For those not fully briefed on the terms involved, betting on an NFL game can be somewhat confusing. To place a successful bet and make the experience enjoyable for oneself, one must be aware of the most common terms involved. Following is a rundown of six key terms related to betting on NFL games.
Point Spread
Of all the various ways to wager on an NFL game, one of the most popular remains betting the point spread. A sportsbook will set a point spread in order to level the playing field between a favorite and an underdog. The favorite must win by a margin greater than the spread, while the underdog has to win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for the related bet to win.
For example, if the favorite in any given spread is -6.5, then they would have to win by seven or more points for one to win a bet. Conversely, a bet on the underdog at +6.5 would pay off if they won the game or lost by six points or less.
Money line
A money line bet is the easiest type of wager to place on the outcome of a contest. You are simply betting on which team will win, with no point spread involved. However, the odds will change depending on which team is favored. Generally speaking, betting on the favorite reaps lower payout, while betting on the underdog often yields higher returns should they pull off an upset.
For example, a favorite might be -150, where you’d need to wager $150 to win $100. An underdog with odds of +200 would return $200 on a $100 bet. Comparing the odds by FanDuel can help you find the best value for your moneyline bets based on how teams are matched up. The money line is ideal for the individual who just wants to worry about which team comes out on top.
Over/Under (Total)
The over-under or total is a bet placed based on the combined score of both teams in a contest. A total is set by the sportsbook, which handicaps the combined score, and bettors place wagers on whether the actual combined score will be over or under the set number.
Parlay
A parlay lets you combine several wagers into one NFL bet. You make this in hopes of getting a bigger payout in return. For the bet to be successful, all your bets in your parlay must win, which makes parlays a riskier yet more rewarding option.
You might combine wagers on three games in the NFL, for example, into one parlay. If even just one of those games doesn’t go your way, you lose that entire parlay. If all your picks win, though, it will pay substantially higher than each of those games would as an individual wager.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, or proposition bets, give you the chance to wager on specific events or scenarios within a game that aren’t directly tied to the final score. These bets often focus on individual performances or particular moments throughout the game.
For example, you could place a bet on the number of passing yards a quarterback will throw for, or which team will score the first touchdown. Prop bets offer an exciting way to engage with a game, especially for those who enjoy focusing on specific details and player statistics.
Futures
Futures bets involve predicting events that will happen later in the season, such as which team will win the Super Bowl or who will be named MVP. Because they’re placed well in advance, futures bets come with added risk due to the many variables that can affect the outcome over the course of a season.
For example, placing a bet on a team to win the Super Bowl before the season starts may offer higher odds than waiting until the playoffs. Futures bets provide a long-term investment for those who enjoy making predictions over an extended period.
Conclusion
Knowing these six essential bet terms will go a long way in making you a more confident and prepared NFL bettor. These six terms, from the more common moneyline to the more exotic teasers and parlays, represent a starting point from which many successful NFL betting strategies begin. The more comfortable you become with both the terminology and the different types of bets, the more intelligent decisions you will make to increase your chances of winning.
