Understanding NFL Odds
NFL odds form the foundation of betting on professional American football.
What are NFL Odds?
NFL odds are numerical expressions used by oddsmakers to indicate the likelihood of specific events occurring in a football game. These odds not only represent probability but also determine the potential payout for successful bets.
Odds can be presented in different formats, with American odds being the most common in the United States.
An example of NFL betting lines presented with American odds at DraftKings.
American odds are based on a baseline bet of $100 and can be either positive or negative, indicating the profit or the amount you need to bet to win $100, respectively.
Positive odds indicate how much profit you will make on a $100 bet, while negative odds indicate how much you need to bet to make a $100 profit.
How to Read NFL Odds
Understanding how to interpret NFL betting odds is crucial for making informed wagers.
For instance, if the New England Patriots are -200 to win in a game during the NFL playoffs, a bettor would need to wager $200 to win $100. Conversely, if their opponent is +180, a $100 bet on the underdog would yield $180 in profit if successful.
Some sportsbooks may use decimal or fractional odds, but American is the most common for NFL sports betting.
For more information on all three formats check out our guide on understanding odds.
NFL Betting Markets
The NFL betting landscape offers a wide array of markets for bettors to explore.
These range from traditional wagers on game outcomes to more intricate bets on specific player performances or team statistics.
Types of NFL Bets
- Moneyline Bets: Moneyline bets are straightforward wagers on which team will win the game outright. The odds for each team reflect their perceived chances of victory, with favorites having lower potential payouts than underdogs.
- Point Spread Betting: Point spread betting involves wagering on the margin of victory in a game.
- Oddsmakers set a line that the favored team must win by for bets on them to be successful. For example, if the Denver Broncos are -7 against the Detroit Lions, they must win by more than 7 points for spread bets on them to pay out.
- Totals (Over/Under): Totals bets focus on the combined score of both teams in a game. Sportsbooks set a number, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that amount.
Advanced NFL Betting Markets
While a large percentage of NFL bettors focus on the three bet types listed above, each game has a massive array of available markets.
There are also plenty of wagering opportunities that don't pertain to individual games.
Below are some of the most common advanced markets for NFL bettors.
- Prop Bets: Prop betting allows wagers on specific events or player performances within a game. These can range from the number of touchdowns a quarterback will throw to whether there will be a safety scored.
- Futures Bets: Futures odds represent long-term bets on outcomes like the Super Bowl winner, regular-season win totals for teams, or NFL MVP. These betting lines often change throughout the season based on team performance and other factors.
- Same Game Parlays: Same game parlays combine multiple bets from a single game into one wager. This betting option offers higher potential payouts but requires all selected outcomes to be correct for the bet to win.
NFL Betting Strategy and Tips
Developing a sound strategy is essential for long-term success in NFL betting.
This involves thorough research, understanding of betting markets, and disciplined bankroll management.
Creating a Winning Strategy
Analyze Team Performance
Study team statistics, recent form, and head-to-head records to make informed decisions. Consider factors like injuries, venue changes, and coaching strategies that may impact game outcomes.
The Eagles started the 2023 season 10-1 before going 1-6 down the stretch. It's important to stay on top of teams' recent form instead of just looking at season-long records.
Understand Line Movement
Betting lines often shift based on factors like team news and betting volume. Monitoring these changes can provide insights into market sentiment and potentially valuable betting opportunities.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set a budget for your NFL betting activities and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and consider using a staking plan to manage your wagers effectively.
Finding the Best Betting Odds
Comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks can significantly impact your long-term profitability. Different oddsmakers may offer slightly different lines, and these small variations can add up over time.
For example, Bet365 sportsbook might offer the New England Patriots at -3, while another has them at -3.5. This half-point difference could be the margin between a win or a push.
NFL Betting Resources and Tools
Utilizing available resources can enhance your NFL betting experience and potentially improve your results. Some valuable tools include:
- Statistical databases like Pro-Football Reference and NFL.com's 'Next Gen Stats'
- Expert analysis available at websites such as Pro Football Focus and The Athletic
- Odds comparison websites like Oddschecker.com.
- Injury reports that can be found on team websites.
These resources can provide additional context and data to inform your betting decisions.
Best NFL Betting Sites
Choosing reputable NFL sportsbooks like BetMGM, BetRivers, or Bet365 is crucial for a safe and enjoyable betting experience.
Top sportsbooks typically offer:
- Competitive Odds
- Wide Range of Betting Markets
- User-Friendly Interfaces
- Secure Banking Options
- Responsive Customer Support
Staying Up-to-Date with NFL Betting Markets
The NFL betting landscape is dynamic, with odds and markets constantly evolving.
Staying informed about league news, injury reports, and betting trends is essential for making timely and informed wagers.
Sometimes the most up-to-date information can be found on social media sites like X before it appears on news sites.
Smart NFL Betting Practices
Before you start betting on the NFL, it's important to keep a few things in mind to avoid unmanageable losses and problematic gambling practices.
Here are a few basic tips:
Set Realistic Goals
Understand that consistent profits in NFL betting require skill, knowledge, and discipline. Set achievable goals and focus on long-term results rather than short-term gains.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a log of your bets, including the type of wager, odds, stake, and outcome. This information can help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your betting strategy.
Avoid Emotional Betting
Make decisions based on analysis and data rather than personal biases or emotional reactions to recent results.
Responsible Gambling Tools for NFL Betting
In order to meet US regulatory compliance standards, licensed sportsbooks must tools to promote responsible gambling practices in accordance with state laws.
These may include:
- Deposit Limits
- Loss Limits
- Time-Out Periods
- Self-Exclusion Options
Utilize these tools as needed to maintain control over your NFL betting activities.
NFL Betting Lines FAQ
Common Bet Types
What is the most common type of NFL bet?
Point spread betting is one of the most common ways to wager on NFL games, along with moneyline and totals bets.
Betting Lines
How do NFL betting lines work?
These lines represent the odds and point spreads set by oddsmakers for various wagers on a game. These lines can move based on betting action and other factors.
Same-Game Parlays
What is a same game parlay in NFL betting?
A same game parlay combines multiple bets from a single NFL game into one wager. All selections must be correct for the parlay to win, offering higher potential payouts with increased risk.
Finding the Best Odds
How can I find the best NFL betting odds?
Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the most favorable lines. Odds comparison websites can streamline this process.
Factors to Consider When Betting
What factors should I consider when betting on NFL games?
Consider team performance, injuries, head-to-head records, home/away splits, weather conditions, and recent form when making NFL betting decisions.
By understanding NFL odds, exploring various betting markets, and implementing smart betting practices, bettors can enhance their NFL wagering experience. Remember to always bet responsibly and within your means.
Everything You Need on NFL Betting
Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
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
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 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 has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research.
Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.
Sergey Demidov
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
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.
