NFL Betting Guide: How to Bet on Football
Master NFL betting with strategies for spreads, totals, and player props.
LineMonkeys Team12 min readDecember 23, 2025
NFL Betting Guide
The NFL is the most popular sport for betting in North America. Here's how to bet it wisely.
Key Markets
Point Spread
The most popular NFL bet. The favorite must win by more than the spread.
Totals (Over/Under)
Bet on the combined score of both teams.
Moneyline
Simply pick the winner. Favorites are expensive; underdogs offer value.
Props
Player and team-specific bets (passing yards, touchdowns, etc.)
NFL Betting Tips
- Line Shopping is Critical - NFL lines can vary by 1-2 points across books
- Pay Attention to Key Numbers - 3 and 7 are the most common margins
- Weather Matters - Rain and wind affect passing games and totals
- Injury Reports - Check reports before betting, especially for QBs
When to Bet
- Early Week: Get value before sharp money moves lines
- Game Day: Sometimes value appears right before kickoff