How to Bet on NFL Games: Guide to NFL Betting on 2024-25

NFL betting has become an integral part of the game’s excitement, allowing fans to make each play count even more. With a variety of betting options like point spreads, moneyline bets, and prop bets, the NFL offers one of the richest and most dynamic betting landscapes. Whether you’re interested in single-game bets or exploring more complex options like parlays and teasers, understanding the fundamentals of each type of wager is key. In this betting guide, we’ll walk through essential NFL betting fundamentals for beginners and offer advanced strategies for seasoned bettors. Regardless of your experience level, this guide aims to enhance your understanding and confidence in NFL betting.

Understanding the Basics of NFL Betting

NFL betting basics set the foundation for successful wagering. Understanding the different types of bets is the first step for any aspiring bettor, as it helps clarify how to approach each game. The fundamental types of NFL bets cater to different preferences, from simply predicting the winner to betting on detailed aspects of the game. Each bet type has unique rules and nuances that impact how you evaluate teams and odds. While these bets may seem complex at first, they become second nature with practice, enabling more strategic betting. Here’s a breakdown of the primary types of bets in NFL games:

Types of NFL Bets

The range of NFL bet types allows bettors to engage with the game in various ways, each with its strategy and appeal. Whether you’re looking for straightforward predictions or more complex wagers, these bet types offer options to suit any level of expertise.

Bet Type	Description
Moneyline	A simple bet on which team will win the game, offering straightforward odds.
Point Spread	Betting on the favored team to win by a certain margin or the underdog to keep it close.
Over/Under (Totals)	Wagering on whether the total points scored will exceed or fall short of a set number.
Prop Bets	Betting on specific events, such as a player’s rushing yards or which team will score first.
Futures	Long-term bets on outcomes like who will win the Super Bowl or MVP.

Understanding these basics will prepare you to evaluate which bets align with your knowledge and risk tolerance. Betting options like moneyline and point spreads are popular starting points due to their simplicity, while props and futures require more analysis but can offer greater excitement and rewards.

Single-Game NFL Bets

Single-game bets are popular among both new and experienced bettors due to their straightforward nature and variety of options. With single-game bets, you focus on the outcome of one game rather than multiple games or seasons. These bets allow for a more immediate payout, as you see the results and potential winnings at the end of the game. Additionally, single-game bets can be combined into more complex bets like parlays, which we will explore in later sections. Understanding single-game bets is a fundamental skill in NFL betting, setting the foundation for more advanced strategies.

Betting the Point Spread

The point spread is a popular way to balance out a game’s competitive disparity, adding extra layers of strategy. Point spreads assign points to underdogs, meaning that the favorite must win by a certain margin, or “cover the spread,” for the bet to pay out. This encourages bets on both sides, as the underdog doesn’t need to win outright; they only need to stay within the spread. Betting the spread requires analyzing team strength, recent performances, and situational factors like injuries or weather conditions. For those who enjoy a more complex challenge, point spreads offer both risk and reward.

Example Spread	Team	Spread	Wager Requirement
-5.5	Dallas Cowboys	-5.5	Cowboys must win by at least 6 points.
+5.5	New York Giants	+5.5	Giants must lose by 5 points or less or win the game.

Tips for Betting the Spread:

• Know the Teams: Researching team performance, strengths, and weaknesses gives insight into whether the favorite can cover the spread.
• Home-Field Advantage: Historically, home teams perform slightly better, which can impact close games.
• Stay Updated: Last-minute changes, such as injuries or coaching decisions, can influence the spread and give you a potential edge.
• Bet Responsibly: Don’t chase losses; managing your bankroll conservatively can help you navigate inevitable ups and downs.
• Look at Trends: Teams often have trends regarding covering the spread, which can be valuable for predicting outcomes.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are among the simplest ways to bet on NFL games, as they only require picking the winning team. However, the odds are adjusted based on the likelihood of each team winning, meaning favorites offer lower returns compared to underdogs. Moneyline bets are often preferred by beginners due to their simplicity, but they also have appeal for experienced bettors who seek straightforward wagers. Understanding how odds work is key here: higher risk is associated with the underdog, while favorites offer more predictable but lower returns. Moneyline bets also pair well with other types of bets in strategies like parlays.

Team	Moneyline Odds	Meaning
Kansas City Chiefs	-200	A $200 bet wins $100 if the Chiefs win.
Denver Broncos	+150	A $100 bet wins $150 if the Broncos win.

Moneyline Betting Tips:

• Analyze Matchups: Consider each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and how they align with the opponent’s style.
• Consider the Odds: While betting on favorites yields smaller returns, it can be more reliable in the short term.
• Check for Value: Sometimes, underdog teams are undervalued, providing higher returns if you believe in their potential for an upset.
• Use in Parlays: Combining moneyline bets in a parlay can yield higher payouts and add excitement.
• Track Your Performance: Keeping a record of your moneyline bets can help refine your strategy over time.

Betting Totals (Over/Under)

In totals betting, also known as over/under betting, you’re betting on the total combined score of both teams rather than on the winner. The sportsbook sets a predicted total score, and bettors wager on whether the actual combined score will be higher or lower. This bet type is popular because it shifts the focus from team allegiance to game dynamics, such as offensive and defensive strategies. Totals betting requires an understanding of each team’s scoring trends and defensive capabilities. It’s also influenced by weather conditions, injuries, and recent form, which can all impact scoring potential.

Game Example	Total Points	Over Bet Wins If…	Under Bet Wins If…
Eagles vs. Patriots	49.5	Combined score > 49.5	Combined score < 49.5

Strategies for Betting Totals:

• Research Scoring Trends: Look at each team’s recent scoring averages and how their offense matches up against the opponent’s defense.
• Consider Game Environment: Outdoor games with extreme weather, like heavy rain or snow, often lead to lower scores.
• Look for Line Movement: If the total shifts significantly from the opening line, it could indicate a change in team dynamics or weather.
• Identify Key Players: Injuries to star players, particularly quarterbacks or defensive leaders, can affect the score.
• Check Head-to-Head Stats: Historical matchups between teams can reveal if they typically produce high or low-scoring games.

Multiple-Game NFL Bets

For bettors looking to increase their potential payout, multiple-game bets offer enticing options, albeit with increased risk. These bets allow you to combine several games into a single wager, including popular options like parlays and teasers. In exchange for higher payouts, these bets require that each game’s outcome aligns with your predictions. When done strategically, multiple-game bets can amplify winnings and add excitement to each game across the weekend. However, they require careful selection and thorough research to mitigate the higher level of difficulty involved.

Parlays

Parlays combine multiple individual bets into one larger bet, with each selection, or “leg,” needing to win for the parlay to pay out. Because each additional game increases the risk, sportsbooks offer enhanced odds for parlays, making them popular among bettors looking for big returns on smaller wagers. Parlays can include point spreads, moneylines, totals, or even props, depending on the sportsbook. While enticing, parlays are challenging to win, and most experienced bettors recommend keeping the number of legs manageable to balance risk and reward.

Parlay Example	Bet Type	Outcome Needed
Cowboys -5.5	Point Spread	Cowboys must win by 6+
Ravens Moneyline	Moneyline	Ravens must win
Chiefs vs. Raiders Over 48	Total (Over)	Combined score > 48

Parlay Betting Tips:

• Limit the Number of Legs: Sticking to 2-3 legs can keep your risk manageable while still increasing potential payout.
• Mix Low-Risk and High-Risk Bets: Combining a few safer picks with one riskier leg can increase your payout while minimizing exposure.
• Use Different Bet Types: A mix of spreads, moneylines, and totals adds flexibility and potential for strategic value.
• Check Parlay-Specific Offers: Some sportsbooks offer parlay boosts or cash-out options that increase value or allow you to lock in profits.
• Practice Bankroll Management: Given the riskier nature of parlays, allocate a smaller percentage of your bankroll to these bets.

Teasers

Teasers are a type of parlay where bettors adjust the point spread or total in their favor, trading off for a lower payout. Teasers are most common in football, where adjusting the spread by 6, 6.5, or 7 points can make challenging bets more attainable. For example, if you think a favorite will win but aren’t confident they’ll cover a large spread, a teaser lets you bring the spread down, increasing the likelihood of winning. Teasers are highly customizable, allowing bettors to strategize based on risk preference and game analysis.

Teaser Example	Original Spread	Teased Spread
Patriots -9	-9	-3 (6-point teaser)
Packers +4	+4	+10 (6-point teaser)

Strategies for Teasers:

• Choose Games with High Confidence: Only include games where you feel confident, as each leg needs to win.
• Optimize Spread Movement: Teasing large spreads down to smaller ones, or moving slight underdogs to higher points, offers more favorable odds.
• Watch for “Key Numbers”: In football, 3, 6, and 7 are key scoring differences; adjusting spreads around these can make a big difference.
• Limit Teaser Length: Like parlays, the more games included, the riskier the bet. Stick to 2-3 games for better outcomes.
• Explore Alternative Teasers: Some sportsbooks offer alternative teasers with unique point adjustments, which may offer value depending on the game.

Advanced NFL Betting Strategies

Once you’ve grasped the basics, advanced strategies can elevate your NFL betting approach. From analyzing betting markets to using statistical insights, these strategies are designed to give an edge to experienced bettors. By integrating data-driven decisions, tracking line movements, and understanding situational factors, you can create a more disciplined and informed betting approach. Advanced strategies require consistent research and focus, but they can significantly improve long-term profitability and help bettors make more calculated wagers.

Line Shopping

Line shopping involves comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best possible line for each bet. Small differences in odds or spreads may not seem significant at first, but they can greatly impact your long-term profits. For example, finding a spread at -2.5 rather than -3 could mean the difference between a win and a push. Similarly, identifying a moneyline with slightly better odds can maximize your payout on winning bets. Line shopping is especially valuable for experienced bettors who wager frequently and seek to optimize every bet.

Steps for Effective Line Shopping:

• Use Multiple Accounts: Having accounts on several sportsbooks allows you to compare odds quickly.
• Check Odds Aggregators: Some websites aggregate odds from various sportsbooks, making line shopping easier.
• Focus on Key Bet Types: Prioritize line shopping for point spreads and moneylines where small changes can impact outcomes.
• Look for Promotional Offers: Sportsbooks may offer enhanced odds or reduced juice on certain games, adding value.
• Practice Consistency: Regularly shopping for the best lines can add up to substantial savings over time.

Conclusion

NFL betting provides a wide range of opportunities for both novice and experienced bettors to engage with the game in an exciting way. By understanding the basics, exploring advanced strategies, and consistently practicing disciplined bankroll management, bettors can enjoy the thrill of the NFL season while optimizing their chances of success. Whether focusing on single-game bets, delving into the complexities of parlays and teasers, or exploring in-play betting, the NFL offers something for everyone. For more insights, you may also explore the best football betting sites and betting sites in BD. Remember to approach each bet with strategy, stay informed, and always bet responsibly. With the insights from this guide, you’re well on your way to making more informed and rewarding NFL bets this season.

Frequently Asked Questions on NFL Betting