The first thing to know about NFL betting lines is how they’re calculated. Lines are determined by adding the score of the home team and the away team. Lines move throughout the game, so keep an eye on the numbers. Some sports books even offer live NFL odds, so you can place your bets while the game is in progress.
NFL betting lines often move in unison in response to news and betting action. The numbers are posted on Sunday evening, but lines can move throughout the week as sharps adjust them to match betting activity. In some cases, the line will remain unchanged all week long until the outcome of the game is known.
To find NFL lines, visit an online sports book. Many sites also offer alternative point spreads. For example, if the Baltimore Ravens is a 1.5-point favorite over the Cleveland Browns, the odds for a win are -110. On the other hand, if the Baltimore Ravens is a heavy favorite and the Browns are a huge underdog, there’s a good chance that the line will move in the opposite direction.
You can also make money by betting on the underdog. An underdog money line bet can be lucrative in parlays. However, it’s best to avoid putting your entire life savings on a team that is too far underdog. Generally, NFL betting lines are between 1 and 14 points, but they can go as high as 20 points on occasion.
NFL betting lines are the most popular way to place a bet. NFL line compilers give the stronger team points handicap. So, for instance, the Saints would be 6.5-point favorites against the Atlanta Falcons. If the Saints won the game, the NFL odds would be New Orleans -6.5. Atlanta -6.5 would be a similar number. If the game is not called due to rain or snow, the Saints would be a 6.5-point favorite. However, it would be very generous to give Atlanta a 6.5-point advantage.
If you’re going to bet on a team, you should first understand how NFL point spreads work. Point spreads are handicaps between favorites and underdogs. The favored team must win by a certain margin, while the underdog must win by a certain number of points or the game will be a tie.
Another option to understand NFL betting lines is to place a money line bet. This is a basic football wager that many new bettors start with. To place a money line bet, you must pick the team that you think will win the game. Money line odds are usually negative for favorites, while they are positive for underdogs.
NFL betting lines can move based on betting activity. If a team loses their starting quarterback or receives a major injury, it may move the line.
