FanDuel NFL Odds: What to Consider When Betting with FanDuel Sportsbook

14 min read
Oct 7, 2024, 12:04 PM
Author
Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer
Last Updated: Oct 7, 2024, 12:04 PM

Understanding NFL Betting Odds

NFL betting odds are a fundamental aspect of sports betting, particularly when it comes to wagering on professional football games. These odds represent the probability of certain outcomes in NFL games and determine the potential payout for successful bets. 

Understanding NFL odds is crucial for bettors who want to make informed decisions when placing wagers on FanDuel's online sportsbook or other betting platforms.

NFL odds can be presented in various formats, including American, decimal, and fractional. FanDuel Sportsbook typically uses American odds, which are expressed as positive or negative numbers. Positive odds indicate the potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds show how much one needs to bet to win $100.

For example, if the Dallas Cowboys have odds of +150 to win a game, a $100 bet would yield a $150 profit if they win. Conversely, if the Philadelphia Eagles have odds of -200, a bettor would need to wager $200 to win $100 if they emerge victorious. 

What are NFL Odds?

NFL odds are numerical representations of the likelihood of various outcomes in professional football games. These odds are set by sportsbooks like FanDuel and are used to balance the betting action on both sides of a wager. 

The odds reflect not only the perceived strength of the teams involved but also factors such as home-field advantage, injuries, and recent performance.

FanDuel NFL odds cover a wide range of betting markets, including point spreads, moneylines, totals (over/under), and various prop bets. Each type of bet has its own set of odds that determine the potential payout. 

It's important to note that odds can fluctuate leading up to game time based on betting activity and new information that may affect the outcome of the game.

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Remember to always set a budget for your NFL betting activities and stick to it, regardless of the odds or potential payouts. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.

NFL Betting Lines and Point Spreads

NFL betting lines are the core of football wagering, with point spreads being one of the most popular forms of NFL betting. 

A point spread is a margin of victory set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two teams of different skill levels. When betting on point spreads, bettors wager on whether a team will win by more than the spread (if favored) or lose by less than the spread (if the underdog).

FanDuel Sportsbook offers point spreads for all NFL games, from the regular season through the playoffs and Super Bowl. The spread is typically expressed as a half-point to avoid the possibility of a tie, also known as a "push."

For example, if the New England Patriots are favored by 3.5 points over the New York Jets, they would need to win by 4 or more points for bets on the Patriots to pay out. Or in a Thursday Night Football matchup, the Cleveland Browns might be -6.5 point favorites against the Houston Texans. This means the Browns would need to win by 7 or more points for bets on them to be successful.

How to Read NFL Point Spreads

Reading NFL point spreads is essential for bettors looking to engage in this popular form of wagering. The point spread is typically presented alongside the teams playing, with the favored team having a negative number and the underdog a positive number.

For instance, a spread might look like this on FanDuel:

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In this example, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 1.5-point favorites, while the Indianapolis Colts are 1.5-point underdogs. The -110 in parentheses represents the odds for each bet, indicating that a bettor would need to wager $110 to win $100.

It's important to note that the point spread can change as the game approaches, based on betting activity and new information. Savvy bettors often monitor these changes to find value in the odds.

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Don't chase losses by increasing your bets on point spreads. Stick to your predetermined betting limits and strategy, even if you're on a losing streak.

Expert NFL Betting Tips and Strategies

Successful NFL betting requires more than just understanding odds and point spreads. Expert bettors employ various strategies to gain an edge when wagering on football games. 

One common approach is to analyze team statistics, head-to-head records, and recent form to identify potential value bets.

Another strategy is to consider factors that may not be fully reflected in the odds, such as weather conditions, travel schedules, or motivational factors for certain games. 

Some bettors also focus on specific types of bets, such as totals or prop bets, where they believe they have a particular edge.

For instance, a bettor might notice that the Baltimore Ravens consistently perform well as underdogs in prime-time games. This insight could lead them to place a bet on the Ravens when they're getting points in a Sunday Night Football matchup, even if the odds suggest they're likely to lose. 

It's also crucial to manage your bankroll effectively, which means not risking too much of your total betting funds on any single wager. 

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Many experts recommend not betting more than 1-2% of your bankroll on any given bet.

How to Bet on the NFL Regular Season

Betting on the NFL regular season offers a wide range of opportunities for bettors. 

The season typically runs from September to January, with each team playing 17 games. FanDuel provides odds for every regular season game, as well as futures bets on season-long outcomes.

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It is wise to set a specific budget for the entire NFL season and divide it across the weeks. This helps prevent overspending early in the season and allows you to enjoy betting throughout the entire schedule.

To bet on the NFL regular season, bettors can choose from various types of wagers, including point spreads, moneylines, totals, and prop bets. 

It's important to stay up to date with team news, injury reports, and other factors that might affect game outcomes.

NFL Futures Odds and Predictions

NFL futures odds represent the probability of long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the Super Bowl, who will be named MVP, or which team will have the most regular-season wins. 

FanDuel Sportsbook offers a wide range of futures bets, with odds that can change significantly throughout the season based on team performance and other factors.

Making NFL predictions for futures bets requires careful analysis of team rosters, schedules, and historical performance.  

Below is an example of FanDuel's Super Bowl odds following Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season for the league's top five teams:

TeamSuper Bowl Odds
Kansas City Chiefs+450
San Francisco 49ers+700
Buffalo Bills+1000
Houston Texans+1100
Detroit Lions+1200

It's important to consider factors such as offseason changes, draft picks, and coaching adjustments when evaluating futures odds.

Futures bets can offer high potential payouts, but they also tie up your betting funds for an extended period. It's important to balance the potential rewards with the opportunity cost of not having those funds available for other bets during the season.

Super Bowl Odds and Predictions

Super Bowl odds are among the most popular futures bets in NFL betting.

FanDuel Sportsbook typically releases initial Super Bowl odds shortly after the previous season's championship game, and these odds are continually updated throughout the offseason and regular season.

Analyzing Super Bowl odds requires consideration of various factors, including team strength, schedule difficulty, and playoff positioning. Bettors often look for value in teams with longer odds that they believe have a realistic chance of making a deep playoff run.

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When betting on Super Bowl odds or other futures, only wager an amount you're comfortable having tied up for the entire season. Remember that even if your team is performing well, you won't see any returns until the bet is settled.

In addition to betting on the Super Bowl winner, FanDuel also offers a variety of prop bets related to the big game, such as the MVP, the first team to score, and even non-game related events like the length of the national anthem.

Sports Betting Resources and FAQs

FanDuel Sportsbook provides various resources to help bettors understand NFL odds and make informed decisions. 

These resources often include betting guides, statistical analysis, and expert picks. It's important for bettors to utilize these tools, along with their own research, to develop a well-rounded betting strategy.

Common FAQs related to NFL betting often cover topics such as how to read odds, the differences between various types of bets, and strategies for managing your bankroll. 

Many sportsbooks also provide customer support to answer specific questions about placing bets or understanding particular odds.

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Take advantage of educational resources offered by sportsbooks and independent betting experts. The more you understand about NFL betting, the better equipped you'll be to make responsible decisions.

It's also crucial for bettors to familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions of the sportsbook they're using, including any rules specific to NFL betting, such as how pushes are handled or when bets are considered official.

Getting Started with NFL Betting

For those new to NFL betting, it's important to start slowly and build understanding gradually. 

Begin by focusing on simple bets like moneylines or point spreads for individual games before moving on to more complex wagers like parlays or teasers.

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A new bettor could start by placing a $10 moneyline bet on their favorite team to win their next game. This simple bet allows them to experience the betting process without the complexity of point spreads or other factors.

Creating an account on FanDuel is typically straightforward, requiring basic personal information and age verification to ensure legal compliance. 

Many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses or risk-free bets for new users, which can provide an opportunity to get familiar with the platform with reduced financial risk.

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As you gain experience, you can expand your betting repertoire and develop more sophisticated strategies. However, it's always important to bet responsibly and within your means, regardless of your level of experience.

NFL Odds and Schedule Analysis

Analyzing the NFL schedule in conjunction with odds can provide valuable insights for bettors. 

Factors such as short weeks, long road trips, or games played in extreme weather conditions can all impact team performance and, consequently, the odds.

FanDuel typically releases odds for the upcoming week's games soon after the previous week's games conclude. This gives bettors time to analyze matchups, consider trends, and make informed decisions before placing their wagers.

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Don't feel pressured to bet on every game or every week. Sometimes, the best bet is the one you don't make if you can't find value in the odds.

It's also worth noting that odds can shift significantly based on news such as key injuries or suspensions. 

Staying informed about these developments can help bettors identify value opportunities or avoid potential pitfalls.

How the NFL Schedule Affects Betting Odds

The NFL schedule plays a crucial role in shaping betting odds. Teams facing a string of tough opponents may see their odds lengthen, while those with an easier stretch might become favorites more often. 

Factors like bye weeks, Thursday night games (which give teams less recovery and preparation time), and late-season games in cold-weather cities can all influence how oddsmakers set lines.

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For example, if the Green Bay Packers are playing a late-season home game against a warm-weather team like the Miami Dolphins, the Packers might be favored by more points than usual due to their familiarity with cold conditions.

Bettors who pay close attention to these scheduling nuances may be able to find value that others overlook. 

Understanding these schedule-related factors can help bettors make more informed decisions when analyzing NFL odds.

FAQ

Reading NFL Odds

How do I read NFL odds on FanDuel Sportsbook?

NFL odds on FanDuel typically use American odds format. 

Positive numbers show potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative numbers indicate how much you need to bet to win $100.

Point Spread Betting

What is a point spread in NFL betting?

A point spread is a margin of victory set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two teams. Bettors wager on whether a team will win by more than the spread or lose by less.

NFL Futures

How do NFL futures bets work?

Futures bets are wagers on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the Super Bowl or who will be named MVP. 

These bets are typically available throughout the season with odds that adjust based on team and player performance.

Player Props

Can I bet on individual player performance in NFL games?

Yes, FanDuel Sportsbook offers various player prop bets, allowing you to wager on individual player statistics like passing yards, touchdowns scored, or receptions.

Changing Odds

How often do NFL betting odds change?

NFL odds can change frequently, especially as game time approaches. Factors like injuries, weather conditions, and betting activity can all cause odds to shift.

<p>Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.</p><p>Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.&nbsp;</p><p>Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.</p>
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Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.

In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.

In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.

Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
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With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.

At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.

Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

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