How to Bet on NFL Football: A Complete Beginner's Guide
What is NFL Betting?
NFL betting is the act of wagering money on the outcome of National Football League (NFL) games. It involves predicting the results of specific matchups, player performances, or overall season outcomes and placing a bet with a sportsbook. Betting on the NFL adds an extra layer of excitement to watching the games and can be a profitable hobby if approached with a solid strategy and understanding of the fundamentals.
Basic Rules and Format
The NFL season is divided into the preseason, regular season, and postseason (playoffs), culminating in the Super Bowl. The regular season typically consists of 17 games for each of the 32 teams. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament to determine the two teams that will play in the Super Bowl. Understanding the structure of the season is crucial for making informed bets, especially for futures bets.
Types of Bets Available
There are numerous ways to bet on an NFL game. Here are some of the most common types of bets:
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Point Spread: This is the most popular way to bet on football. The sportsbook will set a 'spread,' which is a margin of victory for the favored team. For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are favored by 7 points against the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs must win by more than 7 points for a bet on them to win. A bet on the Broncos would win if they win the game outright or lose by less than 7 points. If the Chiefs win by exactly 7 points, the bet is a 'push,' and the wager is refunded.
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Moneyline: This is the simplest form of betting. You are simply picking which team will win the game. The odds are adjusted based on each team's probability of winning. For example, a bet on a heavy favorite will have a smaller payout than a bet on an underdog.
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Totals (Over/Under): The sportsbook will set a total number of points to be scored in a game by both teams combined. You can bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
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Prop Bets (Propositions): These are bets on specific events within a game that don't necessarily correlate with the final outcome. Examples include betting on which player will score the first touchdown, how many passing yards a quarterback will have, or the result of the coin toss.
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Futures: These are long-term bets on outcomes like who will win the Super Bowl, a specific division, or which player will be named MVP. These bets are placed in advance and can offer large payouts.
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Parlays: A parlay is a single bet that links together two or more individual wagers for a high payout. For the parlay to win, all of the individual wagers must win. While the potential payouts are high, so is the risk.
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Teasers: A teaser is a type of parlay in which you can adjust the point spreads or totals in your favor in exchange for a lower payout.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Bet
- Choose a Reputable Sportsbook: Select a legal and licensed sportsbook that offers competitive odds, a user-friendly interface, and good customer service.
- Create an Account: Sign up for an account and deposit funds.
- Find the NFL Section: Navigate to the NFL or football section of the sportsbook.
- Select a Game: Choose the game you want to bet on.
- Choose Your Bet Type: Select the type of bet you want to make (e.g., point spread, moneyline, total).
- Enter Your Wager Amount: Decide how much you want to bet.
- Confirm Your Bet: Review your bet slip and confirm your wager.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Betting with Your Heart, Not Your Head: Avoid betting on your favorite team unless you have a clear, analytical reason to do so.
- Chasing Losses: Don't increase your bet size to try and win back money you've lost. This is a quick way to deplete your bankroll.
- Ignoring Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your betting and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Not Shopping for the Best Lines: Different sportsbooks can have slightly different odds. Over time, getting the best line can make a big difference to your bottom line.
Tips for Beginners
- Start Small: Begin with small wagers to get a feel for how sports betting works.
- Specialize: Focus on a specific division or a few teams to gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
- Do Your Research: Analyze team stats, injuries, and other relevant factors before placing a bet.
- Understand the Odds: Make sure you understand how to read and interpret betting odds.
- Have Fun: Remember that sports betting should be an enjoyable form of entertainment.