The Top 5 Bet Types for Beginner NFL Bettors

Getting into sports betting can be intimidating, especially for beginners navigating the world of NFL wagering. With the NFL being the most popular sport to bet on in America, it’s crucial to understand the basics before diving into more complex betting options.

This article provides an introduction to five common types of NFL bets: moneyline, point spread, game total, teaser, and alternate point spread. By starting with these simpler wagers, novice bettors can gain valuable experience and gradually explore more advanced betting strategies.

Understanding the intricacies of each bet type is essential for maximizing potential returns while wagering on America’s favorite sport.

The Top 5 Bet Types for Beginner NFL Bettors

Moneylines

Moneyline betting is the simplest way to start with sports betting, particularly in the NFL. The NFL is widely recognized as the most popular sport to wager on in America, so Las Vegas pays close attention to all the lines.

The beauty of the moneyline bet is that it requires the least amount of knowledge to “beat” Vegas. It’s straightforward: you bet on the team you believe will win.

However, it’s not as simple as it sounds, as the odds are heavily weighted, with numbers like -210 for favorites (meaning you bet $210 to win $100).

So, while it’s the easiest type of bet to make, it’s only lucrative if you choose an underdog or combine a couple of big favorites in a parlay. For beginners, however, it’s the simplest way to dive in and test your luck.

Point spreads

Point spread betting introduces a bit more complexity. It’s no longer just about predicting the winner, like saying the Patriots will defeat the Dolphins. These bets typically offer better odds for favorites compared to the moneyline (usually around -110), but now you have to consider the margin of victory.

Understanding key numbers in football (e.g., 3, 7, 10) is crucial. For instance, if the spread is -6.5, picking the favorite means they need to win by at least a touchdown for you to win. However, if the line is -7.5 and the favorite wins by exactly a touchdown, then the underdog wins the bet.

Understanding key numbers can be simple, yet it greatly helps in maximizing your potential return on investment.

Game totals (Over/Under)

Game total betting, also known as over/under, is an enjoyable way to bet because you’re rooting for or against the total points scored, regardless of which team wins or how close the game is. However, it can be trickier than many expect. The desire to bet on the over is quite common.

As sports fans, we all love high-scoring games. With the popularity of fantasy football in the NFL, it’s easy to assume that high numbers are easily achievable. But hold on a second, because there are several factors to consider when betting on the over/under, and one of them is how public a team or player is.

Games involving teams like the Packers typically attract more action than those involving the Jaguars. Vegas is aware of the week’s most popular games and considers that when setting the lines.

So, while betting on the total can be thrilling, be cautious and thoroughly research the competing teams’ offensive and defensive strengths and weaknesses before placing your bet.

Teaser bets

Teaser bets add an element of sophistication. These bets may not offer great odds, but they increase your chances of winning a parlay. Teasing a line involves adjusting the existing line by adding or subtracting points.

For example, if you believe the Bills will put up a good fight against the Texans but aren’t sure about them at +2.5, you can tease the line and get them at +8.5 by moving the spread through two key numbers. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, that’s right!

Teasing a line won’t yield favorable odds, and you’ll always need to parlay, meaning at least two bets on one ticket. Nevertheless, you’re improving your chances of winning with these new numbers compared to what Vegas initially offered.

Alternate point spreads

Alternate point spreads involve a bolder approach. If you believe you have a deep understanding of a game, you might want to start creating your own lines. It’s not an easy task and is undoubtedly the most challenging among the five mentioned bets.

However, it’s a great way to assess your game analysis skills and also provides the opportunity for better odds on your wagers. Many new bettors are eager to explore player props, but the truth is, they’re not easy to figure out. We often think in terms of fantasy and assume it’s “easy” for a player to accumulate 90 receiving yards. However, in reality, it’s quite challenging, and various circumstances, such as injuries, can affect performance during a game.

Predicting game outcomes isn’t easy either, but if you strongly favor a favorite with a -4.5 spread, it could be worth bumping them up to -6.5 for better odds (e.g., +110 instead of -110) without crossing key numbers.

The five types of bets mentioned above require only a basic understanding of the NFL and betting without overwhelming demands. Once you start watching games as a bettor, you can gradually explore player props, parlays, first-half totals, and more. But in the beginning, it’s best to keep it simple.

Vegas is aware of the NFL’s popularity as a betting sport and understands how novice bettors think. And always remember, if a line appears too good to be true, chances are it probably is.

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