Prop bets explained
A prop bet is on one player or event inside a game, such as a quarterback's passing yards, not on the final score.
Key points
- Over 249.5 passing yards wins at 250 or more; there's no push on a half-point line.
- An anytime touchdown bet at +150 wins $150 on $100 if the player scores at least once.
- Two books can post the same line at different prices, so shop props like any other bet.
On this page
How a player prop works
The book posts a line for one player's stat and you bet over or under it. The game's result doesn't matter, only that player's number.
Quarterback passing yards, over 249.5 at -115
- Stake
- $115
- Final
- 271 yards
- Result
- Over wins
- Profit
- $100
At 249 yards the under wins. A whole-number line such as 250 would push at exactly 250.
Yes/no props work the same way with a price on each answer. An anytime touchdown prop at +150 pays $150 on $100 if the player scores one or more touchdowns.
A real prop line at two books
Here is one upcoming player prop posted by both Bovada and BetOnline. When both books use the same line, the prices are what differ.
| Sportsbook | Line | Over / under |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | 229.5 | -115 / -115 |
| BetOnline | 229.5 | -114 / -114 |
NFL, Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sun, Nov 1. Prices at Bovada and BetOnline, updated Oct 31, 10:14 AM ET. Every prop for the game is on our NFL player props page.
Turn each price into an implied chance, as in our American odds guide, and add the over and under. The total above 100% is the book's margin on that prop, which you can check with the calculator in our vig guide.
The props we compare
| Market | What counts | Example line |
|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | Yards from completed passes | 249.5 |
| Rushing yards | Yards from carries | 64.5 |
| Receptions | Passes caught | 4.5 |
| Anytime touchdown | Any touchdown the player scores (passing touchdowns don't count) | 1+ (yes/no) |
The example lines show the format, not this week's numbers. The current lines for every game are on our NFL player props page, with each book's price and the best price on each side.
Rules that settle props
- If a player doesn't play, books usually void the prop and return the stake. If the player takes even one snap, the bet usually stands.
- Overtime counts toward player stats at most books.
- Books settle on the official stats at the end of the game; most ignore corrections made after settlement.
These are common rules, not universal ones. Each book's house rules for props are the final word, so read them before betting a player who might sit.
Why prop prices differ more
Fewer people bet props than spreads, so books have less money telling them where the line should be. Lines and prices can differ more between books, and a half point on a receptions line matters a lot: 4.5 against 5.5 is a full catch.
Frequently asked questions
What is a prop bet?
A bet on something inside a game, such as one player's passing yards or receptions, instead of the final score.
What happens if the player doesn't play?
Most books void the prop and return the stake. Check the book's house rules, because the details differ.
Does overtime count for player props?
At most books, yes. Stats from overtime count toward the player's total.
Where can I compare prop prices?
Our player props pages show each sportsbook's line and price side by side, with the best price on each side.
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