Navigating the world of sports betting for the first time can seem complex, but understanding the fundamentals is the key to getting started. For those looking to learn how to bet on NFL games, the process begins with three core wager types: the moneyline, the point spread, and the totals (or Over/Under). These bets form the foundation of nearly all football wagering and provide a straightforward entry point for new participants. Mastering these concepts allows a bettor to approach any given Sunday with a clear understanding of the most common options available at sportsbooks across the country.
Before placing a wager, it is essential to grasp how betting odds are presented. In the United States, the most common format is American odds. These odds are displayed with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign, indicating the potential payout and which team is favored to win.
- Favorites: A team with a minus sign (e.g., -150) is the favorite. The number indicates how much money must be wagered to win $100. In this case, a bettor would need to risk $150 to win $100.
- Underdogs: A team with a plus sign (e.g., +130) is the underdog. The number indicates how much a $100 wager would win. Here, a $100 bet would result in a $130 profit if the underdog wins.
This system applies to all primary bet types, providing a universal language for understanding risk and reward in NFL betting.
The Three Core NFL Bet Types
For anyone beginning their journey into NFL betting, focusing on the three primary markets is the most effective approach. These wagers are offered for every single game and serve as the building blocks for more complex betting strategies. Understanding the moneyline, point spread, and totals will equip a new bettor with the necessary knowledge to confidently place their first wagers on professional football.
How to Bet the NFL Moneyline
The moneyline is the most direct way to bet on an NFL game. It is a wager on which team will win the contest outright. The final score or margin of victory does not matter; if the team you bet on wins the game, your bet is successful. This simplicity makes it a popular starting point for those new to sports betting.
When betting the moneyline, the odds reflect the perceived strength of each team. The favorite will have lower-paying odds (minus sign), while the underdog will offer a higher potential return (plus sign).
Moneyline Bet Example
Consider a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills.
| Team | Moneyline Odds |
| Kansas City Chiefs | -150 |
| Buffalo Bills | +130 |
- A bet on the Kansas City Chiefs (-150) requires a wager of $150 to win $100. The bet wins if the Chiefs win the game by any score.
- A bet on the Buffalo Bills (+130) means a $100 wager would win $130. The bet wins if the Bills win the game by any score.
How to Bet the NFL Point Spread
The point spread is the most popular form of NFL betting. It is designed to create a more balanced betting scenario by giving a virtual handicap to the underdog. The favorite must win by a certain number of points, while the underdog must either win the game or lose by fewer points than the spread.
The team that is favored will have a minus sign next to its spread number (e.g., -3.5), meaning they must win by more than 3.5 points. The underdog will have a plus sign (e.g., +3.5), meaning they can lose by up to 3 points and the bet would still win. Typically, both sides of a point spread bet have odds of -110, which is the sportsbook’s commission, often called the vig or juice.
Point Spread Bet Example
Using the same Chiefs vs. Bills matchup:
| Team | Point Spread | Odds |
| Kansas City Chiefs | -3 | -110 |
| Buffalo Bills | +3 | -110 |
- To win a bet on the Kansas City Chiefs (-3), they must win the game by 4 or more points. A $110 wager wins $100.
- To win a bet on the Buffalo Bills (+3), they must win the game outright or lose by 1 or 2 points. A $110 wager wins $100.
- If the Chiefs win by exactly 3 points, the bet is a push, and all wagers are refunded.
How to Bet NFL Totals (Over/Under)
A totals bet, also known as the Over/Under, is a wager on the combined final score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a total number, and bettors wager on whether the actual combined score will be higher (Over) or lower (Under) than that number. The winner of the game is irrelevant to the outcome of this bet.
Like point spreads, the odds for both the Over and the Under are usually set at -110. Sportsbooks often use half-points (e.g., 48.5) in the total to prevent pushes.
Totals Bet Example
For the Chiefs vs. Bills game, the total might be set at 49.5 points.
| Bet | Total | Odds |
| Over | 49.5 | -110 |
| Under | 49.5 | -110 |
- A bet on the Over 49.5 wins if the combined score is 50 or more (e.g., a final score of 28-24, for a total of 52). A $110 wager wins $100.
- A bet on the Under 49.5 wins if the combined score is 49 or less (e.g., a final score of 24-21, for a total of 45). A $110 wager wins $100.
Putting It All Together
When you view an NFL game on a sportsbook app or website, you will typically see all three of these primary markets displayed together. This allows bettors to easily see all the main options for a single contest. A complete game listing provides a comprehensive overview for anyone looking into how to bet on an NFL matchup.
Full Game Listing Example: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
| Bet Type | Green Bay Packers | Chicago Bears |
| Point Spread | -3.5 (-110) | +3.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | -180 | +160 |
| Total | Over 45.5 (-110) | Under 45.5 (-110) |
Next Steps in NFL Betting
By mastering the moneyline, point spread, and totals, a new bettor has all the tools needed to start wagering on the NFL. These three bets are the most common and provide a solid foundation for understanding how sports betting markets work. As you gain more experience, you can explore other types of wagers like parlays, teasers, and player props. However, a firm grasp of these fundamentals is the most important first step. Always remember to bet responsibly and within your means.
