Tips For Betting On The NFL

November 8, 2023 by Staff

Betting on the NFL presents an exhilarating and potentially lucrative opportunity for sports enthusiasts. However, being successful is more than just finding the best US sportsbooks to place your wager. It's crucial to approach NFL betting with a strategic mindset and a comprehensive knowledge of the game. This guide will equip you with invaluable tips, hints and strategies to elevate your NFL betting experience. 

Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a novice, continue reading to discover how to maximize your NFL betting endeavors.

Understand The Three Main Bet Types

Before placing any bets, it is crucial to grasp the three primary bet types in NFL betting. 

Moneyline Bets

The initial type is the moneyline bet, where you simply select the team you anticipate will triumph in the game. Each team is assigned odds, such as -150 for the favorite and +130 for the underdog, to assist you in making your decision. The negative (-) sign signifies the favorite, while the positive (+) sign represents the underdog. You have the option to bet on either team and if your chosen team emerges victorious, you will receive a payout determined by the odds.

Total Points

The total points bet is when you predict if the combined score of both teams will be above or below a specific number. For instance, if the total points line is set at 45.5, you can wager on whether the final score will exceed or fall short of that. If you choose the over and the final score is 28-21 (totaling 49 points), you emerge victorious. However, if the score is 24-20 (totaling 44 points), you lose the bet.

Handicap (Spread) Markets

The final primary bet type in NFL betting is the handicap bet - also known as the spread bet. When it comes to the handicap or spread bet, you're essentially wagering on how much a particular team will win by. The sportsbook sets a point spread, indicating the number of points the favored team is expected to win by. Let's say the point spread is -7.5 for the favorite team; for your bet to be a success they must win by at least 8 points. 

On the flip side, if you decide to bet on the underdog with a point spread of +7.5, they can either win the game or lose by less than 8 points for your bet to come out on top. Put simply, it's all about analyzing the margin of victory and making your move accordingly.

Compare Each Team’s Home vs. Away Record

It's also crucial to take into account the home and away record of each team. Home-field advantage plays a significant role in football, with teams generally performing better when playing in their own stadium. Typically, teams have a higher winning percentage at home compared to when they are on the road; this can be attributed to factors such as crowd support, familiarity with the stadium and reduced travel fatigue.

However, it is important to acknowledge that not all teams possess the same level of home-field advantage. Some teams have a particularly strong home record, while others may struggle to perform well in their own stadium. Analyzing the home and away records of each team can provide valuable insights for betting purposes and help you when working out the odds for the winner of each NFL game.

Keep Up With NFL Trends

Staying updated with the latest NFL trends is essential for making well-informed wagering decisions. By following NFL news and analysis, you gain valuable insights into team performance, player injuries and other factors that can significantly impact game outcomes. Additionally, delving into team and player statistics, such as offensive and defensive rankings, scoring averages, turnover differentials and home/away performance, allows for more accurate predictions. 

It is also wise to consider expert opinions and predictions from reputable analysts and handicappers. While conducting your own research and looking into season previews is important, incorporating expert insights provides valuable perspectives and enhances decision-making.

Diversify Your NFL Bets

Diversifying your bets is the final clever strategy to enhance your likelihood of success. Instead of concentrating all your efforts on one outcome, distribute your bets across various types of wagers. For instance, consider placing bets on individual player performances rather than solely focusing on team outcomes. Player prop bets enable you to wager on specific player statistics, such as touchdowns, passing yards or receptions. This adds an extra layer of excitement and expands your bets beyond team outcomes.

Another effective approach is parlay betting, which involves combining multiple bets into one wager. By diversifying your bets through a parlay, you can increase your potential winnings if all your chosen outcomes are successful. Although the risk is higher, the potential payout is also greater.

Lastly, live betting allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and momentum shifts during the game. This can be a fantastic way to diversify your bets and take advantage of the game as it unfolds. You can place bets on various aspects, such as the next team to score, the outcome of the next drive or even individual player performances. 

When it comes to wagering on the NFL, use the above hints and tips to enhance your likelihood of triumph - and potentially amplify your earnings.