Successful NFL Betting Strategies

Discover successful NFL betting strategies, from basic bet types to advanced techniques. Learn about point spreads, moneylines, over/unders, prop bets, parlays, futures, live betting, and more. Enhance your NFL betting skills with tips on research, bankroll management, and understanding betting lines.

Alyx Tzamantanis.
A. Tzamantanis

Last Updated: 2024-10-30

James Pacheco

7 minutes read

The world of NFL offers a wide variety of betting opportunities, from straightforward wagers to complex multi-bet strategies. But in order to get the most out of your next experience at the best online sportsbooks, you need to know some basic NFL betting rules.

Today, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about NFL betting. We’ll explain the most basic NFL bet types you can make, the best NFL betting strategy, and some other popular markets you can wager on.

So without further ado, let’s get down to business. 

Core NFL Bet Types

When it comes to betting on NFL games, understanding the core bet types is crucial for making informed decisions. Here are the most common NFL betting strategies.

Point spread betting

Point spread betting is the most popular form of NFL wagering. It levels the playing field by giving the underdog a points advantage or the favourite a points disadvantage.

Example: If the New England Patriots are favoured by -7.5 points against the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots must win by 8 points or more for a bet on them to win. Conversely, a bet on the Dolphins would win if they lose by 7 points or less or win the game outright

Moneyline betting

A straightforward bet, an NFL moneyline betting strategy involves picking which team will win the game outright, without any point spreads.

Example: If the moneyline for the Kansas City Chiefs is -200 and for the Denver Broncos is +180, a $200 bet on the Chiefs would win $100 if they win, while a $100 bet on the Broncos would win $180 if they win

Over/Under betting

Also known as totals betting, an NFL over under betting strategy is when you wager on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined.

Example: If the Over/Under line is set at 48.5 points for a game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, you can bet on whether the total points scored will be over or under 48.5

Prop bets

Proposition bets, or prop bets, are wagers on specific events within a game, not directly tied to the final outcome.

NFL prop bet examples

  • Player props: Betting on individual player performances, such as the number of touchdowns thrown by a quarterback or the total rushing yards by a running back
  • Team props: Wagering on team-specific outcomes, such as the first team to score or the total number of field goals made by a team
  • Game props: Bets on particular events within the game, like whether there will be a safety or the total number of turnovers

Top NFL Betting Strategies Explained

Effective betting strategies are essential for increasing your chances of success in NFL betting. Here are some top strategies to think about.

Research and analysis

●    Study team performance: Analyse teams' past performances, including win/loss records, offensive and defensive statistics, and player injuries. Pay attention to how teams perform at home versus away

●    Player analysis: Keep track of key players' form, injury status, and historical performance against specific opponents. Star players' availability can significantly impact a team's chances
Understand betting lines and value
●    Shop around: Compare betting lines across multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds. Small differences in lines can lead to better returns in the long run

●    Identify value bets: Look for lines that offer good value based on your research. A value bet is one where you believe the sportsbook has underestimated the true probability of an outcome

Manage your bankroll

●    Set a budget: Determine how much money you are willing to risk and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose

●    Avoid chasing losses: Stick to your strategy and avoid making impulsive bets to recover from losses. Chasing losses can lead to poor decision-making and further losses

Specialise in specific bets

●    Focus on specific markets: Specializing in a particular type of bet, such as point spreads or player props, can help you develop expertise and make more informed decisions

●    Leverage your knowledge: Use your knowledge of teams, players, and matchups to find edges in less popular markets where lines may be less accurate

Consider situational factors

●    Weather conditions: Weather can significantly impact game outcomes, especially in outdoor stadiums. Consider how rain, wind, or snow might affect the teams' performance and game strategy

●    Travel and rest: Teams traveling across time zones or playing on short rest may be at a disadvantage. Factor in travel schedules and rest days when making your bets

Monitor line movements

●    Early lines: Pay attention to the opening lines and how they move throughout the week. Early line movements can indicate where sharp money (professional bettors) is being placed

●    Public vs. sharp money: Understand the difference between public betting trends and sharp money. Sharp money often influences line movements, providing clues about where the smart bets are

To learn more about sports betting strategies, always come and visit us again here at SportsBoom.

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