How to Bet on NFL Football: A Beginner’s Guide to Spreads, Moneylines, and Totals

The most important tip for a beginner is to start small, betting only what you can afford to lose (e.g., $\$5$ to $\$10$ per game). Focus on understanding value rather than simply betting on the favorite teams.

Getting Started: Finding a Legal Sportsbook

Before placing any bet, you must use a licensed and regulated sportsbook app.

1. Choose a Legal App

Popular and reliable apps include FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. They operate legally in more than 30 U.S. states.

• Avoid Offshore Sites: Always use a platform licensed in the U.S. Offshore sites are illegal and put your money at high risk.
• Verify State Laws: You must be physically located in a state where the app is legal. Apps use geolocation technology to verify your location. You must also be 21 or older to place a bet.

2. Sign Up and Deposit

• Registration: Sign up by providing your basic personal information and social security number for verification.
• Deposit: Deposit a minimum amount (usually $\$10$ to $\$20$) using a credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. Claim any welcome bonus, such as a “Bet $\$5$, Get $\$200$” offer, but read the rules carefully.

3. Placing Your First Bet

Navigate to the NFL section. Select a game, choose your desired bet type, enter the amount you want to wager (your stake), and confirm the bet slip.

The Four Core NFL Bet Types Explained

NFL betting centers around these four primary types of wagers.

1. Moneyline (ML): Picking the Winner

This is the simplest bet: you pick which team will win the game outright. Odds determine the payout.

• Favorite (Negative Odds): The minus sign (e.g., -200) shows the favored team. You must bet $\$200$ to win $\$100$ in profit.
• Underdog (Positive Odds): The plus sign (e.g., +170) shows the underdog. A $\$100$ bet wins $\$170$ in profit.

2. Point Spread (ATS): Margin of Victory

The spread is a handicap the sportsbook sets to level the playing field. You bet on the margin of victory.

Example: Chiefs -3.5 / Bills +3.5

• Betting Chiefs -3.5: The Chiefs must win by 4 points or more to “cover the spread” and win your bet.
• Betting Bills +3.5: The Bills can win outright or lose by 3 points or less to win your bet.

Odds: Spread bets usually have -110 odds on both sides. This requires a $\$110$ bet to win $\$100$ profit, with the extra $\$10$ being the sportsbook’s fee, known as the vig.

3. Totals (Over/Under): Combined Score

You bet whether the total points scored by both teams will be Over or Under a number set by the sportsbook.

Example: Over/Under 45.5 Points

• Betting Over: The teams must combine for 46 points or more.
• Betting Under: The teams must combine for 45 points or less.

Push: If the total is a whole number (e.g., 46) and the combined score matches it exactly, it is a push, and the stake is refunded. The .5 hook prevents this.

4. Player Props (Prop Bets): Specific Events

A prop bet is a wager on a specific event or player statistic within the game. It does not depend on the final outcome.

Example: Patrick Mahomes Over 250.5 Passing Yards or Travis Kelce Anytime Touchdown Scorer.

Essential Beginner Strategies and Tips

Successful NFL betting is not about luck; it is about finding value.

1. Shop for the Best Line: The point spread or total might differ slightly between apps. Always place your bet on the app that gives you the best odds or spread. This small edge adds up over time.
2. Bet Small and Stay Consistent: Manage your bankroll by risking only a small percentage (e.g., 1% to 5%) of your total betting funds on any single game. A beginner with a $\$200$ bankroll should bet $\$2$ to $\$10$ per game.
3. Analyze Against the Spread (ATS) Records: Do not just look at a team’s win-loss record. A team that is 8-9 overall but 12-5 ATS is a better bet than a team that is 14-3 overall but 5-12 ATS.
4. Consider Home Underdogs: Historically, home teams that are underdogs against the spread cover their spread roughly 52% of the time. This is a common value spot for beginners.
5. Avoid Parlays: While parlays offer big payouts, the house edge is much higher. Beginners should stick to straight bets (Moneyline, Spread, Total) for better long-term sustainability.

Responsible Gambling Is Non-Negotiable

Remember that the goal is fun. If gambling causes stress or financial trouble, seek help immediately.

• Set Firm Limits: Never bet money needed for living expenses.
• Do Not Chase Losses: Accept a loss and walk away.
• Get Help: If you struggle to control your betting, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER.