Key Types of NFL Bets

• • Moneyline

Betting on which team will win the game outright.

Example: Chiefs (-150) vs. Dolphins (+130)

Bet $150 on the Chiefs to win $100 or $100 on the Dolphins to win $130.

• • Point Spread

Betting on how many points a team will win or lose by.

Example: Chiefs -3.5: Chiefs must win by 4 points or more to cover. Dolphins +3.5: Dolphins must lose by 3 points or fewer (or win outright) to cover.

• • Over/Under (Total)

Betting on the total combined points scored by both teams.

Example: Chiefs vs. Dolphins O/U 48.5: Bet “Over” if the total points will be 49 or more; “Under” if it will be 48 or fewer.

• • Parlays

A single bet that links multiple bets. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out.

Example: Chiefs -3.5, Over 48.5, and Patriots ML. If all 3 win, the parlay pays more than individual bets.

• • Props (Proposition Bets)

Betting on individual player or team performances.

Example: Patrick Mahomes Over 2.5 passing touchdowns or Tyreek Hill Over 100 receiving yards.

Understanding Odds Formats

• • American Odds

Positive (+) odds show how much profit you’ll make on a $100 bet. Negative (-) odds show how much you need to bet to win $100.

• • Decimal Odds

Multiply your stake by the odds to calculate your total return. Example: 2.50 odds on a $100 bet returns $250 ($100 x 2.50).

• • Fractional Odds

Expresses the ratio of profit to your stake. Example: 5/1 odds mean for every $1 you bet, you win $5.

What is a Unit (u)?

A unit (u) is a standardized amount of money you wager on each bet, based on your bankroll. It helps manage risk and track performance. Most bettors recommend wagering 1-5% of your bankroll per bet.

Example: If your bankroll is $1,000 and 1 unit = $10, you’re betting $10 for every “1u.” This approach keeps your betting consistent and helps avoid big losses.

NFL Betting Strategies

• • Home Field Advantage

Historically, home teams perform better, but weather and travel conditions can influence outcomes.

• • Injury Reports

Check for key player injuries, especially to quarterbacks and offensive linemen, as they can greatly affect spreads.

• • Betting Against the Public

Public bettors tend to favor favorites and overs. Sharper bettors may fade (bet against) the public.

• • Line Movement

Track how the point spread or total changes before the game. Sharp money can influence line movement.

• • Key Numbers in NFL Spreads

The most common margins of victory are 3, 7, and 10 points. Spreads near these numbers (like -2.5 or +3.5) offer valuable opportunities.

Managing Your Bankroll

• • Flat Betting

Bet the same amount on each game (typically 1-5% of your bankroll). This limits risk and prevents chasing losses.

• • Avoid Emotional Betting

Don’t bet on your favorite team simply because you’re a fan. Use research, stats, and logic to make betting decisions.

Common Betting Terms

• • Juice (Vig)

The commission sportsbooks take on bets, usually around -110 odds.

• • Push

When a game lands exactly on the spread (e.g., -3 and the team wins by 3). Bets are refunded.

• • Teasers

A bet that allows you to adjust the point spread in your favor for lower odds.

• • Sharp

A professional bettor or someone who consistently places well-informed bets.

General NFL Betting Tips

• • Do Your Research

Analyze stats, matchups, recent form, and trends before placing your bets.

• • Shop for Lines

Different sportsbooks offer different odds. Compare to get the best value for your bet.

• • Track Your Bets

Keep a record of wins and losses to analyze what works and refine your strategy.

Best Places to Place Bets

Online

For convenient online betting, here are some of the top-rated sportsbooks:

• DraftKings – A leading online sportsbook with competitive odds and a user-friendly platform.
• FanDuel – Known for its great bonuses and daily promotions, perfect for NFL betting.
• BetMGM – Offers a wide variety of betting markets and live betting options.

On the Phone

If you prefer betting from your mobile phone, these apps provide a seamless experience:

• DraftKings App – Easy to use with fast live updates and in-game betting options.
• FanDuel App – Offers intuitive navigation and customizable betting slips on mobile devices.
• BetMGM App – Access to a wide range of betting options, including props and live bets.

In Person

For those who enjoy the thrill of in-person betting, these casinos offer top-notch sportsbook experiences:

• Caesars Sportsbook (by William Hill) – Available in many casinos across the U.S., known for a traditional sports betting experience.
• Westgate SuperBook – Located in Las Vegas, it’s one of the largest and most popular sportsbooks in the world.
• MGM Grand Sportsbook – A premier spot for placing live, in-person NFL bets in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.