The NFL is undoubtedly the most popular American sport worldwide, and with its global audience, the growth in betting on NFL games has surged dramatically in recent years. This is particularly evident in the UK, where the sport’s growing fan base has led to the creation of numerous betting markets. These markets offer various angles on NFL betting, aiming to meet the increasing demand from bettors. With so many betting options now available, it’s an ideal time to explore American Football betting, even for casual fans who can use their knowledge to spot different betting opportunities.
The relationship between sports and betting has always been strong, and the NFL is a prime example of this synergy. As the game gains popularity in the UK, the number of betting markets has expanded, offering bettors more ways to engage with the sport. This, in turn, has fueled the game’s growth even further, with many people tuning in to watch games so they can place bets. These new betting markets provide opportunities for punters to profit, and with some careful analysis, it’s possible to find profitable angles to exploit every week.
Exploring the Most Popular NFL Betting Markets Available Today
When betting on NFL games, you’ll come across three main markets that are widely available from most bookmakers. Two of these involve a fictional line set by the bookmakers, so it’s essential to shop around and find the line that best suits your betting strategy, especially if you have multiple betting accounts.
The three key markets include the outright win market, commonly referred to as the “money line,” the handicap market, and the total points market. These traditional markets have been staples of NFL betting for many years, making them a great starting point for newcomers to the world of American Football betting.
What You Need to Know About the NFL Money Line
The money line is a simple two-way betting market focused on predicting which team will win the game. It’s the most straightforward and accessible market for those looking to get started with NFL betting. All you need to do is choose the winning team—overtime is included—so once your bet is placed, you can sit back and cheer for your chosen team.
If you’re familiar with football accumulators, the money line is the NFL equivalent, allowing you to combine multiple game results to increase your potential returns. If you’re new to NFL betting, the money line is a great place to begin, offering an easy entry point into the betting world. The next time you’re watching NFL games, consider placing a money line bet to enhance your viewing experience.
Understanding Handicap Betting in the NFL
Depending on the sports you usually bet on, handicap betting may be something you’re very familiar with or something entirely new. For instance, football fans rarely encounter handicap betting, while rugby fans will likely be more acquainted with it.
Handicap betting involves a fictional line created by bookmakers to level the playing field between two teams. In sports like rugby, where teams may differ greatly in skill, the handicap line ensures a more competitive betting experience. The weaker team is given a head start in points, making the game more balanced from a betting perspective. Typically, handicap lines end in .5, ensuring no possibility of a draw and offering a clear win or lose outcome.
In the NFL, for example, a weaker team might receive a 9.5-point advantage over their stronger opponent. This means you’re either betting on the favorite to win by 10 points or more, or on the underdog to win outright or lose by 9 points or fewer. This system gives underdogs a better chance of covering the spread, making the market more attractive to bettors and more even for bookmakers.
While handicap betting may take some time to master, it offers excellent value, especially when weaker teams are given a significant points advantage. It’s worth keeping an eye on the handicap line each week, as some bookmakers offer slightly different lines, which can be the difference between winning and losing your bet.
Betting on Total Points: The Over/Under Market
The total points market, also known as the over/under market, allows bettors to wager on the total number of points scored in a game. This is a popular market across many sports, particularly those with high scoring, such as rugby. In the NFL, it’s a well-established market for bettors who want to engage without needing to back a specific team to win.
Like handicap betting, the total points line often ends in .5 to ensure a clear result, with no possibility of a draw. By studying team performance and statistical trends, bettors can find value in the over/under market, especially by analyzing matchups with strong quarterbacks and weak defenses that may result in high-scoring games.
Conversely, when looking to bet on a low-scoring game, weather conditions should be taken into account. Poor weather can hinder passing and make it difficult for both teams to score, which could result in fewer points being put on the board. When evaluating the under, look for matchups where both teams have strong defenses and weather conditions could lead to errors and low-scoring outcomes.
Exploring New Player Markets for NFL Betting
In recent years, a new area of NFL betting has emerged: player performance markets, also known as “prop bets.” These allow bettors to wager on individual player performances, depending on their position and role in the game.
If you’re a fan of a particular quarterback, you can place an over/under bet on the total number of yards he throws during the game. Similarly, you can bet on how many receiving yards a wide receiver will accumulate or how many rushing yards a running back will gain. These prop bets offer two-way action, giving you the option to back a player to exceed expectations or for the defense to limit their performance.
For those new to NFL betting, these player markets offer a fun and engaging way to get involved, especially if you’re watching the game on TV. Traditional markets like first/last touchdown scorers or anytime touchdown bets are also available, giving bettors a variety of options to enjoy.
