The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most bet-on sports leagues in the world, and with each new season, millions of fans dive into the action — not just by watching, but by betting.
Whether you’re new to sports betting or want to refine your understanding, mastering the terminology used by sportsbooks is essential for placing smarter, more strategic wagers.
This guide covers the key terms you’ll encounter when betting on the NFL. We focus on American odds and betting formats common in the U.S., which is the primary market for NFL betting.
What Is the NFL Point Spread?
The point spread is one of the most popular and fundamental betting formats in the NFL. It evens the playing field between two teams by assigning a handicap.
Example
Let’s say the Kansas City Chiefs are playing the Denver Broncos. The sportsbook might list the following points spread:
- Chiefs -5.5
- Broncos +5.5
This means:
- If you bet on the Chiefs, they must win by 6 points or more for your bet to win.
- They’ve been given a handicap of a negative 5.5 points, reduced from their score.
- If you bet on the Broncos, they must win outright or lose by 5 or fewer points.
- They’ve been given a handicap of 5.5 additional points, added to their score.
The “.5” ensures there can be no tie (known as a “push”).
Moneyline Betting in NFL Games
The moneyline is the simplest type of NFL bet — you’re just picking which team will win.
Example
- Chiefs -150
- Broncos +130
Here’s how to read it:
- -150 = You must bet $150 to win $100 (Chiefs are the favorite).
- +130 = You win $130 for every $100 you bet (Broncos are the underdog).
Moneyline bets are great for beginners or close matchups with no clear spread advantage.
Over/Under (Totals)
In over/under bets, the sportsbook sets a total number of points expected in the game. You bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
Example
If the line is set at 44.5 points, you can bet:
- Over 44.5 → You win if the total points are 45 or more.
- Under 44.5 → You win if 44 or fewer points are scored.
This is a great market if you have insight into team offenses, weather, or defensive matchups.
ATS (Against the Spread)
This term describes a way of tracking a team’s performance relative to the point spread, not just whether they won or lost the game.
Example
- Let’s say the Cowboys are favored by -7 points against the Giants.
- If the Cowboys win 27–20, they win the game but fail to cover the spread (they only won by 7, not more than 7). Bettors who picked the Cowboys -7 would push, while Giants +7 bettors would push as well.
- If the Cowboys won 30–20, they covered the spread, so they’d be considered 1–0 ATS in that situation.
Why it matters: A team might have a great win/loss record but a poor ATS record (or vice versa). Bettors often look at ATS records to see which teams consistently outperform or underperform expectations set by sportsbooks.
Parlays and Teasers
With parlays and teasers, you combine multiple selections into a single wager for higher payouts — but with a much greater risk.
Parlays
- Combine 2 or more bets into one. All must win for your bet to profit.
- Example: Bet on the Chiefs -5.5 (spread bet) and the game total going over 44.5.
- Pros: Bigger payout as the odds for each bet are multiplied with each other.
- Cons: One wrong pick and you lose, no matter how many rights you got.
Teasers
- A special type of parlay where you adjust the point spread (or totals) in your favor.
- Example: Teasing the Chiefs -5.5 to -1.5, meaning they only need to win the game by two points.
- Pros: Easier to hit than a standard parlay.
- Cons: Lower payouts compared to regular parlays, and still risky if too many legs are included.
These bets are popular with NFL fans looking to juice their Sunday action across multiple games.
Push
A push happens when the final result exactly matches the betting line, resulting in a refund of your stake.
Example
- You bet over 44 total points.
- Final score: 24–20 (Total = 44).
- Result: Push. You get your money back.
Note: Half-point lines (like 44.5) are often used by sportsbooks to eliminate pushes.
Prop Bets
Short for “proposition bets,” these are wagers that come in many different forms. They are specific outcomes within a game but they don’t necessarily tie to the final result.
Example
- Will Justin Jefferson score a touchdown?
- Over/Under 275.5 passing yards for Patrick Mahomes?
These bets add excitement by letting you wager on individual performances or in-game moments.
Futures
Futures are bets on events that will be decided later in the season.
Example
- Who will win the Super Bowl?
- Which team will make the playoffs?
These are long-term bets where odds can shift dramatically over time depending on injuries, trades, and team performance.
Other NFL Betting Terms You Should Know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stake | The amount of money you bet. |
| Handle | The total money wagered on an event. |
| Juice/Vig | The sportsbook’s built-in margin (e.g., -110 instead of even money). |
| Bankroll | Your total betting budget. |
| Live Betting | Wagering on games while they’re in progress. |
| Sharp | A professional or very experienced bettor. |
Final Tips for NFL Bettors
To boost your success rate and build long-term profitability, keep these tips in mind:
- Study the stats: Use NFL data on team performance, injury reports, and recent form.
💡 Example: A star QB’s injury could drastically change both the moneyline and point spread. - Line shop: Compare odds across sportsbooks to get the best value.
💡 Example: One book might offer the Cowboys at -150 while another has them at -135. - Avoid emotional bets: Don’t just bet on your favorite team.
💡 Example: Backing the Jets every week because you’re a fan isn’t a strategy — it’s bias. - Understand probabilities: Odds can easily be turned into probabilities.
💡 Example: Odds of -150 imply a 60% win chance; +200 implies about 33%. - Place smart bets: Make a prediction and pick odds that give you an advantage.
💡 Example: If you believe the 49ers have a 60% chance to win but the odds imply only 50%, that’s a value bet. - Track your bets: Keep a record to analyze performance over time.
💡 Example: A betting journal can reveal if you’re consistently losing on parlays but winning on single bets. - Take advantage of bonuses: Use welcome offers and other promotions to stretch your bankroll.
💡 Example: A $100 free bet on +200 odds could turn into $200 profit at no extra cost.
👉 Read our Sports Betting Welcome Bonus Guide to learn more about bonuses, and Odds Guide to further understand probability and why this is important for long-term success.
Conclusion
Understanding NFL betting terminology is more than just learning the lingo — it’s about making informed, strategic decisions.
Whether you’re betting on the point spread, the moneyline, or diving into player props, knowing what these terms mean — and how to use them — can potentially give you an edge.
Use this guide as a reference as you explore NFL betting this season. And remember: the best bettors are not the biggest risk-takers, but the ones who do their homework.
Bet smart. Bet responsibly. And enjoy the game.