9 Untold Tips To Bet on the NFL
The National Football League (NFL) is among the best sports to bet on for high-profit margins. But wait — don’t start throwing your cash around just yet. First, master the basics with these winning tips.
Football isn’t just a game; it’s a passion that burns in the hearts of Americans and fans across the globe. Loved by millions, this sport brings excitement and thrill. And when you add betting to the mix — and the fun — it only gets better.
Let’s explore the most profitable way to bet on the NFL.
1. Shop Around for the Best Odds
Getting into NFL betting means understanding the odds, analyzing lines, and strategically looking at the team and player stats. Different sportsbooks offer varying odds on the same game, so shopping around can help you get the best deal and increase your potential payout.
Favorites have a minus (-) sign and underdogs have a plus (+) sign. Some popular NFL bets are moneyline bets, point spread bets, total betting (over/under), prop bets, Long-term futures bets, parlay bets, live bets, period bets, and alternate line bets. You can choose whichever fits you best or seems to yield a higher payout.
Keep an eye on line movements to spot favorable betting opportunities and consider the vig (commission) to ensure you’re getting the best value. Take advantage of betting promos and bonuses, and maintain multiple accounts with multiple sportsbooks for added flexibility.
For example, if one sportsbook offers better odds on your favorite team, you can place your bet there, while using another for a different game with a more favorable line.
2. Follow Your Own Path
Jumping on the bandwagon can be tempting but it doesn’t always lead to success. Instead, do your own research and make decisions based on thorough analysis. If everyone is betting on a popular team because of a recent winning streak, don’t just follow the hype. Sometimes underdogs can surprise you.
3. Look for Value Bets
In NFL betting, finding good value is crucial. It’s about spotting bets where the odds don’t fully reflect a team’s chances. For instance, if you think the Kansas City Chiefs have a better shot at winning than the odds suggest, that’s a value bet.
Underdogs can provide great value especially if they’re underestimated. In other cases, total points can offer better value than betting on the winner.
Keep an eye on how factors like the bookie fees and betting patterns shift the odds. Check multiple sportsbooks for the best lines, avoid betting based on gut feelings, and track your bets to improve your strategy.
4. Timing Your Bets
When it comes to betting, timing can make a big difference in the value you get. For instance, if you find out that a key player is returning from an injury, betting on their team right before the news hits could score you better odds.
5. Bankroll Management
Whether you’re betting on the NFL, NBA, or MLB, managing your bankroll is key. Decide on an amount you’re okay with losing without impacting your finances. For example, if your bankroll is $1000, betting 2% of it or $20 per game keeps things manageable. This way you can bet without feeling overwhelmed or risking too much.
6. Track Your Bets
Tracking your betting results might seem like a chore but it’s key to improving your game. If you’re a casual bettor, just keeping an eye on your deposits and withdrawals is a good start. For those betting more seriously, tracking details like the date, matchup, type of bet, odds, and final results can help you see what’s working and what’s not.
It might take a bit of time but it pays off. Whether you jot it down or use a spreadsheet, staying on top of things makes it easier over time. Many sportsbooks also offer tracking tools. By analyzing your results, you’ll spot trends and can tweak your strategy for better results.
7. Look for Injuries and Stay Updated
In the brutal world of the NFL, injuries are just part of the game’s harsh reality. With relentless tackles to high-speed crashes, getting injured is almost a given.
For instance, if the starting quarterback of a team is sidelined with a shoulder injury just before a big game, the backup quarterback might not perform as well.
As a bettor, you have to check the players’ performances, team dynamics, last-minute changes and, of course, the inside news. This way, you can adjust your bets based on the most current information and improve your chances of winning.
8. Avoid Emotional Betting
Dodging emotions is trickier than it seems. We all have that one team we cheer for or one we love to hate, and it’s hard not to let those feelings affect our bets.
Football has a way of pulling you in and turning up the emotional heat. But reality check — letting your emotions drive your bets is a rookie mistake. Betting on football isn’t about following your gut or rooting for your favorite team — it’s a strategic game.
You need to rely on smart decisions and not just wishful thinking to bet on Ravens or Chiefs just because they’re your favorites. Look at each game with a clear head and make a factual decision.
9. Check Weather Conditions
Weather can really shake up a game, affecting everything from a player’s stamina and visibility to how well the fields hold up. Heatwaves can lead to player dehydration and exhaustion, which might slow a team’s performance. Rainy conditions can make the field slippery, affecting players’ footing, and the accuracy of passes.
For instance, the Pittsburgh Steelers handle heat waves the best with a 75% win rate. The Seattle Seahawks thrive in the rain, winning 77.8% of their games. And when it snows, the Minnesota Vikings are the champs with a 72.7% win rate.
Each of these weather challenges can drastically change game outcomes, so knowing how teams handle these conditions can provide a crucial advantage for bettors.