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How to Bet on NFL Football
by Predictem.com Staff
So you wanna bet on football eh? Welcome to one of the secrets of life. Oh yes, how those that don't bet on football survive we'll never know. What a travesty! Better them than us though!
There are a number of ways that you can bet on a football game. Some offer low risk with low payouts while others offer high risk with high payouts. We'll explain each below and include a link to each where we expand fully on the topic. Enjoy!
The Point Spread - The most common method of football betting is by doing so using the point spread (aka: sides or straight bets.) You usually lay -110 odds to win $100 ($11 to win $10 is another way to look at it) to do so unless your playing at a reduced vig sportsbook which offers you the ability to risk less to win the same amount. For more info: Reduced Vigorish. This is a very low risk form of betting and by far the most popular.
The Moneyline - This type of bet eliminates the point spread and results in you either laying more money on the favorite to win less or a little bit on the underdog which pays more. This is a bet based on odds, not a point spread.
Totals (Over/Under) - These are bets that have nothing to do with spreads or moneylines. This bet is specific to the total points scored in the game by both teams. You can select over or under the posted total and expect to lay around 11/10 odds in doing so. The best total betting odds found on the web are at Pinnacle Sportsbook which unfortunately no longer offers wagering to American citizens. If your not living in the U.S. though, cheers, this is the best sportsbook on the planet.
Parlays - If your the REAL LOW risk type and looking for the enormous payout, this is your bet. You can lay as little as one dollar on a parlay wager and win a ton in doing so. The problem is that every spread you pick has to win. Even one loss puts your parlay card in the garbage can. There is such a thing as a progressive parlay though which allows your par bets to have some losers and still pay out at a reduced amount. Check that out at Players Only Sportsbook and Poker Room.
Teasers - These are bets that are similar to a parlay in that you have to bet 2 or more teams and both have to cover except these are a bit more fun in that you can add or subtract points from the point spread. If your a bettor who is constantly losing by a point or two after handicapping your games, maybe your a teaser player and need to try this type of wager to improve your luck!
Pleasers - This type of bet is like a parlay on steroids. It has way higher payouts than a parlay but is way harder to cash on. Not only do you have to win all your games, you are doing just the opposite of a teaser in that your GIVING AWAY points instead of receiving them. It's a nasty bet that is only for the super astute or those that eat nails for breakfast and we ain't talking about fingernails!
Prop Bets - These are mainly for fun unless your super sharp and can pick off value in the matchups the books are offering. The bets that look easy are just the opposite and in our estimation are considered sucker bets. It's tough to fade your own first opinion and gut instinct, but some decent loot can be made by doing so when playing proposition wagers!
Futures - These bets offer you the ability to pick a team to win the AFC Championship, NFC Championship, Super Bowl or if a team will go over or under the posted season total wins. The Championship odds and Super Bowl odds pay big bucks if you hit them, even the favorites have a great return. The over/under season wins are more likely to be -115 to win $100 as it's more of a coin flip proposition.
For a list of the best places to bet on NFL football games and why, check out our best NFL football sportsbooks list.Editor's Picks - Each week our in house pro's tackle the week's card and make predictions on the week's games ATS! Best bets, top plays, premium selections, etc. FREE!
Expert Picks - Free premium plays from the "real" expert handicappers from around the web. Don't fall for second rate picks from ESPN, the NFL Network, Hank Goldberg or the screaming touts on TV.
Underdog of the Week - We pick out the loudest barking dog of the week. Expect a 60% winning percentage with these selections.
Favorite of the Week - We examine "the chalk" and determine the safest bet in which who you should lay the points with.
Over/Under of the Week - Our in house cappers report which NFL game is most likely to go over or under the posted total.
The Armchair Quarterback - ACQ makes an appearance at Predictem to give out his much coveted troika of free weekly NFL picks. Put your helmet on and tackle your bookie with these sick picks. He is simply FLAT NASTY!
Line Movement Plays - We report all the major line moves from the gridiron and distinguish whether it's public money or sharp action causing the move.
NFL Consensus Picks - See what the general public is betting on. We use this info to fade the public to the tune of big profits over the course of the season.
Computer Picks - We enter stats into our in house database and the computer predicts the final scores. (This should be used as a guide only.)
NFL Trends - Don't ever let anybody tell you that the trend is your friend. These picks make great fades which is exactly what we do with them.
Monday Night Football Picks - The ultimate bailout play. Our MNF picks are golden and have hit 62% or better the past 3 years. Did we mention that their FREE?
Superbowl Predictions - Our take before the season on who we think will win Superbowl XLIII. We'll update with a final pick based on the actual remaining teams a week prior to the big game at Raymond James Stadium on February 1st, 2009.
Super Bowl Picks - Everybody here in the Predictem office takes their best preseason shot at predicting the winner Superbowl 43. Pride is on the line here! Oh, and LOOT too! Picks will be updated a 2nd and final time two weeks before the Super Bowl plays.
Sportsbook - Tired of deposit hassles? This place has a 90% acceptance rate of accepting credit cards. Even from Americans!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Pleasers and huge point buying opportunities as well!
Sportbet - Bet NFL games at -105 odds up to $500 when making your bets on Tuesday's!
PlayersOnly - Offers progressive parlays in which you can have losers on your card and still cash in!
Statless NFL Handicapping - The quick, easy way and yes, it's effective!
Betting NFL Underdogs - It's the first thing you should consider every Sunday. We explain why.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook - We talk about things to consider before you commit to play at one.
Famous Football Quotes - From the inspirational to the greatest touchdown calls of all time. We've got them!
Pro Football Hall of Fame - A full list of NFL players who have been inducted into the NFL HOF.
The Spread NFL Football - Offers free game predictions, matchups, stats including both offensive and defensive and more!
Fantasy Football Sites - Get recommendations on where to find weekly updated player news, depth charts and legit websites that offer the best stat and record tracking for your fantasy football league.
