Football betting comes down to three main bets: the moneyline (who wins), the point spread (who covers a margin) and the total (how many points both teams score). Spreads and totals are usually priced at -110, which means you risk $110 to win $100, and the NFL is the hardest league to beat because its lines draw so much betting action that they end up very sharp.
This guide explains each bet type, why half-points matter so much in football, and when bettors are most likely to find value. Legal sports betting is available in more than half of US states, each with its own rules, as well as at Las Vegas sportsbooks.
Which football leagues can you bet on?
Almost all football betting in the US is on the NFL and college football. Sportsbooks also post lines on the Canadian Football League (CFL) and on spring football leagues. Smaller leagues get far less betting action, so their lines can be softer than NFL lines, but betting limits are lower too.
Types of football bets
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a bet on which team wins the game outright. The favorite has a minus sign and the underdog a plus sign. If Team A is -200 and Team B is +170, you risk $200 on Team A to win $100, or $100 on Team B to win $170. Big favorites pay very little on the moneyline, which is why most football betting is on the spread instead.
Point spread
The point spread evens out the two teams. If Dallas is a 7-point favorite (-7), Dallas has to win by 8 or more for a Dallas bet to win; a 7-point win is a push and your stake is returned. The underdog (+7) covers by losing by 6 or fewer or by winning outright.
Half-points matter more in football than in most sports because scoring comes in steps of 3 (field goal) and 7 (touchdown and extra point). Final margins of 3 and 7 points are the most common NFL results, with 3 points deciding roughly 15% of games and 7 points about 9%, so moving a line from -7 to -7.5, or from -2.5 to -3, changes your chance of winning far more than the half-point suggests. Lines also move when injuries, weather or lineup news come out, so compare the number you are getting with where the line opened.
Most spreads are priced at -110 on both sides. A book that wants more action on one side may move the price to -105 instead of moving the line, and one that wants less may move it to -115. Always check both the points and the price.
Totals (over/under)
A total is a bet on the combined score. If the total is 45.5, the over wins if the teams score 46 or more points between them, and the under wins at 45 or fewer. Weather, pace and matchups drive totals, and the same 3- and 7-point scoring steps that shape spreads affect common totals too.
Parlays and teasers
A parlay combines several bets into one ticket that pays more but wins only if every leg wins. A teaser moves the spread or total in your favor on each leg in exchange for a lower payout. Both are popular in football; see our guide to parlays and teasers before you use them.
Futures and prop bets
Futures are season-long bets, such as which team will win the Super Bowl, a conference or a division, or who will win MVP. They let you follow one bet all season, but books build a larger margin into futures prices than into single games.
Props are bets on events within a game, such as a quarterback’s passing yards or whether a player scores a touchdown. The Super Bowl draws the widest menu, including novelty props in states that allow them. Player props get less betting volume than sides and totals, which is why many experienced bettors look for value there.
When to bet football games
Early in the season
Early in the season, sportsbooks and the public have the least current information about each team. Roster changes, rookies and new coaches can make a team better or worse than its reputation, and bettors who have done their homework have the best chance of finding a soft line in the first few weeks. As the season goes on and more games are played, lines get sharper.
Playoffs and big games
The playoffs and the Super Bowl draw the most casual money of the year. Many casual bettors back favorites, popular teams and overs, so the side the public is not on sometimes offers a slightly better number. This is known as fading the public. It is not a winning system on its own, but it is worth knowing which way the money is moving.
Tips for betting on football
- Shop for the best line. Half a point or a few cents of price across books adds up over a season.
- Bet fewer games. You do not need a bet on every game, and most games offer no edge.
- Know the key numbers. Be wary of laying -3.5 or -7.5 when you could get -3 or -7.
- Track your results so you know what is and is not working.
Football betting FAQ
What does -110 mean in football betting?
It is the price of the bet. You risk $110 to win $100. The extra $10 is the sportsbook’s margin, often called the vig or juice.
What happens if the final margin lands exactly on the spread?
The bet is a push and your stake is returned. Half-point spreads such as -6.5 are used to avoid pushes.
What are key numbers in football betting?
Key numbers are the most common final margins, mainly 3 and 7. Spreads on or near them are the most important to shop.
Sports betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits before you bet, and if gambling stops being fun, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.