Beginner Guide

NFL Bet Types Explained

Every way to bet on football, from basic to advanced

Basic Bet Types

The fundamental bets every NFL bettor should know.

Point Spread

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.

Chiefs -6.5 (-110) Must win by 7+
Raiders +6.5 (-110) Can lose by 6 or less
Popularity: Very High
House Edge: ~4.5%
Skill Factor: Medium
Moneyline

Simply pick who wins. No spread involved. Favorites require larger bets; underdogs offer larger payouts.

Bills -180 Bet $180 to win $100
Dolphins +155 Bet $100 to win $155
Best for: Heavy underdogs you think will win outright, or favorites you don't trust to cover a big spread.
Totals (Over/Under)

Bet whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number.

Total: 47.5
OVER -110 UNDER -110

Factors to consider: Weather, pace of play, defensive matchups, indoor/outdoor, injuries to key offensive players.

Multi-Bet Types

Combining multiple selections into single bets.

Parlays

Combine 2+ bets into one. All selections must win for the parlay to pay. Higher risk, higher reward.

Legs Approx. Odds $10 Pays True Break-Even
2+264$3627.5%
3+600$7014.3%
4+1228$1337.5%
5+2435$2543.9%
Warning: Parlays have a much higher house edge (20-30%) than straight bets. Books love parlay bettors.
Teasers

A parlay where you adjust spreads in your favor (usually 6, 6.5, or 7 points) in exchange for reduced odds.

Example: 6-Point Teaser
Original Lines:
  • Chiefs -7.5
  • Bills -3.5
Teased Lines:
  • Chiefs -1.5
  • Bills +2.5
When teasers work: Crossing key numbers (3 and 7) in NFL. A 6-point teaser moving -8 to -2 crosses both 7 and 3.
Same Game Parlays (SGP)

Combine multiple bets from the same game (player props, spreads, totals) into one parlay.

Example SGP:
  • Chiefs -3.5
  • Patrick Mahomes Over 275.5 passing yards
  • Travis Kelce anytime TD scorer
  • Combined odds: +450
Caution: SGPs have high correlation risk - outcomes are often tied together. Sportsbooks price this into the odds.

Prop Bets

Bets on specific events or player performances within a game.

Player Props

Bet on individual player statistics: passing yards, rushing yards, receptions, touchdowns, etc.

Passing Props
  • Passing yards O/U
  • Passing TDs O/U
  • Interceptions O/U
  • Completions O/U
Skill Position Props
  • Rushing yards O/U
  • Receiving yards O/U
  • Receptions O/U
  • Anytime TD scorer
Edge opportunity: Player props can be softer than game lines because they require more specialized knowledge.
Game Props

Bets on game events not directly tied to the final score.

First team to score
First scoring play type
Total touchdowns
Longest TD
Total sacks
Total turnovers

Futures

Long-term bets on season-long outcomes.

Championship Futures
  • Super Bowl winner
  • Conference champions (AFC/NFC)
  • Division winners
Season Futures
  • Team win totals O/U
  • Make/miss playoffs
  • MVP, OPOY, DPOY
Capital lock-up: Futures tie up your money for months. Factor this into bankroll management.

Live Betting (In-Game)

Bet while the game is in progress with constantly updating odds.

Advantages
  • React to game flow and injuries
  • Find value when lines overreact
  • Hedge pre-game bets
  • More betting opportunities
Risks
  • Fast-paced, emotional decisions
  • Higher vig on live lines
  • Information disadvantage vs books
  • Easy to overbat
Best live betting approach: Have pre-planned scenarios. Know what you'll bet if X happens, rather than making reactive decisions.

Bet Type Comparison

Bet Type House Edge Skill Factor Best For
Point Spread Low (~4.5%) Medium-High Regular betting
Moneyline Low-Medium Medium Underdogs, close games
Totals Low (~4.5%) Medium-High Weather games, pace analysis
Parlays High (20-30%) Low Entertainment only
Teasers Medium Medium Key number strategy
Player Props Medium High Deep player knowledge
Futures Medium-High Medium Long-term value plays
Live Betting Medium-High High Experienced bettors
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Recommendation

For beginners, focus 90% of your bets on:

  • Point spreads at -110
  • Totals at -110
  • Moneylines for underdogs

Leave parlays and exotic bets until you've built a winning record on straight bets.

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