How to Bet on the NFL Playoffs?

NFL Playoff Betting

The NFL postseason is a great time for those who like to place sports bets. The games played provide some excellent opportunities to win big and there are some great odds. With 13 playoff games, there are many chances to place bets and cash in on returns. Three rounds of playoff games will be completed prior to the Super Bowl, including the Wild Card Weekend, Divisional Round, and Conference Championship. Read on to learn how to start betting on NFL playoffs and discover the multiple bet types that are available at online sportsbooks.

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Types of NFL Playoff Bets

When it comes to bet types for playoffs, they do not differ from those offered during the regular season. However, the stakes will be higher and there will be more risk involved. Every game played during this time is an important one for the team, so bettors will find more energy, better performances, and more energy on the field. These things can have an impact when choosing the type of bet to place. These games are usually unpredictable, which makes them an exciting option for betting. 

Point Spread

Point spreads are great bets for NFL fans and they are easy bets to place. The sportsbook will set a number of points that a team is expected to win or lose by in the game. A team listed in the negative will be the favored team to win. When betting on the favorite, the bet is won when that team wins the game by more than the predicted number of points. When wagering on the underdog, the team must lose by less than the margin predicted by the sportsbook.

Moneyline

Moneyline bets are the simplest to place and they are a great starting point for beginners. When it comes to NFL playoff games, moneyline bets are placed on the team the bettor believes will win the game. Moneyline bets are listed using a negative and positive sign. The negative indicates the underdog while the positive number represents the favorite.

Totals

These bets can also be called over/under wagers and they involve combining all points scored by both teams. The sportsbook will set a number and bettors will wager on whether the total number of points will be over or under that amount. 

Futures

NFL fans are always looking for the team they think will win the Super Bowl. When placing playoff bets, futures allow bettors to bet on the team they believe will win the Super Bowl. These wagers are simple bets that are based on games that are scheduled at a later date. There are different kinds of futures bets, such as what team will win the Super Bowl or what teams will face off in the final round of the playoffs.

These bets can offer some of the best payouts, but they are difficult to win. Most will place a futures NFL playoff bet at the beginning of the season before teams start establishing trends and racking up stats.

Parlay Bets

Combine multiple bets on more than two games in a single bet slip to create a parlay bet for playoff games. With these bets, every leg must win for the bet to receive payouts. The payouts for these bets can be massive, but they come with a higher risk. It is very difficult to win multiple legs, so these bets are best used by experienced bettors. There are also same-game parlays, where multiple bets can be placed on outcomes of the same game. This is a great option for those who would rather focus on two teams instead of four or more.

NFL Playoff Prop Bets

Playoff prop bets are different from those placed on regular season games. With playoff bets, the prop bets will have higher stakes as teams often alter strategies leading to some unpredictable results. Player are also more motivated during the playoffs and their performance can be enhanced. Since there is more intensity during these games, playoff props can provide a unique opportunity to generate profits. When considering these bets, make sure to look at team trends, defensive and offensive matchups, and the weather conditions for the scheduled game. 

Just as with prop bets during any other game, those placed on playoff games are not based on the final outcome or score. Instead, these bets include all other aspects including player performance like rushing or passing yards and other team stats. By being able to bet on things other than the outcome, prop bets provide an exciting way to enjoy NFL betting during the playoffs.

NFL Playoff Live Betting

Leading online sportsbooks will also offer in-play betting for playoff games. With these bets, one can pace wagers right up to the end of a game. The benefit is that bettors will have access to all updated odds and stats, making it easier to predict an outcome. Live bets include wagering on leaders in quarters or halftime as well as prop bets on player performances.

Strategies for Betting NFL Playoffs

When placing bets on playoff games, betting strategy can change a bit. Since these games are more important, players are often motivated to win. This means there can be enhanced performances by individual players and better offense and defense on all teams. While there is no way to predict playoff winners 100%, there are some betting tips that can help when choosing wagers.

Betting on the underdog is a good strategy when placing playoff bets. In past years, underdog teams have performed very well and made for a great moneyline bet. When looking for the perfect underdog, consider the starting quarterback. Those that are playing in a playoff for the first time will have some difficulties. It is also advised to use caution when placing bets on a playoff rematch. Many bettors will overrate the results of the opponents based on regular season performances. In most cases, the point spread will favor the team that has won the regular season game or covered the spread during the regular NFL season.

There are also some strategies that can be used when placing specific bets. Take a look at these and increase the chances of placing a winning wager on NFL playoff games.

  • Moneyline – When betting the moneyline for playoff games, be sure to stay focused on a team that has home-field advantage and success in the playoffs. Take time to research past performances as well as current forms.
  • Point Spreads – To successfully place a point spread bet, bet on those teams that have had a positive record for covering spreads during playoff games. Be sure to analyze how the teams perform in high-pressure games.
  • Totals – Totals, or over/under bets are popular when placing NFKL playoff wagers and it is important to look at the defensive strength of the team. Look for any past scoring trends when placing these types of bets. It can also be beneficial to look at how any team has performed both defensively and offensively in any previous playoff games.
  • Prop Bets – These can be the most interesting bets to place on NFL playoffs and bettors should wager on player or game-specific props that are based on past performance trends. Watch for key players on the team and examine their latest playoff performances.

Conclusion

Throughout the postseason, there will be many opportunities to place wagers. By using some of the tips provided, bettors can make educated decisions on bet types. With 7 teams from each conference qualifying for the playoffs, this presents an excellent time to bet and take advantage of promotions and enhanced odds. For NFL fans, this is one of the most exciting times of the year. As teams battle for their chance to face off in the Super Bowl, player performances are better, stats are always changing, and sportsbooks present competitive odds, no matter the type of bet being placed.

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