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The NFL has become the most popular sport in the U.S. Along with that, it is also the most popular sport to bet on. So if you’re looking to get in on the action, then you are in the right place. There are many ways to bet on the NFL, and each type of bet has its own nuances to them. So let’s dive into how to bet on the NFL and make your Sundays a whole lot sweeter.
How to bet on NFL games
Before we get started on how to bet on the NFL, we must first establish where you can bet on the NFL. If you’re in a state with legalized betting regulations, the process is as simple as signing up for one of the many online sportsbooks that are available to you.
Choosing a sportsbook for your NFL betting is an essential first step. Of course, each sportsbook has its own pros and cons, but many have excellent welcome offers to help you build your bankroll before even placing your second bet. Take a look at the list below, choose whichever offer looks the best to you, and get started.
- TN, CO, OH, KY, MA, MD, WV Only.
- New users only, 21 or older. Full T&Cs apply.
- AZ, NJ, IN, CO, IA, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY only.
- New customers only. Must be 21+. Welcome offer not available in NY & DC. Full T&C apply.
- CO, OH, LA, NJ, IA, KY, VA, only.
- New customers only. 18+ in KY, must be 21+ in all other states. Full T&C apply.
- AZ, CO, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY Only.
- New users only, 21 or older. Full T&Cs apply.
- AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WY, WV
- New customers only. Must be 21+. Full T&C apply.
Types of NFL bets
What makes the NFL so great to bet on, aside from the entertainment, is that there are a variety of options to choose from. Now, after you have made an account from one of the sportsbooks available to you, you will then be able to see all of these bets under the NFL market.
Betting the point spread
The point spread is something that has been entrenched in football since its inception. It is not only how we tell who is the favorite and who is the underdog to win a game, but it helps establish just how much better one team is than another.
Typically, you will see a game displayed like this at your sportsbook:
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| NY Jets | +3 | O 42 | +120 |
| Cleveland Browns | -3 | U 42 | -150 |
Using our example above, we can now see who is expected to win the game and by how much. The favorite will have a minus sign in front of the number, and the underdog will have a plus sign in front.
Now to win your bet, the decision to make is who will cover the spread. If you bet on the favorite at -6, that means the team must win by more than six points. However, if you bet on the underdog, the underdog can lose the game by up to six points.
Betting the moneyline
When looking at our example above, the moneyline is in the last column. It is a three-digit number that, like the spread, will have a plus or minus in front of it. However, when you place a bet on a moneyline, you are just betting on that team to win outright. So, whether it’s the Jets at +120 or the Patriots at -150, whichever team you pick on the moneyline has to win.
What a moneyline bet can do is drastically change your payout. For example, if you take the moneyline of a team that is favored, you will win less money than what you bet. Although, if you take an underdog, you will win more money than what you bet.
One thing to be wary of when betting on NFL moneylines is that they can get very pricey. If a team is favored by double-digits, you will likely see moneyline prices that make it not worth your while to bet, but you could make the argument that any line you think has value on it may be worth a bet.
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Betting the total
Betting totals is a different approach to betting a game, as you are not picking a side. Instead, you are deciding whether the total amount of points scored in the game will be higher or lower than the listed number.
Going back to our example, the total for that game is set at 46. If you think there will be more than 46 points scored in that game, you should bet the over. Conversely, if you think there will be less than 46 points scored, then the under would be your bet.
It may seem like a much more straightforward approach the betting on the NFL, as spreads can be tricky, but there are many things that can factor into totals, such as weather, tempo, and game script.
Parlays
Parlays are a very popular type of bet. In a parlay, you can combine multiple outcomes of multiple events. So the minimum amount of outcomes that you need to combine in a parlay is two, but you can combine as many outcomes as you see fit. Depending on the number of outcomes you pick, your payout will increase as the odds from each selection get multiplied. While that may seem very enticing, parlays can be a quick way to drain your bankroll if you don’t manage them correctly.
For example, say you like the Bengals to beat the 49ers and the Lions to beat the Bears. If you bet both of them to cover the spread at -110 odds, your new combined odds will be around +264. That means if both of them cover the spread, a $100 bet would pay out $364.
Same-game parlays
A newer addition to the classic parlay is the same-game parlay. It is precisely what it sounds like. You can build a parlay that combines multiple outcomes in the same event. Depending on what book you bet at, you may have different options to combine.
The best way to build a same-game parlay is to have each of your selections correlate. Usually, the underdog is associated with the total going under, so depending on what numbers you get, that could be a good pairing. However, you could add in other legs, such as props or derivatives.
Teasers
Teasers are a form of parlay, except you are paying for the extra value. From an NFL betting perspective, the most popular form of teaser is a six-point teaser since six is the number of points awarded for a touchdown. Now you can add these points to either side of the spread or the total to create extra value for your angle.
An example would be to tease the Steelers, who are +2 underdogs, up to +8. If you are teasing a favorite down, the tease will subtract from their spread. If the Eagles are -7, a six-point tease would now make them -1.
Just as parlays, you must combine at least two outcomes. However, the price you pay for the extra value is very different for teaser than compared to traditional parlays. Be sure to shop around at multiple books for the best price on your teaser bet, as prices can vary widely.
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NFL prop bets
Prop bets can be broken down into two categories, game props, and player props. Prop bets are prevalent during big games like the Super Bowl because they give bettors different markets for one particular event.
Game props
Game props are not player specific but are usually team specific. In the NFL, you’ll see things like team totals, the number of sacks, and the correct score. These markets are not super popular but should be given consideration for that reason, as they are less efficient than sides and totals.
Player props
Player props have become a massive part of betting on the NFL. Just like the popularity of fantasy, you can now bet on individual players to go over or under certain statistical totals. In addition, props have gotten diverse, as you can bet yards, receptions, attempts, and even interceptions.
Player props are not only a crossover of betting and fantasy, but they are a very profitable way to get started when betting on the NFL. This market is much more inefficient, and you’ll be able to find more edges in the player props market.
Futures
Futures bets are a way to put your money on your predictions. If you think that the Jets will win the Super Bowl, you can bet on it and get excellent odds. Even the favorites will pay out at +500 or more prior to the season.
These markets are not only limited to the Super Bowl. You can also place futures bets on award winners, win totals, and season-long props. The only catch to these types of bets is that they are in the future. So to place them, you have to be willing to tie up a portion of your bankroll for months at a time. Although, if your bet hits, the odds are likely so long that the wait is worth it.
Live betting
Live betting is a whole new ballgame when it comes to betting on the NFL. I mean that literally and figuratively. It is a concept that is just beginning to gain popularity in the United States, as legalized gambling is just a few years old. However, in Europe, live betting is a significant part of the market.
Live betting or in-game betting is placing a wager on the moneyline, total, or spread while the game is happening. This style of betting could help you find extra value on an angle as the lines move rapidly with the action. It is a great way to make the game you’re watching even more exciting and more profitable.
I say more profitable because it can be used in many different ways. The first might be to get in on a game if you did not like any of the pregame numbers. Secondly, it can be used to add to your pregame position if you find a spot in the game where more value is on your angle. Lastly, It could be used to hedge out of your pregame position and either come away even or cut your losses.
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Where is mobile sports betting legal?
While you can place all of these bets at your local retail sportsbook, you won’t be able to capitalize on the great offers from the mobile sportsbooks. So be sure to double-check the list below and ensure you are in a state with legalized mobile sports betting.
| State | Legal? |
| Alabama | No |
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes |
| California | No |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes |
| Delaware | No |
| Florida | No |
| Georgia | No |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | No |
| Illinois | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes, as of Sept. 28 |
| Louisiana | Yes |
| Maine | Not yet |
| Maryland | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes, March 2023 |
| Michigan | Yes |
| Minnesota | No |
| Mississippi | No |
| Missouri | No |
| Montana | No |
| Nebraska | No |
| Nevada | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes |
| New Mexico | No |
| New York | Yes |
| North Carolina | No |
| North Dakota | No |
| Ohio | Yes |
| Oklahoma | No |
| Oregon | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes |
| South Carolina | No |
| South Dakota | No |
| Tennessee | Yes |
| Texas | No |
| Utah | No |
| Vermont | No |
| Virginia | Yes |
| Washington | No |
| Washington D.C. | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No |
| Wyoming | Yes |
NFL Betting FAQs
What is the best way to bet on NFL games?
There is no best way. The best way is unique to each individual person as it is up to them to find which bet they like. However, the most popular form of NFL betting is against the spread.
Is betting on the NFL legal?
Yes, depending on where you are located. There may be multiple ways to bet on the NFL if you have both retail and mobile betting legal in your state.
What does +2.5 mean in NFL betting?
If the team you are betting is +2.5, that means they are the underdog, and you can still win you bet if the lose by two points or less.
What is the best NFL betting site?
That is entirely dependent on the individual. Each online sportsbook has its own pros and cons, but one may have better lines, bonuses or boost that cater to your liking. If you can afford it, try as many as you can.
We hope you enjoy the companies that we recommend! Just to be clear, please note that we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the company links provided on this Website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us or reference our terms and conditions.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
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