Moneyline betting is one of the most straightforward ways to wager on NFL games. Unlike point spread betting, moneyline odds focus solely on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the score margin. This simplicity makes it an attractive option for both novice and experienced bettors alike.
In NFL moneyline betting, odds are typically presented in American format, using positive and negative numbers. The team with negative odds (e.g., -150) is considered the favorite, while the team with positive odds (e.g., +130) is the underdog. For favorites, the number indicates how much you need to bet to win $100. For underdogs, it shows how much you’d win on a $100 bet. For example, a -150 favorite requires a $150 bet to win $100, while a +130 underdog would pay out $130 on a $100 bet if they win.
Moneyline odds in NFL betting can vary significantly based on the perceived strength of the teams. In matchups between evenly matched teams, the odds might be close to even. However, when there’s a clear favorite, the odds can become quite lopsided. It’s crucial for bettors to assess not just the likelihood of a team winning, but also whether the potential payout justifies the risk. While betting on heavy favorites might seem safer, the lower payouts mean you’ll need to win more consistently to be profitable in the long run. Conversely, successfully picking underdogs can lead to bigger payouts, but comes with increased risk.
