Betting on the NFL is not just about picking the winner of a game. There are a multitude of betting options available, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned bettor, understanding the various types of NFL bets can enhance your betting experience and potentially increase your winnings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the different types of bets you can place on the NFL and provide insights into how to make the most of each one.
Moneyline Bets
The most straightforward type of NFL bet is the moneyline bet. This bet involves simply picking the winner of the game. The odds are expressed in terms of the amount you need to wager to win $100 (for favorites) or the amount you will win if you bet $100 (for underdogs).
Point Spread Bets
Point spread bets are among the most popular in NFL betting. Instead of betting on the outright winner, you bet on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread or win outright.
Over/Under Bets
Over/under bets, also known as totals, involve betting on the combined score of both teams. The sportsbook sets a total, and you bet on whether the actual combined score will be over or under this number.
Parlay Bets
A parlay bet combines multiple bets into one. To win a parlay, all individual bets (legs) must win. Parlays offer higher payouts than single bets due to the increased risk.
Teaser Bets
Teaser bets are a type of parlay where you can adjust the point spread or totals in your favor. While this lowers the potential payout, it increases your chances of winning.
Prop Bets
Prop bets (or proposition bets) focus on specific events within a game, such as player performance, team statistics, or occurrences. Examples include betting on who will score the first touchdown or the total number of yards a quarterback will throw.
Futures Bets
Futures bets involve wagering on events that will occur later in the season, such as which team will win the Super Bowl, who will be the MVP, or which teams will make the playoffs.
Live Betting
Live betting, or in-game betting, allows you to place bets during the game as the action unfolds. This dynamic form of betting lets you react to the game in real-time, offering unique opportunities to capitalize on shifting momentum.
Round Robin Bets
A round robin bet involves creating multiple parlays from a set of selected bets. This increases your chances of winning some parlays even if not all bets are successful, providing a balanced approach to risk and reward.
Head-to-Head Bets
Head-to-head bets pit two teams or players against each other in a specific statistical category, regardless of the game’s outcome. For example, you might bet on which quarterback will have more passing yards in a given week.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting involves giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level the playing field. This type of bet is common in games with a perceived strong favorite and a weak underdog.
Pleaser Bets
Pleaser bets are the opposite of teaser bets. You adjust the point spread in the sportsbook’s favor, which increases the payout but also makes the bet more difficult to win.
Special Bets
Special bets can include a wide range of unique wagering options, such as betting on specific milestones, achievements, or even off-field events like draft picks or awards.
Betting on Halves and Quarters
Instead of betting on the full game, you can place bets on the outcome of specific halves or quarters. This includes point spread, moneyline, and over/under bets tailored to shorter segments of the game.
Spread Betting
Spread betting involves wagering on the margin by which a team will win or lose. This type of bet can offer high rewards but also carries significant risk, as it depends on precise outcomes rather than binary win/loss results.
Player Performance Bets
Betting on individual player performance can include bets on passing yards, rushing yards, receptions, and more. These player performance bets are often available as prop bets.
Betting on Team Statistics
You can also bet on specific team statistics, such as total yards, first downs, or turnovers. These bets can add depth to your wagering strategy, focusing on particular aspects of team performance.
Accumulator Bets
An accumulator bet is similar to a parlay but typically involves more selections, increasing both the risk and the potential payout. To win, all selections must be correct.
Exotic Bets
Exotic bets encompass a variety of unconventional betting options, such as predicting the exact score, the number of penalties, or even the coin toss result. These bets add an element of fun and unpredictability.
FAQs
What is the simplest type of NFL bet?
The simplest type of NFL bet is the moneyline bet, where you simply pick the winner of the game.
How do point spread bets work?
Point spread bets involve betting on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread or win outright.
What are prop bets in the NFL?
Prop bets, or proposition bets, focus on specific events within a game, such as player performance or team statistics, rather than the game’s outcome.
Can I bet on NFL games during the match?
Yes, live betting allows you to place bets during the game, offering opportunities to react to the action in real-time.
What is a parlay bet?
A parlay bet combines multiple bets into one. To win a parlay, all individual bets must be successful, but this type of bet offers higher payouts due to the increased risk.
What are futures bets?
Futures bets involve wagering on events that will occur later in the season, such as which team will win the Super Bowl or who will be the MVP.
Betting on the NFL offers a wide array of options, each with its unique strategies and potential rewards. Whether you’re interested in the straightforward nature of moneyline bets, the complexity of parlays, or the dynamic opportunities of live betting, understanding each type of bet can enhance your betting experience and success.
Explore these different types of NFL bets, find the ones that suit your style, and start making more informed and profitable wagers today.
