Things You Can Bet on in the NFL (Beyond Who Will Win)

People bet on the outcome and the winner all the time, and that’s something that even a person who has never talked to a bookie can bet on. However, did you know that there are so many things you can bet on other than just the game's outcome? Things like point spread and total combined scores of both teams might be something you’ve heard of, but what about prop bets, parlays, and teasers?  

Prop bets

Proposition betting, or prop bets for short, is where things start to get interesting beyond simply picking the winner. Instead of betting on the outcome, you’re wagering on specific events or stats that could happen during the game. These bets don’t always impact the final score but add an extra layer of excitement.

One of the most popular prop bets you’ll see in US sportsbooks is the player prop. This lets you bet on a player’s performance - things like how many passing yards a quarterback will throw or whether a wide receiver will score a touchdown. It’s a great way to back your favorite player. 

Team props are another type of prop bet, but instead of focusing on a single player, you’re betting on how the team performs. For example, you might bet on how many points a team performs. For example, you might bet on how many points a team will score in a half or how many total rushing yards the team racks up. It’s all about team stats.

Game props take a wider approach. These bets revolve around specific game events - whether there will be overtime, which team will score first, or even if there’ll be a defensive touchdown. Moreover, they give you plenty of creative ways to get involved without worrying about the actual winner. 

Point spread

Point spread betting is easily one of the most common ways people bet on NFL games. Instead of just betting on which team wins, you’re betting on how much a team will win or lose. It’s not enough to just pick the winner - you have to factor in the margin.

Point spreads are so popular in NFL betting because they balance the playing field. Sometimes, there’s a heavy favorite, and betting straight-up wouldn’t be too exciting. But by adding a spread, the underdog gets points added to their score, making a bet more even and thrilling. 

So, how are these spreads calculated? Bookmakers don’t pull them out of thin air. They analyze everything - team stats, injuries, even weather conditions - team stats, injuries, even weather conditions - to set the spread. However, spreads also move based on how the public bets, meaning what you see early in the week might shift by game day.

It’s also important to watch for odds movement. If you notice the spread changing throughout the week, it’s often because money is flowing heavily one way. Moreover, savvy bettors track these movements and jump in at just the right time to get the best possible line.

Total points (over/under)

Over/under betting is all about the combined total score of both teams, without worrying who wins. The sportsbook sets a total number, and you bet whether the actual score will be over or under that number. It’s straightforward but keeps you glued to every touchdown or field goal. 

The beauty of over/under bets is that your focus shifts from rooting for a team to just watching both rack up points. You could care less who’s ahead - you just want those points stacking up (or not). Also, it makes even one-sided games worth watching until the final whistle. 

Bookmakers set these totals carefully, using historical data, recent performances, and trends. They also adjust based on betting action. For instance, if bettors overwhelmingly choose the other, the sportsbook might slightly bump the total. That’s why timing matters if you plan to get in on one. 

If you’re strategizing, check team tendencies - do they usually play high-scoring games, or do they bring out low-scoring battles? Moreover, look at injuries, weather, and even stadium conditions. Everything affects how many points get on that board, so smart bettors take the time to research before making their pick. 

Parlays

A parlay bet combines multiple individual bets into one big ticket. The catch is simple - you must win every bet on that ticket to cash out. It’s high-risk, high reward, and you’ll see plenty of NFL fans try their luck every week with parlays.

Combining bets allows you to mix point spreads, totals, and even prop bets into the same parlay. For instance, you might bet on three different NFL games, picking the point spread on each. The payout grows because the difficulty increases - one loss and the whole parlay is busted.

What’s appealing is the potential payout. A small wager can turn into a big payday if all your picks hit. However, most experienced bettors will remind you that the odds are stacked against you. One bad game or unexpected fumble can ruin the entire thing, especially when the psychology kicks in.

Common NFL parlay examples include betting on several favorites to cover the spread or combining over/under bets across multiple games. Moreover, some sportsbooks offer same-game parlays, letting you stack props and spreads within a single matchup. It’s all about how bold you feel and how much you want to win. 

Halftime bets

Halftime bets let you take a break and reassess. Instead of sticking to your pregame wager, you can jump in at halftime with fresh odds. You’re betting on the second half specifically, making it almost like a brand-new game with its own set of opportunities.

These bets are separate from the full-game outcome, so halftime bets offer a way to hedge or recover if your original pick isn’t looking too hot. Also, if you notice momentum shifting or a key injury in the first half, you can use that info to make smarter second-half bets. 

One cool feature is how the odds are adjusted live. Bookmakers react quickly based on how the game’s unfolding, so halftime lines might look very different from pregame lines. It’s fast-paced, but if you’re paying attention, you can spot value that others might miss.

Halftime betting markets in NFL games often include new point spreads, totals, and even props. For experienced bettors who are good at reading the flow of a game, halftime bets give them a second chance to profit without waiting until the final whistle. 

First touchdown scorer

Betting on the first touchdown scorer adds a whole new level of thrill. Instead of focusing on the whole game, you’re zeroing in on who’s going to hit pay dirt first. It’s popular because it offers high payouts-predicting the right player isn’t easy, but it’s satisfying when it hits. It is also incredibly lucrative when you recognize potential during draft picks before the odds catch up.

The odds can vary wildly based on the player’s position and skill level. Star running backs and wide receivers usually have lower odds, but if you back a less obvious choice - like a tight end or backup - you’ll get a much juicier return. That’s part of the fun.

What influences these odds? A lot. Team tendencies, red-zone efficiency, and injury reports all matter. Some teams prefer to run it in close, others like to pass to their go-to receiver. Also, certain defenses are vulnerable to specific plays, which can give you a solid clue.

This type of bet becomes insanely popular during big games like the playoffs or the Super Bowl. Everyone wants bragging rights for calling the first scorer. It’s not the easiest bet to win, but it’s a favorite for people who like their bets short, sweet, and exciting.

Wrap up

Betting on NFL games offers way more than just picking a winner. Whether you’re diving into player stats, combining multiple bets, or even predicting the coin toss, there’s something for everyone. It keeps every quarter exciting - even if the game’s blowout.