American football is one of the most popular sports on the planet with millions of people playing and watching the game all year around. The NFL is viewed by passionate fans each week and the showpiece Super Bowl final is one of the key dates in the pop culture calendar. The action on the field is enthralling and some fans opt to predict the final outcome of games to add another layer of excitement to the proceedings.
If you are keen to explore the world of NFL betting but aren’t sure where to start, this article will provide tips and guidance on the strategies to follow to make smart decisions and picks.
Boost your Knowledge
It is important to take the time to expand your knowledge of the NFL and betting options before placing your wager. Don’t rush in to making any predictions and instead ensure you have a vast understanding of the teams, players and match-ups so that you can make bets from a place of genuine authority.
When it comes to sports betting, you should find the platform which will best suit your preferences. Look for a licensed site which features plenty of betting options, is easy to access via logging in online or via app and features strong security measures and customer support options.
Decipher the Odds
As someone new to sports betting, working out what different odds mean and relate to can be a daunting prospect. However, once you have spent time reading up on what is required, you will soon wrap your head around it and be able to place wagers with ease.
NFL betting odds come in three different formats: American odds, fractional odds and decimal odds. American odds indicates how much can be won from a wager, while fractional odds are shown using fractions so, for example, a 4/1 bet means you will receive four times the initial stake if your prediction comes true. Decimal odds, meanwhile, Decimal odds represent the amount of money a bettor can win for every unit wagered, including the initial stake. Understanding the basics behind odds can help you to properly assess which bets to pursue.
Also look out for promotions, bonuses and offers which can enhance your gameplay experience. Many platforms will offer players a sports betting welcome bonus. This can be used to practice and make a move without the usual financial risks involved with sports betting. When you have played with a platform for a time, the site may also provide you with a loyalty bonus, allowing you to place a bet on the latest round of NFL games without having to use your own funds.
Track Team News
An NFL coach is never going to reveal his starting team but that’s not to say you can’t gather clues as to what the line-up may be so that you can properly weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of each side before placing a wager on possible outcomes.
Ahead of each fixture, coaches will speak to the media and confirm which players have been sidelined through injury or suspension and who could be set for a return. These key details, as well as roster updates, can be used by bettors to make an educated guess on final results.
You can work out the potential impact of a star quarterback being unavailable to play and match-up the two teams based on which players are fit and ready to play and the key positions in which they have been hampered.
Follow the Form Guide
Checking out how teams have performed in recent weeks can also give you a steer on the likelihood of the side winning or losing in the next game. If, fort example, a team has won straight four games and is set to face bottom in the standings, they will be heavy favorites to record another victory.
Of course, the beauty of the NFL is the unpredictability of each game and so it’s impossible to know the definite outcome of a match. However, looking at recent results can point out which teams are playing with confidence and which sides are struggling to muster many touchdowns.
Gain Insight on Social Media
You should always follow your gut when placing sports betting wagers but that’s not say you can’t broaden your perspective by tracking alternate views. For instance, on social media, a number of pundits and former pros will share their opinions on the latest matches in the NFL. Tracking the viewpoints of players who have been there and done that can enhance your understanding of certain situations and better grasp why star names made particular decisions on the ball during play.
Platforms like X and Facebook also allow you to share your own take on team selections, performances and upcoming matches with fellow fans. Here you can debate and also follow blogs and insight which can give you a more rounded view of the NFL.
Live In-Play Betting
The ability to wager in real-time as the game is going on has proved beneficial for NFL followers. Gone are the days where bets would have to be placed long before the first kick was taken as now, fans can place bets as they are watching the line action. This means they can react accordingly to what is happening on the pitch and make picks based on what they are seeing unfold.
Overall, NFL remains one of the biggest sports in the world and millions of people engage with the sport for entertainment. Sports betting now provides a fresh angle on the action.
