By
Eric Pauly
Feb 6, 2026
0 min read
What Are Prop Bets?
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are wagers on specific outcomes within a sporting event that don't directly tie to the final score or result. Instead of betting on which team wins or covers the spread, you're betting on whether a quarterback throws over 275.5 passing yards, whether a basketball player scores under 22.5 points, or whether there will be a safety in the first half. These markets let you bet on granular aspects of a game rather than just the overall outcome.
Prop betting has exploded in popularity over the past five years, driven by the rise of same-game parlays and the depth of statistical data now available to bettors. Sportsbooks offer hundreds of prop markets for major games, covering everything from player performance to in-game events. After betting player props seriously across three NFL and two NBA seasons, I've found that the depth of available data makes props one of the more researchable betting markets. The key is knowing where to look and which player prop research tools surface the most useful information. This guide covers how prop bets work, the different types you'll encounter, and how to approach them strategically.
article Summary
Prop bets are wagers on specific outcomes within a game, like player statistics or in-game events. Player props focus on individual performance, while game props cover team or event-based outcomes. Props often have less efficient markets than spreads and totals because sportsbooks have less historical data to draw from, creating opportunities for bettors who do their research.
Types of Prop Bets
Player Props
Player props are the most common type of proposition bet. They focus on individual player performance: passing yards, rushing attempts, receiving touchdowns, points scored, rebounds, assists, strikeouts, hits, and dozens of other statistical categories. Each prop has an over/under line with odds on both sides. For example, a prop might be set at Patrick Mahomes over 285.5 passing yards at -115. You're betting solely on Mahomes's performance, regardless of whether the Chiefs win or lose.
Game Props
Game props involve outcomes that relate to the game but not the final score. Examples include: first team to score, will there be overtime, total touchdowns in the game, or whether both teams score in the first quarter. These are often easier to find in the sportsbook interface because they don't require you to select a specific player. Game props can be useful when you have a read on game flow but not on a specific side or total.
Exotic Props
Exotic props are novelty bets typically available for major events like the Super Bowl. They can include things like the color of the Gatorade poured on the winning coach, the length of the national anthem, or the first song played at halftime. These are almost purely entertainment bets with little opportunity for edge, but they add to the experience of big events. Stick to player and game props if you're looking for +EV opportunities.
Why Prop Markets Offer Opportunity
Less Efficient Than Spreads and Totals
Sportsbooks dedicate most of their resources to pricing the main lines: spreads, moneylines, and totals. These markets have the most betting volume and the sharpest action, so the lines are extremely efficient. Prop markets, by contrast, receive less attention. The sheer volume of props across hundreds of games means sportsbooks often rely on models rather than individual analysis. When those models miss something, edges exist. I've consistently found that my win rate on player props exceeds my win rate on spreads, specifically because the prop lines are less sharp.
Statistical Research Matters More
Props reward research. Understanding a player's recent workload, matchup history, injury status, and role within the offense or defense can reveal lines that are set incorrectly. A receiver averaging 8 targets per game facing a team that gives up the most yards to slot receivers might be undervalued on his receiving yards prop. This kind of analysis is harder to do at scale, which is why sportsbooks don't always get it right. Tools like PropFinder (30% off with code BETSMART) and Props.Cash aggregate the data you need to make these assessments quickly.
Correlation Can Work in Your Favor
In same-game parlays, sportsbooks adjust odds for correlation between legs. But when betting props straight, you can find situations where positive correlation isn't priced correctly. If a team is likely to play from behind, their quarterback's passing attempts will probably increase. The passing yards prop might not fully reflect this game script expectation. Recognizing these situations and betting them straight (not in parlays where the sportsbook adjusts) is one way experienced prop bettors find edge.
How to Research Prop Bets
Start With the Line, Not the Player
The biggest mistake new prop bettors make is picking a player they like and then finding a prop to bet. The better approach is to scan lines first and identify which props look off based on the data. If a running back's rushing yards line is set at 65.5 but he's averaging 85 yards per game over his last five and faces a bottom-tier run defense, the line itself tells you there might be value. Starting with lines instead of players removes emotional attachment from your betting decisions.
Check Historical Hit Rates
Historical hit rate data shows how often a player has gone over or under a specific line in the past. If a player's passing yards line is set at 250.5 and he's gone over that number in 12 of his last 15 games, that's meaningful information. It's not the only factor, but it provides context for how the line compares to actual performance. Most player prop tools include hit rate data as a standard feature.
Factor In Game Context
Props exist within the context of a specific game, and game script matters. A running back on a team expected to dominate might see fewer carries in the second half if they're up big. A wide receiver in a projected shootout has more opportunities than one in a defensive struggle. Weather affects passing games. Injuries to other players on the team change usage. Always consider the game-level factors before betting a player prop in isolation.
Tools for Prop Betting Success
Prop Research Platforms
Dedicated prop tools compile the data you need in one place. Outlier offers player prop research alongside +EV tools for $19.99/month. Pine Sports (code BETSMART) combines an AI chatbot with prop data and arbitrage features. The right tool depends on your betting volume and which sports you focus on, but having some prop research platform is essential if you're betting props seriously.
Line Shopping Props
Prop lines vary between sportsbooks, sometimes significantly. One book might offer a receiving yards line at 65.5 while another has it at 62.5. That 3-yard difference can swing a bet from losing to pushing to winning. OddsJam compares prop lines across 40+ sportsbooks so you can find the best number. If you're not shopping props, you're leaving edge on the table.
Tracking Your Results
Props are high volume by nature. You might bet 10+ props on a single NFL Sunday. Tracking your results by sport, prop type, and bet direction helps you identify where you're finding edge and where you're leaking. Bet tracking apps automate this process and give you the data to refine your approach over time. After tracking thousands of prop bets, I know that my NBA points unders have a higher ROI than overs, and that informs how I weight my action.
Final Thoughts
Prop bets offer a different angle on sports betting than traditional spreads and totals. The markets are less efficient, the research matters more, and the volume of available data means you can develop genuine expertise in specific prop types or players. The sportsbooks can't dedicate the same attention to every one of the thousands of props they offer, and that's where your opportunity lives.
If you're new to props, start with player performance markets in a sport you know well. Learn to read the data, understand how game context affects individual stats, and build a process that starts with lines rather than opinions. Combined with a good prop research tool and disciplined line shopping, prop betting can become one of the more profitable parts of your overall strategy. For a deeper look at how to analyze player props specifically, check out our player prop betting guide.
Prop Bets FAQ
Additional Resources
Explore our curated selection of guides and tools to help promote responsible gambling.
Parlay Betting Strategy
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How to Read Sports Betting Lines
Moneylines, point spreads, totals, and line movement all follow a simple logic once you know what you're looking at.
Live Betting Explained: How In-Game Wagering Works
Live betting lets you wager on games in progress, but the fast-moving odds require a different approach than pre-game betting.
Spread Betting Explained: How Point Spreads Work
Point spread betting evens the odds between mismatched teams by giving the underdog a head start.
