If you’ve ever watched the Super Bowl and wondered how fans turn predictions into profit, this guide is for you. Learning how to bet on the NFL isn’t about luck, it’s about understanding the game, the odds, and the markets.
From moneyline bets and point spreads to live betting and Super Bowl specials, we’ll break down everything UK punters need to know to start betting smartly on America’s biggest sport.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how NFL betting works, which markets to focus on, and where to find the best NFL betting sites to place your bets safely.
Understanding NFL Betting Basics
Before you dive into the action, it’s vital to understand how NFL betting actually works, especially since it differs slightly from betting on football or rugby in the UK.
What Is NFL Betting?
The NFL (National Football League) features 32 teams battling it out each season to reach the Super Bowl. When you bet on NFL games, you’re predicting outcomes such as:
- Which team will win
- How many total points will be scored
- Whether a player will hit a performance milestone
Most UK bookmakers offer dozens of NFL betting markets, including pre-match, in-play, and long-term (futures) bets.
How NFL Odds Work (Fractional, Decimal & American)
Odds show how much you’ll win relative to your stake, but they’re displayed differently depending on format.
| Format | Example | Meaning | £10 Bet Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional | 5/2 | You win £5 for every £2 staked | £35 total |
| Decimal | 3.50 | Includes stake in total return | £35 total |
| American | +250 | Profit on a £100 base | £35 total |
Tip: Most UK betting sites let you switch between formats in your account settings. Stick to decimal if you’re new — it’s the simplest for quick calculations.
Popular NFL Betting Markets Explained
Once you understand the odds, it’s time to explore the main NFL betting markets. Here’s where the real fun begins.
1) Moneyline (Match Winner)
The simplest form of betting, you’re choosing who wins the game.
- New England Patriots @ 2.10
- New York Jets @ 1.80
If you back the Patriots at 2.10 and they win, a £10 bet returns £21.
2) Point Spread (Handicap Betting)
To make betting fairer, bookmakers apply a spread, effectively giving one team a head start.
- Kansas City Chiefs -3.5
- Denver Broncos +3.5
The Chiefs must win by 4 points or more for your bet to win. If they only win by 3 or fewer, Broncos bets win instead.
3) Over/Under (Totals)
Instead of picking a winner, you’re betting on the total points scored in the game.
- Over 47.5 points = both teams combined must score 48 or more
- Under 47.5 points = total must stay below 48
4) Player Props
Betting on individual player performances like:
- Quarterback passing yards
- Running back rushing touchdowns
- Wide receiver receptions
Example: Patrick Mahomes Over 285.5 Passing Yards — if he throws for 286+, you win. Props are fantastic for adding action to every play, especially during prime-time games.
5) Team Props & Specials
Team props might include:
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First team to score
-
Total team touchdowns
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Will there be a defensive touchdown?
You’ll also find specials during big events like the Super Bowl — coin toss results, halftime show props, and even Gatorade colour bets.
6) Futures & Outrights
Futures bets look at long-term outcomes such as:
-
Super Bowl Winner
-
Conference Champion
-
MVP Winner
-
Season Win Totals
These bets offer higher odds but require patience — great for committed fans following the season closely.
Example: How to Place an NFL Bet Step-by-Step (Beginner Walkthrough)
Let’s walk through a real-world style example using a fictional matchup to show you exactly how to place an NFL bet on a UK sportsbook.
Scenario
Kansas City Chiefs vs Miami Dolphins — You think the Chiefs will bounce back after last week’s loss, so you back them to win outright (Moneyline).
Step 1: Choose Your Betting Site
Head to a trusted UK-licensed bookmaker.
For this example, we’ll use Bet365, one of the best NFL betting platforms in the UK.
Once logged in:
- Go to Sports → American Football → NFL
- Find Chiefs vs Dolphins
Step 2: Select Your Market
| Market | Chiefs Odds | Dolphins Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | 1.90 | 1.95 |
| Point Spread (-1.5 / +1.5) | 1.91 | 1.91 |
| Total Points (Over/Under 48.5) | 1.91 | 1.91 |
For this example, click Chiefs 1.90 (Moneyline).
Tip: The Moneyline market is great for beginners, as you just pick the winner.
Step 3: Enter Your Stake
A bet slip appears. Enter your stake, say £10. You’ll see your potential return immediately.
Example: Odds 1.90 × Stake £10 = £19.00 return (£9 profit).
Step 4: Confirm Your Bet
Double-check your bet slip:
✅ Correct game?
✅ Correct market?
✅ Correct stake?
Once confirmed, click “Place Bet.”
You’ll see a confirmation screen showing your active bet.
Step 5: Track the Game
Now the fun begins!
You can:
-
Watch the game live (some sites offer streaming)
-
Follow live stats
-
See how the in-play odds change as the game progresses
If the Chiefs win, your £19 return lands straight into your account.
Step 6: Review & Learn
After the game, check:
-
Did your prediction play out as expected?
-
What factors influenced the result?
-
Could you have found better odds elsewhere?
Even when you win, reviewing your reasoning is how you develop a smarter long-term strategy.
Example Summary
| Match | Market | Stake | Odds | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs vs Dolphins | Moneyline – Chiefs to win | £10 | 1.90 | £19 (£9 profit) |
Advanced NFL Betting Options
In-Play (Live) NFL Betting
NFL games are full of momentum shifts — and in-play betting lets you take advantage. You can bet live on who scores next, total points by half, and updated moneyline odds. If a favourite starts slowly but you expect a comeback, backing them live can deliver better odds than pre-game.
NFL Parlays (Accumulators)
A parlay/acca combines multiple bets into one slip, all must win for a payout.
- Ravens to win
- Over 48.5 points in Cowboys vs Eagles
- Packers -3.5
A £10 3-leg parlay at combined odds of 6.00 returns £60. Big upside, higher risk.
Bet Builders
These allow you to combine multiple outcomes from the same game, like:
-
Chiefs to win
-
Mahomes over 2.5 passing TDs
-
Kelce anytime touchdown
Perfect for tailoring your own unique predictions.
NFL Betting Strategy & Smart Tips
1) Do Your Research
Before betting, check:
- Injuries: QB and key receiver status is crucial.
- Weather: Wind/rain can suppress passing and field goals.
- Form: Offensive/defensive rankings, pace, and matchups.
Even small details like travel distance or short weeks can change the outcome.
2) Bankroll Management
Set a season bankroll. If it’s £100, keep stakes to 2–5% (£2–£5 per wager). Avoid chasing losses; think long-term.
3) Line Shopping
Different sportsbooks offer slightly different odds. A half-point here or there can turn losses into wins — especially on spreads. Always compare prices across your favourite NFL betting sites before placing a wager.
4) Understand Line Movement
When public money floods one side, bookmakers adjust the odds. If you spot early value lines before kickoff, you can lock in better prices. Serious bettors often bet early in the week for this reason.
5) Focus on Value, Not Favourites
Everyone loves the Chiefs and 49ers, but value lies in spotting underrated teams or overlooked props. Think: “Does this line reflect reality, or just public hype?”
Where to Bet on NFL in the UK
All major UK bookmakers offer NFL markets, but some go the extra yard. Here are the top picks for 2025:
| Site | Best For | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | In-play betting & streaming | Visit bet365 |
| Bet Victor | Extensive NFL Betting Markets | Visit Bet Victor |
| BoyleSports | Unique NFL promos & specials | Visit BoyleSports |
| Net Bet | Weekly price boosts | Visit NetBet |
See our full Best NFL Betting Sites guide for in-depth reviews, welcome bonuses, and payment options.
NFL Betting Calendar
Understanding the season helps plan your bets smartly.
- Regular Season (Sept–Jan): 18 weeks of weekly matchups
- Playoffs (Jan): Single-elimination battles for the Super Bowl
- Super Bowl (Feb): The biggest betting event of the year
- Offseason (Mar–Aug): Futures markets open (MVP, Draft specials, win totals)
Tip: Futures often deliver the best value during the off-season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even smart and seasoned gamblers slip up on occasion. Here’s what to avoid:
- Ignoring team injuries or weather
- Overreacting to one big win/loss
- Chasing losses with risky parlays
- Betting on your favourite team (emotions can cloud judgement)
- Forgetting to shop for better odds
Quick-Start Playbook for New Bettors
Quick Start Steps
- Choose a trusted, UK-licensed sportsbook offering NFL markets.
- Learn the basics: Moneyline, Point Spread, and Totals.
- Check injury news and line movements before betting.
- Start small — track your results over time.
- Enjoy the game responsibly and have fun with the action.
NFL Betting FAQs
Can I bet on NFL games legally in the UK?
Yes — all major UK sportsbooks are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and offer NFL markets.
What’s the best type of NFL bet for beginners?
Start with the Moneyline — simple, straightforward, and easy to follow.
When is the best time to place NFL bets?
Many sharp bettors place bets early in the week before the public affects the odds.
Can I bet on the Super Bowl separately?
Absolutely — the Super Bowl has hundreds of dedicated markets including props, live bets, and specials. See our Super Bowl Betting Guide.
Useful Links
- Best NFL Betting Sites
- NFL Betting Offers
- NFL Odds Explained
- Super Bowl Betting Guide
- Responsible Gambling Resources
Final Word
NFL betting is fast, tactical, and incredibly fun — but the smartest punters treat it like a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to learn the markets, study the teams, and find value in every line. Whether it’s Sunday Night Football or the Super Bowl, betting on the NFL adds an extra layer of excitement — and now, you know exactly how to do it right.
