How to Bet on the NFL: A Beginner's Guide

To bet on the NFL, pick a regulated sportsbook, then choose one of three core markets: the point spread (margin of victory), the moneyline (who wins outright) or the total (combined points over/under). Read the American odds, take the best price across books, and stake a set unit size.

Open a regulated sportsbook. Sign up at one or more legal US books so you can compare prices. Betting the same game at two books lets you take the better number, which is the simplest edge there is.
Pick your market. Spread (a favorite gives points, a dog gets them), moneyline (straight win, priced in American odds) or total (combined points over or under). Start with one market until it is second nature.
Read the odds. A minus number is the favorite and what you risk to win 100; a plus number is the dog and what 100 wins. A -110 spread means risk 110 to win 100.
Shop the line. The same game is priced differently at every book. A spread of -3 at one book and -2.5 at another is a real difference on a sport where 3 is the most common margin.
Size the bet. Bet a fixed unit (1 to 2 percent of your bankroll), not a random dollar amount. Consistent sizing is what keeps a cold streak from ending your season.

A worked NFL example

Say the Chiefs are -3 (-110) against the Bills, and the total is 48.5. Betting the Chiefs -3 means they must win by 4 or more for you to cash; a 3-point win is a push and your stake is returned. Risk 110 to win 100. If you instead bet the total over 48.5, the two teams must combine for 49 or more. Always check whether another book offers -2.5 or 49 flat before you lock it in.

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Common NFL betting mistakes

Betting favorites blindly. The public loves favorites and overs, which inflates their price. The value is often on the other side.
Ignoring the number. Buying past 3 and 7 (the key margins in football) or taking a worse price is a slow leak.
Parlaying everything. Big parlays feel great and cost you long term. Straight bets at the best number win the marathon.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest NFL bet for a beginner?

The moneyline, a straight pick of who wins, is the simplest to understand. Once you are comfortable, the spread often offers better value on lopsided games.

How much should I bet on an NFL game?

One unit, meaning 1 to 2 percent of your total bankroll, per play. Fixed sizing protects you through the swings of a season.

Keep going

Free NFL picks & predictions →NFL betting splits →What is a point spread? →Odds Converter →Read betting odds →Bet on college football →Start as a beginner →All betting guides →

21+. For entertainment and educational purposes, not financial advice. If gambling stops being fun, take a break. 1-800-GAMBLER. Regulated US books only.