Every week, sportsbooks set the eagerly anticipated betting lines for NFL betting.
There are a bunch of different odds that come out every week. Oddsmakers have a set formula based on the matchup to determine the best lines for each game.
They are carefully curated to be as competitive as possible. A balanced betting line ensures that they profit no matter the outcome.
What is a Betting Line?
A betting line is the odds set by the sportsbooks on the different markets offered for NFL games.
The NFL is the most valuable sport in betting, so each game will have betting lines set for it. NFL betting lines change constantly leading up to the game, taking all new information into account.
Types of NFL Betting Lines
When looking at a game, you will have plenty of NFL betting lines to choose from. Here are some of the most common selections seen immediately when choosing a game.
The Side or Point Spread
The NFL point spread is arguably the most popular NFL betting line. Spread picks are bets on not only the winner but also the margin of victory.
Sportsbooks set the spread so that the favorite and underdog are on equal footing in betting action.
The favorites against the spread must win by more than their set amount, while the underdog has to lose by fewer than their spread line. NFL point spread odds are typically -110 for both sides.
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Totals and Over/Under
These betting lines are set on the total number of points a game will finish with. Bettors wager on whether the actual final score will have more or fewer points than the set total.
So if an NFL total is set at 42.5 points, a game that finishes 23-20 would be a win for the over. If that same game finished 22-20, the under would win with a total of 42.5.
The odds for NFL totals are also usually set at -110 for both sides.
Moneyline
NFL Moneyline bets are the most straightforward betting type. The only thing that matters when taking a team on the Moneyline is that they win.
Unlike the spread, the margin of victory doesn’t matter.
If a team has lower odds, they are the favorites. If two teams face off, the team at -135 is the favorite against the team at +120.
Prop Bets
A swiftly growing staple of NFL betting, prop bets don’t consider the final result of the game. These bets are on how a team or player performs.
There are a ton of prop markets available, on things such as which team scores first, how many yards a player will have, and many more.
You will have to select a game to pull up the full prop bet menu available for it.
NFL Betting Lines in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is home to many of the largest casinos in the world and has plenty of ties to sportsbooks nationwide.
Vegas NFL betting lines have set the standard for the sports betting landscape today. While NFL betting lines in Las Vegas are no longer the only option, it’s still a viable option for NFL betting.
They have a ton to offer and have now opened online betting through their various casinos, such as BetMGM. Sign up and take advantage of their welcome bonus to get started on NFL betting today.
How to Find Good NFL Spread Picks
There are numerous ways that bettors can find the best NFL spread picks every week.
One way is to shop around at the various sportsbooks and see which has the best line or odds. While usually similar, there will be variances between sportsbooks that help you out. Regardless of what bet you want, you should always see which sportsbook has the best offer for your needs.
Doing research is another way to take advantage of spread lines. Sportsbooks don’t set spreads by how much a team is favored, but rather by what they feel will draw the same amount of interest on both sides.
Reading game previews or checking out the best bets of the week may help you find the perfect NFL spread pick consistently.
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Betting Line FAQs
What Does -110 Mean for Sportsbooks and Bettors
For sportsbooks, -110 is the “juice” on a bet. An included fee is a way to think of it. The juice is a way to guarantee that sportsbooks profit on a balanced book regardless of the outcome.
For a bettor, it just means that a $110 bet will win you $100. These -110 odds are basically even, meaning neither side is explicitly favored
What is Line Shopping?
Line shopping is browning multiple sportsbooks to find the best lines for the bets you want to place. It’s a nifty way to optimize your potential profits.
Why Betting Lines Move?
Sportsbooks constantly update the odds to make sure that their odds remain competitive and that they won’t lose money. Just like bettors, sportsbooks are trying to maximize their profits.
How to Read Line Moves
Line moves can occur for various reasons. Injuries and the public overwhelmingly favoring one side are two major reasons they occur.
Some people read line moves as a key to where the top bettors are placing their money. If sportsbooks are trying to dissuade one side by making them less enticing, that means they are probably seeing a lot of action from frequent winners.