Prop Bets – Syndication Server

Betting 101: How to bet on the NFL for beginners

Looking at the various sports betting options centered around the NFL, with betting advice, tips and definitions of key terms.

The NFL is the most popular league in America. And while watching the games are fun enough, one way to get more out of games is having a personal investment in the outcome. That is where betting comes in. Wagering on a game adds excitement and intrigue — while increasing the emotional interest because of the money involved. It is similar to fantasy football, except with the rooting interest being in the outcome, not players’ stats.

NFL betting: Ways to bet

Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list of sports betting odds and lines.

Futures betting: Wagering on an outcome beyond a single game result. The most common futures bets are Super Bowl champion, followed by conference/division champion, making the playoffs and regular-season win totals.
Single-game betting: Wagering on the outcome of a single game. It can be the straight outcome — which team wins outright. It can be against a point spread — whether a team wins or loses by a set number of points. Or it can be whether the combined point total goes Over or Under a predetermined number.
Prop bets: Wagering on individual occurrences or individual player acts or performances, such as whether a player will score two touchdowns in a game or who scores the first TD of the game.
Live betting: Bets made after a game starts. As the game goes on, the point spread and Over/Under total will change, as will odds of each team to win outright. If a team favored before the game falls behind early, they may become the underdog.

NFL betting: Key betting terms to know

Moneyline: This is betting for the outright winner of a game. The line is posted with a positive or negative number. A positive numbered line will profit more than the initial wager. Example: A line of +160 means that a $100 bet would profit $160. A negative number line profits less than the initial wager. Example: A line of -150 means one would have to bet $150 to profit $100 (getting $250 total — their original bet and the profit).
Point spread: This is essentially a handicap for one team. A team with a negative spread number must win by more than that amount. If the line is Cardinals -3.5, they must win by 4 points or more to win the bet. A positive spread (ex: Bengals +3.5) means one can win the bet if that team loses by less than that amount. Betting the Bengals +3.5 means the bet wins if they lose by 3 points or less, or if they win outright.
Over/Under: This is also referred to as the total. It is the line for the combined total points scored by the two teams. Often the lines are weighted. An Over/Under line of 45 (-120, +100) means one must bet 1.2-to-1 on the Over, while it’s an even-money bet (1-to-1) on the Under.
Push: This is when the point spread or point total is matched exactly. If the line has a half point, this can’t happen. If the line finishes in a push, all money is refunded. If the line was Cardinals -3 and they win by exactly 3 points, the bettor gets his money back.
Parlay: A combination of two or more bets in which all bets must win in order for the parlay to win; if any one bet loses the entire parlay loses. The benefit is a successful parlay pays more. Moneylines, point spreads and Over/Unders can be parlayed. Sportsbooks differ in payouts, but the average payoffs are:

PARLAY	PAYOUT
2-teamer	2.6 to 1
3-teamer	6 to 1
4-teamer	11 to 1
5-teamer	22 to 1
6-teamer	40 to 1
7-teamer	80 to 1
8-teamer	150 to 1

While they pay more than a straight bet, many consider these sucker bets. The sportsbooks make a lot of money on bettors’ losing parlay bets. Any bet that results in a push does not end the parlay; it is treated as if the game never happened. So a 4-team parlay with a push becomes a 3-team parlay and assumes 3-team odds.

NFL betting: How do odds work?

Odds are usually given in two styles. One is as a positive or negative number. The other is a ratio.

The positive and negative numbers were explained above, but what about ratios?

One might see 8/1 odds. This is the same as +800. A winning bet profits eight times the original bet. Odds with a smaller number on top (or first) are the same as a negative number. 2/5 odds mean every $5 wagered will profit $2 if the bet wins. The smaller the ratio is the more likely the expected outcome.

Get some sports betting action by placing a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Prop Bet Payday: Week 16

Analyzing key Week 16 NFL prop bets that seem poised for a pay day, featuring props around Leonard Fournette, Drew Brees and Joe Mixon.

With the holiday season upon us, we’re awaiting presents and family. For those procrastinators looking for a little extra holiday cash, here are three holiday prop bets we see having the potential to pay off big. Consider these bets for Week 16. Odds last updated Saturday at 3:10 p.m. ET.

A Lenny for Your Thoughts

*Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson – USA TODAY Sports*

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette has transformed his game as a three-down back, shattering his career total with 73 receptions. But, his rushing numbers have suffered in recent weeks. He has 15 or fewer carries in five of the last six games and averaged 3.6 yards a carry in each of those games. It doesn’t bode well, but the Jags have played their best when they feed Fournette and the Atlanta Falcons defense has struggled to stop the run all season. With a reasonable number of 63.5 rushing yards (-118 on both the Over and Under), all Fournette needs is a couple of chunk plays to hit the Over. Take the OVER 63.5 (-118) and run, Lenny, run!

New to sports betting? Every $1.18 wagered will profit $1 if Fournette finishes with 64 rushing yards or more.

Looking to place a bet any of the Week 15 NFL games? Get some action on the games or other sports at BetMGM. Sign up now!

Cool Brees Blowing

*Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports*

The New Orleans Saints and QB Drew Brees have been rolling up huge pass numbers in recent weeks, but they’re a different team on the road and the Tennessee Titans are a solid, if unheralded, defense. Brees’ passing yardage number is fat at 285.5 (-118 on both sides). Nobody has posted more 300-yard games than Brees, but they will likely play Titans style football with pounding Derrick Henry at them 20 times if his hamstring holds up as they continue their playoff push. Brees will approach 285 yards, but we don’t think he’ll get all the way there. Take the UNDER 285.5 (-118).

Say It Ain’t So, Joe

*Photo Credit: Joe Maiorana – USA TODAY Sports*

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon was almost unplayable in fantasy football circles the first three months of the season. But, he has been one of the hottest running backs in the league over the last month, having 18 or more carries in five of his last six games, topping 79 rushing yards in five of the last six and being the focus of the offense. Our friends at The Huddle are projecting Mixon to be the top scoring running back in all of fantasy football this week, rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns against a weak Miami Dolphins defense. We’re jumping on the OVER 83.5 (-118) rushing yards for Mixon and cheering against Miami’s defense – which is pretty easy to do.

Now that you have the skinny on what to do with each player, visit BetMGM to place a bet on your favorite NFL Prop Bets now. For additional sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com now and for a complete set of today’s live odds, access them at USA TODAY Sports.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Prop Bet Payday – Week 15

Analyzing key Week 15 NFL prop bets that seem poised for a pay day, featuring props around Aaron Jones, Tom Brady, Christian McCaffrey and Sean Payton.

With the holidays right around the corner, we’re looking to help out those looking for a little extra spending money. We’ve teamed up with the oddsmakers at BetMGM.com and our friends at The Huddle to find prop bets that go against the conventional wisdom of the number. Looking for extra cash for presents? Consider these bets for Week 15. Odds last updated Saturday at 9:40 p.m. ET.

Trial and Aaron

*Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports*

Who is the only coach that can consistently limit Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones? His head coach Matt LaFleur. For some reason, he has forced Jones into a timeshare with Jamaal Williams, limiting his rushing attempts to 13 or less in 10 of 13 games. As a result, Jones’ Over/Under for rushing yards against the Chicago Bears Sunday is 59½ (-118 on both the Over and Under). In his last two home games, he has rushed for 93 yards against the Carolina Panthers and 134 against the Washington Redskins. The Packers will be looking to control the clock offensively and Jones should hit 70 or more rushing yards. Take the OVER 59.5.

New to sports betting? Every $1.18 wagered will profit $1 if Jones finishes with 60 rushing yards or more.

Looking to place a bet any of the Week 15 NFL games? Get some action on the games or other sports at BetMGM. Sign up now!

The Story of a Man Named Brady

*Photo Credit: Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports*

This one is a little surprising, given the struggles of the New England Patriots pass offense, which basically has been limited to Tom Brady trying to find Julian Edelman. The Over/Under for Brady passing yards is 258.5 (-118 on both sides). This number is based more on Cincinnati’s defense being bad, but 258 yards is a lot, especially with a receiver corps that looks more like a receiver corpse at this point. Brady had thrown for 216 or fewer yards in three of his last four games and, while we believe he can get close to this number, getting there won’t be easy, especially if the Pats got off to a double-digit lead early. Take the UNDER 258.5 (-118) on Brady’s total passing yards.

The Passion of the Chris

*Photo Credit: Bob Donnan – USA TODAY Sports*

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey has been putting together an MVP season and the Seattle Seahawks’ biggest defensive problem has been stopping the run. However, the prop bet we’re looking at is McCaffrey on the receiving end of things. The Over/Under on receiving yards for McCaffrey is 55.5 (-118 on both sides). This is a big number for a running back, but McCaffrey has exceeded that number seven times this year, including each of the last four. He has been targeted 48 times in the last four games, catching 38 passes for 330 yards. We see him catching seven or eight passes. If he breaks one for 20+ yards, it be almost impossible to keep him under the number. Take the OVER 55.5 (-118) on McCaffrey’s total receiving yards.

Do You Feel Lucky, Punk?

*Photo Credit: Chuck Cook – USA TODAY Sports*

We have a bonus prop bet for you. Few head coaches hold on to his challenge flag for less time than New Orleans Saints’ Sean Payton. He will throw a challenge flag to get a ball moved a yard or two. There is a prop bet in Monday night’s game as to who will use a coach’s challenge first: Saints -115, Indianapolis Colts -115. Given his propensity to throw the red handkerchief (and usually lose), if you want to go off the board with a prop bet, banking on Payton to be the first to launch the laundry as a good bet. Take PAYTON -115.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Prop Bet Payday – Week 13

Analyzing key Week 13 NFL prop bets that seem poised for a pay day, featuring props around Davante Adams, Zach Ertz and Jack Doyle.

Some prop bets are pure luck in nature, like betting on whether the final point total will be even or odd. There is no skill to determining that. Where skill does come into play is taking on the bets that challenge an individual player to have a big game … or at least score a touchdown.

Here are three bets we’re making along with our friends at The Huddle that you should consider placing bets on — and we’re not including that absurd -400 number on Christian McCaffrey scoring a a touchdown. These are three affordable bets that could easily hit for you.

Up and Adams

The Giants pass defense has been hideous all year and have allowed huge days to elite receivers all season, including Mike Evans (three TDs), Adam Thielen (two TDs), Kenny Golladay (two TDs), Amari Cooper (one TD) and Allen Robinson (one TD). In two career meetings, Packers wideout Davante Adams (-143 to score) has caught 13 passes for 210 yards with a touchdown in each game. You have to know the Packers are aware of this and will push Adams early and often, especially when they get in the red zone.

Looking to place a bet? Get some action at BetMGM. NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: Risk-Free first bet (up to $500; paid in free bets). Sign up now!

The truth Ertz

The Dolphins are brutal on multiple levels on both sides of the ball. The Eagles got a new lease on life with the Cowboys’ loss to Buffalo on Thanksgiving Day and need to take advantage of it. It is easy to envision Philly scoring four or five touchdowns in this game and, if they score four, it’s hard to imagine tight end Zach Ertz (100) not having at least one of them.

Jack of all trades

The Titans have been brutalized by tight ends all season – both great and middling alike. It is a weakness teams have taken advantage of, including the Colts, with Eric Ebron scoring a touchdown in the teams’ first meeting this season. Now Jack Doyle (+230) is the only show at tight end and, at that price, is a value pick for a team prone to not covering tight ends in the red zone.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Prop Bet Payday – Week 12

Analyzing key Week 12 NFL prop bets that seem poised for a pay-day, featuring props around Odell Beckham Jr., Christian McCaffrey and Russell Wilson.

Sometimes when you make prop bets, you want to get things done in a hurry — for better or worse. With that in mind, this week’s three prop picks are all about who will be the first player to find the end zone in a trio of early games on the Week 12 slate.

Odell Bet-him

Look for Odell Beckham to break out of his slump on Sunday. Early. *Scott R. Galvin – USA TODAY Sports*

Who will score the first touchdown? The big money can be made by going after a Dolphins player, since they’re all more than +1000, but our money is on Cleveland getting off to a fast start. While Nick Chubb (+330) and Jarvis Landry (+600) are tempting because they’ve been scoring consistently in recent games, our bet is a big early play from a frustrated Odell Beckham Jr. (+500) to get on the board early.

Looking to place a bet? Get some action at BetMGM. NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: Risk-Free first bet (up to $500; paid in free bets). Sign up now!

Bet the money and run (CMC)

When you get these kinds of odds on Christian McCaffrey, you make a run to the betting window. *Jeremy Brevard – USA TODAY Sports*

The Saints are prohibitive favorites at home and are expected to roll up points. But when are you ever going to get a scoring machine like Christian McCaffrey at +550 to score the first touchdown of the game? The Saints will score touchdowns throughout the game by Run CMC strikes first and brings better than a 5-to-1 return on investment.

Win your fantasy football league with TheHuddle.com. SPECIAL MID-SEASON RATE! Subscribe with code “sbw25” to take $25 OFF.
Valid for new subscribers through 11/30/19.

Gold Russ

In case you forgot how dangerous Russell Wilson can be on the ground, tune into Sunday’s game early. *Cary Edmondson – USA TODAY Sports*

The spread is pretty even among the usual suspects as to who will score the first touchdown of the game between both teams, so you have to go with your gut. We can envision a scenario where the Seahawks march down the field and face a critical third-and-goal play that Russell Wilson (+1200) escapes the pass rush and runs into the end zone for the first score of the game. Take Wilson and run with him.

Typically prop bets focus on yardage totals for a game. This week, we’re getting in and out quickly and having our bets decided within a half hour or so of kickoff from the early games and then getting on with the rest of our day.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Prop Bet Payday – Week 11

Analyzing key Week 11 NFL prop bets that seem poised for a pay-day, featuring props around Michael Thomas, Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook.

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Every week, BetMGM releases individual player prop bets that bettors can place wagers on. We’ve’ picked three players from three games that we believe will pay off Sunday afternoon. This week is our “Sunday Eggs” edition — three over-easy.

Saint Michael

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas. / *Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports*

The over/under for receiving yards for Saints WR Michael Thomas in Tampa Bay is 104.5 (-118 on both). That is a huge number, but Thomas has rolled off three straight games with more than 110 receiving yards and has hit the mark in four of his last five — including 11 catches for 182 yards and two TDs when the Saints played the Buccaneers last month. Coming off the team’s worst offensive performance of the year look for the Saints to come out firing and Thomas being in the middle of it. Take the over.

Looking to place a bet? Get some action at BetMGM. NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: Risk-Free first bet (up to $500; paid in free bets). Sign up now!

Run (and run, and run) CMC

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. / *Jeremy Brevard – USA TODAY Sports*

This is another tough number. The over/under is 93½ yards (-118 on both), but Christian McCaffrey has topped 100 yards rushing six times this season, including in each of his last three games and four of the last five. The Panthers host Atlanta on Sunday, and the Falcons’ defense stinks. Plus, the Panthers need a win to stay in the playoff chase. Take the over.

Win your fantasy football league with TheHuddle.com. SPECIAL MID-SEASON RATE! Subscribe with code “sbw25” to take $25 OFF.
Valid for new subscribers through 11/30/19.

Still Cookin’

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. / *Brace Hemmelgarn – USA TODAY Sports*

Denver’s run defense has been improved, but Dalvin Cook is leading the NFC is rushing for a reason — he gets the high-volume number of touches needed to do so. He is averaging 20 carries a game and the Vikings will look to dominate the undermanned Broncos at home by feeding Cook early and often. With an achievable number of 84.5 rushing yards (-118 on both), take the over.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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