NFL Betting odds and lines are used in sports betting to determine the likelihood of a team winning and the potential payouts. Odds can be expressed as moneyline, point spread, or over/under. Lines are specific numerical values associated with odds. It’s important to compare odds from different sportsbooks to find the best value.
If you’re new to betting or DFS, football lines may seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, reading NFL Betting odds doesn’t require any special skills or typical math knowledge. In fact, all you need to do is grasp a few key fundamentals, and you’ll be ready to jump into the world of football betting and DFS.
When it comes to betting on the NFL, the point spread holds importance and is favored by both proficient bettors and beginners. Understanding the NFL point spread is key. It shows the number of points a team needs to win by in order for the bet to be considered a win. On a bet sheet, you’ll notice that both teams have a number next to them, but with different signs (“+” or” -“). For example:
New England Patriots “+5” vs. Seattle Seahawks “-5”
Let’s focus on the Patriots first. The “+5” indicates that they are the underdogs. This means that Vegas sportsbooks are allocating the Patriots a 5-point lead right from the start. If you place a bet on the Patriots, they can still lose the game, but provided that they lose by less than the 5-point lead, you’ll win your bet.
Vice versa, if you select to bet on the Seahawks at “-5,” they become the favorites. This insinuates that you are starting with a 5-point shortfall before the game begins. In order for this bet to be successful, the Seahawks must win by more than 5 points.
Now, what happens if the final score results in a 5-point difference? In such cases, it is known as a “push,” and your bet will be refunded.