NFL Betting Guide — How to Read American Football Odds
Learn how to read NFL odds including point spreads, moneylines, and over/unders. Complete guide to American football betting with real examples.
Understanding NFL Betting Odds
The NFL is the most popular sport for betting in the United States, and understanding how odds work is the first step toward making informed decisions. Oddstatus tracks real-time NFL odds from multiple sportsbooks so you can compare lines and find the best value.
NFL games feature three main bet types: point spreads, moneylines, and totals (over/under). Each format presents the same information in a different way, and knowing how to read all three lets you shop for the best number across sportsbooks.
Point Spreads Explained
A point spread is a handicap set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two teams. If the Kansas City Chiefs are listed at -7, they must win by more than 7 points for a spread bet on them to win. The opponent at +7 can lose by up to 6 points (or win outright) for that side to cash.
The vig (or juice) is typically -110 on both sides, meaning you risk $1.10 to win $1.00. A half-point (e.g., -7.5 vs -7) eliminates the possibility of a push and is significant — a 7-point favorite winning by exactly 7 is far more common than many bettors realize.
NFL Moneylines
A moneyline bet is simply picking which team will win the game outright. Favorites are shown with negative odds (e.g., -200) and underdogs with positive odds (e.g., +170). A -200 favorite requires a $200 wager to win $100, while a +170 underdog pays $170 on a $100 bet.
Moneylines are especially useful when you believe an underdog has a realistic chance to win but the spread is too wide. Comparing moneyline prices across sportsbooks is essential — a 10-cent difference on an underdog can significantly impact your return over a season.
NFL Betting FAQ
What does an NFL point spread of -3 mean?
A -3 point spread means the favored team must win by more than 3 points for a bet on them to win. If they win by exactly 3, the bet is a push and your stake is refunded.
What time do NFL odds usually come out?
NFL odds for the upcoming week are typically posted by Sunday evening after the current week's games conclude. Early-week lines move as sharp money and public action come in.
What is the vig on NFL bets?
The standard vig on NFL point spreads and totals is -110 on each side, meaning the sportsbook keeps roughly 4.5% as its commission. Lower vig (e.g., -105) is more favorable for bettors.