The NFL season has finally arrived and fans everywhere are eager to learn the ins and outs of betting on football. From preseason games to the Super Bowl, NFL betting provides a unique opportunity for fans to get in on the action, with games taking place just once a week. Odds are released on Sunday nights, and sportsbooks accept wagers throughout the week, with the majority of bets coming in right before kickoff.
For those looking to dip their toes into NFL betting for the first time, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you get started. One of the first things to understand when betting on NFL football is how to interpret NFL betting lines. While there are numerous ways to wager on NFL odds, the most common methods are moneyline, point spread, and Over/Under totals.
When it comes to moneyline betting, the weaker team is typically listed as the underdog with positive odds, such as +110. In a situation where the underdog has +110 odds, there is an implied probability of 47.62% to win. Because betting on the underdog is riskier, the potential payout is higher. For example, a $100 bet on a +110 underdog would return $110.
To get a better understanding of potential payouts and implied probabilities, you can use a moneyline calculator like the one offered by Covers. Point spread bets require teams to win by a certain number of points, determined by oddsmakers. The favorite is indicated by a negative value next to its spread, while the underdog has a positive value. In the event of a push, where the favorite wins by exactly the amount of the spread, the bet is refunded.
Vig or juice is an important consideration when betting on NFL spreads. This represents the cost of the bet and is displayed alongside the spread odds. Sportsbooks commonly use a -110 line for point spreads, meaning you would need to wager $110 to win $100. Over/Under total betting is another popular option, allowing bettors to wager on the combined number of points scored in a game. Vig is also applied to Over/Under bets, with most bookmakers using a -110 line.
Understanding these different betting options is crucial for new bettors looking to get into NFL wagering. With a little knowledge and some luck, you could find yourself on the winning side of the bet this NFL season.
