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How to bet on the NFL

How to bet on the NFL

29-Dec-2024

Karl Weston

Betting on the NFL is one of the most thrilling ways to immerse yourself in the excitement of professional football. With action-packed games every week, bettors have countless opportunities to make smart wagers and enjoy the season even more. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced bettor, knowing how to find the best odds and navigate strategies like parlay odds is crucial for maximizing your potential returns. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about betting on the NFL.


NFL Betting Basics: The Key Types of Bets

Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to understand the primary types of NFL bets and how they work:

  1. Moneyline Bets:

    Betting on the outright winner of the game.
    Example:

    • Buffalo Bills -150
    • Denver Broncos +140
      If you bet $150 on the Bills and they win, you’ll profit $100. Betting $100 on the Broncos would net you $140 if they win.

  2. Point Spread Bets:

    This type of bet accounts for the margin of victory, evening the playing field between teams.
    Example:

    • San Francisco 49ers -6.5
    • Seattle Seahawks +6.5
      If you bet on the 49ers, they need to win by 7 or more points. If you bet on the Seahawks, they can lose by up to 6 points, or win outright, for you to win your bet.

  3. Totals (Over/Under):

    Betting on the combined score of both teams, regardless of the winner.
    Example:

    • Over 47.5
    • Under 47.5
      If the final score adds up to 48 or more, the Over wins. If it’s 47 or lower, the Under wins.

  4. Parlay Bets:

    Parlays combine multiple bets into one wager for a larger payout. However, every selection must win for the parlay to succeed. Parlay odds compound the risk and reward, offering massive potential returns.
    Example:

    • Chiefs (-3.5), Ravens (-2.5), and Cowboys (+1.5) combined in a parlay. If all three teams cover their respective spreads, you win big. If one loses, the entire parlay is void.


How to Find the Best Odds

Finding the best odds is crucial to maximizing your winnings in NFL betting. Odds differ from one sportsbook to another, so shopping around ensures you get the best value for your money. Here’s how to identify and secure the best odds for your bets:

  1. Use Odds Comparison Websites:
    Platforms like bestparlayodds.com aggregate odds from various sportsbooks. For example, one sportsbook may have the Cowboys at -110, while another lists them at -105. Choosing the latter improves your payout without increasing your stake.

  2. Track Line Movements:
    Odds shift based on factors like player injuries, weather conditions, and betting trends. Monitoring these changes allows you to time your bets to secure the most favorable odds.

  3. Take Advantage of Promotions:
    Many sportsbooks offer boosted odds or signup bonuses, such as “Bet $10, Win $200.” These promotions are great opportunities to bet with reduced risk while still securing the best odds.

  4. Bet on Underdogs Strategically:
    Underdogs often come with better odds, offering higher payouts. For instance, betting on a +250 underdog can significantly boost your winnings compared to betting on a heavy favorite.


Parlay Odds: The High-Risk, High-Reward Bet

Parlays are a popular option for NFL bettors looking to turn small wagers into large payouts. By combining multiple bets, parlay odds multiply, offering significantly higher returns than individual bets. Here are some tips for using parlay odds effectively:

  1. Limit the Number of Selections:
    The more games you include in your parlay, the lower your chances of winning. A three-leg parlay is more manageable than a 10-leg parlay, which is extremely risky.

  2. Include Favorites:
    Pairing heavy favorites with modest spreads can increase your chances of winning. For instance, combining the Chiefs (-6.5), Eagles (-4.5), and Ravens (-3.5) creates a higher likelihood of success while still delivering a good payout.

  3. Explore Same-Game Parlays:
    Many sportsbooks offer the option to combine multiple bets from the same game. For example, you might bet on the Dolphins to win, Tyreek Hill to score a touchdown, and the total points to go Over 48.5. Same-game parlays allow you to leverage your knowledge of a single matchup for higher payouts.

  4. Consider Hedging:
    If your parlay is one leg away from winning, hedge your bets by placing a wager on the opposite outcome. This guarantees a profit regardless of the final result.


Long-Term Strategies for NFL Betting

  1. Bankroll Management:
    Set a budget and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is to wager no more than 1-5% of your bankroll on a single bet.

  2. Research Team Stats and Trends:
    Knowledge is power in NFL betting. Check team stats like yards per game, turnovers, and performance against the spread (ATS). For example, a team with an 8-2 ATS record is more likely to cover the spread than one with a 3-7 ATS record.

  3. Bet Against Public Trends:
    The public often overvalues popular teams, inflating their odds. Betting against the public (known as “fading the public”) can help you find undervalued teams with better odds.

  4. Shop for Key Numbers:
    In NFL betting, certain numbers like 3, 7, and 10 are common winning margins. Pay close attention to spreads around these key numbers, as they can be the difference between a win and a loss.


Example: Best Odds and Parlay Odds in Action

Imagine you’re placing a $100 three-leg parlay:

  • Chiefs (-3.5) at -110
  • Ravens (-4.5) at -105
  • Cowboys (+1.5) at -120

Using a parlay calculator, these combined parlay odds would yield a payout of around $596. However, if you shop for better odds and find the Ravens at -102 instead of -105, your payout increases slightly. Over time, consistently finding the best odds can significantly boost your profits.


What we think

Betting on the NFL can be both exciting and profitable when done correctly. Always prioritize finding the best odds to maximize your returns and consider leveraging parlay odds for higher payouts. By understanding betting types, managing your bankroll, and conducting thorough research, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Whether you’re betting on moneylines, spreads, or parlays, always focus on value and stay disciplined. With the right approach, every NFL weekend becomes an opportunity to combine your love of the game with a chance to win big. Good luck, and may you find the best odds on your journey through the NFL season!