NFL Betting Basics

When it comes to NFL betting, there are several factors to consider before placing a bet. The NFL is a complex betting arena with a multitude of variables that can impact the outcome of a game. From individual player performance to statistical analysis, understanding current trends to assessing the impact of home-field advantage, savvy gamblers need to familiarize themselves with all of these elements to make educated guesses.

Furthermore, even ardent fans may struggle to keep up with the ever-evolving news surrounding the NFL, as the league moves at a fast pace. Keeping up-to-date with the latest information can give bettors an edge in predicting possible outcomes and increase their chances of achieving financial success on bets. If you’re new to NFL betting, then this is the guide for you.

NFL Betting Overview

The National Football League (NFL) is the premier professional American football league in the United States, comprising 32 teams. The teams are divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), with each conference further divided into four divisions.

During the regular season, each team plays 17 games over 18 weeks, and eight teams from each conference qualify for the postseason. This culminates in the Super Bowl, which takes place at the end of January or the beginning of February. The two qualifying teams battle it out for the ultimate title.

It is important to note that each team plays 16 games against their respective conference and one game against a team from the opposite conference. This one game is based on a rotating schedule that spans four years.

When it comes to the postseason, the top four teams from each conference battle it out in a single-elimination format, leading up to the conference championships. The winners of each conference then meet in the Super Bowl.

NFL Betting Markets

When it comes to NFL betting, there are several markets available for bettors to choose from. Understanding the different types of bets can give bettors an edge in achieving financial success.

NFL Moneyline

The most straightforward type of bet in NFL betting is the moneyline bet. In this bet, a team is simply selected to win or lose. In every game, there will be favorites and underdogs. Favorites are indicated by a minus sign while underdogs are denoted by a plus sign.

For instance, if the Jacksonville Jaguars are heavily favored against the San Francisco 49ers, then Jacksonville might be -250 and San Francisco +200 in the moneyline. This means that to win $100 on Jaguars, you would have to bet $250 while you can win $200 if you bet $100 on San Francisco.

Point Spreads

In point spreads, a team is given handicaps or points such that the two teams have an equal chance of winning.

For example, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Atlanta Falcons in a game. If the Bucs are 13-point favorites, then they must win by 14 or more points to cover the spread while Atlanta just has to lose by 12 points or less. In this case, if you bet on Tampa Bay and they win by exactly 13 points, it is called ‘pushing’ meaning that all bets are refunded.

Over/Under Bets

In this type of bet, you have to predict the total number of points that will be scored in a game. The sportsbook will offer an over/under the line and it is up to you to decide if the actual score will be higher or lower than that amount. This type of betting can be quite lucrative as it is not based on predicting a winner, but rather on predicting the total number of points that will be scored in a game.

NFL Prop Bets

Prop bets (or proposition bets) are side bets that involve predicting outcomes of specific events within a game, such as predicting which player will score the first touchdown or how many yards a quarterback will throw. These bets can be quite entertaining and offer better odds compared to moneyline or point spreads since the bookmakers have a harder time predicting the outcomes of these limited scenarios.

There are several types of NFL prop bets available for bettors to choose from. For example, you can bet on which player will score the first touchdown, how many total touchdowns will be scored in the game, or how many passing yards a quarterback will throw in the game: see examples.

1. Will Trevor Laurence accumulate a total of 250 passing yards?

2. Will the Jaguars record 300+ rushing yards next game?

3. Who will have a better score at the half?

4. How many tackles will the Dolphins’ defense make?

5. What will be the first score method (TD, FG or Safety)?

NFL Future Bets

Future bets are wagers that involve predicting outcomes of events that will take place far in the future, such as who will win the Super Bowl or which team will make the playoffs. These can be quite fun since they give you the opportunity to bet on long-term outcomes with plenty of time for research and analysis. Plus, these tend to have better payouts since the bookmakers have a harder time predicting future outcomes.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Win Super Bowl LVII

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently +2800 to win Super Bowl LVI, which means that a bet of $100 would pay out $2,800 if the Buccaneers were to win the Super Bowl. Despite having a rollercoaster season, the Buccaneers still have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Tom Brady, and they also have a very good defense.

Miami Dolphins to Win Super Bowl LVII

The Miami Dolphins are currently +6000 to win Super Bowl LVI. The Dolphins are not expected to be a good team this year, but they do have a lot of young talent. They started the season strong and even had an 8-3 record before losing 5 straight matches. They finished the record season on a high note with an 11-6 victory over the New York Jets.

Jacksonville Jaguars to Win Super Bowl LVII

The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently +10000 to win Super Bowl LVI, which means that a bet of $100 would pay out $4,000 if the Jaguars were to win the Super Bowl. The Jaguars are not expected to be a good team this year, but they do have some talented players. If everything goes right for the Jaguars, then they could make a run at the Super Bowl.

Live Betting on NFL Games

Live betting (also known as in-play betting) is a way for bettors to place bets on NFL games while they are being played. This type of betting can be quite exciting as the odds change depending on how each team is performing. The odds for live betting are usually quite good as the bookmakers don’t have enough time to adjust the lines as much as they do for pre-game betting. This makes live betting a great way to get better value for your bets.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to bet on NFL games ranging from simple moneyline bets to more complex prop and futures bets. With some research and understanding of the game, these can be quite lucrative investments! Understanding the different types of bets and the markets available can give bettors an edge in achieving financial success. By understanding the odds and factors that can impact the outcome of a game, bettors can make informed decisions and increase their chances of winning.

Factors to Consider in NFL Betting

When it comes to NFL betting, there are several factors that can impact the outcome of a game. Some of the most important factors include:

Home Field Advantage 

Home field advantage can play a significant role in the outcome of a game. Teams tend to perform better when playing in their home stadium due to factors such as familiarity with the field and crowd support.

Injuries 

Injuries can have a major impact on the outcome of a game. If a key player is injured, it can significantly affect a team’s ability to perform.

Weather 

Weather conditions can also impact the outcome of a game. Rain, snow, and wind can all affect a team’s ability to throw and catch the ball, which can in turn impact the score.

Coaching 

Coaching can also play a significant role in the outcome of a game. Good coaches are able to make effective game plans and adjust their strategy based on the opposing team’s weaknesses.

By considering these and other factors, bettors can make more informed decisions when placing bets and increase their chances of winning.

Tips for Successful NFL Betting

Here are some tips that can help bettors increase their chances of success in NFL betting:

Do Your Research 

Before placing a bet, it is important to do your research and understand the teams, players, and other factors that can impact the outcome of a game.

Manage Your Bankroll 

It is important to manage your bankroll and bet within your means. This can help you avoid losing too much money and keep your betting sustainable in the long run.

Shop around for the best odds: Different sportsbooks offer different odds on the same game, so it is important to shop around and find the best odds available.

Consider multiple types of bets: By considering multiple types of bets, such as moneyline, point spread, and prop bets, you can increase your chances of finding profitable opportunities.

NFL Betting FAQs

If you’re new to NFL betting, you might have some questions about how it all works. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

  • Is it legal to bet on NFL games?
  • How do I place a bet on an NFL game?
  • What is a point spread in NFL betting?
  • What is an over/under bet in NFL betting?
  • How do I know if I’ve won a bet?