The odds on a totals bet are usually -110, meaning you are risking $110 to win $100 in profit. Understanding NFL betting lines is just the first step towards making profits with football wagering. Once you've got the basics down, it's important to continue learning sports betting strategy to improve your long-term chances of winning. NFL Moneyline Betting Odds Explained - Straight Up Betting Lines To Win Betting on the NFL moneyline is quite easy, as it is the simplest form of wagering. For moneyline wagers, all you must do is select who will win the game. Point spreads, the number of points scored, and every other factor has no merit on the moneyline. So a 4-team parlay with a push becomes a 3-team parlay and assumes 3-team odds. NFL betting: How do odds work? Odds are usually given in two styles. One is as a positive or negative number. The other is a ratio. The positive and negative numbers were explained above, but what about ratios? One might see 8/1 odds. This is the same as +800. If the odds are minus (–), then that amount of money must be wagered to win $100. –150 means you must bet $150 to win $100.) If the odds are plus (+), that amount of money would be earned on. NFL Odds Explained For every NFL game there are odds that show how likely each team is to win the game. They are no different than any other type of statistical odds, but with sports betting the odds also correspond to how much you can win by betting each side.

1. Nfl Betting Terms Explained
2. Nfl Odds Meaning
3. Nfl Picks
4. Nfl Betting Odds Explained

Betting on the NFL is becoming more and more popular each season but with its growing popularity, many have jumped in without have the NFL betting odds explained to them. This is because it has come commonplace in the country to discuss betting lines on the NFL, but there are not many outlets that detail what these pundits, experts, and analysts are actually saying. No longer is Las Vegas the only place to make a wager, as over a dozen states have legal sports betting and there are also a handful of offshore betting sites that service the needs of NFL bettors.

Betting lines have come to your home, right on your computer screen, and this page is here to explain NFL betting odds + wager types. From point spreads to over/unders, prop bets and more, we're going to cover the details behind these types of wagers. After reading this, you should feel comfortable walking into any sportsbooks (or logging into one) and laying your money on the line with confidence, knowing exactly what you are risking.

Bet On Super Bowl 55 Odds

Moneyline: Chiefs (-160) vs. Buccaneers (+140)
Spread: Chiefs -3
Total: 56 Points

When looking to bet on Super Bowl 55, there are plenty of places for bettors to lay action. Some of the top legal online Super Bowl sportsbooks are Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie as they all offer tons of different Super Bowl betting lines and Super Bowl prop bets as well in addition to the regular game lines. As for how to bet on Super Bowl 55, bettors can take advantage of the game line and pick an outright winner on the moneyline, they can bet on the margin of victory with the spread or bet on the amount of points that will be scored with the point total. For those not looking to bet on the game line, there are player props as well such as how many yards either quarterback will throw or game props like betting on how many total field goals will be made.

Why NFL Betting Odds Exist

Betting odds for the NFL are formed for several aspects of the league. They are based on outcomes for games, the season, and more. Oddsmakers research and install betting lines for a variety of outcomes relating to the season. A bettor can then search to see what they would like to wager on, and then make the bet. If they win, they get the designated payout. If they lose, the sportsbook takes the bet.

NFL Point Spreads Explained

Betting on the point spread for an NFL game might be the most common wager one thinks of when betting on the NFL. The point spread is a bet made on a specific matchup, as a favorite (-) and an underdog (+) are determined. With a specific number of points set on the line., the team in the role of the favorite must win by the number of points they are associated with.

For the underdog, they must lose by less than their associated points – which is the same number as the favorite – or win the game outright. This is a concept designed to hypothetically even the playing field, as oddsmakers thoroughly research every aspect of the game before coming out with the game line.

Point spreads are not just for the entire game though. In fact, oddsmakers install quarter, half, and fulltime betting odds for NFL games. These betting lines work just as they would for betting against the spread for the whole game.

Betting the spread on the first or second half is a popular betting strategy of NFL bettors. These are just like betting on the normal spread, but it only covers one of the halves. The line in the second half allows bettors to make a wage after oddsmakers see the first half of play.

NFL Moneyline Betting Odds Explained - Straight Up Betting Lines To Win

Betting on the NFL moneyline is quite easy, as it is the simplest form of wagering. For moneyline wagers, all you must do is select who will win the game. Point spreads, the number of points scored, and every other factor has no merit on the moneyline. This simplicity is often why it is called straight-up betting, as it only requires picking the winner. To keep things balanced, sportsbooks will offer odds on every NFL game, where the favorites (-) and underdogs (+) are represented by their moneyline betting odds. When betting on a favorite, you must lay more than what you would profit, while taking the risk on the underdog comes with a higher payout than what you wagered.

Article: Moneyline Betting Odds Explained

NFL Over / Under Bets Explained - Total # Statistical Wagers

Another straightforward way to bet on the NFL is through point totals or over/under bets. These can be broken down by each team, but the numbers you often here on sports betting shows and news is the combination of both teams. Often, these point totals are the most common style of wagering, as bettors can gain insight on certain team’s scoring abilities, defensive prowess, and offensive tempo. Payouts are typically right around 'Even' money (minus the juice) because there are just two choices... over or under.

Article: Over / Under Betting Odds Explained

Weekly Game + NFL Team Proposition Wagering

Outside of game lines, oddsmakers form what are called proposition betting odds. These are other types of betting lines formed that are not betting on the outcome of the game specifically. In fact, NFL team prop betting lines can range in nature quite a bit. For example, in an NFL matchup, a team prop line might be formed asking which team will score 10 points first. The wager would be made on one of the two teams and whoever reaches this mark first dictates the winner of the prop bet. After the proposition is met, the wager is done and the rest of the game does not matter. Other examples include how many total sacks both teams will tally, what the longest field goal of the game will be, and so on. Team Prop odds are a fun way for bettors to place wagers on outcomes outside of the game lines.

Understanding How NFL Player Proposition Wagers Work

NFL player prop lines are another type of proposition betting line. And just like team props, these do not directly relate to the outcome of an NFL matchup. They can have an effect, but that is not what you are wagering on. A player prop NFL line is typically performance-based. For example, the total passing yardage for a quarterback, or the number of touchdowns a running back will have in a game, are two examples. A betting line would be set with an installed number, and the wager would be made according to the guidelines of the bet. NFL player props can be a lot of fun, with tons of them formed for the different games each week.

Understanding NFL Live Betting Odds

One of the newer types of betting onto the scene in NFL betting is Live Betting. Live Betting has become one of the more popular aspects, with the technology that online sportsbooks possess. Live Betting on the NFL can be done from your own computer, mobile device, or in-person at a sportsbook that offers it. In short, instead of placing your bet at the beginning of the game and awaiting the outcome, live betting allows you to place action on a game at any moment during that game. Odds, spreads, and point totals are all available but will constantly be changing as each second of the clock influences the betting lines. Live wagering on the NFL is the most interactive form of betting yet and can be very exciting. In this style, being informed and confident are requirements as getting in at the right time is half the battle.

Betting Odds For The Super Bowl + Online Wagering Guide

Super Bowl betting odds for the upcoming or current NFL season are up almost year-round at online sportsbooks. In fact, almost the day after the Super Bowl from the previous year is completed, oddsmakers form odds to win the next season's Super Bowl. And these odds remain up through offseason, preseason, and the regular season up until the Super Bowl matchup is known.

The different ways to bet on Super Bowl odds can be very simple or they can be slightly more involved. It's not always just betting on the team that you think will win the Super Bowl. No, no sir! There is much more to take in and even the odds to win the Super Bowl can change drastically from week to week.

Get More Help:Super Bowl Odds Explained

NFL Wager Types

There are several different types of NFL bets that can be made on a game. Oddsmakers form game lines, but the type of bet you choose to make is up to you. There is the straight bet which is your basic bet on a game or prop. But then there are bets that link multiple games together like a parlay or and if bet. There are also bets that can switch up the betting lines like a teaser or a pleaser. Get more help learning about those here:

Parlays Teasers If-Bets Pleasers Straight Wagering

Bovada Sportsbook - Top SportsBook For NFL Games

With the games just now starting and the season just now beginning, the NFL is one of the most exciting sports that players look to watch and love to bet on. This is why all players on SportsBetting are cashing big on their accounts. The point spread and betting odds on NFL games are huge and shown to be very profitable. The banking methods here are also easy for players to deal with and makes it simple for them to transfer money on to their account and get them ready for NFL games.

Prop bets and point spreads stick out on SportsBetting as a few of the top betting options there for players as they get ready to make money. The NFL Season is so long so there is money that can be won a lot throughout the season and also throughout the game using the live betting option. SportsBetting is known to have a lot of sports to wager on but when it comes to NFL games, players' eyes get big and wallets get bigger as well.

BetOnline Sportsbook - NFL Games At The Top For BetOnline Players

Take the first step and sign up for BetOnline as you will not regret it! The NFL season is just now getting started so this is the best time for players to have their account created and be able to join in on the fun of making a lot of money. The betting odds are the best here on BetOnline as you will find great point spreads, and moneylines all the time with different games.

Prop bets and mobile betting features are here as well and players love to use these betting options. The money that can be one is huge and all players have to be is 18 and older to sign up for an account with BetOnline. When players see the point spread here and also the Moneyline, they are very excited because of how much money they can see themselves winning. BetOnline has it all and this is where all players come to play and win huge!

MyBookie Sportsbook - NFL Fans Love MyBookie

When it comes to placing bets on the most exciting sport out there, MyBookie is the answer for most players. This online sportsbook has all the things that players look for an that is especially for NFL games. Fans have their favorite teams and most of the time there are a lot of prop bets for each game so this means that fans will stay happy with betting options here for players. This is just where the knowledge that they can spend money and have a chance to make more money while they watch their favorite team.

The live betting option is one that players do not need to look over. There always NFL games going on and these games turn once the second half starts. This is what makes games so exciting. Players can start off cold and get hot the next half and if a player puts the right bet down on them, the money will easily flow their way. MyBookie Sportsbook is known to many players as one of the better sportsbooks and the NFL games that they offer makes it even better!

Where Should I Bet On NFL Online? Who Can I Trust?

Who do you like to cover? What’s the spread on the game? These two questions are asked often in sports betting circles.

When you hear them, that means the conversation has turned to the point spread for an upcoming contest. The point spread refers to the line that has been placed on a game by oddsmakers.

Most commonly used in basketball and football betting, it can help to think of the point spread as the estimated margin of victory. For bettors who place a wager on the spread, this number needs to be factored into their handicapping.

At first glance, point spreads can seem confusing and it may look like there’s no rhyme or reason to the numbers. That’s not the case on either front.

We’ll explain everything you need to know about point spread betting right here. Let’s begin by taking a look at the best places you can place your bets.

What is a Point Spread?

A point spread is a number that bookmakers will place on a game. Handicappers then need to account for the spread when they are breaking down games.

Point spreads are most commonly used in basketball and football, but there are equivalents used for the other major North American sports. In the NHL, it’s referred to as a puck or goal line. For MLB, it’s known as a run line.

In both cases, the standard number used is 1.5. When it comes to basketball or football, there’s no set value for the point spread. It can range from as small as 0.5 points all the way up into double digits.

One way to look at point spreads is as the presumed gap in strength between the two teams. Let’s use a random NFL point spread as an example.

• New York Giants +3.5
• Dallas Cowboys -3.5

In this situation, the Cowboys are 3.5-point favorites. Bettors need to decide if the Cowboys are in fact 3.5 points better than the Giants for this contest, and if they will be able to win the game by this amount.

Naturally, there will be plenty of different perspectives on how the contest will play out. There will be bettors who side with the Cowboys minus the points, and those who like the Giants plus the points.

For Cowboys bettors to be correct, the team would need to win by greater than 3.5 points, such as 24-20. On the Giants side, they need to keep it closer than 3.5 points, as in 21-20.

The side that successfully exceeds the margin is viewed as having ‘covered’ the spread. You’ll come across the term ‘cover’ a lot in your research. It effectively means which side will be the winner from a betting perspective when the spread is factored in.

There will also be odds attached to point spreads. We’ll cover that in more detail in a bit.

How to Bet the Spread?

Since the point spread is most commonly used in basketball and football, we’ll be focusing on those two sports for the remainder of the article. In both sports, the point spread is used on both the Pro and College side.

Let’s walk through some examples for all of the major point spread sports, starting with the NBA. Here’s the line and spread for a fictitious game.

• Milwaukee Bucks +1.5 (-110)
• Toronto Raptors -1.5 (-110)

The Raptors are favored by 1.5 points, indicating a potentially tight game. After doing your research, you decide you like Toronto to win by more than 1.5 points.

As it turns out, the Bucks wind up winning a close one by a score of 100-98. Not only did the Raptors fail to cover the spread, but they lost the game, so your ticket is a loser. If Toronto had come out on top by the same margin, you would have had a winner.

Next, let’s take a look at the spread and betting odds for a random College Basketball game.

• Purdue +.4.5 (-110)
• Michigan State -4.5 (-110)

The Spartans are 4.5 point favorites for this tilt, but you like the way the Boilermakers are playing and think they can keep it close. When the final whistle blows, Michigan State hangs on for a 72-69 win.

The Spartans have won the game, but the margin of victory was lower than the spread. Those who bet on Michigan State minus the points have losing tickets, but bettors on Purdue plus the points such as yourself are winners.

The point spread works the same way when betting on College Football and the NFL. Oddsmakers will designate a favorite and an underdog, and then they’ll add a point spread into the mix.

• Cleveland Browns +6.5 (-110)
• New England Patriots -6.5 (-110)

The Patriots are pretty big favorites for this one. If you bet on them with the spread attached, they’ll have to win the game by seven or more points. For a bet on the Browns with the spread, the team will at least need to keep the margin to six points or under.

The favored status of New England proves to be prescient, as they go on to win by a score of 27-17. The 10-point margin of victory means that they covered the spread, while Cleveland has failed to do so.

For our final example, let’s move over to College Football for an imaginary inter-conference clash.

• Wisconsin +2.5 (-110)
• Texas A&M -2.5 (-110)

While the Badgers are the underdogs for this contest, the game is expected to be tight. Oddsmakers have placed the spread at less than a field goal as a result. When the final whistle blows, the Aggies escape with a 28-27 win.

Underdog Wisconsin has lost, but they kept it close and covered the spread. Bettors on that side have a winning ticket to cash, while those who wagered on Texas A&M minus the points move on to fight another day.

As with all other sports betting concepts, the more you are exposed to point spreads, the easier they become to understand.

Point Spread Odds and Line Moves

After oddsmakers release the spread and odds for a slate of games, the betting market has a chance to weigh in. That can lead to shifts in both cases depending on market action.

Let’s say a spread for an NFL game is released at 3.5 points. A flurry of public money comes in on one side of the coin. Oddsmakers respond by raising the spread up to 4 points.

So why did the spread tick up? In this case, we can interpret it to mean that a good amount of money came in on the favorite minus the points. To make the game more attractive on the underdog side, the sportsbook has added some more incentive in the form of a half-point.

On the odds front, we may see the same thing. Odds of -110 are pretty standard for point spread bets. If a book takes in more action on one side over the other – but not enough to justify moving the spread – then the odds can shift a little.

For example, a majority of the money coming in the favorite could lead odds on that side to change to -115, while odds on the underdog side are adjusted down to -105. This may influence the direction they go and even out the action for the sportsbook a bit, which is the goal they have when adjusting odds.

Odds and spreads can also move when a piece of news drops that could impact the outcome of the game. A major injury, lineup change, or trade are among the scenarios that could have such an impact.

For point spread betting, it’s always a good idea to check out the opening lines and compare them to where they are when you begin handicapping the game. This can alert you to market sentiment on the game, or potentially a piece of news that you may have missed.

How to Handicap Point Spreads

While handicapping for point spreads may seem complex when you’re first starting out, it really doesn’t have to be. It can be as difficult or easy as you make it, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping it simple.

First things first, there are resources out there – both free and subscription-based – which provide picks against the spread. Some are good, some are average, and others aren’t so great.

If you’re going this route, a good rule of thumb is to find a few trusted resources – three will do the trick – and compare the picks to help form your own consensus. As always, practice due diligence when selecting sources and don’t just blindly trust the words of one as gospel.

Nfl Betting Terms Explained

For those who would like to do their own handicapping, it’s helpful to start with a simple process and build it out from that point.

First things first, study the lines and odds for the games on the slate. Recognize what the market is telling you, and examine any shifts from open to present time.

Next, consider the overall strength of the teams involved, as well as how much of a difference homefield or home court advantage may make. Oddsmakers have this factored in on their side, but it’s important for you to consider it as well.

One thing that can be very helpful is finding a set of power rankings that you can trust and use regularly. Power rankings rate the teams in the league from top to bottom and attach a number to each squad which represents their overall strength.

You can then compare these two numbers and account for home advantage. The difference will point you to a reasonable point spread, which you can then compare to the actual spread.

Power rankings can be found on subscription-based sports betting sites, but there are also a number of excellent resources on the interwebs which are completely free.

Afterwards, it’s time to examine the teams on a statistical basis. It’s very easy to get lost down the rabbit hole here, so stick to what really moves the needle when beginning, such as points for and against.

For football, you can also check out yards for and against. In basketball, lean towards things that truly impact the game, such as overall shooting percentage and turnover rates.

Once you have a good handle on examining the basic stats, you can add additional factors to provide a more well-rounded picture.

Last but not least, check out recent form for both sides. Teams go through hot and cold streaks, and current momentum can be a solid guide for what’s to come in the near future.

After you have gone through all of these factors, you can go through your own personal checklist to determine which side is better on all fronts. Taking the time to break down all of these factors should lead you to a choice that you feel comfortable with.

As your experience with handicapping point spreads increases, you may decide to add additional variables to the equation. You can make your own personal system as complex or as simple as you would like.

The choice is completely up to you and what works best for your strategy. As always, the bottom line is what type of process will lead you to positive results more often than not.

The Bottom Line on Point Spreads

Point spreads are most commonly used for betting on basketball or football. Oddsmakers will designate a number for each contest, and bettors will then need to factor that into their handicapping.

Nfl Odds Meaning

Bettors can wager on the favorite minus the points, or the underdog plus the points. If you think of the spread like a potential margin of victory, then that means the favorite needs to win by more than the spread, while the underdog needs to keep the game closer than that.

The standard odds for point spread bets are typically -110, but there will be shifts based on market action or news that develops after lines are released. The spread itself can also shift based on those same factors.

Nfl Picks

It’s a good idea to track how odds and spreads have moved from the open until the time you are ready to place bets. This can give you a sense of market direction and also help you spot factors you may have missed.

Handicapping point spreads can be confusing at first, but a simple process such as the one outlined in this article can help you get the hang of it quickly. As you move along, you can also personalize the process to better fit your style.

Nfl Betting Odds Explained

In addition, there are also free and subscription-based resources which provide picks against the spread. If you decide to pursue that path, it’s a good idea to gather multiple sources and attempt to find a consensus.