ATS (Against The Spread)
A record tracking how often a team covers the point spread, not just wins or losses.
ATS stands for Against The Spread. A team's ATS record measures how often they cover the point spread rather than simply winning or losing the game. A team that is 10-5 straight up (outright wins) might be only 7-8 ATS if they frequently win by less than the spread.
Why ATS Records Matter
For spread bettors, ATS records are far more relevant than straight-up records. A dominant team that's heavily favored every week might be a poor bet ATS if the market consistently overvalues them.
ATS vs. Straight Up
Teams with strong ATS records tend to be undervalued by the market, often underdogs or teams in low-profile matchups. The best ATS teams over a season often have below-average straight-up records.
Key Takeaways
- ATS measures spread coverage, not wins/losses.
- A team can be 10-5 SU (straight up) but 7-8 ATS.
- Market overvaluation of popular teams leads to poor ATS performance.
- ATS trends are only useful when contextualized. Situation matters.
Examples
- The Cowboys are 5-2 SU this season but 3-4 ATS because they keep winning close games where they're double-digit favorites.
Related Terms
Test Your Knowledge
1 / 4Do you know what Point Spread means?
A handicap applied to a game that forces the favorite to win by a specified margin.
Go Deeper
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a good ATS record a reason to bet a team?
Not on its own. Once a team gets a reputation for covering, the market adjusts its spreads, so past ATS records rarely predict future covers. Use them as context, not as a system.
What is a good ATS win rate?
At standard -110 pricing you need 52.4% to break even. Anything above 55% sustained over hundreds of bets is excellent.