There are a lot of ways to bet on a football game. These include point spreads, totals, and moneylines. Having an understanding of each of these options is essential to winning big on NFL games. Learn everything you can about them and be ready to make adjustments as needed.
Pointspread
A point spread is a type of betting that’s most commonly associated with football and basketball. But it also appears in other sports, including a run line for baseball and a puck line for hockey. In all cases, a point spread represents an estimated margin of victory for a team.
The line for a point spread can change during the game or in the pregame, depending on a number of factors. For example, an injury to a key player can shift the line dramatically. Oddsmakers may also adjust the lines in reaction to respected or’sharp’ money coming in on a certain side of the wager.
While point spreads are a great way to bet on a football game, they can also be confusing. For beginners, it’s a good idea to read up on how they work and understand how they impact the outcome of a game.
Ultimately, betting the spread is about finding value. It’s important to consider key numbers that affect the game, such as points scored and red zone success.
Another important consideration is the odds of getting a “hook,” an additional half-point put on a point spread. Most often, a hook is offered on a favorite’s line at -6.5 or -2.5 and an underdog’s at +7.5 or +3.5.
Moneyline
Moneyline betting is a popular form of betting that allows you to pick the team you think will win the game. If you choose the winning team, the odds are paid out and if you choose the losing team, you lose your wager. This type of bet is one of the easiest to place and one that is often recommended for new bettors.
While this is a straightforward bet, there are some things to keep in mind before you make your selections. In particular, you should research specific matchup edges in each sport and determine how they could impact your moneyline wager.
You can also look at whether a team has a strong record against certain players, such as quarterbacks or left-handed pitchers. This information can help you make a smarter moneyline selection and can be useful for long-term success in sports betting.
In most cases, moneyline odds are typically -110 for a favorite and +100 for an underdog. This makes it a good idea to compare the odds at different sportsbooks so you can get the best value for your bets.
The moneyline odds can vary a great deal from one sportsbook to another, so it’s important to read them carefully and understand their meaning. If you bet on a team with positive moneyline odds, it means that you will be paid out more for every dollar you wager.
Parlay
Parlay betting is a popular way for sports bettors to make a larger wager on a single game. It requires multiple outcomes to go your way but increases the payout if the parlay wins.
Most sportsbooks will offer a variety of different types of parlays, including straight bets and teasers. In addition to these, some will also offer reverse teasers and tie-win bets.
The most common type of parlay is a “spread” bet, where you place a bet on two or more teams to win. This can be a very lucrative strategy, but you must be aware of how to calculate your odds and build the correct parlay ticket.
Another strategy is to add moneyline favorites to your parlay bet. These can boost your payout by a significant amount, depending on the line you choose.
You should also consider hedging your parlay bets. This is a great strategy to use when one of your bets has a bad outcome. For example, you may have placed a spread bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to beat their point spread but they lose the first game of your parlay.
Fractional odds
Fractional odds are a common format used in horse racing and other sports. They can be confusing at first, but with practice, they’re much easier to understand.
In fractional odds, two numbers are separated by a slash or hyphen (such as 10/1 or 7/2). The first number is the possible profit and the second number is the amount you’ll stake on the match.
If you’re betting on a football game, fractional odds are a great way to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. You’ll usually get a return on your initial bet in addition to any profits you win.
The key to a successful bet is knowing how the odds work and how to calculate your winnings. If you’re unfamiliar with fractional odds, it’s a good idea to get familiar with them before you place your bets.
Unlike American odds, which indicate favorite and underdogs, fractional odds are easy to read. They are displayed as a fraction with a slash or hyphen and can be much easier to understand than American odds of +400 or decimal odds of 5.0.
To figure out a winner, divide the fraction by the odds. In this case, a $10 bet with 9/2 odds would pay out $45 – ($10 x (9/2)).
In-game wagers
In-game wagers are a great way to bet on a football game without having to wait until the end of the game. You can bet on a variety of different things while the game is in progress, including whether the game will go over or under a predetermined total points.
In-game odds will fluctuate throughout the game, as teams play their hearts out for a chance to win. They will also change depending on events that happen during the game, such as a player running for a first down or a goalie making a save.
The best part about in-game betting is that it can be incredibly profitable, as long as you understand how to place your wagers correctly and avoid chasing losses. It’s also a good idea to have a set budget and stick to it.
Some of the most popular in-game wagers include point spreads, moneylines and totals. These bets are typically available for live betting at sportsbooks, although they may be suspended for a short period of time during games as oddsmakers recalculate their prices.
You can also bet on a game-specific prop bet. These types of bets are not always available for every game, but they can be fun.
During the Super Bowl, for example, you can bet on a wide range of prop bets, such as which team will score the most touchdowns or how long the high note at the end of the National Anthem will last. This is a great way to add extra fun to your Super Bowl experience, as well as make some extra cash at the same time!