Thanks to how sports betting has expanded over the years, you no longer have to scratch your head thinking about the most likely outcome in a game. If you want to have more fun while watching, you can look at NFL props. These bets are an alternative to the popular moneyline and point spread bets, and they let you bet on specific actions or events within a game or even the entire season.
If you want to get started, we’ll give you the basics of how to do so. From there, you will only need to research the best NFL prop bets today and place your wager.
Understanding NFL Prop Bets
Prop bets, also known as proposition bets, are a type of bet that predicts whether certain events will take place (or not) in a game. Unlike bets like moneyline and point spreads, these are usually not related to the outcome of the game.
The two common types of prop bets are team and player prop bets. In team prop bets, you focus on the team’s performance. For example, how many field goals will the team have? In player props, you focus on an individual player. For example, how many passing yards do you think Jalen Hurts will have?
Note that in most cases, these bets are usually represented as over/under. For example, the passing yards bet for Jalen Hurts can be something such as “Jalen Hurts Under – Passing Yards (-110).” The other common type is a simple Yes or No on a particular event. For example, you could bet on whether the Eagles will score the first touchdown of the game or not. One of the best things about prop bets is that this kind of bet will be settled immediately after the first touchdown is scored.
Steps to Begin Betting on NFL Props
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Various Prop Bet Types
Although we have given you an overview of what they are, prop bets are much more broad. Since there are lots of specific events that can happen within a game, there are lots of different prop bets that you can place. Most of these vary with the sportsbook, but the most common are team props, player props, game props (such as the first team to score), halftime/quarter Props (outcome), and entertainment props (such as the length of the national anthem in the Super Bowl). Before you can start betting, ensure that you have a clear understanding of what each bet type is and the various versions it can have.
2. Do Proper Research
Although prop bets don’t relate to the final outcome, you still need to do your research well. Understand how the two teams you want to bet on play and the strategies they use. How have they performed when facing each other or similar opponents in the past? From there, you can look at how the various players have been performing in the season. Before you bet on the passing yards of a player, you should know how many he got in previous games and against the same and similar opponents. Ensure that you also read sports news to know the latest developments, such as injuries.
3. Choose the Right Sportsbook
Your sportsbook will facilitate the entire betting process, so you need to choose one carefully. Start with the obvious considerations, such as reputation, licensing, and user experience. From there, you can look at the types of prop bets offered as they vary from one to the other. Although the promotions and bonuses can easily sway you, ensure that you’ve carefully considered all factors.
4. Start Small and Diversify
When starting out, it’s wise to be cautious. These types of bets offer huge potential returns, but that’s because they are also risky. Before you get the experience of analyzing a game and the players, ensure that you start with small bets that you’ve done proper research on. Also, don’t focus on one particular type of prop bet, as diversification will help you hedge against potential losses.
5. Manage Your Bankroll and Bet Responsibly
Managing your bankroll is key as it will help you avoid huge losses and ensure that you continue to enjoy the fun of sports betting. For a start, come up with a budget that you can afford to lose over a while, say a week or month. You can then divide it into small bets and decide on the maximum amount you can wager. If you find yourself in a losing position, resist the urge to chase your losses, as this will most likely lead to more losses. Be disciplined enough to adhere to your bankroll management rules and stick to your betting plan.
