Football Betting Guide: How to Bet on the NFL

The National Football League, out of the four major professional leagues in North America, is the king when it comes to online sports betting. Each Sunday, bettors wake up frantically, look at the updated odds and get their bets in. Even though fantasy sports are getting bigger every year, good old-fashioned NFL football betting still rules. Here are the top four ways you can bet on the NFL.

Ready to place a bet? Check out our guides on the top-rated Super Bowl betting sites and NFL betting sites.

What is Football Betting?

Football betting refers to the practice of placing wagers or bets on American football games, particularly those played in the National Football League (NFL) or college football.

Similar to football (soccer) betting, American football betting involves predicting the outcome of games and placing bets based on those predictions. Various types of bets can be placed on football, 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.

Football betting also involves odds that determine the potential payout for a successful bet. The odds are influenced by various factors such as the teams' performance, injuries, weather conditions, and other relevant factors.

How do Football Betting Odds Work?

Football betting odds are used to determine the potential payout for a successful bet and reflect the probability of a specific outcome occurring in a football game. The three primary types of odds used in football betting are fractional odds, decimal odds, and moneyline odds. It's critical that you know how to read odds so you can make the most informed decisions.

Fractional odds are commonly used in the United Kingdom and are represented as fractions, such as 2/1 or 5/2. The first number in the fraction represents the potential profit, while the second number indicates the amount of the original stake. For instance, if the odds are 2/1 and you bet $10, you stand to win $20 in profit plus your original $10 stake.

Decimal odds are widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. They are represented as decimal numbers, such as 2.00 or 3.50. The decimal odds show the total amount that will be returned for each unit staked, including both profit and original stake. For example, if the odds are 2.00 and you bet $10, you would receive a total payout of $20, including your $10 stake.

Moneyline odds (or American odds) are prevalent in the U.S. and are expressed as positive or negative numbers. Positive numbers indicate the potential profit for a $100 stake, while negative numbers indicate the amount you need to wager to win $100. For instance, if a team has moneyline odds of +150, a $100 bet would result in a $150 profit if successful. If a team has moneyline odds of -200, you would need to bet $200 to win $100.

Lower odds indicate a higher probability of the outcome occurring, while higher odds suggest a lower probability. Bookmakers or betting platforms calculate the odds based on various factors, such as team performance, injuries, historical data, and other relevant information. It's important to understand the odds and associated risks before engaging in football betting.

Types of Football Bets

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are a popular form of wagering where you bet on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the point spread. Instead of considering the margin of victory, moneyline bets focus solely on the final result.

Moneyline odds for football are represented by positive (+) and negative (-) numbers. The team with a negative moneyline is considered the favorite, and the number indicates how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, if a team has a moneyline of -200, you would need to wager $200 to win $100 if that team is victorious.

On the other hand, the team with a positive moneyline is the underdog, and the number indicates how much you would win if you bet $100. For instance, if a team has a moneyline of +150, a $100 bet on that team would result in a $150 profit if they win.

Moneyline bets are straightforward and focus solely on picking the winning team. They don't consider the point spread or the margin of victory. It's important to compare moneyline odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value and potential payout for your bets.

Spread Bets

Spread bets, also known as point spread bets, are a common type of wager in football betting. In spread betting, the sportsbook sets a point spread, which is a handicap given to each team to even out the perceived strength of the teams and encourage balanced betting.

When placing a spread bet, you have two options.

If you choose to bet on the favorite, they must win the game by a margin greater than the point spread for your bet to be successful. For example, if the point spread is -6.5 for the favorite team, they need to win by at least 7 points for your bet to win.

If you bet on the underdog, they can either win the game outright or lose by a margin smaller than the point spread for your bet to win. Using the previous example, if the underdog team has a point spread of +6.5, they can lose the game by 6 points or less, or win the game for your bet to be successful.

Spread bets are designed to create an equal betting opportunity for both teams, regardless of their perceived strength. The sportsbook aims to attract balanced action on both sides by adjusting the point spread based on betting patterns and other factors.

The odds for spread bets are typically around -110 or -120, meaning you need to wager slightly more than your potential winnings. This additional amount, known as the "vig" or "juice," represents the sportsbook's commission for facilitating the bet.

Spread betting allows for more diverse betting options and adds an extra layer of excitement to the game by considering the margin of victory. It's important to analyze the teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and any relevant factors that could impact the point spread before placing your spread bets.

Prop Bets

Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are a popular form of wagering in football that focus on specific events or outcomes within a game. These bets go beyond the traditional outcomes of the game, such as the winner or the point spread, and instead focus on individual player performances, team statistics, or other game-related occurrences.

Here are some common 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 add an extra layer of excitement and engagement to American football games, as they allow bettors to focus on specific aspects beyond the final outcome. However, it's essential to thoroughly understand the rules and terms of each prop bet, as they can vary between sportsbooks and games.

Player Props

As referenced above, player prop bets in football are a specific type of proposition bet that focus on individual player performances during a game.

These bets allow you to wager on various statistical accomplishments or events related to specific players. Player prop bets can add excitement and engagement to watching the game, as you can follow and root for specific players' performances. Here are some common 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.

These are just a few examples of the numerous player prop bets available in football. The specific prop bets and odds can vary between sportsbooks and games. It's important to review the terms and conditions of each prop bet and consider factors such as player performance, team strategy, and matchup dynamics before making your wagers.

Margin of Victory Betting

With margin of victory bets, also known as point differential bets or margin bets, you predict the difference in points between the winning team's score and the losing team's score. This type of bet focuses on the specific margin by which one team will win or lose the game. Here's how margin of victory bets work in football:

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.

Margin of victory bets can provide an additional layer of excitement and strategy to your NFL betting experience. They allow you to focus on the competitiveness of the game and the point differential between teams, rather than just predicting a winner or focusing on the point spread.

6-Point Teaser Bets

A six-point teaser bet allows bettors to adjust the point spread or totals in their favor by six points for multiple games. It is a form of parlay bet where you combine two or more point spread or total bets and shift the lines by six points in your favor for each game.

Here's how a 6-point teaser bet works:

If you are making a point spread teaser bet, you would select two or more games and adjust the point spreads by six points in your favor. For example, if Team A is originally favored by three points and Team B is favored by seven points, a 6-point teaser would shift the point spreads to Team A -9 (3 points - 6 points) and Team B +1 (7 points - 6 points). Both teams would need to cover their respective adjusted spreads for your bet to be successful.

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

The advantage of a teaser bet is that it provides more flexibility and control by shifting the lines in your favor. However, it comes with a trade-off, as the odds and potential payout are adjusted accordingly. Teaser bets are typically offered with lower odds compared to traditional point spread or total bets, but they offer a higher likelihood of winning due to the adjusted lines.

It's important to note that all the games included in a teaser bet must win or cover their adjusted spreads or totals for the bet to be successful. If even one game does not meet the adjusted requirement, the entire teaser bet is considered a loss.

Parlay Bets

Parlay bets involve combining multiple individual bets into a single bet. In a parlay, you can combine two or more point spread, moneyline, or totals (over/under) bets on different games. The advantage of a parlay bet is the potential for a higher payout, as the odds for each individual bet are multiplied together to determine the overall odds of the parlay.

Here's how a parlay bet works in football:

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.
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).
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.
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 can offer an exciting and potentially lucrative betting experience in American football. However, it's important to understand the risks involved. The more individual bets you include in a parlay, the higher the difficulty level and the lower the probability of winning.

Futures Bets

Futures bets are wagers placed on long-term outcomes or events that will be determined in the future, typically at the end of the season. These bets are made well in advance and can add excitement and anticipation throughout the football season. Here are some common 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.

Futures bets offer the opportunity for substantial payouts, especially when placed early in the season when the odds are more favorable. However, keep in mind that these bets require patience, as the outcome is determined in the future and the funds are tied up until then.

NFL Betting Strategies

Increasing your Chances with Straight Bets

Here are a few reasons why straight bets offer plenty of advantages 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

Knowing common scores and spreads in NFL betting can be beneficial but is not necessarily crucial to your success. While understanding historical scores and spreads can provide some insights, there are several other factors that play a more significant role in making informed betting decisions.

Here's a breakdown of the importance of knowing common scores and spreads:

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.

While knowing common scores and spreads can provide some context and insights, it should not be the sole basis for your betting decisions.

Playing Home Field Advantage

Home field advantage is a significant factor to consider in NFL betting. While its impact can vary from team to team and season to season, it generally provides certain advantages that can influence the outcome of games. Understanding the importance of home field advantage can help you make more informed betting decisions. Here's why home field advantage is relevant in NFL betting:

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 can be an important factor to consider in NFL betting, as it can significantly impact the style of play and the outcome of games. Here's why weather is relevant in NFL betting:

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.

When assessing the impact of weather on NFL games, it's essential to consider the specific conditions, such as the severity of rain, wind speed, or temperature. Different teams and players may have varying levels of experience or success in specific weather conditions.

Finding the Best NFL Odds

Finding the best odds is a crucial strategy in NFL betting as it can significantly impact your potential profits. Here are some tips to help you find the best odds:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Betting on notable NFL events such as the Super Bowl, other high-profile games, or awards or drafts, can be an exciting and popular choice for many bettors. These events often attract significant attention from sportsbooks and bettors alike, leading to a wide range of options.

Super Bowl

Betting on the Super Bowl, the pinnacle event of the NFL season, is incredibly popular among bettors. To enhance your Super Bowl betting experience, here are some strategies to consider:

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

Betting on the NFL draft has gained popularity in recent years, providing an exciting opportunity for football enthusiasts to engage in wagering on the selection process. Here are some strategies to consider when betting 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.