NFL betting comes down to three core wagers: the point spread, the moneyline, and the total (over/under). Understand those three and you can follow any line sheet at any licensed sportsbook.
What Is a Point Spread and How Does It Work?
The spread is a margin of victory the sportsbook assigns to the favored team. Say New England is listed at -14.5. That means the Patriots must win by 15 or more points for a spread bet on them to cash. If they win by 14, the bet loses. If you took the underdog at +14.5, your bet wins even if that team loses — as long as it's by fewer than 15 points.
Most spread bets are priced at -110 on both sides. You risk $110 to win $100. That built-in gap is the vig — the sportsbook's cut. I'll link out to the full breakdown of that cost below.
What Is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline is a straight-up pick: which team wins? No spread involved. Favorites carry negative odds (e.g., -200), underdogs carry positive odds (e.g., +170). Favorites cost more to bet because they're more likely to win. Underdogs pay better for the same reason.
What Is a Totals Bet (Over/Under)?
The sportsbook posts a combined score for both teams. If the total is 47.5, you bet whether both teams combine for 48 or more points (over) or 47 or fewer (under). It doesn't matter who wins. Like spread bets, totals are typically priced at -110 per side.
How Do the Bet Types Compare?
| Bet Type | What You're Betting On | Typical Odds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Margin of victory | -110 each side | Bettors who study matchups |
| Moneyline | Straight-up winner | Varies by team strength | Underdog hunters |
| Totals (Over/Under) | Combined final score | -110 each side | Weather and pace watchers |
What About More Advanced NFL Bet Types?
Once you have the basics down, there's a lot more ground to cover. Props, futures, same-game parlays, and live betting all work differently. For the full rundown, see every NFL bet type you need to know before wagering.
And before you deposit anywhere, it's worth knowing what each bet actually costs you. The vig, tax obligations, and bonus playthrough requirements all eat into your returns. The real cost of betting on NFL breaks all of that down in plain numbers.
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