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How to Bet on Football: NFL Betting Guide 2024

NFL

The NFL boasts the largest audience among any US sports league. Their viewing figures dwarf those of the NBA, MLB and NHL, and international interest in the sport continues to grow. Such widespread fandom translates to considerable options to bet on NFL games. Anyone looking to bet on football in 2024 can choose from various sportsbooks and markets. 

Fans have plenty of time between games to weigh up their NFL bets. Once the season is underway, you don’t need to rush into any wagers, and can hold off and wait for lines to move if you think that’s a way to get better value. 

As sports betting continues to get legalized around the country, betting on football is available to more fans. Every reputable sportsbook will give you the opportunity to place NFL wagers, for more info about NFL betting click here!

Table of contents

  1. 🏈Bet on NFL Games: Types of NFL Bets
  2. 📈Sports Betting Strategies: NFL Betting Tips
  3. 🔍What to look out for when betting on the NFL
  4. 🥇Best NFL Betting Sites

Bet on NFL Games: Types of NFL Bets

If you’re new to the world of NFL betting, it might be worth getting football odds explained. While it can seem like a barrage of information, it’s much more straightforward than it looks. 

You may be familiar with the terms point spread, moneyline bet, prop bet, spread bet, parlay bets, futures or teaser bets. Here is a full breakdown of all of the main NFL bet typs explained, you can find all of these betting options on best football betting sites. 

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Moneyline Bets

The moneyline bet pure and simple is quite simply a wager on which team you believe will win the game. Betting a team on the moneyline is backing them to win – it’s the easiest to understand wager in NFL betting. 

Most sportsbooks will include overtime in their moneyline wagers, but it’s worth checking this before placing your bets. 

If you wager on the Chiefs moneyline against the Bills, your bet will only be marked as a winner if the Chiefs win the game. It doesn’t matter how many points they win by – all they need to do is win the game.

Spread Bets

The spread is often talked about in the lead up to an NFL game. Sportsbooks set a ‘line’ based on which team they favor for a game. The spread is the number of points one team is ‘favored’ by. 

As an example, if the Patriots are -6.5 against the Jets, that means New England are 6.5-point favorites. The standard spread will be priced at roughly even odds, effectively handicapping the favorites.

In this example, the Patriots would have to win by seven points to ‘cover’. If you backed them, they would have to win by seven for your bet to be a winner. If you wagered on the Jets, your bet would be a winner if they lost by six or fewer points or won the game. 

The spread can move considerably in the build-up to a game depending on where money is being placed and injury news. Many of the best NFL betting sites will also allow bettors to gamble on alternative spreads. 

Over/Under Bets

The third market you are likely to see on the main NFL betting page is the game total. The total, spread and moneyline are usually shown for all games, and these markets are released earliest. 

Again, sportsbooks set a ‘line’ for the game total. Bettors can then wager on over or under this number at around even odds. This is all about the total number of points in the game. 

So, if the line is 46.5 and you bet the over, you need there to be 47 points scored in the game. It doesn’t matter if it’s 23-24 or if one team scores the vast majority of the points. 

Sportsbooks will also offer some alternate totals, which can be a way for bettors to access some additional value. 

Player Prop Bets

Player props are a trendy option when it comes to betting on football. Leading NFL betting sites provide bettors with a catalog of player props to choose from for every game of the season. 

Most player prop markets work with a line and betting on the over/under. Some will be more specific like anytime touchdown scorers or wagering on certain landmarks like over 250 passing yards. 

Look out for the player props when choosing your NFL betting site. Pass completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, interceptions, sacks, rushing yards, rushing attempts, receptions, receiving yards and field goals made should all be covered. Most top sportsbooks will have plenty of other markets, too. 

Player props are always something to consider, particularly if you’re not keen on the moneyline, spread or game total. 

Parlays

Redzone is the perfect way to follow a parlay. Placing a parlay on the NFL is where you choose multiple wagers across different games. Your wager is only a winner if all of the bets land (although some sportsbooks will allow cash outs or even early payouts). 

A parlay can contain different markets. You could take a couple of teams to cover, and back the under in another game. You might even add in a player prop from somewhere else. The NFL lends itself to parlays with how many games take place on a Sunday. 

For instance, if you picked the Chiefs moneyline, the Bills -9.5 and Packers/Packers, you would need all three selections to come in for your bet to be a winner. If the Packers won the first half and the Chiefs had a sizeable lead, though, you could be offered a decent cash out price. 

Most reputable NFL betting sites also allow you to create same-game parlays. The principle is the same – you make multiple selections from one game, which are then priced up. Your bet only wins if all of the selections hit. 

Teaser Bets

Teaser bets add an interesting dimension to NFL betting strategies. Similar to parlays, teasers involve combining two or more bets, but with a unique twist: they allow you to adjust the point spread or totals line in your favor. For instance, if you're looking at a standard six-point teaser, you could shift the spread for each game you're including by six points. This adjustment can significantly increase your chances of winning each bet, but it reduces the payout compared to a traditional parlay.

In the context of NFL betting, teasers are particularly useful when you have strong feelings about several games but want some extra insurance against the spread. For example, if the Rams are -8 against the Giants, and the Seahawks are +3 against the Broncos, a six-point teaser would adjust the Rams to -2 and the Seahawks to +9. Both of these adjusted lines must win for your teaser bet to pay off. While teasers generally offer lower payouts, they can be a strategic choice for bettors looking for a balance between risk and potential reward, and are widely available on leading NFL betting sites.

First Quarter Bets

If you don’t want to wait for full-time to find out if your bet landed, the first quarter markets could be the way to go for you. Just as it sounds, these are bets that are decided by the end of the first period. 

You can wager on the moneyline, spread or total for the first quarter. The number of betting options will vary between sportsbooks, but there’s bound to be a few markets worth considering. 

Some teams develop a knack for starting quickly. Others are slow in the first quarter, and come into the game later on. If a team has a particularly poor first quarter defense, could it make sense to back the over? 

The spread will obviously be much smaller. If the Bills are -9.5 over the Dolphins, they might be just -2.5 in the first quarter. Should you choose to back Buffalo to cover in the first quarter, they only need to lead by a field goal for your bet to win. That could be 3-0 or it could be 10-7 – either way, your bet would be a winner. 

Half-time/Full-time Bets

Half-time/Full-time is where you pick who will be winning at half-time and who will be winning at the end of the fourth quarter. You can also choose to bet on the teams to be tied at half-time. 

There are some long odds available in this market, and it can be particularly intriguing for teams with a tendency to dominate in the second half. 

For example, if the Packers are playing the Bears, you could bet on Bears/Packers, which would mean you are wagering on the Bears to be winning at half-time but for the Packers to win the game. Alternatively, you could go Packers/Packers, which means your bet is only a winner if the Packers are winning after two quarters and after four quarters. 

Crucially, the score at the end of the first and third quarters is not relevant. It’s important to look at when teams generally score and concede points before betting in this market. 

Futures Bets

Futures are based on the outcome of a future event or events, as the name suggests. These are generally wagers that are placed weeks or months before you will know the outcome.

In the sphere of NFL betting, there’s a lot of variety with betting on futures. The Super Bowl winner market is inevitably popular, but you can also wager on which team will win each Conference, division winners, best records and much more. 

There are numerous player futures, too. MVP, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year are the headline makers, though statistical categories are also available at the best NFL betting sites, such as most sacks, most passing yards and most touchdowns. 

Before the season begins, futures are a hotly debated topic. Bettors will spend a lot of time analyzing the preseason win totals – every team is given a win total, and you can then wager on over or under that number. For example, if the 49ers’ line is 11.5 wins, they would need 12 regular season wins for a bet on the over to land. 

Sports Betting Strategies: NFL Betting Tips

As you become accustomed to NFL betting, it’s important to develop your strategy. You want to find out what works for you, and what information you need to find before placing a bet in each market. 

Head-to-Head Records

Head-to-head records are always worth consideration when making football betting decisions. Of course, some matchups take place more often than others, meaning non-conference opponents do not always have recent stats against each other. 

Divisional opponents play each other multiple times a year, though, which means there’s a useful track record of performance. If a team plays in the regular season, it’s worth weighing up the significance of that game should they meet in the Playoffs. 

Betting Trends

With the growth of NFL betting across the US, betting trends are discussed more frequently and are more accessible. Sites like teamrankings.com allow bettors to see how teams have fared on the total, moneyline and spread. You can filter results in numerous ways, including favorite stats, home/road splits and rest advantages. 

Have sportsbooks been underestimating this team? Do they keep covering the spread even as heavy favorites? These are things that can inform your betting choices. 

Underdogs Worth Backing

Don’t forget about the underdogs. It’s tempting to take the favorites to cover the spread or combine a few of them in a parlay. Underdogs often carry value in the NFL, though, as even teams with poor straight-up records can end up being a profitable team to back against the spread.

Most underdogs still have a couple of strengths. If an underdog is good at pressuring quarterbacks and the favorite is missing an offensive lineman or two, then there’s added reason to take the dog. 

The longer odds when backing an underdog straight-up are often going to be tempting, too. 

Coaching Matchups 

Much is made of team and quarterback rivalries. The contest between coaches is important from a betting perspective, too. 

If a defensive coordinator has repeatedly outduelled the opposing offensive coordniator, that’s a factor to keep in mind. Some head coaches have a knack for beating certain peers. 

It’s easy to focus on players and team head-to-heads, but a lot can be learned from how coaches have performed in past matchups. 

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What to look out for when betting on the NFL

In the days leading up to a game, the leading NFL bettors will be absorbing as much information as possible. That means researching statistics for both teams, betting trends, and looking out for line movement. Weather forecasts are worth checking in on if the game is being played outdoors. It’s also vital to keep up to date with the latest injury news – quarterback and wide receiver injuries might make more headlines, but bettors should also be wary of health concerns at less glamorous positions.

When it comes to Super Bowl betting, the stakes are even higher, and the same principles apply but on a grander scale. Betting on the Super Bowl requires an in-depth look at a variety of factors, from team form and head-to-head records to player matchups and coaching strategies. Super Bowl betting often involves a wider array of prop bets, including bets on the halftime show, the national anthem, and other unique game-day occurrences. The key to successful Super Bowl betting lies in comprehensive research and understanding the significance of each element in this high-profile game. Bettors should keep a keen eye on the fluctuating odds and market sentiment as the Super Bowl approaches, ensuring they are well-informed to make strategic bets on this climactic event of the NFL season.

Bet on Football: Best NFL Betting Sites

If betting is legalized in your state, you have an array of sportsbooks and betting apps to choose from when betting on the the NFL. The big names of Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM all have considerable strengths and a catalog of NFL markets to browse throughout the year. 

From live football betting to long-term futures wagers, the best online sportsbooks offer a comprehensive selection for the type of bets for every football game, including college football. Their competitive odds are paired with frequent and lucrative promos. Some will even allow you to live stream action. Keep your eyes peeled for competitive NFL odds and enticing welcome offers if you’re interested in betting on the NFL – these are a great way to enhance your bankroll early on. 

While there are lots of good places to a bet on NFL matches, it’s always worth doing a bit of research before deciding on a sports betting app. It’s also a good idea to compare the prices of a bet prior to placing it – sometimes one bookmaker will have better odds than their rivals. 

Live Betting on the NFL

Live betting is an exceptionally handy feature for NFL betting, enhancing the experience for bettors. With live, or in-play betting, you can place bets on games as they unfold, allowing you to react to the live action on the field. This feature is particularly useful in the NFL, where game dynamics can change rapidly. For example, if a key player gets injured or weather conditions suddenly shift, live betting allows you to adjust your strategy accordingly.

The top sportsbooks like Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM offer robust live betting platforms. These platforms provide real-time odds updates, live stats, and sometimes even streaming of games, giving bettors an immersive and informed betting experience. This ability to bet on various aspects of the game as it progresses - from the next play call to the game's outcome - makes live betting a dynamic and engaging way to participate in NFL action. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the game, incorporating live betting into your NFL strategy can significantly enhance both your enjoyment and potential for success.

Super Bowl Betting Options

The Super Bowl offers a unique and exciting opportunity for bettors. The best online sportsbooks go all out for the Super Bowl, presenting a vast range of betting lines that go beyond the regular season offerings. At major sportsbooks like Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, you'll find extensive Super Bowl markets including standard bets like moneylines, point spreads, and over/unders, as well as a plethora of prop bets that cover almost every aspect of the game.

Prop bets can range from the performance of players to specific events in the game, and even to the halftime show and commercials. This diversity allows bettors to engage with the game on multiple levels, making Super Bowl wagers a highly anticipated event each year. Additionally, sportsbooks often offer exclusive promotions, enhanced odds, and special bonuses specifically for the Super Bowl, making it a potentially lucrative opportunity for bettors.

With the Super Bowl's immense popularity, it's advisable to keep an eye on the odds as they can fluctuate significantly in the lead-up to the game and you'll want to make sure you're getting the best betting lines. It's also beneficial to compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value. Whether you're an experienced bettor or just looking for some fun on the biggest sporting day of the year, the Super Bowl offers something for everyone, adding an extra layer of excitement to this championship showdown.

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