How to Bet on NFL Games for Beginners
Learning to bet on NFL games means knowing the main bet types and creating smart bet plans. This full guide explains what new bettors should know.
Basic NFL Bet Types
You can choose from three main NFL bets: 온카스터디
- Point Spreads: Bet on how much a team will win or lose by
- Moneylines: Choose which team will win the game
- Over/Under (Totals): Guess if total points are over or under a set number
How NFL Betting Odds Work
Betting odds come in two main types:
- Negative Numbers (-110): Show the favorite and how much you need to bet to win $100
- Positive Numbers (+150): Show the underdog and how much you could win on a $100 bet
Smart Betting Money Management
Follow these proven betting tips:
- Have a separate betting budget
- Only bet 1-2% of your total money on a single bet
- Keep track of all bets and results
- Never try to win back losses
Betting Research and Stats
Look at these key stats:
- DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average)
- EPA (Expected Points Added)
- Weekly injury news
- Head-to-head stats
- Weather effects
- Home/away performance trends
Comparing Sportsbook Odds
Always check many legal betting sites:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
Watch for changes and get the best odds for every bet.
Full Guide on NFL Point Spreads
What Are NFL Point Spreads?
Point spreads are the main way to bet on NFL, used most by bettors. These numbers predict how much one team will win or lose by. They are set by people making the bets to get even bets on both teams.
Reading Point Spread Signs
When you look at NFL lines, you will see signs like “-7” or “+7”. If it has a minus, the team must win by more than that many points. If it has a plus, that team can lose by up to that many points but still be a good bet.
Point Spread Example
For example: Buffalo Bills (-6.5) vs. Miami Dolphins (+6.5)
- Bills bettors need them to win by 7 or more points
- Dolphins bettors win if they:
- Win the game
- Lose by 6 points or fewer
Key Things in Point Spread Betting
The half-point spread (like -6.5) stops bets from being returned. Key points in NFL bets include:
- 3 points (often seen)
- 7 points (a touchdown)
- 10 points (field goal + touchdown)
The Bookmaker’s Role
Point spreads are used to balance bets, not to guess the outcome. Sportsbooks want the same money on both sides. They make their money through a fee, no matter who wins.
Important NFL Bets to Know
Traditional Betting on NFL
Moneyline bets are the simplest, you just pick the winner. It’s good for new bettors.
Point spread betting adds win margins to the bet. Favorites must win by more than the line, underdogs must lose by less than the line or win.
Totals betting, or over/under bets, focus on the total points in a game. You bet if it will be over or under what the sportsbook says.
Advanced NFL Betting Types
Player props are about how well one player will do.
- QB pass yards
- RB running yards
- Receptions by a receiver
- Who scores touchdowns
Team props look at team numbers in a game:
- First downs
- Field goals
- Total points
- Defense plays
Multi-Bet and Long-Term Bets
Parlay bets mix several bets, but all must win to pay out.
Futures markets are about season-long results:
- Super Bowl winner
- Division champs
- Top player
- Season win numbers
In-game betting lets you bet during the game, with changing odds.
Guide on NFL Betting Odds
U.S. Odds Format
American odds use positive and negative numbers. To win $100 with negative odds like -110, you must bet that amount. Positive odds like +150 show what you win on a $100 bet. To find out exact returns, divide 100 by the amount, then add 1.
Decimal Odds
Decimal odds are common in Europe. They show total money back per unit bet. A decimal value of 1.91 means your return is your bet times this number. This way, you can quickly see total payouts for NFL bets.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds look like ratios, like 5/1 or 3/2, showing money won per bet amount. They aren’t often used for regular NFL bets but appear for big games or long-term bets. Find profits by multiplying your bet by the fraction shown.
Ways to Switch Odds Types
Knowing how to switch bet types helps find good bets. Online calculators work well for this, changing odds among all types. Regular practice helps you get good at finding valuable bets in different NFL betting areas.
How to Handle NFL Betting Money Well
Set Up Your Base
To bet well, you need to manage money right. Start with a set amount just for betting – money that won’t hurt your living costs if lost. Good money handling means never using money needed for important things.
Using the Unit System
The unit system helps manage your bets. One unit is 1-2% of your betting money. For a $1,000 base, a unit is $10-20. This careful plan helps you bet the same way every time and keeps emotions out of it.
Important Money Tracking
- Keep detailed notes on each bet
- Note units bet, odds, and results
- Watch how different bets do
- Check profits for spread, totals, and props
- Set clear limits for losses weekly and each game
Ways to Keep Your Money Safe
Sticking to your bet sizes is key. Never try to win back losses by betting more or breaking your plan. Keeping steady, even in bad times, helps keep your betting money longer. Good money plans, with firm loss limits, help you stay in betting for the long run.
Better Tracking Ways
Keep separate notes for different bet types to see which are best. Using data helps make better bets and keeps your money safe by knowing where and how much to bet.
Advanced NFL Betting Research and Tips Guide
Basic Stats Tips
Advanced stats are key for good NFL bets. DVOA tells about team quality, EPA looks at how plays work out. Other than usual stats, look at how teams do near the goal line and in special plays for extra betting edges most miss.
Key Game Factors
Game details can really affect bets. Key points are how teams do at home or away, how the weather changes things, and how teams do against rivals. Teams traveling far often do worse, while those with more rest do better. Looking at rest and travel can give you a better chance in bets.
Full Look at Injuries
For injuries, see not just who’s hurt but how it changes the team. For example, if the line protecting the QB is hurt, see how that changes his safety and run game. Check who’s practicing and watch how betting lines move with injury news. Good injury checks find places where the bets haven’t yet caught up.
Deep Look at Team Stats
- Look at team-specific DVOA changes
- Check how both offense and defense are doing
- Study how teams do near the goal line
- Look at how teams do in special plays
- Watch each part of the team closely
Guide to Legal Betting Sites and Apps
Trusted Betting Sites
Betting legally means using sites that follow the rules fully and are checked by the state. Top sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are okayed in many places and offer full NFL bets. They keep your money safe, have help ready all the time, and offer good odds.
What Makes a Good Betting App
Safe and Legal
The first check is if the site has state approval. Best sites use strong safety steps like:
- Two-step checks
- Encrypted money moves
- Safe storage for your info
- Regular safety checks
Betting App Perks
Great apps stand out with special features: Ember-Trace Casino: Following Smoky Freedoms for High-Rise House Returns
- DraftKings: Top live betting with fast updates
- FanDuel: Better tools for making combo bets
- BetMGM: Bets available early and lots of game options
- Caesars: Great odds and lots of rewards
Checking Deals
Always look at deals across sites:
- Welcome deals
- Bets with no risk
- Extra bonuses for staying
- VIP points
- Bring-a-friend deals
Getting the Best Bet Value
Having accounts on many sites lets you pick the best odds and deals. Pick based on what you like to bet on, like props, live bets, or normal spreads, to get the most value over time. Keep an eye on what each site offers to get the best bet chances in all big sports.
