Football betting is a popular form of gambling that has been around for many years. This article will explore the four most common football bets and provide information on how to win them.
The four types of bets that will be discussed are point spreads, moneyline bets, over/under bets, and prop bets. Each type of bet has different rules and strategies that should be taken into account when deciding how to place bets.
Point spreads involve betting on whether a team will win or lose by a certain number of points. Moneyline bets, on the other hand, focus on picking the winner of the game regardless of the point spread. Over/under bets involve predicting whether the total points scored in a game will be over or under a specified number. Lastly, prop bets are wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown.
To win these bets, it is important to consider matchup advantages, good value, and the public’s money. Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team and their players can help identify favorable matchups. Additionally, looking for bets with good value, where the potential payout outweighs the risk, can increase the chances of winning.
Furthermore, paying attention to the public’s money can be beneficial. If a large majority of bettors are favoring one team, it may be wise to consider betting against them to take advantage of potential overvaluing.
By following the strategies outlined in this article, bettors may increase their chances of success when betting on football. Taking into account the different types of bets, analyzing matchups, seeking good value, and considering the public’s money can all contribute to making more informed and profitable bets.
Point Spreads
Point spreads are listed as a one- or two-digit number and represent the number of points a team has before kickoff, with a ‘-‘ sign indicating the favorite and a ‘+’ sign indicating the underdog, in order to win the bet after accounting for the spread.
Factors that can influence point spreads include weather, injuries, matchups, and coaching history.
To win the bet, the team chosen must win the game even after considering the spread. Public money can shift the spread so it is important to stay up to date.
It is also beneficial to consider counterintuitive plays when the spread looks unusually low or high.
In order to maximize the chances of winning, knowledge of the game and the players is key.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline wagers are an underutilized betting option in which the winner of the game is determined by which team has the highest score. This bet requires a bettor to calculate the balance of value and likelihood of winning in order to have the best chance of success.
The moneyline bet is represented by a one- or two-digit number that indicates the amount of money needed to bet to win $100 or the amount that could be won with a $100 bet.
It is important for bettors to take into account factors such as weather, injuries, matchups, and coaching history to make the most informed decision possible.
Furthermore, the public’s money can influence the moneyline bet, so it is important to assess the potential of counterintuitive plays when the line looks unusually low or high.
Prop Bets
Prop bets are additional wagers on specific events within a game, typically receiving less action than regular bets. They offer an opportunity to find value and gain an advantage over the bookmaker. To reduce the risk of losing, bettors should look for matchup advantages and good value. Counterintuitive plays can be made when the line looks unusually low or high. The table below summarizes the key elements of successful prop bets.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Matchup advantages | Look for favorable matchups between teams or players to increase the chances of success. |
| Good value | Find bets that may be underestimated by the bookmakers. |
| Counterintuitive | When the line looks unusually low or high, consider making a counterintuitive play. |
