Today's NFL Odds, Lines & Spreads - Wild Card

Understanding NFL Odds

NFL odds are a reflection of how sportsbooks predict outcomes for games, teams and players. They provide valuable information for bettors to assess risk and potential payouts. Understanding the different formats and how odds are presented is crucial for making informed decisions. We will cover how to read football odds below:

• Favorite vs. Underdog: Most sportsbooks will use the American odds format (or moneyline odds) for NFL betting. The favorite is indicated with negative odds, while the underdog has positive odds. For example, if the Dallas Cowboys are -150 and the New York Giants are +130, the Cowboys are favored to win.
• Point Spread: Oddsmakers assign a point spread to level the playing field between teams. If the spread is -3.5 for the favorite, they must win by at least 4 points to cover the spread. The underdog covers the spread by losing by 3 points or less or winning outright.
• Totals (Over/Under): This bet predicts whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a specified total. For example, a total set at 48.5 means you bet on whether the combined score will exceed or fall below 48 points.

By mastering NFL odds, bettors can evaluate betting opportunities, calculate potential payouts and strategically choose bets with the best value.

Popular Types of NFL Bets at Online Sportsbooks

NFL betting offers a wide range of options, allowing bettors to engage with games in various ways. Each type of bet provides a unique approach to predicting outcomes, whether focusing on the overall game, specific 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:

Moneyline Betting Markets

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

For example, 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 $100 bet on the Cowboys would yield $160 in profit if they win.

Moneyline bets are straightforward and appeal to bettors looking for clarity and direct payouts without worrying about point spreads or totals.

Point Spread Betting Markets

Point spread betting is one of the most popular NFL markets, offering a way to wager on games with adjusted scoring margins. Online sports betting operators set a spread to level the playing field between the favorite and the underdog. Bettors wager 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 the 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.

Point spreads offer dynamic betting opportunities, as they balance the matchup and add a layer of strategy to choosing bets based on projected game outcomes.

Totals Betting Markets (Over/Under Wagers)

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 and bettors wager on whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number. Totals bets remove the need to pick a winner, focusing instead on the game’s 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 wagering 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.

Totals betting is popular for its simplicity and versatility, appealing to those who prefer focusing on scoring trends and game flow rather than outright winners or margins of victory.

Prop Betting Markets

Prop betting markets allow bettors to focus on specific events or performances within a game, rather than its overall outcome. These bets offer diverse options and can cover individual players, teams or unique game 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 player performances, making them a favorite for bettors who follow player statistics and trends. Common bets 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, your bet wins. 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. Examples include betting on which team will score first, total team points or the number of sacks by a defense.

For example, you might wager 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 betting 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.

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 NFL action.

Futures Betting Markets

Betting on NFL futures involves placing wagers on major events and outcomes that will unfold over the course of the regular season or at its conclusion, rather than focusing on the results of a single game.

NFL futures betting is appealing because it offers the potential for significant returns. As the season progresses, the odds for futures bets can shift dramatically in response to team performances, key player injuries, trades and other relevant news, providing dynamic betting opportunities that more experienced bettors can take advantage of.

We will cover a wide array of the most popular futures wagers available in greater detail below:

• Super Bowl Winner: The most common futures bet in the NFL markets is predicting which team will lift the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. For this long-term wager, the online betting odds are continually adjusted to reflect the changing landscape of the NFL. For example, if Tampa Bay is listed at +500 to win the Super Bowl, a $100 bet would net $500 in profit if they win this annual championship game.
• Conference Championship Winners: Futures bets can also be placed on the championship games for the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). This allows bettors to focus on a team’s performance within its conference, offering a different avenue for investment than predicting the Super Bowl winner. For instance, backing the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC with odds of +300 means an initial wager of $100 would return $300 if they are named the conference winner.
• Division Winners: Futures bets can also be made on which teams will win each of the NFL’s eight divisions. This bet allows fans to focus on the competitive dynamics within specific divisions, with the online sportsbook odds reflecting each team’s prospects of finishing atop their division. For instance, if the Patriots’ futures odds are listed at +300 to win the AFC East, a $100 bet would yield $300 in profit if the Patriots secure the division title.
• 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. For example, if the season win total for San Francisco is set at 10.5, you can bet on whether they will win more or fewer football games than that figure.
• Individual Awards: Futures betting also extends to individual player awards and achievements, such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Offensive Rookie of the Year or Defensive Player of the Year awards. If Aaron Rodgers is listed at +750 to win the MVP award, a successful $100 bet on him would yield $750 in profit.

NFL futures markets offer a compelling way to engage with football betting 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 Markets

Parlay betting markets combine multiple wagers into a single bet, offering the potential for higher payouts. To win a parlay, all individual bets (known as “legs”) within the wager 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 example, a bettor might create a three-leg parlay with the following wagers:

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

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.

Parlay betting is popular among those looking for high-reward opportunities, though it requires careful planning and risk assessment to maximize potential returns.

Live Betting Markets

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows bettors to place wagers on NFL games as they happen.

This dynamic market 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 betting 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.

Live betting markets are ideal for experienced bettors who can analyze in-game trends quickly, providing unique opportunities to capitalize on rapidly changing scenarios.

Period Betting Markets

Period betting markets allow bettors to focus on specific segments of an NFL game, such as a quarter or half, rather than the entire matchup. These bets are ideal for those who prefer to analyze team performance in shorter time frames or want to take advantage of teams that traditionally start strong or finish games well.

For example, in a game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, you might bet on the Ravens to cover a -3.5 spread in the first half. If the Ravens lead by 4 or more points at halftime, the bet wins. Alternatively, you could wager on the total points scored in the third quarter to go over 10.5.

Period betting markets add flexibility and focus to NFL wagering, allowing bettors to hone in on specific parts of the game where they see value.

Betting on 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. This market is ideal for those who want to take on more risk for higher payouts or reduce risk for a smaller return.

For example, 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 game total set at 48.5, an alternate line could offer Over 52.5 at +180 odds or Under 42.5 at -190 odds.

Bettors use alternate lines to align bets with their predictions and risk tolerance, offering a strategic way to enhance potential profits or minimize exposure to losses. This flexibility makes alternate lines a popular choice for those seeking tailored wagering options.

Understanding Betting Line Movement

Betting line movement occurs when online sports betting sites adjust odds, spreads or totals in response to factors such as betting volume, injury reports or weather conditions. Understanding these shifts helps bettors identify value and make more informed betting decisions.

Lines often move because of heavy action on one side of a bet. For example, if a large number of wagers come in on the Kansas City Chiefs at -6.5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, the sportsbook might move the line to -7.5 to balance the action. This ensures they minimize risk and maintain profitability.

External factors, like a key player’s injury or unexpected weather changes, can also cause line movement. For instance, if a starting quarterback is ruled out, the spread may swing several points to reflect the team’s reduced chances of winning.

Tracking line movement is essential for spotting shifts that create favorable opportunities. Bettors can capitalize on early lines before changes occur or wait to see if movement offers better odds closer to game time. Recognizing why and when lines move is a valuable skill for maximizing success in NFL betting.

How To Find the Best NFL Odds Today

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 betting on the Green Bay Packers as a -3 favorite, one sportsbook might offer -110 odds, while another offers -105. Choosing the latter saves money on the vig and increases your profitability.

Look for sportsbooks offering enhanced odds or promotions on specific games or markets. These can provide additional value, especially for high-profile matchups.

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 bet early might prevent losing value due to unfavorable shifts.

By actively comparing lines and monitoring odds changes, bettors can consistently secure the most advantageous terms for their NFL wagers.

NFL Betting Tips & Strategies

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

• Research Team & Player Statistics: Study recent performance metrics, player injury reports and team trends. For example, knowing that a team excels in rushing against a weak defensive line can inform your wagers.
• Understand Situational Factors: Consider elements like home-field advantage, travel fatigue and weather conditions. For instance, football teams traveling across time zones or playing in extreme weather often underperform.
• Shop for the Best Odds: Always compare odds across multiple online sports betting sites to find the best value. A small difference in odds can significantly impact your potential returns.
• Practice Bankroll Management: Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses by wagering more than you can afford to lose.
• Focus on Specific Markets: Specialize in a particular betting market, such as player props or live betting, to develop deeper insights and improve your accuracy.
• Monitor Line Movements: Pay attention to shifts in odds, spreads and totals. Early bets often offer better value, but late changes can reveal valuable insights.
• Consider Using NFL Computer Picks: Leverage our AI-generated betting picks to make informed decisions, especially when assessing markets with complex variables.
• Use Sportsbook Bonuses & Promo Codes: Take advantage of bonus offers and sportsbook promo codes. These special offers, including sign-up bonuses, risk-free bets and other sports betting promotions, boost your bankroll and reduce your risk.
• Avoid Emotional Betting: Bet based on data and analysis, not personal biases or team loyalty.

By applying these strategies, bettors can make smarter decisions and maximize their enjoyment and increase their chances of success when wagering on NFL games.

Conclusion

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

NFL Odds: Frequently Asked Questions

How are NFL odds set?

NFL odds are set by oddsmakers who analyze multiple factors including team performance, 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 betting 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 team performance, injuries and public betting patterns. However, they 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 the team you believe will win outright. However, the payouts for betting on favorites are typically lower compared to underdogs or other types of 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 participating teams are usually closely matched in skill.

What is the best betting site for the NFL?

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