Ever wondered what all those numbers and symbols mean when you’re looking at NFL betting lines? Don’t worry! We’re going to break it all down in a fun and simple way. Whether you’re betting with friends or checking odds online, understanding NFL lines will make the game a whole lot more exciting.
Let’s dive in!
What Exactly Is a Betting Line?
In simple terms, a betting line tries to balance the odds between two teams. It helps make betting fair even when one team is clearly stronger than the other.
You’ll usually see a few things when looking at an NFL line:
- Point spread
- Moneyline
- Over/Under (also called the total)
Let’s break these down one by one.
The Point Spread: Not Everyone Can Be a Favorite
Most NFL games have a favorite and an underdog. The point spread is the number of points that the favorite has to win by for you to win your bet.
Example:
Patriots -7 vs. Jets +7
This means the Patriots are favored to win by 7 points. If you bet on the Patriots, they must win by more than 7. If you bet on the Jets, they can lose by up to 6 points—or win the game—and you still win your bet.
This keeps the betting fair and exciting, no matter which team is better.
Moneyline: Just Pick the Winner
If you don’t want to worry about points, the moneyline is for you. It’s simple—you just pick who you think will win the game.
You’ll see odds like this:
Packers -150 vs. Bears +130
- -150 means you must bet $150 to win $100.
- +130 means you win $130 if you bet $100.
The minus sign shows the favorite. The plus sign shows the underdog. Betting the favorite costs more but has a higher chance of winning. Betting the underdog pays more, but it’s riskier.
Over/Under: Root for Points!
With the Over/Under, you’re not picking a team. You’re guessing how many total points both teams will score in the game.
If the line says:
Over/Under 46.5
You bet “Over” if you think the two teams will score a total of 47 or more points. You bet “Under” if you think they’ll combine for 46 or less.
This bet is perfect if you just want to cheer for a high-scoring game—or a tough defensive battle!
How Do the Odds Work?
Sportsbooks use odds to show how much money you can win—and how likely a team is to win.
Besides -150 and +130 like we saw earlier, sometimes you’ll see odds as decimals (like 1.50 or 2.30). But in the U.S., moneylines with plus and minus signs are most common.
If two teams are very evenly matched, the odds will be closer to even—like -110 for both teams. This means you’d need to bet $110 to win $100.
You’ll often see -110 next to both sides of a point spread or the Over/Under too. That’s the “juice” or the cut the sportsbook takes.
Parlays, Teasers, and Props – Oh My!
Once you understand the basics, you can explore more fun options like:
- Parlays: Combine multiple bets. You have to win them all, but the payout is much higher!
- Teasers: Like parlays, but you adjust the point spread a bit in your favor. Lower risk, lower reward.
- Prop Bets: These are bets on individual events. Will the quarterback throw 3 touchdowns? Will the coin toss be heads?
Final Whistle: Tips for Beginners
Start simple. Try point spread or moneyline bets first.
Do some homework. Check team stats, injuries, and weather.
Don’t bet with your heart. Just because you love your team doesn’t mean they’re the smart bet!
Set a budget. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Keep it fun.
Now that you know how NFL betting lines work, you’re ready to dive in and enjoy the action! Grab your lucky jersey and get ready for some football magic—whether you’re betting big or just watching for fun!
