What are Player Props?
Bet on individual player performances and statistics
6 min read
The Quick Answer
Player props are bets on individual player statistics—not the game outcome. You're betting over/under on things like passing yards, points scored, strikeouts, or rebounds.
Instead of betting on who wins, you're betting on how players perform. Will Patrick Mahomes throw for over 275.5 yards? Will LeBron score over 25.5 points? These bets let you leverage specific player knowledge and matchup analysis.
Popular Player Props by Sport
NFL
- Passing yards
- Passing touchdowns
- Rushing yards
- Receiving yards
- Receptions
- Anytime TD scorer
- First TD scorer
NBA
- Points
- Rebounds
- Assists
- 3-pointers made
- Points + Rebounds + Assists
- Double-double (Yes/No)
- Steals + Blocks
MLB
- Pitcher strikeouts
- Hits allowed
- Earned runs
- Outs recorded
- Batter hits
- Total bases
- RBIs
Player Prop Examples
NFL Week 12: Chiefs vs Raiders
| Player | Prop | Line | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | Passing Yards | 275.5 | -110 | -110 |
| Travis Kelce | Receiving Yards | 68.5 | -115 | -105 |
| Isiah Pacheco | Rushing Yards | 62.5 | -110 | -110 |
| Travis Kelce | Anytime TD | — | -120 (Yes) / +100 (No) | |
The line (275.5, 68.5, etc.) is set by sportsbooks based on projected performance, historical data, and matchup factors. Betting the over means you think the player exceeds this number; under means they fall short.
Finding Value in Player Props
Research Matchups
A WR facing a weak secondary may have value on the over. A pitcher facing a lineup that strikes out often might have value on strikeout props. Specific matchup analysis matters more for props than game bets.
Consider Game Script
Big favorites might run more, limiting passing stats. Trailing teams pass more. A running back's props might have under value if his team is expected to throw from behind all game.
Check Injury Reports
If a team's WR1 is out, the WR2's targets increase. Prop lines often adjust slowly to injury news. Being first to react to lineup changes can uncover value.
Compare Across Books
Prop lines vary more between sportsbooks than game lines. You might find Kelce at 68.5 yards at one book and 72.5 at another. Always shop for the best number.
Player Props: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Leverage specific player/matchup knowledge
- Bet on players regardless of game outcome
- More betting opportunities per game
- Lines can be softer than game lines
Disadvantages
- Higher vig (6-10% vs 4.5% on spreads)
- Lower betting limits
- Variance is high (injuries, ejections)
- Books limit sharp prop bettors quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
What are player props in sports betting?
Player props (proposition bets) are wagers on individual player performances rather than game outcomes. You're betting on statistics like passing yards, points scored, strikeouts, or rebounds—with over/under lines set by sportsbooks for each stat.
How do player prop odds work?
Player props work like over/under bets. The sportsbook sets a line (e.g., Patrick Mahomes passing yards: 275.5), and you bet whether the actual number will be over or under. Standard odds are -110 on each side, though lines can vary based on implied probability.
Are player props easier to win than game bets?
Not necessarily. While props let you focus on specific matchups and player knowledge, sportsbooks apply higher vig (6-10%) and invest heavily in prop modeling. Props can offer value when you have information the market hasn't priced in, but they're not inherently easier.
Can player props be parlayed?
Yes, most sportsbooks allow player prop parlays and same-game parlays (SGPs) that combine props from the same game. However, correlated props in SGPs have adjusted odds that account for how outcomes affect each other.
What sports have the best player props?
NFL, NBA, and MLB have the deepest prop markets with the most options. NFL offers passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive props. NBA has points, rebounds, assists, and combo props. MLB focuses on pitcher strikeouts, hits, and bases.