The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most prestigious sports leagues you can find today, so much so that it easily generates over 400 million fans internationally. From our own experience, we know that many of these fans are not just passive spectators – they are also active participants because they are gambling on NFL games.

But how exactly does this process go? If you are totally new to football predictions, this blog post will get you acquainted with the basics. 

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/american-football-professional-nfl-1579473/ 

NFL Popularity & Betting Interest

Key NFL Audience & Betting Stats

But how exactly does this process work? If you are totally new to football predictions, this guide will walk you through the essentials — from choosing a sportsbook to understanding odds and managing your bankroll.

Where do you start at all? 

Before diving into specific betting strategies, your first step is choosing a reliable sportsbook. Today, most betting takes place online through licensed digital bookmakers and casino platforms. These providers offer competitive odds, live betting markets, player props, futures, and various promotional bonuses.

Take Hungary as an example. In this European country, new bettors often benefit from generous welcome offers. Many online casinos provide 50 € no deposit bonus, allowing players to explore betting options without risking their own money initially. This type of promotion can be particularly useful for beginners who want to test a platform’s interface, evaluate the quality of its odds, and understand how withdrawals and wagering requirements work before committing their own funds. By starting with a bonus, newcomers gain practical experience in real betting environments while minimising financial risk, making it easier to build confidence and develop smarter strategies from the outset.

Regardless of your location, the key criteria for choosing a sportsbook should include:

• Licensing and regulation
  
  

• Transparent bonus terms
  
  

• Competitive odds
  
  

• Secure payment methods
  
  

• Live betting functionality
  
  

Once you’ve selected a trustworthy platform, it’s time to understand how NFL betting actually works.

Understand Betting Lines/Odds

Everything starts with understanding betting markets. NFL sportsbooks typically offer several primary bet types:

• Moneyline – Pick the outright winner.
  
  

• Point Spread – Bet on a team to win by a specific margin.
  
  

• Totals (Over/Under) – Predict total combined points.
  
  

• Player Props – Wagers on individual player performance.
  
  

• Futures – Long-term bets (e.g., Super Bowl winner).
  
  

Example: Moneyline vs. Spread

A moneyline bet is straightforward — you choose which team will win the game. However, spreads even the playing field by giving the underdog a point advantage.

If the Kansas City Chiefs are -6.5 favorites:

• Chiefs must win by 7 or more to cover.
  
  

• The underdog can lose by 6 or fewer and still cover.
  
  

Understanding odds formats is equally important. In American odds:

• -150 → Bet $150 to win $100
  
  

• +200 → Bet $100 to win $200
  
  

Common NFL Bet Types Comparison

The more complex the bet, the more research you’ll need to justify it.

Research Matchups and Trends

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that success in NFL betting starts with comprehensive research. Our best piece of advice is to keep up to date with all things football:

• Team-related stats

• Recent performance

• Head-to-head matchups

• Injuries

• Weather conditions

• Coaching strategies

Even a minor change in any of these factors is capable of seriously influencing the overall result, so make sure to keep an eye on it.

Beware of Your Bankroll Situation

One of the golden rules of sports betting is disciplined bankroll management. From our point of view, the unit system proves to be precious in this area because it forces us to bet only a small percentage of our total budget. In practice, we usually wager up to 4% of the overall budget on a single bet.

Final Thoughts: It Takes Some Luck Too

Needless to say, there are times when even the most knowledgeable punters can’t seem to win a cent. It’s a matter of bad luck, but don’t let the losing streak discourage you. Just keep playing the game smartly and bear in mind that fortune favors the brave.