How to Bet on NFL Football
Everything you need to know to place your first NFL bet with confidence
8 min read
3 Things You Need to Start Betting
1. A Sportsbook Account
Sign up with a legal sportsbook like FanDuel or DraftKings. Must be 21+ and in a legal state.
2. A Betting Budget
Set aside money you can afford to lose. Start small - even $20-50 is fine for learning.
3. Basic Knowledge
Understand the three main bet types: moneyline, point spread, and totals. We'll cover all three below.
Understanding NFL Betting Markets
NFL betting offers three main bet types. Each works differently, and understanding them is essential before placing your first wager.
Moneyline Bets: Pick the Winner
The simplest bet - you pick which team wins the game. No point spread involved.
Example:
Chiefs -180 vs. Raiders +155
• Bet $180 on Chiefs to win $100 (they're favored)
• Bet $100 on Raiders to win $155 (they're underdogs)
Best for: Games where you're confident one team wins but unsure about the margin.
Point Spread Bets: Betting the Margin
The most popular NFL bet. The favorite must win by more than the spread; the underdog can lose by less than the spread (or win outright).
Example:
Chiefs -6.5 (-110) vs. Raiders +6.5 (-110)
• Chiefs -6.5: They must win by 7+ points for your bet to win
• Raiders +6.5: They can lose by up to 6 points and you still win
Best for: Most NFL games - spreads level the playing field between mismatched teams.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined Score
Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number.
Example:
Total: 47.5 points
• Over 47.5: You win if the final combined score is 48+
• Under 47.5: You win if the final combined score is 47 or less
Best for: When you have a read on the game's pace but aren't sure which team wins.
NFL Key Numbers You Should Know
In football, certain margins of victory occur more frequently due to the scoring system (touchdowns = 7, field goals = 3). These "key numbers" matter when betting spreads:
| Key Number | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 3 | Most common margin - field goal difference. ~15% of NFL games land on 3. |
| 7 | Second most common - one touchdown difference. ~10% of games. |
| 10 | TD + FG difference. Third most common margin. |
| 6, 14, 17 | Other important numbers to watch when line shopping. |
Pro tip: Getting +3 instead of +2.5 can significantly improve your win rate over time.
NFL Betting Tips for Beginners
Do This
- Check injury reports before betting
Key injuries can move lines significantly
- Consider weather for outdoor games
Wind and rain affect passing and kicking
- Compare odds across sportsbooks
Getting better numbers adds up over time
- Start with small bets while learning
Protect your bankroll as you develop skills
Avoid This
- Betting on your favorite team blindly
Emotional bias clouds judgment
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
Stick to your unit size regardless of recent results
- Betting every game on the slate
Quality over quantity - be selective
- Ignoring home field advantage
Worth 2-3 points in the NFL
Where Can I Bet on NFL Games?
Sports betting is legal in 38+ states as of 2026. The most popular legal sportsbooks include:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
You must be 21+ and physically located in a state where sports betting is legal to place bets.
Check Your State's Betting LawsReady to Bet Smarter? Discover +EV Betting
Now that you know the basics, take your NFL betting to the next level. +EV (positive expected value) betting finds opportunities where the odds are actually in your favor - not the sportsbook's.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest NFL bet for beginners?
Moneyline bets are the easiest to understand - you simply pick which team will win the game. Point spreads are the most popular NFL bet, but moneylines are more straightforward for beginners learning the basics.
How much money do I need to start betting on NFL games?
You can start with as little as $20-50 at most sportsbooks. The key is setting a budget you're comfortable losing and sticking to it. Many experts recommend betting 1-2% of your total bankroll per game.
What does -110 mean in NFL betting?
-110 means you need to bet $110 to win $100 (or $11 to win $10). This is the standard "juice" or "vig" that sportsbooks charge. It's built into most spread and total bets and represents the sportsbook's commission.
When is the best time to bet on NFL games?
Lines typically open Sunday night or Monday morning for the following week's games. Early bettors may find value before lines adjust, while waiting until game day gives you the latest injury and weather information.
Can you really make money betting on the NFL?
Long-term profitability requires finding bets where your edge exceeds the sportsbook's vig - this is called positive expected value (+EV) betting. Most recreational bettors lose over time, but disciplined bettors using data-driven approaches can be profitable.