The NFL is one of the most-watched sports leagues worldwide, attracting millions of viewers and punters every season. As a novice, NFL betting may seem confusing to some people. Once you get your head around it, it should add fun to your NFL experience.
In this guide, we will take you through the essential steps to get started with NFL betting and give you several tips that might help increase your chances of winning.
Understanding NFL Betting Basics
Before placing your first NFL bet, knowing the main types of wagers placed on every NFL is crucial. The following are the major types of NFL bets:
#1 Moneyline Betting
The most straightforward type of bet on the NFL is a moneyline bet. You simply select which team you feel will win the game outright. Each team will have odds; the favourite will be listed as a negative number, such as -150, while the underdog will be listed as a positive number, for example, +200.
You have one favourite to bet for, wherein you will have to spend more on a wager to win a smaller profit, and you have the underdog, wherein you will get a higher payout once you win.
#2 Point Spread Bets
In point spread betting, oddsmakers set a “spread” or margin of victory the favourite must cover. Using the same example as above, with the New England Patriots -7 against the New York Jets, the Patriots must win by more than 7 points for a bet on them to pay.
A bet on the Jets is victorious if they lose by less than points or win the game outright.
The point spread evens out the field between stronger and weaker teams, making the games more interesting for those who bet.
#3 Over/Under (Totals) Bets
A bet on over/under, or “totals,” is one in which you are wagering on the combined total of points scored by both teams participating in the game. Oddsmakers determine a number, and you bet whether the figure achieved will be over or under what that number has been set at.
This form of wager presented does not depend on which team wins the event, and thus it is an excellent choice when you have confidence in predicting scoring trends rather than the game-winner.
#4 Prop Bets
On the other hand, a prop bet is different from wagering on the result of a game; what happens in betting on a particular event that may take place during a match is which player makes a first touchdown or how many total passing yards a quarterback will make.
They’re popular just for being entertaining, and this type of wager is offered with some regularity for big games only.
#5 Futuristic Bets
A futures bet is when a punter makes a bet on who a winner of either a team or player will be, at the end of the season. Examples include which team may win the Super Bowl or which player may get named MVP.
Futures bets are typically very attractive but require a great deal of patience as the results unfold over the entire season.
Key NFL Betting Strategies
#1 Research Team and Player Statistics
Setting a bet on the NFL is not all about luck; it aligns with analysing information. Look at team performance, injury of players, and head-to-head records. Websites and apps are committed to NFL statistics, wherein one can deduce team strengths, weaknesses, and trends. Understanding these details can give you an edge when placing your bets.
#2 Follow Line Movements
Oddsmakers move their lines based on several factors that are in play; whether due to injury, weather conditions, or betting trends, lines change. Line movement can give a good insight into where the money comes from and provide a possible game result. Professional sharp bets see value on one side when a line moves considerably.
#3 Consider Home and Away Patterns
Some teams play better at home due to familiar surroundings and crowd support, whereas others perform better on foreign soil. Also, during a bet in a game of NFL, a bettor should consider including how well each team plays on foreign soil or at home. The warm weather teams are usually poor game performers under cold or snowy conditions.
#4 Don’t Bet with your Emotions
This can lead the amateur to easily fall into the trap of betting based on loyalty to some favourite team, and eventually, emotional betting will begin to cloud one’s judgement. A logical approach should be used when betting on the NFL. Never let personal biases or feelings take over when placing bets, as a novice has to look at the facts and statistics.
#5 Bankroll Management
The vital thing towards successful NFL betting is bankroll management. Decide how much you will bet on one game and stick with it. Experts recommend wagering 1-5% of your bankroll on each game, so you will avoid huge losses and be guaranteed that your strategy will work in the long run.
Wrapping Up
NFL betting can be fascinating, primarily if one pursues proper strategies and understands how this works. Be it a money line bet, a point spread, or one of the more exciting prop bets, ensure you always know your stuff and bet responsibly. In time and with experience, your skills at betting on the NFL will improve, and the games more exciting as you watch your predictions unfold on the field.
