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How to Bet on NFL Games: A Beginner’s Guide

If you already know what NFL teams to bet on, you’ll need to know how to start.

Betting is something that many people do because it provides another way to enjoy a sport and earn money. However, many find it difficult to get into because they’re not sure where to start.

Sports gambling can be done in a variety of ways, so you’ll never be forced into a certain bet. Whether you want to know how to bet on NFL games each week or how to bet on the Super Bowl, you have plenty of options.

Keep on reading to learn more about how to bet on NFL games.

Betting On a Single Game

Single-game bets are some of the most common because they don’t require a lot of commitment and you face less risk. When it comes to betting on a single game, you can bet against point spreads, the moneyline, and the total (over/under).

Betting comes with several pros and cons, so it’s best to understand each type of bet before you decide to put money on the line.

The Point Spread

Betting against the point spread is one of the most common ways people bet on football. This form of betting requires much more strategy than other methods because a team not only has to win, but it has to be by a certain number of points.

Spread betting encourages fair play between betters because it gives all sides an equal opportunity to win. 

The Moneyline

Unlike spread betting, betting the moneyline is much easier to understand because you just need to pick a team that you think will win. A team doesn’t need to win by a certain number of points.

Teams will have different odds depending on what their chances of winning are. This means that you can earn more by betting on an underdog because the chances of them winning are low. 

If a team has a -200 moneyline, you’d have to bet $200 to win $100. If a team has a +200 moneyline, you’d earn $200 if you bet $100. 

Totals

Totals have nothing to do with which team wins, but how many points are scored. A sportsbook will set a total, then you can bet on whether the teams will score more or less than the total.

For example, if the total is set at 42.5 and you wanted to bet under, the two teams’ combined scores would have to be less than 42.5. 

Totals are made based on how the two teams have been performing, so you can expect to see varying numbers throughout the season.

Betting On Multiple Games

Multiple-game bets allow you to mix things up because you can bet on more things at once. Parlays and teasers are the two main ways people bet on multiple games.

Parlays

Parlays involve multiple events and can consist of a moneyline, point spread, and total bet. However, many sportsbooks will prevent you from betting on both the moneyline and the spread in the same game. 

The downside to parlay betting is that you need to get everything correct. So if a parlay consists of 8 games, you must be on the winning side in each of them or you’ll get nothing. While this difficult, you risk less while facing higher potential winnings.

Teasers

A teaser is similar to a parlay in that it involves several games and you need to be correct on all of your bets. However, teasers let you adjust the point spreads of your bets while giving you a lower return. 

Sportsbooks that offer teaser bets provide several spreads to choose from. You can choose a different spread for each game, letting you be more flexible in how you bet. 

Other Kinds of Bets

Fortunately, placing bets on NFL games can be done in various ways, so you’re not restricted to the moneyline, spreads, and totals. These are the most common, but you can also but on things like the performance of a player, outcomes of plays, and awards.

Prop Bets

Prop bets are most commonly made during large events, such as the Super Bowl, but you can still make them during the regular season. The Super Bowl brings in a large audience, so there’s generally a lot more money to be made.

If you’re betting on something like an individual stat, such as how many yards a QB will throw for, the sportsbook will set a total. You can then choose over or under. 

Sportsbooks will always ensure that your options are clear and you’ll be provided with the odds of each bet. Betting on a surprise team may give you a quick payday, read more now to learn about them.

Futures

A futures bet is one that takes place after the Super Bowl, usually within a day, and it’s on who will win the next Super Bowl. You can also make a futures bet on player awards such as the MVP, Offensive Rookie of the Year, etc.

Betting on NFL games with futures bets come with many risks, so don’t expect to get easy money unless a team is on a hot streak.

Now You Know How to Bet on NFL Games

Understanding how betting works and what kind of bets you can make will make it easier when you decide to start betting. Knowing how to bet on NFL games isn’t difficult, you’ll just need to find a sportsbook that you like. From there, you can start earning money from your favorite teams.

Check out our blog to learn more about gambling and other topics.

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