How To Read NFL Odds Like A Pro

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Betting on NFL games can seem complex if you’re not familiar with the numbers and symbols that come with the odds. But once you understand the basics, you can read them like a seasoned pro. This guide breaks down how NFL odds work so you can interpret them effectively and make more informed decisions.

 

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Understanding The Basics of NFL Odds

NFL odds typically come in three forms: point spreads, money lines, and totals (also known as over/under). Each represents a different way to bet on the outcome of a game. To get the most out of your wagers, it’s crucial to know what each type of bet means and how to interpret the odds attached to them.

 

Point Spreads: Leveling The Playing Field

Point spreads are among the most common NFL bets because they level the playing field between teams with different abilities. The spread shows how many points the favored team is expected to win by.

For instance, you might see something like this:

Patriots -6.5 vs. Jets +6.5

In this scenario, the Patriots are favored by 6.5 points. If you bet on them, they need to win by at least 7 points for your bet to succeed. On the other hand, betting on the Jets allows you to win if they either win the game outright or lose by fewer than 6.5 points.

Point spreads add excitement, making the contest feel more balanced from a betting standpoint.

 

Moneyline: Simply Picking A Winner

The moneyline bet is straightforward—you’re betting on which team will win the game outright. Odds are displayed as positive or negative numbers, indicating how much you need to risk or how much you can win. Sportsbooks frequently adjust their lines to reflect current events, and checking odds by FanDuel can give you the latest numbers to work with.

For example, you might see:

Packers -200 vs. Bears +170

A negative moneyline (Packers -200) means the team is favored. In this case, you would need to bet $200 to win $100. A positive moneyline (Bears +170) means they’re the underdog. Betting $100 on the Bears would net you $170 if they win.

Moneyline bets are ideal if you just want to pick the outright winner, without worrying about point spreads.

 

Totals (Over/Under): Betting On Combined Scores

Over/under bets or totals, involve predicting whether the combined score of both teams will go over or under a set number. The sportsbook sets a number, and you wager on whether the actual score will be higher or lower.

For instance:

Over/Under 45.5 points (Patriots vs. Jets)

If you believe the two teams will combine for 46 points or more, you’d bet the over. If you think the game will be more defensive and the total points will be 45 or less, you’d bet the under.

This type of bet is great when you’re unsure of which team will win, but you have a strong feeling about how the game will play out in terms of scoring.

 

Key Terms To Know

Before diving into NFL betting, here are a few essential terms to familiarize yourself with:

  • Juice/Vig: The commission the sportsbook takes on each bet. It’s often included in point spreads and totals.
  • Push: A tie between your bet and the sportsbook’s number, which results in a refund of your bet.
  • Parlay: A bet that involves combining multiple outcomes into one wager. All outcomes must win for the bet to pay out.

 

Conclusion

Understanding NFL odds is the first step toward becoming a more informed and successful bettor. Whether you’re focusing on point spreads, money lines, or totals, the key is knowing how to interpret the numbers and apply them to your betting strategy. With this knowledge, you can navigate NFL odds like a pro and enhance your betting experience, all while staying smart with your wagers.

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