Football is the most popular sport in the United States, so it’s no surprise that NFL betting is also a favorite pastime for many Americans. If you’re new to the world of NFL betting, don’t worry! This guide will help you understand the basics of NFL betting, including the different types of bets, how to read NFL betting odds, and how to choose a sportsbook. You’ll also learn some tips and strategies for handicapping NFL games, as well as where to find free and expert NFL picks.
NFL Betting Guide 101: Learn the Basics
Before you start placing bets on NFL games, it’s important to understand the basics of NFL betting. NFL betting involves placing wagers on the outcome of NFL games, either before the game starts or during the game. There are several different types of NFL bets, including point spread betting, totals betting, and moneyline betting. You can also place prop bets and futures bets, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
Understanding NFL Betting Odds
To place bets on NFL games, you need to understand how to read NFL betting odds. NFL betting odds typically include the point spread, the moneyline, and the total (also known as the over/under). The point spread is a number that indicates the margin by which one team is favored to win over the other. The moneyline is a bet on which team will win the game outright. The total is a bet on the total number of points scored in the game.
| Thursday, 7th September 2023 | SPREAD | TOTAL | ML | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGULAR SEASON – WEEK 1 | |||||
| 8:25 PM | |||||
| 451 | Lions | +7 (-110) | 54 (-110) | +230 | |
| 452 | Chiefs | -7 (-110) | 54 (-110) | -280 | |
Types of NFL Bets: Spread, Totals, Moneylines
As we mentioned earlier, there are three main types of NFL bets: point spread betting, totals betting, and moneyline betting. Point spread betting involves betting on a team to win by a certain margin (the point spread). Totals betting involves betting on the total number of points scored in the game (the over/under). Moneyline betting involves betting on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the margin of victory.
Point Spread Betting: How it Works
Point spread betting is one of the most popular forms of NFL betting. The point spread is a number set by oddsmakers that indicates the margin by which one team is favored to win over the other. For example, if the point spread is -7 for the New England Patriots, that means they are favored to win by 7 points over their opponent. If you bet on the Patriots to cover the spread, they need to win by more than 7 points in order for your bet to be successful. If they win by exactly 7 points, it’s called a push and you get your bet amount back.
Totals Betting: Over/Under
Totals betting, also known as over/under betting, involves betting on the total number of points scored in a game. The oddsmakers set a number for the total, and you can bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number. For example, if the total is set at 45 points and the final score is 24-21, the total score would be 45 points exactly, which would be a push (a tie). If the final score is 28-17, the total score would be 45 points, which would be a win for the over bet.
Moneyline Betting: Straight Up Winner
Moneyline betting is the simplest form of NFL betting. It involves betting on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the margin of victory. The odds for the moneyline are listed next to each team, with a negative number indicating the favorite and a positive number indicating the underdog. For example, if the moneyline for the New Orleans Saints is -150, that means you would need to bet $150 in order to win $100 if they win the game.
Halves and Quarters Betting
In addition to the three main types of NFL bets, you can also place bets on the first half or first quarter of a game. This is known as halves or quarters betting. For example, you might bet on the first half point spread, which is the point spread for the first half of the game only. This allows you to focus on a smaller portion of the game and potentially take advantage of a team’s first half strengths or weaknesses.
Props and Futures NFL Betting
Prop bets and futures bets are more exotic forms of NFL betting. Prop bets involve betting on specific outcomes within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown or how long the national anthem will be sung before the game. Futures bets involve betting on events that will occur later in the season, such as which team will win the Super Bowl.
LIVE In-Game NFL Betting
LIVE in-game betting, also known as in-play betting, allows you to place bets during the game as it unfolds. This can be a great way to take advantage of changing odds or momentum swings during the game. However, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the game and the teams before placing in-game bets.
Choosing a Legit Sportsbook
Choosing a reputable sportsbook is crucial for safe and fair NFL betting. Look for sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated by reputable local or international authorities, and that have a good reputation for customer service and fair payouts. You should also check the sportsbook’s deposit and withdrawal options, as well as their bonus and promotional offers. At NSAwins.com, we recommend Bovada Sportsbook to anyone looking for a reputable and licensed online sportsbook. In fact, Bovada is the choice of most Americans betting online or on mobile devices. It’s the largest and most popular sportsbook for USA bettors and accepts players from 45 US states. The 5 states that residents aren’t allowed to play at Bovada are NY, NJ, NV, DE and MD.
Handicapping NFL Tips and Strategy
Handicapping is the process of analyzing data and statistics to predict the outcome of NFL games. There are many different strategies and techniques for handicapping NFL games, such as analyzing team and player statistics, considering weather conditions, and looking for value bets. It’s important to do your research and develop a solid handicapping strategy before placing bets on NFL games.
Free NFL Picks from Experts
There are many websites and forums where you can find free NFL picks from experts. These picks are based on expert analysis and handicapping, and can provide valuable insights into which teams and players are likely to perform well in upcoming games. However, it’s always helpful to do your own research before placing any bets.
- Free Sports Picks daily from NSA’s World Champion Handicapper Sonny LaFouchi(aka The LEGEND)
Buy Expert NFL Picks from Top Handicappers
If you’re serious about NFL betting, you may want to consider buying expert NFL picks from top handicappers. These picks are based on years of experience and proven strategies for handicapping NFL games. However, it’s important to choose a reputable handicapper with years of experience, a track record of success, and to be wary of scams and fraudulent services.
At NSAwins.com, we have been the nation’s #1 ranked sports handicapping service overall since we started online in 2001. You can purchase affordable expert NFL picks and all sports packages from Sonny LaFouchi(aka The LEGEND) securely on our website. We also sell BEST BETS daily from the #1 professional sports betting syndicate in Las Vegas, the famous Vegas Black Card Club.
With this NFL betting guide, you now have a solid foundation for understanding the different types of NFL bets, how to read NFL betting odds, and how to choose a sportsbook. Whether you’re a casual fan or a serious bettor, these tips and strategies can help you make informed decisions and maximize your chances of success. So grab some snacks, settle in, and get ready to enjoy the excitement of NFL betting!