sacks count toward a player’s total tackles. The answer is yes. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage during a passing play. Sacks are counted as tackles, but they’re also recorded separately in stats because they’re such a valuable defensive play.

So, if a player sacks the quarterback, it will count as both a sack and a solo tackle. This can be important in betting, especially if you’re looking at a player known for both tackling and sacking.

What’s a Good Number of Tackles per Game?

When betting on tackles and assists, you might wonder what’s considered a good number of tackles per game for a player. This depends a lot on the position they play. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Linebackers: These players usually have the highest tackle numbers. It’s common for top linebackers to average around 8 to 10 tackles per game.
  • Defensive Backs: Safeties and cornerbacks might not get as many tackles, but they can still be in the range of 5 to 7 tackles per game.
  • Defensive Linemen: These players generally have fewer tackles since their primary job is to block or rush the passer. They may average 2 to 4 tackles per game, with sacks being their specialty.

When placing a bet, check the player’s recent performance and their average tackles per game to see if the line is set too high or too low.

How to Bet on Tackles and Assists

If you’re interested in betting on tackles and assists, here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Research Player Stats: Look at the player’s stats for the current season and see how many tackles and assists they average. Websites like the NFL’s official stats page or sports analytics sites can give you all the numbers you need.
  2. Consider the Matchup: Some games are more likely to produce high tackle numbers. For example, if a player’s team is playing against a run-heavy offense, there’s a good chance they’ll be involved in more tackles.
  3. Weather and Conditions: In cold or rainy conditions, teams may run the ball more, leading to more tackle opportunities. This could influence the over/under line for tackles and assists.
  4. Position Matters: Betting on linebackers is usually the safest choice since they’re heavily involved in both run and pass defense. Defensive backs can also be a good option, especially if they’re playing against a team that throws a lot of short passes.

NFL Leading Tacklers and Their Impact on Betting

If you’re serious about betting on tackles and assists, it helps to know who the NFL’s leading tacklers are. Players like Bobby Wagner, Roquan Smith, and Foye Oluokun are often at the top of the list. These players are consistently involved in stopping the run, and their high tackle numbers make them a popular target for tackle prop bets.

When you see a prop bet for a player like this, the line may be higher because they’re expected to make a lot of tackles. But don’t just go with the big names—sometimes lesser-known players can offer better value, especially if they’re facing a favorable matchup.

Football Betting Rules for Tackles and Assists

Each sportsbook may have slightly different rules when it comes to prop bets on tackles and assists. Some might count sacks as tackles, while others don’t. Always check the specific rules for your bet to avoid any surprises.

It’s also important to know how stats are officially recorded. For example, if there’s a dispute over whether a tackle was solo or assisted, it’s the official stat crew that has the final say—this can affect your bet, so make sure you’re following the live stats as the game unfolds.

Conclusion

Betting on tackles and assists is a great way to add excitement to NFL games. Instead of just focusing on touchdowns or big offensive plays, you can keep an eye on defensive stars making crucial tackles. Whether you’re betting on a linebacker racking up tackles or a defensive back making key stops, understanding how tackles and assists work in betting can give you an edge.

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