Betting on football games is one of the most popular sports betting activities. These bets can be made before the game or during play. They are based on statistics and require some knowledge of the game.
Moneyline bets are the most basic form of football betting. They are based solely on the team that wins the game, unlike spread bets.
Spread bets
Spread bets are the most popular way to place a wager on NFL games. They even the playing field between teams with different talent levels and other factors, such as weather or injuries. These bets are based on statistical analysis and expert predictions, making them safer than betting on individual games.
Football point spreads are usually flexible and can be set to any number the oddsmaker considers appropriate for the game. These types of bets are often more accurate than other bets, such as moneyline bets. However, they are not foolproof.
When placing a bet on a team’s point total, be sure to study the matchup carefully. Look at statistics such as yards or points for and against, red zone success, and turnovers to help you decide which side to bet on. You can also add a teaser bet to your wager, which alters the spread in the gambler’s favor by a predetermined margin. This is especially useful for high-scoring games, as it increases the likelihood of a winning bet.
Moneyline bets
A moneyline bet is a simple wager that removes the point spread and simply offers odds for a team to win. The odds will be negative for a favorite and positive for an underdog. The difference in the odds reflects how close or far apart the two teams are on the betting board.
To place a moneyline bet, look for the option labeled “Moneyline” or “ML” next to the team names on the betting board. Carefully evaluate the odds to determine if the potential payout is worth the risk. Remember that a higher payout generally indicates a lower probability of winning.
A moneyline bet can be a great way to make friendly football bets with friends. It can also help you stay in your budget and avoid losing too much money. However, it is important to understand that the returns on moneyline bets can be minimal if you’re betting on a heavy favorite. This is because a single upset can easily eat into your bankroll.
Over/Under bets
One of the most popular ways to bet on football is by placing an Over/Under bet. This bet is based on the combined score of both teams in a game and is considered one of the safest bets available. The over/under number is usually set by a combination of statistical analysis and expert predictions. If the team scores more than the over/under number, you win.
You can also make a Draw No Bet, which is a wager that has the same payout as a regular bet if the game ends in a tie. This bet is available at some sportsbooks and is easy to place online. Just be sure to check the rules of each sportsbook before making a bet. Over/Under bets can be influenced by stadium and weather conditions, so be careful to consider the game’s overall environment before placing a bet. Seasoned bettors always scour injury reports and pay attention to line movement when betting on totals.
Parlay bets
Parlay bets are all-or-nothing wagers that require all of the individual bets in a parlay to win for the entire bet to win. This makes them popular in football because of the inherent scheduling symmetry of games each week and the fact that they all start at the same time. This allows bettors to make NFL parlays involving point spreads and totals on the same ticket. For instance, you might take the under in a game against a team you think will cover and then add a totals bet on the Over.
Parlays are also available in other sports such as hockey, baseball and soccer. However, when betting on these sports, tying correlated outcomes in a parlay will often lead to meager payouts. Teaser bets are a great way to reduce the risk of a parlay. These bets let you move the points spread or over/under (total) line in your favor. This makes a parlay more attractive and will give you a higher chance of winning.