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How to Read NFL Odds
NFL odds can seem like a foreign language to a new football bettor. However, once you figure out what moneyline, spread, and point total odds mean, understanding NFL odds becomes a straightforward process. These three betting markets are the most popular ways to bet on the NFL, so once you're familiar with them, you're ready to start betting.
We'll break down the different types of NFL odds and how to approach wagering on American football to get you up to speed.
Moneyline
NFL moneyline betting offers the simplest route into NFL wagering, requiring you to simply pick which team you believe will win the game.
In moneyline betting, the favored team is denoted by a minus sign (-) before the odds, while the underdog has a plus sign (+). The potential profit differs depending on whether you choose the favorite or the underdog. For example, if the favored team has odds of -120, a $100 wager would yield an $80 profit, totaling $180. Conversely, if the underdog's odds are +150, a $100 bet would return a $150 profit, totaling $250.
The larger the difference between two teams' odds (say -300 and +250) the more like sportsbooks expect a blowout. But, the more profit you'd get if your underdog bet happens to cash.
Spread
Betting on NFL spreads is the cornerstone of pro football wagering and a favorite among pro bettors and beginners alike.
Unlike moneylines, books set a point value teams need to cover to win in spreads. For example, a negative value (-11.5) next to a football team means that they are favored by that many points. To win your bet, they must win by more than 11.5 points. If the New York Jets win by 12 as -11.5 favorites, your bet cashes.
On the other hand, a positive value on the same game (+11.5) means the underdog starts with an 11.5-point lead before the game even begins. In NFL odds, a +11.5 underdog can lose by 11 or fewer points (or win outright) to cash your bet.
Totals (Over/Under)
NFL total betting, also known as NFL over/under betting, involves predicting the combined score of both teams in a game. NFL sportsbooks set a specific number, known as the total, and you bet on if the combined score will be above (over) or below (under) that mark.
For example, if you place an under bet on a total of 37.5 points, you're anticipating a low scoring, defensive game. Conversely, an over bet on the same total indicates you expect a higher-scoring affair than the books predict.
You can also place over/under bets for more than just the full game, like wagers on the point total at halftime or quarter totals, providing additional opportunities for your NFL picks.
These are just the three most common ways to bet on the NFL, but there are a bunch of other NFL betting markets to consider for your Sunday wagers:
Odds Shark's NFL Betting Markets
How to Find the Best NFL Odds
To ensure you're getting the best NFL odds for your specific wager, follow these steps:
- Start with an odds aggregator like Prop Professor to quickly scan multiple sportsbooks
- Check 2-3 direct sportsbook apps where you have accounts for any exclusive promotions
- Look for line movements on analysis sites to understand if odds are moving in your favor
- Lock in your bet once you've found the best available line
This process, called "line shopping" can be the difference between winning and losing close bets.
Even though sportsbooks usually set similar lines, one book might list the Patriots as -1.5 favorites while another slates them at -2. That half-point doesn't seem like a lot, but it could be the difference in winning or losing a bet. Books often have slightly different moneyline and point total NFL odds, too.
Another thing to consider when looking for the best NFL odds is when you're betting. Lines constantly change after they're initially set by sportsbooks, so if you've got a solid bet, locking in those odds early can be smart. Or, if you're waiting for an injury update or two, hold off until Sunday morning before kickoff.
Platform Comparison: Where to Focus Your Search
| Platform Type: | Best For: | Sites: | Key Advantage: |
| Odds Aggregators | Line shopping across sportsbooks | Prop Professor | See all available live odds |
| Sportsbooks | Finding deposit promos | Draftkings, Fanduel, BetMGM, etc. | Exclusive bonuses and odds markets |
| Editorial Sites | Research, Analysis | Odds Shark, ESPN, Sportsline, etc. | Expert insights with odds |
Odds Shark's NFL Betting Tools
We've got pick tools to help you find your edge and take advantage of these best NFL odds all season:
Odds Shark's NFL Betting Tools
Create an NFL Betting Strategy
Once you've mastered the basics of NFL odds, crafting your own NFL betting strategy is the next step to successful wagering.
You can handicap game-by-game, find a system like only betting underdogs on the road, or use our NFL betting tools to help you find an edge each week or each game. Some of our most useful tools include the NFL head-to-head database and weekly NFL betting trends. Here are some other tools I use for my own NFL betting strategy:
