How to Read NFL Odds: A Complete Guide for Football Bettors
Master the basics of NFL betting odds so you can understand spreads, moneylines, totals, and player props before placing your first football bet.
By
Eric Pauly
Feb 6, 2026
5 min read
Understanding NFL Betting Odds
NFL betting is the most popular form of sports wagering in America, but the odds can look confusing if you have never placed a bet before. The good news is that reading NFL odds is straightforward once you understand the format. I remember my first NFL bet feeling overwhelming, staring at numbers like -110 and -3.5 without knowing what they meant. After years of betting on football, I can tell you the system makes sense once you learn the basics. This guide breaks down every type of NFL odd you will encounter so you can bet with confidence.
article Summary
NFL odds use American format where negative numbers show favorites and positive numbers show underdogs. Spreads level the playing field with point handicaps, moneylines bet on outright winners, and totals bet on combined scores. Understanding these basics is essential before placing any NFL wager.
The Basics of American Odds Format
American sportsbooks display odds in a format unique to the United States. Once you understand how to read these numbers, every NFL betting market becomes accessible.
Negative Odds (Favorites)
A negative number like -150 tells you how much you need to bet to win $100. In this case, a $150 bet on the favorite would return $100 in profit (plus your original stake back) if the bet wins. The bigger the negative number, the heavier the favorite. A team at -300 is a bigger favorite than a team at -150.
Positive Odds (Underdogs)
A positive number like +200 tells you how much you win on a $100 bet. If you bet $100 on a +200 underdog and they win, you profit $200. The bigger the positive number, the bigger the underdog. A +400 team is a longer shot than a +150 team.
What -110 Means
You will see -110 constantly in NFL betting. This is the standard juice or vig that sportsbooks charge on most bets. It means you risk $110 to win $100. The $10 difference is the sportsbook's margin. Understanding this helps you realize that line shopping for better odds across sportsbooks directly impacts your profitability.
Point Spreads in NFL Betting
The point spread is the most popular way to bet on NFL games. It creates a handicap that theoretically gives both teams an equal chance of covering.
How Spreads Work
If the Bills are -6.5 against the Jets, the Bills must win by 7 or more points for a spread bet on them to win. The Jets at +6.5 can lose by up to 6 points and still cover the spread. This system creates action on both sides since blowout favorites become more competitive bets.
The Half-Point Matters
Spreads often include a half-point (like -3.5 or +6.5) to prevent pushes where the bet is a tie. A spread of exactly 3 points is possible, and if the favorite wins by exactly 3, both sides push and get their money back. The half-point eliminates this scenario.
Key Numbers in NFL Spreads
Certain numbers come up more often as final margins in NFL games. The number 3 (field goal) and 7 (touchdown) are the most common margins of victory. Spreads of -3 and -7 are particularly significant, and getting -2.5 instead of -3 can meaningfully improve your win rate over time. I always check multiple sportsbooks when betting near these key numbers.
Moneylines and Totals
Beyond spreads, moneylines and totals are the other core NFL betting markets you need to understand.
Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is simply picking which team wins the game outright, no spread involved. The odds adjust based on each team's perceived probability of winning. Heavy favorites have large negative odds (like -350), making the payout small relative to your risk. Underdogs offer bigger payouts but win less often.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals bet on the combined score of both teams. If the total is set at 47.5, you bet whether the final combined score will be over or under that number. A 27-24 game totals 51 points, so the over wins. A 17-13 game totals 30, so the under wins. Totals are typically priced at -110 on both sides.
When to Bet Each Market
In my experience, spreads work best when you have conviction about how a game will play out but not necessarily the winner. Moneylines are better when you believe an underdog can win outright or when parlaying favorites. Totals suit bettors who focus on game flow, pace, and weather conditions rather than picking sides.
Player Props and Alternate Lines
Modern NFL betting extends well beyond traditional game lines. Player props and alternate lines offer more ways to bet on football.
Player Prop Odds
Player props bet on individual performances rather than game outcomes. Common NFL props include passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions. Each prop has an over/under line with odds attached. For example, Tyreek Hill over 85.5 receiving yards at -115. The player prop research tools available today make analyzing these markets much more efficient.
Alternate Spreads and Totals
Sportsbooks offer alternate lines at different odds. If the standard spread is -3.5, you can bet -7.5 at plus money or +0.5 at minus money. These give you flexibility to adjust risk and reward based on your read of the game.
Live Betting Odds
Once the game starts, odds update in real time. A team down 14-0 in the first quarter might shift from -3 to +10 on the live spread. Live betting requires quick decisions and a real time odds comparison tool helps you find value as lines move.
Tools for Comparing NFL Odds
Different sportsbooks offer different odds on the same NFL games. Using tools to compare these differences is one of the simplest ways to improve your results.
Why Line Shopping Matters
Getting -105 instead of -110 on a bet might seem minor, but over hundreds of bets, those differences compound into significant savings. A tool like OddsJam shows you the best available odds across dozens of sportsbooks so you always place at the best price.
Tracking Your NFL Bets
Keeping records of your NFL bets helps you understand which bet types work for you. Are you better at spreads or totals? Props or game lines? A bet tracking tool like Pikkit automatically syncs your bets and calculates your performance by market type. I discovered I was much stronger on NFL unders than overs simply by reviewing a season of tracked data.
Final Thoughts
Reading NFL odds is a foundational skill for any football bettor. Once you understand that negative numbers indicate favorites and positive numbers indicate underdogs, the rest follows logically. Spreads add point handicaps, moneylines bet on outright winners, and totals bet on combined scores. Master these basics, and you will be able to navigate any NFL betting market confidently. From there, tools for comparing odds and tracking your results will help you move from understanding the numbers to actually profiting from them.
NFL Odds FAQ
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