With the latest NFL season just around the corner, the excitement is palpable among fans and bettors alike. The NFL offers an unparalleled platform for sports betting enthusiasts, with a myriad of wagering options to suit every type of fan. From the casual observer to the seasoned pro, understanding the different types of bets available on Betcris and other sports betting sites is crucial to maximizing your enjoyment and potential winnings.
The Basics: Point Spreads, Moneylines, and Totals
The most fundamental types of NFL bets are point spreads, moneylines, and totals.
Point Spreads
This is the most common form of NFL betting. A point spread is a handicap system designed to level the playing field between the favored and underdog team. A favored team must win by the specified number of points to cover the spread, while an underdog can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread to be successful.
For instance, if the Kansas City Chiefs are favored by 7 points over the Denver Broncos, you would bet on whether the Chiefs will win by more than 7 points, or if the Broncos can win or lose by less than 7 points.
Moneylines
A moneyline bet is simply a wager on which team will win the game outright. Unlike point spreads, there is no point advantage. The odds reflect the perceived likelihood of each team winning. Favorites will have negative odds, while underdogs will have positive odds.
Totals
Also known as over/under, this bet focuses on the combined score of both teams. Bettors predict whether the total points scored in the game will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook.
Beyond the Basics: Parlays, Teasers, and Prop Bets
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more complex and potentially lucrative betting options.
Parlays
A parlay involves combining multiple bets into a single wager. To win a parlay, all of your individual bets must be correct. While parlays offer the potential for significant payouts, they also carry a higher risk, as one incorrect pick results in a loss of the entire wager.
Teasers
Similar to parlays, teasers involve multiple bets, but with the advantage of adjusting the point spreads in your favor. However, this adjustment comes at the cost of reduced odds. Teasers can be a good option for bettors who like to spread their risk across multiple games.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, or proposition bets, focus on specific events or occurrences within a game. These bets can range from player performance statistics to game-specific outcomes. For example, you could bet on the total number of passing yards for a quarterback, the first team to score, or even the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach. Prop bets offer a wide variety of options and can add excitement to watching the game.
Future Bets and In-Game Betting
Looking further ahead, future bets allow you to wager on outcomes that will be determined at a later date. These bets can range from predicting Super Bowl winners to individual player awards.
Future bets offer a unique opportunity for bettors to look beyond individual games and wager on the outcome of entire seasons or specific events. While they require patience, as the results are often months away, the potential rewards can be substantial.
Types of Future Bets
- Outright Winners: The most common future bet is predicting the winner of a league or championship, such as the Super Bowl.
- Division Winners: Betting on which team will win their respective division.
- Conference Champions: Wagering on which team will win the AFC or NFC Championship.
- Player Awards: Predicting winners of individual awards like MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, or Rookie of the Year.
- Regular Season Win Totals: Betting on whether a team will win more or fewer games than a specified number.
- Propositions: Some sportsbooks offer unique future props, like the first overall pick in the NFL Draft or the leading rusher in the league.
Strategies for Future Betting
- Early Line Value: Often, the best value can be found when placing bets early in the offseason. As the season approaches, odds will fluctuate based on team performance, injuries, and other factors.
- Research and Analysis: Understanding team rosters, coaching changes, and offseason acquisitions is crucial for making informed decisions.
- Diversification: Spreading your bets across multiple outcomes can help mitigate risk.
- Bankroll Management: As with all forms of betting, proper bankroll management is essential.
Future bets require careful consideration due to several factors. The NFL’s high competitiveness means injuries, trades, and unexpected player performances can significantly impact outcomes. Additionally, odds fluctuate throughout the season, affecting potential payouts. Lastly, the extended wait for results demands patience from bettors.
In-Game Betting: The Thrill of the Moment
In-game betting, also known as live betting, has gained immense popularity. This type of wagering allows you to place bets on various aspects of a game as it unfolds. From live spreads and totals to player props, in-game betting offers a dynamic and engaging way to experience the action.
Types of In-Game Bets
- Live Spreads: Betting on the point spread for the remainder of the game.
- Live Totals: Predicting whether the combined score will be over or under a specific number for the rest of the game.
- Player Props: Wagering on individual player performance during the game.
- Next Score: Betting on which team will score next.
- Halftime/Full-Time Bets: Combining two bets into one, such as predicting the winner of each half.
Strategies for In-Game Betting
- Quick Decision Making: Live betting requires fast reactions to in-game events.
- Leverage In-Game Information: Use real-time data on player performance, injuries, and momentum shifts to your advantage.
- Start Small: Experiment with smaller bets to get a feel for the market before increasing your wager size.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Live betting can be addictive, so set limits and stick to your budget.
In-game betting, while exciting, presents certain challenges. Rapidly fluctuating odds can make it difficult to find value in bets. Technical issues with internet connectivity can disrupt the betting experience. Additionally, the thrill of the game can sometimes lead to impulsive betting decisions.
