WIN 
Understanding NFL Betting Odds: Moneyline, Spread, and Totals Explained
Betting on the NFL can be an exciting way to enhance your enjoyment of the games, but it’s essential to understand the different types of betting odds and what they mean. This guide will explain the three most common types of NFL betting odds: Moneyline, Spread, and Totals.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are the simplest form of NFL betting. When you place a moneyline bet, you are simply picking which team you think will win the game outright. The odds are expressed in positive and negative numbers, which represent how much you can win on your bet.
- Positive Odds (+): If you see a positive number, such as +180, this indicates the amount you would win if you bet $100. For example, a $100 bet at +180 would win you $180, plus your original $100 bet back, for a total of $280.
- Negative Odds (-): Negative numbers, such as -120, show how much you need to bet to win $100. A bet of $120 at -120 would win you $100, plus your original $120 bet back, for a total of $220.
Example: If the Baltimore Ravens are listed at -120 against the Cincinnati Bengals at +180, you need to bet $120 on the Ravens to win $100. Conversely, a $100 bet on the Bengals would win $180 if they win.
Spread Bets
Point spread betting is the most popular way to bet on NFL games. The spread is a number set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two teams of differing strengths.
- Favorite: The team expected to win will have a negative number (e.g., -6.5). This means they need to win by more than that number of points for the bet to be successful.
- Underdog: The team expected to lose will have a positive number (e.g., +6.5). This means they can either win the game outright or lose by fewer than that number of points for the bet to be successful.
Example: If the Los Angeles Rams are -6.5 against the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams must win by at least 7 points for a bet on them to win. If you bet on the Cardinals at +6.5, they must lose by 6 points or fewer, or win the game, for the bet to win.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals, also known as over/under bets, are wagers on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined. Oddsmakers set a total, and bettors can wager on whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number.
- Over: Betting the over means you think the combined score will be higher than the set total.
- Under: Betting the under means you think the combined score will be lower than the set total.
Example: If the total for a game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles is set at 44.5, and you bet the over, you need the combined score to be 45 points or more for the bet to win. Conversely, if you bet the under, the combined score must be 44 points or fewer for the bet to win.
Key Points to Remember
- Understand the Odds: Always know what the odds represent and how they affect your potential winnings.
- Bankroll Management: Only bet what you can afford to lose and consider using a flat-betting strategy, risking only a small percentage of your bankroll on each bet.
- Research: Study team statistics, player performance, and other relevant information before placing a bet.
- Shop Around: Compare odds from different sportsbooks to find the best value.
Conclusion
Understanding NFL betting odds is crucial for any bettor, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Moneyline, spread, and totals are the foundation of NFL betting and provide various ways to engage with the sport. By familiarizing yourself with these betting types and practicing disciplined betting strategies, you can enhance your NFL betting experience and increase your chances of success.
