A Beginner's Guide to Betting on the NFL

The NFL (National Football League) is one of the most popular sports leagues globally, captivating millions of fans every season with thrilling games and intense rivalries.

For many, betting on NFL games adds an extra layer of excitement, turning every touchdown and turnover into a potential payday.

If you're new to NFL betting, this guide will walk you through the basics and help you get started, whether you're placing your first bet or looking to expand your sports betting portfolio.

The NFL is comprised of 32 teams, divided into two conferences: the AFC (American Football Conference) and the NFC (National Football Conference). Each team plays 17 games during the regular season, aiming to qualify for the playoffs, which culminate in the Super Bowl—the most-watched sporting event in the United States.

Before diving into betting, it's essential to understand how the game is played. An NFL game consists of four 15-minute quarters, with teams trying to score points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone (a touchdown) or by kicking it through the opponent's goalposts (a field goal). Knowing the basics of scoring and gameplay will help you make more informed betting decisions.

There are several types of bets you can place on NFL games, each offering different opportunities and levels of risk. Below are some of the most common.

This is the simplest form of NFL betting. With a moneyline bet, you're simply picking the team you believe will win the game. Each team is given odds, with favourites having lower returns and underdogs offering higher payouts.

For example, if the New England Patriots are 2/3 (-150) favourites against the New York Jets, you would need to bet £150 to win £100. Conversely, a £100 bet on the Jets at 13/10 (+130) would yield a £130 profit if they win.

Point spread betting is a popular way to level the playing field between two teams. The favourite must win by more than a specified number of points (the spread) for a bet on them to pay out.

Conversely, the underdog can lose by fewer points than the spread or win outright for bets on them to be successful. For example, if the Dallas Cowboys are 200/13 (-6.5) favourites against the Philadelphia Eagles, they must win by 7 points or more for your bet to cash in.

In an over/under bet, you're wagering on whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under a specified number.

If the total for a game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears is set at 45.5, you can bet on whether the final score will sum to 46 points or more (over) or 45 points or fewer (under).

Proposition bets, or prop bets, allow you to wager on specific events within a game that don't necessarily relate to the final outcome.

These could include bets on which player will score the first touchdown, how many yards a quarterback will throw for, or even the coin toss outcome. Prop bets add extra fun and variety to NFL betting.

Futures bets involve wagering on events that will be decided later in the season, such as the winner of the Super Bowl, which team will win a specific division, or which player will be named MVP. These bets often offer high rewards due to their long-term nature and the uncertainty involved.

Success in NFL betting requires more than luck. Keep up with team news, injury reports, and statistics. Understanding team strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they match up against opponents, can give you a betting edge.

NFL odds are set by Ladbrokes based on various factors, including team performance, injuries, and betting trends. Learning how to interpret these odds will help you make smarter bets. Don’t just bet on your favourite team; look for value where the odds might be skewed.

Weather conditions can significantly impact NFL games. Rain, snow, and wind can affect the passing game, kicking accuracy, and overall scoring. Be sure to check the forecast before placing your bets.

At Ladbrokes, we offer a wide range of NFL betting markets, from moneyline and point spread bets to prop and futures bets. Our user-friendly platform makes it easy to browse odds, place bets, and follow the action live. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the game, our promotions and special offers can help you maximise your returns.

Explore our NFL betting section today and take advantage of our headline offers, including enhanced odds, free bets, and special promotions throughout the season. Join the excitement of NFL betting with Ladbrokes, and turn your football knowledge into winning bets!