Moneyline

A straight pick of the winner. Favorites are priced with negative odds (e.g., −150), underdogs with positive odds (e.g., +130). Convert prices to implied probability to judge value.

Use when: spread edges are small, weather/variance favors underdogs, or late QB/OL news flips win probability more than margin distribution.

Sharpen it: Compare at least 3 books to capture the best number—see How to Shop Betting Lines.

Why this NFL bet type works

This NFL bet type is clean when you project a team to win outright and price shopping shows a positive gap versus implied probability.

Point Spread

Handicap that evens teams by adding/subtracting points. Key numbers (3, 7) matter; small moves across them have outsized value.

• −3.5 vs −3.0: Crossing 3 is material; don’t pay through it without a reason.
• Alt spreads: Trade payout for a different line when you have tail confidence in a game script.

For a primer on why number beats price long-term, read Moneyline vs Spread vs Totals.

Types of NFL bets that hinge on key numbers

Among all types of NFL bets, spreads are most sensitive to 3 and 7; building around these landmarks is core to NFL betting markets.

Totals (Over/Under)

Bet on combined points. Totals react to pace (seconds/snap), pass rate (neutral & trailing), red-zone efficiency, and weather. Wind matters more than rain; cross-winds punish deep passing and field goals.

Live angle: If an offense is moving the ball but settling for FGs due to scripted looks, second-half overs can open value as red-zone plays regress.

NFL betting markets driven by pace and weather

Totals are an NFL betting market where tempo, QB health, and wind can swing value faster than roster headlines.

First Half / Second Half & Quarters

Same concepts, smaller sample. First-half spreads/totals key off opening scripts and scripted drives; second-half markets incorporate live efficiency and injuries.

• 1H derivatives: Useful when a team starts fast (tempo, scripted pass rate).
• 2H derivatives: Useful when injuries, weather shifts, or game state alter play-calling.

How this NFL bet type fits game script

This NFL bet type shines when coaching tendencies and starting scripts create predictable early efficiency.

Player & Team Props

Player yards, attempts, touchdowns; team totals and alt lines. Props are sensitive to role changes (snap share, route rate), coverage tendencies, and injuries. Books often move slower on role news than on full-game lines.

Before diving deep on props, review Prop Betting Explained for pricing fundamentals.

Football bet types tied to role and usage

These football bet types reward fast reactions to depth-chart changes and matchup-specific coverage patterns.

Live / In-Game

Lines update with each play. Markets overweight recent events; you’re hunting for mispriced probability versus pace and remaining possessions.

• Clock & timeouts: End-game totals depend on possession count; slow, run-heavy teams drain possessions fast.
• Injury lag: Books react, but prop trees can lag the primary line.

See Live / In-Game Betting for timing, liquidity, and pricing differences.

NFL betting markets in live play

Live NFL betting markets let you price possessions, pace, and injuries faster than the algorithm during drive-to-drive swings.

Futures & Awards

Season-long markets like Super Bowl, division, win totals, and awards. Hold is higher; entries should target CLV, injury windows, and schedule pockets.

Deep dive: Interpreting Futures Markets and Hedging Basics.

Long-horizon NFL bet types

These NFL bet types benefit from timing entries around injuries, bye weeks, and schedule corridors to capture closing movement.

FAQ: NFL Bet Types

What’s the most common NFL bet type?

Point spread. It prices margin, not just win probability, and sits on key numbers (3, 7).

Is buying points worth it?

Rarely. The price you pay often exceeds the value unless you’re moving onto/off 3 or 7 at a favorable cost.

Are player props beatable?

Yes—role and matchup news can move slower than sides/totals. Shop lines aggressively and track closing movement.