NFL Odds, Betting Lines & Spreads for Today

Understanding NFL Odds

NFL odds indicate the likelihood of an event occurring and determine potential payouts. The most common format used by U.S. sportsbooks is American odds, which display lines with positive or negative values.

American odds revolve around a baseline value of $100, with favorites and underdogs represented by sportsbook oddsmakers differently:

• Negative odds (-): Indicate the favorite. The number shows how much must be gambled to win $100.
• Positive odds (+): Indicate the oddsmaker’s underdog. Positive odds show how much an initial stake of $100 would win.

American odds simplify gambling by making it easy to calculate risk and reward. Learning to read these numbers correctly helps sports fans find value and maximize potential returns.

Popular NFL Betting Markets

NFL betting offers a wide range of options, allowing bettors to engage with NFL games in various ways. Each type of bet provides a unique approach to predicting outcomes, whether focusing on the overall game, individual players or long-term results. The following sections will break down the most popular NFL betting markets, helping you understand the mechanics and potential for each bet type:

Moneylines

Moneyline betting is one of the most common ways to wager on NFL games, focusing solely on which team will win the game outright. The odds reflect each team’s likelihood of winning, with the moneyline favorite displayed with negative numbers (e.g., -180) and underdogs as positive numbers (e.g., +160).

For instance, if the Philadelphia Eagles have moneyline odds of -180 against the Dallas Cowboys at +160, a $180 bet on the Eagles would yield $100 in profit if they win, while a stake of $100 on the Cowboys would yield $160 in profit if they win.

Point Spreads

NFL point spreads offer a way to wager with adjusted scoring margins. Online sports betting operators set a spread to level the playing field between the favorite and the underdog. With point spread betting, fans gamble on whether a team will “cover the spread” by winning or losing within the designated margin.

For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are listed at -6.5 against the Broncos at +6.5, the Chiefs must win by 7 or more points to cover this NFL spread. Conversely, the Broncos would cover if they lose by 6 or fewer points or win outright. If a spread is set at a whole number and the favorite wins by that margin, the bet is a “push,” and the stake is returned.

Totals (Over/Unders)

Totals betting, also known as over/under wagering, focuses on the combined score of both teams in a game. Online sports betting sites set a projected total for the expected points and bettors wager on whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number. Totals remove the need to pick the winner of a game outright, focusing instead on the scoring dynamics.

For example, if the total for a matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins is set at 48.5, betting the “over” means gambling that the combined score will be 49 points or more. If the final score is Bills 27, Dolphins 24, the combined total of 51 points would result in a winning over bet.

Prop Betting

Prop betting markets allow bettors to focus on specific events or performances within a game rather than its overall outcome. Props offer diverse options and can cover individual players, teams or unique situations. Props are particularly popular for their ability to add excitement to every moment of an NFL game.

NFL Player Props

Player prop bets focus on individual performances, making them a favorite for bettors who follow player statistics and trends. Common options include predicting passing yards for a quarterback, rushing yards for a running back or the number of receptions for a wide receiver.

For instance, you might bet on Patrick Mahomes to throw over 299.5 yards in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. If he throws 300 or more yards, then you win. Player props are great for isolating standout athletes and diving into specific matchups.

NFL Team Props

Team props concentrate on a team’s performance during a game. Popular prop options include gambling on which of the two teams will score first, total points or the number of sacks by a defense.

For example, you might gamble on the San Francisco 49ers to score over 24.5 points against the Seattle Seahawks. If they score 25 or more, your bet cashes. Team props appeal to those who analyze team statistics and strategies.

NFL Game Props

Game props encompass broader in-game events and situations. Popular examples include the total number of touchdowns scored, whether there will be a safety or which half will see more points being scored.

For instance, you could bet on the total number of touchdowns in a matchup between the New York Jets and New England Patriots to exceed 5.5. Game props are ideal for adding interest to less predictable aspects of the sport.

Futures Odds

Betting on futures involves gambling on major events and outcomes that will unfold over the course of the regular season or at its conclusion during the Super Bowl, rather than focusing on the results of a single game. As the NFL season progresses, futures odds can shift dramatically in response to matchups, key player injuries, trades and other relevant news. Popular options include:

• Super Bowl Winner: The most common futures bet is predicting which Super Bowl team will lift the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. For this long-term option, the futures odds are continually adjusted.
• Conference Championship Winners: The championship games for the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference are other popular options. This allows bettors to focus on a team’s achievements within its conference, offering a different avenue for investment than predicting the Super Bowl winner.
• Division Winners: Futures can also be made on who will win each of the league’s eight divisions. This bet allows fans to focus on the competitive dynamics within specific divisions, with odds reflecting each team’s prospects of finishing atop their division.
• Season Win Totals: NFL betting sites set over/under betting lines on the total number of wins each NFL team will secure during the regular season. Bettors then decide if they believe a team will exceed (over) or fall short (under) of this prediction.
• Individual Awards: Individual awards and achievements, such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) or Offensive Rookie of the Year, are also available.

NFL futures markets offer a compelling way to engage with football beyond the immediate results of games. It provides a strategic platform for those looking to leverage their insights into the NFL’s broader trends and potential season-long narratives.

Parlay Betting

Parlays combine multiple individual wagers into a single bet, offering the potential for significantly higher payouts. To win a parlay, all individual bets (known as “legs”) within the parlay must be correct. The more legs added, the higher the payout potential, but the risk also increases since a single incorrect leg results in a loss.

For instance, a sports fan might create a three-leg parlay with the following options:

• Kansas City Chiefs to cover a -6.5 point spread against the Denver Broncos
• Philadelphia Eagles to win on the moneyline against the Dallas Cowboys
• Over 48.5 total points in a Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins head-to-head matchup

With these types of bets, if all three legs succeed, the bettor enjoys a significant payout due to the combined odds. However, if even one leg fails, the entire parlay bet is lost.

Live Betting

Live betting provides opportunities to react to game developments in real time, such as shifts in momentum, injuries or weather changes. Live game odds are updated continuously to reflect the current state of play, offering an engaging and fast-paced gambling experience.

For example, during a game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, the Packers may start as -150 favorites. If the Bears score an early touchdown, live odds could shift to favor the Bears at -110. Bettors can then decide whether to back the Bears, double down on the Packers or explore live props, such as Aaron Rodgers’ passing yards.

Alternate NFL Lines

Alternate NFL lines allow bettors to adjust the standard point spread or total for a game, creating customized betting opportunities with adjusted football odds. Alternate lines are ideal for those who want to take on more risk for higher payouts or reduce risk for a smaller return.

For instance, if the standard spread for the New England Patriots against the New York Jets is Patriots -7.5, an alternate line might offer Patriots -10.5 at +150 odds or Patriots -3.5 at -200 odds. Similarly, for a total set at 48.5, an alternate line could offer Over 52.5 at +180 odds or Under 42.5 at -190 odds.

Find the Best NFL Betting Odds for This Week

Finding the best NFL odds is essential for maximizing potential payouts and ensuring value in your wagers. With odds often varying between sportsbooks and mobile sports betting apps, taking the time to compare and shop around can make a significant difference.

Start by reviewing odds from multiple reputable sports betting sites. For instance, if you’re wagering on the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl as a -3 favorite, one online sportsbook might offer -110 odds, while another offers -105. Choosing the latter saves money on the vig and increases your profitability.

Additionally, keep an eye on line movement throughout the day. If early betting has shifted the odds in your favor, you can capitalize on better terms closer to game time. Conversely, locking in your stake early might prevent losing value due to unfavorable shifts.

NFL Betting Tips & Strategies

Successful NFL betting often depends on a mix of preparation, analysis and disciplined decision-making. By adopting effective strategies, sports fans can enhance their chances of long-term profitability while avoiding common pitfalls. Here are some key tips to guide your approach:

• Research Key Statistics: Study recent stats and metrics, player injury reports and trends. For example, knowing that a team excels in rushing against a weak defensive line can inform your decisions.
• Understand Situational Factors: Consider elements like home-field advantage, travel fatigue and weather conditions. For instance, football teams traveling across time zones or playing matchups in extreme weather can impact outcomes.
• Get the Best NFL Betting Odds: Always compare the betting odds across multiple online sports betting sites to find the best value. A small difference in odds can significantly impact your potential returns.
• Consider Using NFL Computer Picks: Leverage our AI-generated betting picks to make informed decisions, especially when assessing options with complex variables.
• Use Sportsbook Bonuses & Promo Codes: Take advantage of bonus offers and sportsbook promo codes. These special offers, including sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses and other sports betting promotions, boost your bankroll and reduce your risk.

Knowing how to read NFL odds, analyze betting lines and assess key statistics can help you to become a smarter sports bettor and achieve more success with these popular betting options throughout the entire regular season.

Conclusion

Betting on NFL games can be exciting and rewarding if you take the time to learn the basics and do careful research. Comparing the odds and finding the right online sportsbook helps you make smarter decisions, allowing you to enjoy the entire football season even more. Remember to always gamble with your money responsibly and stay within your budget.

NFL Odds: Frequently Asked Questions

How are NFL odds set?

NFL odds are set by oddsmakers who analyze multiple factors, including historical matchups, player injuries, weather conditions and betting patterns. They create an initial line, which is then adjusted based on how bettors wager, aiming to balance the action on both sides of the wager.

How accurate are NFL odds?

NFL odds are generally accurate as they reflect extensive analysis by bookmakers, considering performances, injuries and public consensus lines. However, the odds can still be influenced by unforeseen factors, making them estimates rather than guarantees.

What is the easiest NFL bet to play?

The “easiest” NFL bet is subjective, but many consider the moneyline bet on a strong favorite to be straightforward as it simply involves picking who you believe will win. However, the payouts for betting on favorites are typically lower compared to underdog bets.

Do Super Bowl favorites usually win?

Based on historical data, NFL betting favorites for the Super Bowl win approximately 55% of the time. However, the outcome can often be unpredictable since the participants are usually closely matched in skill.

What is the best betting site for the NFL?

The best online sportsbook depends on how you like to gamble. Most major sportsbooks have features that set them apart, like the same-game parlays at FanDuel Sportsbook or the extensive NFL options at DraftKings Sportsbook. Consider things like bonuses and odds when comparing books.