How to Bet onNFL Point Spreads
How Does NFL Spread Betting Work?
Grasping the concept of football spread betting is relatively straightforward. Often referred to as NFL handicap betting, this system aims to even out mismatched competitions. The favored team faces a point deficit, while the underdog receives a head start.
Consider this common scenario in NFL spread betting:
| Team | Point Spread | Odds |
|---|---|---|
Kansas City Chiefs  | -7.5 | -110 |
Las Vegas Raiders  | +7.5 | -105 |
In this case, the Kansas City Chiefs are the predicted winners against the Las Vegas Raiders. The negative point spread indicates that Kansas City is the favorite. In order for your bet to win, the Chiefs must triumph by eight points or more.
As the moneyline On the other hand, the underdog, Las Vegas, carries a positive point spread. If you bet on the Raiders to cover the spread, you anticipate they will lose by seven points or less. This means that even if the Raiders do lose, your second bet can still succeed if the Chiefs don’t meet the point spread requirement.
If you prefer a different format to learn about NFL spread betting, take a look at the video tutorial provided below.
Essentially, there are two primary methods for NFL handicapping: betting against the spread (ATS) and betting on the spread (covering the spread). Let's delve into how each of these markets operates.
Betting Against the Spread
When you bet against the spread in the NFL, you're essentially wagering that a team will outperform the expectations set by the bookmakers' point spread. To win, the moneyline favorite must exceed the spread margin, while the underdog must either win or not lose by a margin greater than the spread.Using our previous example, if you place a bet on the Chiefs ATS, they need to win by eight or more points for your bet to be favorable. Alternatively, if you bet on the Raiders ATS, they need to either win the match or lose by seven points or less.
Example of Betting Against the Spread:
If the Chiefs are set at -110, your gamble of $110 aims to yield $100. Conversely, backing the Raiders at -105 would mean a $105 bet returning $100 as well. In spread betting, NFL sportsbooks implement a virtual points handicap to balance the competition. Therefore, betting on a team to cover the spread means you are counting on them to perform sufficiently well for your bet to pay off.Covering the Spread
For instance, if the New England Patriots are at -6.5 against the Miami Dolphins at +6.5, and if the Patriots win with a score of 27-20, they would cover the spread by winning by seven points. In contrast, if the Dolphins lose by a tighter score of 24-20, they would still cover the spread.
Example of Covering the Spread:
Understanding Half-Point and Full-Point NFL SpreadsIf you’re already knowledgeable about NFL point spreads, you may have observed that sportsbooks provide both half-point and full-point lines. While scoring a half-point is impossible in football, this distinction makes sense from a betting angle.
Bookmakers utilize half-point spreads to eliminate the possibility of a 'push,' where the bettor receives a refund if the result ties. Full points create a risk that neither team will end up covering the spread.
Examples of Half-Point & Full-Point Spreads:
Imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers are favored at -4 against the Baltimore Ravens at +4. If the Steelers win by exactly four points, they would cover the spread. But if they only win by two points, they wouldn't meet the coverage requirement. In a case where the win margin is precisely three points, the bet would be considered a push.
In a different scenario, another sportsbook might set the point spread at 2.5. Should the Steelers win by three points, they would again cover the spread, but if they only win by two, they would not. In this situation, a push is not possible. Typically, bookmakers offer one main spread line, with odds that can range from -110 to +110. However, you may also encounter numerous other lines that include various handicap options. These different bets allow for a mix of risk levels, depending on the odds.Alternative NFL Spread Lines
Generally, smaller point spreads come with lower odds, while larger point spreads are associated with higher odds. Smaller spreads, being more predictable, often yield lesser payouts, whereas higher spreads tend to be harder to forecast, which in turn means better odds.
Now that you have a solid grasp of the NFL spread, let’s explore other betting options available out there. The conventional NFL point spread applies to the entire match, but alternative lines can focus on specific sections of the game.
Types of NFL Spreads
Particularly, there are a multitude of alternate spreads you can explore including those listed below. Bovada Beyond betting on the overall game spread, you can also place bets on the spread for each quarter. This option presents four additional chances to engage in point spread betting.
How are NFL Spreads Determined?
For example, if bookmakers predict that the Buffalo Bills will score around 22.4 points against the New York Jets, who are forecasted to score approximately 17.5 points, this results in a differential of 4.9 points. Hence, the initial point spread would likely be set at four points.
Sportsbooks must also determine how to allocate funds across the spread sides. If they anticipate equal betting amounts on both sides, they'll maintain the line near the initial point while offering relatively similar odds.
Conversely, if they project that one team will attract more money, they will adjust the line accordingly. The end goal for bookies is to balance wagers on both sides, ensuring they can secure a profit regardless of the final outcome.
It’s important to keep in mind that football spreads are subject to change leading up to the game. Sportsbooks will often tweak their odds depending on betting trends, so watch the NFL point spreads closely in the days, hours, and minutes preceding the game. For instance, the Dallas Cowboys tend to draw a lot of money from bettors, necessitating adjustments by sportsbooks to maintain balance in their lines. move the odds or the line Top Sportsbooks for NFL Spread Betting
Bovada provides competitive NFL lines and odds throughout the regular season, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. The platform is user-friendly, featuring a responsive mobile interface, an impressive live betting section, and various deposit options, including cryptocurrency. With a welcome bonus of 100% up to $1,000, Bovada is an excellent choice for newcomers. biggest fanbases in the NFL Accumulate Rewards Points With Each Bet You Place
Intuitive site layout for seamless navigation.
Bovada Top Choice for New NFL Bettors
Everygame boasts amazing NFL betting choices, but it's wise to remember that football season eventually wraps up. Therefore, Everygame's wide array of betting lines for alternative markets comes in handy. Football enthusiasts can place bets on exciting events while awaiting the next game's kickoff or during the off-season.
Welcome Bonus 100% up to $1,000 (Promo Code: BV1000)
Sportsbook Rewards With global coverage, Everygame is distinguished as a premier sportsbook for fans of all sports, beyond just the NFL. You’ll discover a blend of moneylines, spreads, prop bets, and futures spanning leagues around the world, including the FIFA World Cup, Europa League, and especially the Super Bowl.
Low bonus wagering requirements.
A low minimum deposit requirement of $20 to qualify for bonuses
Everygame Top Betting Event Coverage
is certainly attainable, but there are various factors to weigh. Fortunately, we have compiled a helpful list of beginner tips to guide you through the process.
1. Analyze Offensive and Defensive Metrics
Sports Welcome Bonus 100% up to $500
Crypto Welcome Bonus 50% up to $1,000
Reload Bonus 100% up to $300
Global Coverage for Betting Lines
Researching both offensive and defensive stats will enable you to visualize how the game may unfold. Some teams have a track record of scoring high points, while others excel at maintaining a strong defense. Your responsibility is to understand the characteristics of the teams you're placing bets on.
Restricted states: KY, LA, MD, MO, NJ, NY, WA
Point Spread Betting Tips
Building a profitable NFL spread betting strategy Key offensive statistics include total yards gained, passing yards, and rushing figures. Important defensive stats encompass yards allowed, sacks, and turnovers. The
2. Review the NFL Point Spread Statistics for Each Team
Given the popularity of NFL point spread betting, there's a wealth of spread-specific statistics available. Historical spread records exist for every NFL team, providing insight into both their performances as favorites and underdogs.
includes data regarding each team's ATS record and their success rate when covering the spread. Before placing bets on NFL lines, always evaluate the historical patterns and assess each matchup uniquely. official NFL website and ESPN are great resources for NFL stats.
Sometimes, relying on historical data alone isn't sufficient. After gaining a broader understanding, we recommend looking into the latest trends. Teams can frequently shift in performance, so it’s essential to stay updated on their current trajectory.
It's crucial to remember that just because a team has dominated past matchups doesn’t guarantee the same outcome will repeat. By keeping abreast of new trends, you may gain the upper hand over the bookmakers in the NFL spread betting landscape.
EV Analytics Orange icon indicating a player with a knee injury.
3. Account for the Latest Trends
Injuries and player suspensions significantly influence NFL game outcomes.
impact their overall team performance, so it’s vital to stay informed on the latest updates.
4. Follow the Latest Team News
What Exactly Are Betting Systems? A Guide for BeginnersThe absence of star players cannegativelyTo explore our website, simply input a keyword in the search bar. NFL injury report before betting.
This webpage features affiliate partnerships. If you decide to make a deposit using the links provided, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us maintain our content and ensure that we deliver current and relevant information.
5. Account for Potential Stat Padders
Betting on NFL point spreads is incredibly popular among football enthusiasts, particularly in the online betting realm. The leading sports betting platforms offer an extensive selection of NFL spread betting options, many of which come with enticing odds.
If you're keen on mastering NFL spread betting, you've definitely found the right spot. In this section, we clarify the workings of NFL spread betting, offer valuable advice for newcomers, and point out the best platforms for engaging in football spread betting.
Free NFL Spread Picks
See All NFL PicksNFL Point Spread Betting Takeaways
For the underdog Raiders, a positive spread implies they were given a points advantage. Wagering on the Raiders to cover means you believe they'll either lose by seven points or less. Even with a loss, the second bet can still win if the Chiefs don't cover the spread. plenty of value .
For an alternative way to learn about NFL spread betting, feel free to watch the video below. top-ranked NFL betting sites and get started?
