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Betting NFL Point Spreads- Useful Tips and Tricks To Follow
Photo: Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Betting NFL Point Spreads- Useful Tips and Tricks To Follow

Betting on the NFL is big business

,with an estimated $35 billion expected to be wagered this NFL season alone. Moreover, betting on NFL point spreads is one of the most popular forms of sports betting. It is a thrilling way to engage with the game beyond simply picking the winner and another layer of strategy and risk by asking gamblers to predict the winning team and the margin of victory.

With such a huge variety of casinos and sportsbooks promoting US no deposit bonus codes and free bets, it might be a daunting task, but we get it. But that’s why we highly recommend that you visit the NoDepositRewards website to learn more about how to place a bet - particularly if you’re a newbie at this.

If you've never tried NFL spread betting, here are some useful tips and tricks to help you navigate this thrilling betting market.

Understanding NFL Point Spreads

To get started with NFL point spread betting, it’s crucial to understand how spreads work. Sportsbooks establish a spread for each game, which essentially levels the playing field by giving the underdog a points advantage or requiring the favorite to win by a certain number of points.

  • The Favourite: The team expected to win is called the favorite, and it will have a minus sign (-) in front of its spread number. For instance, if the Green Bay Packers are -3 favorites against the Dallas Cowboys, they must win by more than three points for the bet to pay off.
  • The Underdog: The team expected to lose is the underdog, and its number will have a plus sign (+) in front of it. If the Cowboys are +3 underdogs, they can win the game outright or lose by less than three points for the bet to be successful.
  • Push Scenario: If the favorite wins by exactly the point spread (e.g., Packers win by 3 when the spread is 3), the bet results in a push, and the bettor gets their money back.

What is the Appeal of Betting NFL Point Spreads?

Betting on NFL point spreads is an attractive option for several reasons. First, NFL games are usually closely contested, with many games decided by fewer than 10 points. This means that even if you back an underdog, they might cover the spread and win your bet, even if they don’t win the game outright. Conversely, betting on a favorite to cover the spread offers better odds than simply picking them on the money line.

For instance, if the Packers are -250 favorites on the money line, you might prefer to bet on them, covering a -6.5 spread at -110 odds. While riskier, this strategy offers a more lucrative payout for predicting the margin of victory.

Five Tips for Betting NFL Spreads

There are many useful tips to keep in mind and implement when betting NFL spreads, and we’ve listed a handful of them:

#1.Know the Key Numbers

In the NFL, games often end with common score differences, such as three or seven points, due to the scoring system (touchdowns, field goals, etc.). Knowing these key numbers—3, 7, 10—can be crucial when betting spreads. A team favoured by -2.5 only needs to win by a field goal, while a -3.5 favourite needs to win by more than a field goal, a trickier proposition. Always be mindful of how spreads align with key numbers.

#2.Consider the Home Field Advantage

Typically, the home team in the NFL is given a slight advantage, often around three points. However, not all home-field advantages are created equal. Teams with strong fan bases or playing in difficult environments (like Lambeau Field or Arrowhead Stadium) may receive more significant adjustments. Conversely, teams with less impactful home crowds may only see a minimal point spread shift.

#3.Monitor Line Movement

Point spreads are not set in stone; they fluctuate based on betting activity and injury reports. If a majority of the betting public is backing one team, the sportsbook might adjust the spread to balance the wagers. For example, if heavy money comes in on the Packers -3, the spread might move to -3.5 or -4. Smart gamblers monitor line movement to spot opportunities where they believe the new line offers better value.

#4.Use Alternate Spreads for More Control

If you’re uncomfortable with the spread offered by the sportsbook, many platforms allow you to bet on alternate spreads. For example, if the Chiefs are -3.5 favourites but you're worried they’ll only win by a field goal, you could adjust the line to -2.5. However, alternate spreads come with lower odds, meaning a smaller payout, so balance the risk versus reward when adjusting the line.

#5.Bet With Your Head, Not Your Heart

 This rule applies to all forms of gambling, but it’s especially important in spread betting. Emotional attachment to a team can cloud judgment. Just because your favourite team is playing doesn’t mean they’ll cover the spread. Always evaluate the teams' recent performances, injury reports, and other data-driven insights to make objective betting decisions.

NFL Spread Betting Strategies

While understanding how point spreads work is essential, employing strategies to maximise your chances is just as important. Here are a few tried-and-true approaches, you might find handy to know about:

  • Fade the Public: Sometimes, when the betting public heavily backs one team, therefore the spread becomes inflated, making the opposite side more attractive. You’ll find that experienced gamblers often “fade the public,” which means betting against popular sentiment to capitalise on favourable spreads.
  • Teasers and Parlays: Teasers allow you to adjust the point spread in your favour across multiple games but with reduced odds. Parlays combine several bets into one for a higher payout but are much riskier. It is important to be very cautious when using these betting forms, as they require all legs to win for a payout.

In short, NFL point spread betting is a fun way to immerse yourself in the action. It offers high rewards but also high risk. By understanding key strategies, being mindful of spreads, and placing your bets logically rather than emotionally, you can increase your chances of a successful wager. Always remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the NFL season!