How to Bet on the NFL
Written by Fatima Ahmed
American football has a large and growing UK betting following, and the NFL is at the centre of it. From the point spread that defines American sports betting to totals, player props and Super Bowl futures, the NFL offers a deep menu of markets. This guide explains how NFL betting works and the main markets, so you can follow the action from kickoff to the playoffs.
The point spread is the defining NFL market. The bookmaker sets a handicap — for example the favourite at -6.5 — and a bet on the favourite wins only if they win by seven or more, while the underdog covers with a loss by six or fewer, or an outright win. The half-point avoids ties. Spreads sit around even money, which is why most NFL betting volume goes through them.
The moneyline is a straight bet on the winner with no handicap. On heavy favourites it can be steeply odds-on, so bettors often prefer the spread; on close games or underdogs the moneyline offers cleaner value.
Totals, or over/under, cover the combined points scored by both teams. NFL totals commonly sit in the mid-40s and react to weather, injuries and each team's pace and defensive strength.
Player props — passing yards, rushing yards, receptions, anytime touchdown scorer — are hugely popular and reward close attention to team news and matchups. Longer term, Super Bowl and division futures run all season. As with any sport, comparing spreads and totals across bookmakers is worth the effort because a half-point swing changes outcomes.
FAQs
- What does a point spread of -6.5 mean?
- It means the favourite must win by seven or more points for a bet on them to succeed. A bet on the underdog at +6.5 wins if they lose by six or fewer, or win the game outright. The half-point removes the possibility of a tie.
- What are NFL futures?
- Futures are long-term bets on outcomes decided later in the season, such as the Super Bowl winner, conference champions or division winners. Prices update throughout the campaign as form and standings change.