Football Betting Guide: How to Bet on the NFL

What is Football Betting?

Betting on football involves placing bets on American football games, especially those in the National Football League (NFL) or college football.

Just like betting on soccer, American football betting involves making predictions about game outcomes and placing wagers based on those predictions. There are different types of bets that can be placed on football games, including:

• Point spread: The most common type of bet in football. The point spread is a handicap given to the favorite team and serves to even out the betting field. For example, if the point spread is -6.5 for Team A, they must win by more than 6.5 points for the bet to be successful.
• Moneyline: A moneyline bet simply involves picking the winner of the game, regardless of the point spread. The odds for each team are given, indicating the potential payout for a successful bet.
• Over/under: Betting on the total combined score of both teams in a game. The bookmaker sets a predicted total (also known as an over/under), and bettors can wager on whether the actual score will be above or below that number.
• Prop bets: These are wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game, such as the first team to score, the total number of touchdowns, the performance of individual players, or the duration of the national anthem during pre-game ceremonies.
• Futures bets: Betting on the outcome of a season-long event, such as the Super Bowl winner or the conference champions.

Betting on football includes odds that dictate the potential payout for a winning bet. These odds are impacted by factors like team performance, injuries, weather, and other relevant considerations.

How do Football Betting Odds Work?

Understanding football betting odds is essential in determining potential payouts for successful bets and predicting the likelihood of a specific outcome in a game. The three main types of odds used in football betting are fractional, decimal, and moneyline. It is important to be able to interpret these odds in order to make well-informed decisions when placing bets.

In the United Kingdom, fractional odds are frequently used and are shown as fractions like 2/1 or 5/2. The first number signifies the potential profit, while the second number shows the original stake amount. For example, if the odds are 2/1 and you wager $10, you could potentially win $20 in profit in addition to your initial $10 stake.

In Europe and other regions, decimal odds are commonly used in betting. These odds are displayed as decimal numbers, like 2.00 or 3.50, and indicate the total return for each unit wagered, encompassing both the initial stake and any winnings. For instance, if the odds are 2.00 and you bet $10, your total payout would be $20, which includes your original $10 bet.

In the U.S., moneyline odds (also known as American odds) are commonly used and are displayed as either positive or negative numbers. Positive numbers show the potential profit for a $100 bet, while negative numbers show the amount needed to wager in order to win $100. For example, if a team has moneyline odds of +150, a $100 bet would earn a $150 profit if the bet is successful. On the other hand, if a team has moneyline odds of -200, a $200 bet would be required to win $100.

Lower odds imply a greater likelihood of the event happening, whereas higher odds indicate a lower chance. Bookmakers or betting platforms determine the odds by considering factors like team performance, injuries, historical data, and other pertinent information. It is crucial to grasp the odds and potential risks before participating in football betting.

Types of Football Bets

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are a popular type of wagering in which you simply bet on which team will win the game without taking the point spread into account. These bets solely focus on the final outcome without considering the margin of victory.

In football, moneyline odds are shown as positive (+) or negative (-) numbers. A negative moneyline indicates the favored team, with the number showing how much you must bet to win $100. For instance, if a team has a moneyline of -200, you would have to bet $200 to win $100 if that team wins.

Conversely, the team with a positive moneyline is considered the underdog, with the number representing the potential winnings on a $100 bet. For example, a moneyline of +150 means that a $100 wager on that team would yield a $150 profit in the event of a win.

Moneyline bets are simple and involve choosing the team that will win a game without taking into account the point spread or margin of victory. To maximize potential winnings, it is essential to compare moneyline odds from various sportsbooks to find the most advantageous value for your bets.

Spread Bets

Point spread bets, commonly referred to as spread bets, are a popular form of wagering in football betting. This type of betting involves the sportsbook establishing a point spread, which serves as a handicap for each team in order to level the playing field and promote fair betting.

When making a spread bet, you can choose between two options.

In order for your bet on the favorite to be successful, they must win the game by a margin larger than the specified point spread. For instance, if the point spread is -6.5 for the favorite team, they must win by at least 7 points for your bet to win.

If you place a bet on the underdog, they must either win the game or lose by a smaller margin than the point spread in order for your bet to be successful. For instance, if the underdog team has a point spread of +6.5, they can lose by 6 points or less, or win the game for your bet to win.

Spread bets are intended to level the playing field for both teams, regardless of their relative strengths. The sportsbook adjusts the point spread to encourage equal betting on both sides, taking into account betting trends and various other factors.

Spread bets usually have odds of around -110 or -120, requiring you to bet slightly more than your potential winnings. This extra amount, referred to as the “vig” or “juice,” is the sportsbook’s fee for managing the bet.

Spread betting offers a wider range of betting choices and introduces an element of thrill by factoring in the margin of victory. Before placing spread bets, it is crucial to carefully assess the teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and any external factors that may influence the point spread.

Prop Bets

Prop bets, also known as proposition bets, are a favored type of bet in football that center on specific events or outcomes within a game. These bets diverge from the standard game results, like the winner or point spread, and instead concentrate on individual player performances, team statistics, or other game-related incidents.

Below are a few popular types of football prop bets:

• Player performance: These prop bets revolve around the individual performances of players. Examples include over/under passing yards, first TD scorer or total receiving yards.
• Team statistics: These prop bets focus on various team-related statistics or occurrences. Examples include total points scored, longest field goal or total sacks.
• Game events: These prop bets are centered around specific events or happenings during the game. Examples include coin toss outcome, national anthem duration of number of flags.

Prop bets bring an added level of thrill and involvement to American football matches by enabling bettors to concentrate on particular elements apart from the ultimate result. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the regulations and conditions of each prop bet, as they may differ among sportsbooks and matches.

Proposition bets bring an additional level of excitement and involvement to American football matches by enabling bettors to concentrate on specific aspects other than the overall result. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the regulations and conditions of each prop bet, as they may differ among sportsbooks and matches.

Prop bets enhance the excitement and engagement of American football games by allowing bettors to focus on specific aspects beyond the final outcome. It is important to thoroughly grasp the rules and terms of each prop bet, as they may differ between sportsbooks and games.

Player Props

As mentioned earlier, player prop bets in football are a particular type of proposition bet that center on the individual performances of players during a game.

Player prop bets in American football offer the opportunity to bet on specific players’ statistical achievements or events during a game. They can make watching the game more exciting and engaging as you track and cheer on individual player performances. Here are some popular types of player prop bets in American football.

• Passing yards: Betting on whether a quarterback will throw for over or under a specific number of passing yards in a game.
• Passing touchdowns: Wagering on the number of touchdown passes a quarterback will throw in a game.
• Rushing yards: Predicting whether a running back will accumulate more or less than a certain number of rushing yards in a game.
• Receiving yards: Betting on whether a wide receiver or tight end will have over or under a specific number of receiving yards in a game.
• Receptions: Wagering on the number of receptions a specific player will make during a game.
• Player to score a touchdown: Betting on whether a specific player will score a touchdown at any point during the game.
• Interceptions: Predicting whether a defensive player will intercept a pass during the game.
• Sacks: Wagering on the number of sacks a defensive player or team will record in a game.

There are a variety of player prop bets offered in football, with examples including those mentioned above. The specific prop bets and odds may differ depending on the sportsbook and game. Before placing your bets, it is crucial to carefully examine the terms and conditions of each prop bet and take into account factors like player performance, team tactics, and matchup dynamics.

Margin of Victory Betting

Margin of victory bets, also referred to as point differential bets or margin bets, involve predicting the point difference between the winning team’s score and the losing team’s score. These bets revolve around the specific margin by which a team will win or lose a game. In football, margin of victory bets operate by forecasting the exact point difference between the winning and losing teams.

• Over/Under Margin of Victory: In this type of bet, the sportsbook sets a specific margin, and you predict whether the actual margin of victory will be over or under that number. For example, if the sportsbook sets the margin at 10.5 points, you can bet on whether the winning team will win by more than 10.5 points (over) or by fewer (under).
• Exact Margin of Victory: With this type of bet, you wager on the exact margin of victory between the teams. The sportsbook will provide a range of possible margins, and you choose the specific margin you believe will occur. The odds for exact margin bets can vary significantly, as predicting the exact margin can be more challenging.

Betting on the margin of victory in NFL games adds an extra level of thrill and strategic thinking to your betting strategy. It shifts the focus to the game’s competitiveness and the point difference between teams, offering a fresh perspective beyond simply picking a winner or considering the point spread.

6-Point Teaser Bets

A six-point teaser bet gives bettors the opportunity to modify the point spread or totals in their favor by six points for several games. This type of bet is a parlay where you combine multiple point spread or total bets and adjust the lines by six points in your favor for each game.

Let me explain how a 6-point teaser bet functions:

When placing a point spread teaser bet, you can choose two or more games and adjust the point spreads by six points in your favor. For instance, if Team A is favored by three points and Team B is favored by seven points, a 6-point teaser would change the point spreads to Team A -9 and Team B +1. To win your bet, both teams must cover their adjusted spreads.

In a full teaser bet, you would shift the total points (over/under) for each game by six points in your favor. For example, if the original total for a game is set at 45 points, a 6-point teaser would change the total to 39 points (45 points – 6 points). You would then wager on whether the total score of the game will be higher or lower than the adjusted total.

Teaser bets offer increased flexibility and control by adjusting the lines in your favor, but this advantage comes with a trade-off. The odds and potential payout are adjusted accordingly. While teaser bets generally have lower odds than traditional point spread or total bets, they offer a higher chance of winning due to the shifted lines.

All games in a teaser bet must win or cover their adjusted spreads or totals for the bet to be successful. If any game fails to meet the adjusted requirement, the entire teaser bet is considered a loss.

Parlay Bets

Parlay bets are created by combining multiple individual bets into a single wager. This can include mixing point spread, moneyline, or totals bets on various games. The main benefit of a parlay bet is the potential for a greater payout, as the odds of each individual bet are multiplied to calculate the overall odds of the parlay.

Here is an explanation of how a parlay bet functions in football:

1. Selection of multiple bets: You choose two or more individual bets that you want to combine into a parlay. These can be point spread bets, moneyline bets, totals bets, or a combination of them.
2. Multiplying of odds: The odds for each individual bet are multiplied together to determine the overall odds for the parlay. For example, if you have three individual bets with odds of -110, -120, and +150, the overall odds of the parlay would be (-110) x (-120) x (+150).
3. Combined wager: You place a single wager on the parlay, combining all the selected bets. For your parlay to be successful, all the individual bets within the parlay must win. If even one bet within the parlay loses or pushes (results in a tie), the entire parlay is considered a loss.
4. Higher payout: The potential payout for a winning parlay is higher compared to placing individual bets separately. As the odds are multiplied together, the potential winnings increase significantly. However, keep in mind that the increased payout also comes with increased risk, as a loss in any one bet results in a loss for the entire parlay.

Parlay bets in American football can be both thrilling and potentially profitable, but it is crucial to be aware of the accompanying risks. As the number of individual bets in a parlay increases, the level of difficulty rises and the chances of winning decrease.

Futures Bets

Futures bets are predictions made on future outcomes or events that are usually decided at the end of the season. These bets are placed well in advance and can create excitement and anticipation throughout the football season. Here are some popular types of futures bets:

• Super Bowl winner: Betting on which team will win the Super Bowl. These bets are typically available before the season starts and throughout the regular season.
• Conference winners: Wagering on the team that will win their respective conference, such as the NFC or AFC).
• Division winners: Betting on which team will win their division within the NFL. Each conference is divided into four divisions, and you can place bets on the team you believe will come out on top in each division.
• Regular season win totals: Predicting the total number of wins a team will achieve during the regular season. The sportsbook sets an over/under line, and you can bet on whether the team will have more or fewer wins than that number.
• Player awards: Betting on individual player awards, such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) or Offensive or Defensive Rookie of the Year. You can wager on the player you believe will receive the specific award.

Bets on futures can lead to big payouts, especially if placed early in the season when the odds are better. Just remember, you’ll need to be patient as these bets are settled in the future and your money will be locked in until then.

NFL Betting Strategies

Increasing your Chances with Straight Bets

There are several advantages that straight bets offer to NFL bettors.

• Simplicity: Straight bets are straightforward and easy to understand. They involve betting on a single outcome, such as the point spread, moneyline, or total, without any additional complexities or combinations. This simplicity can be appealing, especially for novice bettors or those who prefer a straightforward betting experience.
• Lower risk: Compared to more complex bet types like parlays or teasers, straight bets typically involve lower risk. Since you’re betting on a single outcome, you only need that specific outcome to be correct to win the bet. In contrast, parlays and teasers require multiple outcomes to be correct, making them more challenging to win.
• Higher focus on analysis: Straight bets allow bettors to focus more deeply on individual games and analyze specific factors, such as team performance, injuries, and matchups. With other bet types like parlays, the focus is on combining multiple bets, which may require less in-depth analysis of each individual game.
• Flexibility: Straight bets provide flexibility in terms of the types of bets you can place, including point spread, moneyline, and totals. This allows you to choose the bet type that aligns with your analysis and betting strategy for each game.
• Better value opportunities: Straight bets can provide opportunities for finding value in the betting lines. By conducting thorough research and analysis, you may identify instances where the sportsbook’s line underestimates or overestimates a team’s chances of covering the spread or winning the game outright. Finding such value opportunities can lead to more profitable straight bets.

Knowing Common Scores and Spreads

Understanding common scores and spreads in NFL betting can be helpful, but it is not essential for success. While knowledge of historical data can offer insights, other factors are more important in making informed betting choices.

Here is an analysis of why understanding typical scores and spreads is crucial.

• Historical context: Familiarity with common scores and spreads can give you a historical context and a general understanding of the range of outcomes in NFL games. It helps you gauge the typical margin of victory or defeat and the frequency of different point differentials. This information can be helpful when analyzing current matchups and setting expectations for potential outcomes.
• Point spread awareness: Knowing common point spreads can provide insight into how the betting market and oddsmakers typically evaluate matchups. By understanding the historical spread distribution, you can identify situations where the current spread may be considered favorable or unfavorable based on past trends.
• Trends and patterns: Recognizing trends and patterns in historical scores and spreads can be useful when identifying teams that consistently perform well or struggle in certain situations. For example, some teams may consistently cover the spread as underdogs or have a high-scoring offense that often surpasses the over/under total. Being aware of these tendencies can help you make more informed betting decisions.
• Evolving nature of the game: It’s important to note that the NFL is an ever-evolving sport, with teams, players, and strategies constantly changing. Historical scores and spreads may not accurately reflect the current landscape and dynamics of the teams and the league. It’s crucial to consider the latest team performance, injuries, coaching changes, and other relevant factors that may impact the outcome of a game.

Although understanding typical scores and spreads can offer some helpful information, it should not be the only factor influencing your betting choices.

Playing Home Field Advantage

Considering home field advantage is crucial when betting on NFL games as it can greatly impact the outcome. Although the advantage may differ for each team and change from season to season, it typically offers benefits that can sway the results in favor of the home team. Recognizing the significance of home field advantage can lead to wiser betting choices.

• Crowd support: Home teams benefit from the support of their home crowd, which can create a more energized and enthusiastic atmosphere. The crowd noise can disrupt the communication of the opposing team’s offense, making it more challenging for them to execute their plays effectively. This can lead to false starts, miscommunications, and overall difficulties for the visiting team.
• Familiarity with playing conditions: Home teams are more familiar with the playing conditions of their own stadium, including factors like turf, weather conditions, and stadium dimensions. This familiarity can give them an advantage in terms of footing, play calling, and overall comfort on the field.
• Travel and fatigue: NFL teams often have to travel long distances to play away games. Traveling can disrupt players’ routines and lead to fatigue, jet lag, and unfamiliarity with the surroundings. This can potentially impact the visiting team’s performance and give the home team an advantage.
• Game preparation: Home teams typically have the convenience of practicing and preparing for games in their own facilities, which can contribute to better game planning and familiarity with the playbook. On the other hand, visiting teams have limited practice time in the opposing stadium, potentially affecting their preparation and game strategies.
• Officiating bias: There is a common belief that home teams may receive more favorable calls from officials due to crowd influence or subconscious biases. While this notion is subjective and can vary, it is a factor that some bettors consider when assessing the potential impact of home field advantage.

Understanding Weather’s Impact

Weather plays a crucial role in NFL betting, as it has the potential to influence the way games are played and ultimately determine their results.

• Passing and ball handling: Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, can affect passing accuracy, ball control, and overall offensive strategies. Quarterbacks may struggle to throw accurate passes in windy conditions, and receivers may have difficulty catching wet or slippery balls. This can lead to more running plays, shorter passes, and a lower-scoring game.
• Kicking game: Weather conditions can also impact the kicking game. Strong winds can affect field goal attempts and extra point kicks, making them more challenging for kickers. This can result in a higher rate of missed kicks or altered decision-making by coaches regarding field goal attempts.
• Field conditions: Rain or snow can create slippery field conditions, which can affect player footing and the ability to make sharp cuts. This can lead to more conservative play-calling, a slower pace, and potentially more turnovers due to fumbles or mishandled snaps.
• Game strategy: Coaches may adjust their game plans based on the weather conditions. They may place more emphasis on the running game, rely on short passes, or alter defensive strategies to account for the impact of weather on the opposing team’s offense.
• Scoring and total points: Weather conditions can influence the scoring and total points in a game. In adverse weather, scoring tends to be lower, and the game may be more defensive-oriented. Conversely, in good weather conditions, offenses may have more success, resulting in higher-scoring games.

To accurately evaluate how weather affects NFL games, one must take into account the particular conditions, including the intensity of rain, wind velocity, and temperature. Teams and players may perform differently based on their familiarity and proficiency in certain weather scenarios.

Finding the Best NFL Odds

Discovering the most favorable odds is essential for success in NFL betting, as it can greatly influence your potential earnings. Below are some suggestions to assist you in locating the best odds:

1. Compare multiple sportsbooks. Different sportsbooks may offer different odds on NFL games. Take the time to compare the odds across multiple reputable sportsbooks to find the most favorable prices for the bets you want to place. This can involve visiting different websites or using odds comparison platforms to quickly view and compare odds from various bookmakers.
2. Shop the lines. Even small variations in odds can make a difference in your long-term profitability. Line shopping refers to actively seeking out the best available odds for a specific bet. By comparing the odds at different sportsbooks, you can ensure you are getting the best value for your wagers. Keep in mind that odds can fluctuate, so it’s beneficial to be proactive and monitor the odds regularly.
3. Pay attention to line movements. The odds for NFL games can change based on factors such as betting action, injuries, weather conditions, or other relevant news. Pay attention to line movements, which reflect changes in the odds or point spreads. By monitoring line movements, you can identify favorable opportunities or potential value shifts and act accordingly before the odds move further away from your desired position.
4. Consider betting exchanges. Consider utilizing betting exchanges that allow you to bet against other individuals rather than against the sportsbook. Betting exchanges often offer better odds due to the peer-to-peer nature of the platform. Keep in mind that exchanges may charge a commission on your winnings.
5. Follow betting communities. Engage with reputable NFL tipsters or join online betting communities where experienced bettors share their insights and analysis. They may provide tips on favorable odds or alert you to value opportunities that you might have missed.
6. Act quickly. Good odds don’t last forever, especially for popular games. As soon as you identify attractive odds, try to place your bet promptly before the odds shift in response to market activity.

Betting on NFL Events

Many bettors find excitement and popularity in placing bets on major NFL events like the Super Bowl, high-profile games, awards ceremonies, and drafts. These events draw attention from both sportsbooks and bettors, offering a variety of betting options.

Super Bowl

Placing bets on the Super Bowl, the most anticipated event of the NFL season, is a favorite pastime for many gamblers. To maximize your Super Bowl betting enjoyment, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Value hunting: With the Super Bowl being the most-wagered-on game of the year, sportsbooks tend to offer a plethora of betting options and lines. It’s crucial to search for value opportunities by comparing odds across different sportsbooks. Look for favorable lines, attractive odds, and any discrepancies that can provide an edge. Line shopping and finding the best value are particularly important for maximizing your potential returns.
• Prop bets: Super Bowl prop bets have become increasingly popular. These wagers focus on specific events or occurrences within the game, such as the first team to score, player performance statistics, or even entertainment-related aspects like the length of the national anthem or the halftime show. Prop bets can add excitement and additional betting opportunities to the Super Bowl, but it’s important to research and assess the prop bets carefully before placing your wagers.
• Bankroll management: Proper bankroll management is crucial for any betting activity, including the Super Bowl. Set a budget for your Super Bowl bets and avoid wagering more than you can afford to lose. Consider allocating a separate bankroll specifically for the Super Bowl to avoid any potential impact on your regular betting activities. Stick to your predetermined betting limits and resist the temptation to chase losses or make impulsive bets.
• Embracing the fun: The Super Bowl is a celebration of football, and it’s essential to enjoy the experience. Engage with the game, the commercials, the halftime show, and the overall atmosphere. While betting adds excitement, remember to have fun and not let the outcome of your wagers dictate your enjoyment of the event.

NFL Draft

In recent years, betting on the NFL draft has become increasingly popular, offering football fans an exciting chance to participate in wagering on the draft picks. Here are some tips to help you strategize your bets on the NFL draft:

• Research prospects. Familiarize yourself with the top prospects in each position leading up to the draft. Study their college careers, performance metrics, strengths, weaknesses, and any relevant news or rumors surrounding their draft stock. Understanding the prospects will help you make informed predictions on their draft position and potential team fits.
• Follow mock drafts and expert analysis. Keep track of mock drafts and expert analysis from reputable sources. While no one can predict the draft with absolute certainty, these resources provide valuable insights into team needs, potential draft strategies, and consensus opinions on player rankings. Consider the consensus among experts but also be aware of potential surprises or deviations from the norm.
• Monitor pre-draft workouts and Combine performances. Pre-draft workouts, the NFL Combine, and individual player performances can impact a prospect’s draft stock. Pay attention to any notable improvements or disappointments during these events. Positive or negative impressions can influence how teams evaluate prospects and ultimately affect their draft position.
• Understand team needs and draft strategy: Each NFL team has unique needs and draft strategies. Study the teams closely to gain insights into their positional priorities, tendencies, and tendencies for trades. This knowledge can help you predict which positions they are likely to address early in the draft and the potential players they may target.
• Evaluate draft position over/under markets. One popular bet type in NFL draft betting is wagering on the over/under draft position of a particular player. Assessing a prospect’s projected draft position and considering factors such as team needs, positional depth, and trade potential can help you make more informed bets on whether a player will be drafted earlier or later than the line suggests.
• Stay updated on draft day news. On draft day, pay close attention to any breaking news, rumors, or trades that may impact the draft order or team selections. Timely information can present valuable opportunities for in-play or last-minute bets, especially if you spot discrepancies between the news and the odds offered by sportsbooks.

NFL Awards

Betting on NFL awards markets can add another layer of excitement to the football season. Here are some strategies to consider when betting on NFL awards:

• Follow player performances. Stay updated on the performances of players throughout the season, as it is a crucial factor in determining award winners. Pay attention to key statistics, such as passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, rushing yards, receiving yards, sacks, and interceptions. Assess how players are performing relative to their peers and how their performances impact their chances of winning awards.
• Understand award criteria. Different NFL awards have specific criteria for selection. For example, the MVP award typically goes to the player who has had the most significant impact on their team’s success. Defensive Player of the Year is often awarded to the player with exceptional defensive performances. Understand the criteria for each award to better evaluate players’ chances of winning and make informed betting decisions.
• Study historical trends. Analyze past winners of the awards to identify any trends or patterns. Certain positions or statistical benchmarks may have a stronger likelihood of producing winners for specific awards. Consider how previous winners’ performances align with the current season’s candidates to gauge the likelihood of a particular player winning an award.
• Monitor media consensus. Pay attention to media discussions, expert opinions, and analysis regarding award candidates. Media narratives and public sentiment can influence award voting, so it’s important to be aware of the prevailing opinions and how they may impact the outcome.
• Time your bets well. Betting on awards markets requires timing. Placing bets early in the season, when odds are initially released, can often yield more favorable odds if you believe a player has a strong chance of winning. However, waiting closer to the end of the season may provide a clearer picture of the top contenders and their performances.
• Consider injury risk. Injuries can significantly impact a player’s chances of winning awards. Assess the injury history and current health status of potential award candidates. If a player has a history of being injury-prone or is currently dealing with an injury, it may affect their ability to maintain their performance level and hurt their chances of winning an award.