How to bet on the NFL
Most NFL bets are on the spread, the moneyline or the total, and the numbers 3 and 7 shape all three.
Key points
- A -3 favorite has to win by 4 or more; a 3-point win is a push.
- Final margins of 3 and 7 come up more than any others, so half points around them are worth the most.
- Teams list inactive players 90 minutes before kickoff, the last big moment lines can move.
On this page
The three main NFL bets
Here is one of this week's games with the best price on each bet at the four sportsbooks we compare.
| Bet | Arizona Cardinals | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +260 (Bovada) | -303 (BetOnline) |
| Spread | +7 -110 (MyBookie) | -7 -108 (BetOnline) |
| Total | Over 54.5 -110 (MyBookie) | Under 54.5 -105 (BetUS) |
Sun, Nov 1. Best price across MyBookie, Bovada, BetOnline and BetUS (spreads and totals: the best line first, then the price), updated Oct 31, 4:55 PM ET.
- Moneyline: pick the winner. The favorite has a minus price, the underdog a plus price. Our American odds guide explains the math.
- Spread: the favorite has to win by more than the number, the underdog can lose by less. See the point spread guide.
- Total: over or under the combined points. See the over/under guide.
What's different about the NFL: key numbers
NFL points come mostly as field goals (3) and touchdowns with the extra point (7). That makes final margins of 3 and 7 more common than any others, followed by 10, 6 and 4.
Half a point on 3
- Bet
- Favorite -2.5
- Wins by 3
- Wins
- Same bet at -3.5
- Loses
- At -3
- Push
On a spread near 3, compare the number before the price. Paying -120 for -2.5 instead of -110 for -3 can be worth it.
Totals have key numbers too, though weaker ones: 41, 43, 44, 47 and 51 come up more often because of how 3s and 7s add up. When books disagree on a total around those numbers, the half point matters more.
When NFL lines are posted and move
- Next week's lines open soon after the weekend's games, Sunday night or Monday.
- Lines move through the week on injury reports (Wednesday to Friday), weather forecasts and where the money goes.
- Inactive lists come out 90 minutes before kickoff. A late quarterback scratch moves a line by several points.
- Thursday, Sunday and Monday games: the week's prices for a Monday game have more time to move than Thursday's.
Our NFL odds page shows each game's first recorded price next to the current one, and the biggest line moves of the week.
Weather, home field and the schedule
Strong wind hurts passing and kicking more than rain or cold, so wind forecasts move totals the most. Home field still counts, but less than it used to: books now give the home team only a point or two in the spread.
Short weeks (Thursday games), long trips and games after a bye are worth knowing about, but the market already prices the obvious ones. The edge, if any, is in news the price hasn't caught up with yet.
NFL picks and odds on BettingPicks
Every NFL game gets a pick on our NFL picks page: the market favorite at the best price among MyBookie, Bovada, BetOnline and BetUS, posted before kickoff and graded after. The NFL hub has the week's games, line moves and standings, and the NFL odds page has every line side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular NFL bet?
The point spread. The favorite has to win by more than the number; the underdog covers by losing by less or winning.
Why are 3 and 7 key numbers in the NFL?
Field goals are worth 3 and touchdowns with the extra point 7, so final margins of 3 and 7 come up more often than any others.
When do NFL lines come out?
Next week's lines open soon after the weekend's games, usually Sunday night or Monday, and move through the week.
Does overtime count in NFL betting?
Yes. Spreads, moneylines and totals are settled on the final score, overtime included. A tie is a push on the moneyline.
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