NFL prop bets let you bet on specific events or individual player performances rather than simply which team will win.
Common NFL player props include a quarterback’s passing yards, a running back’s rushing yards, a receiver’s receptions and whether a player will score a touchdown.
For UK bettors looking to learn how to bet on NFL games, prop betting adds another option alongside traditional markets such as the moneyline, point spread and game total.
The number of props available can vary considerably between games and bookmakers, with major NFL fixtures typically offering a particularly wide range of player and game markets.
This guide explains how NFL prop bets work, the different types of player props you can encounter, how their lines and odds are set out, and what to consider before placing a bet.
What Is a Prop Bet in NFL Betting?
Prop is short for proposition, and the outcome of the bet is determined by whether a specified event or statistical target is achieved. Depending on the market, this could relate to an individual player, a team statistic or an event within the game.
For example, a bookmaker might offer the following player prop:
Quarterback passing yards: Over 274.5 / Under 274.5
If you bet on over 274.5, the quarterback must record at least 275 passing yards for the bet to win. If you back under 274.5, they must finish with 274 passing yards or fewer.
This differs from traditional NFL betting markets such as the moneyline, point spread and over/under, which are based primarily on the result or overall score of the game. A player prop can therefore win even if the player’s team loses, as its settlement depends on the specific outcome you have backed.
What Are NFL Player Props?
NFL player props focus specifically on the performance of individual players. The most common markets cover passing, rushing, receiving and touchdowns, although the exact selection varies between games and bookmakers.
Passing Props
Passing props focus primarily on quarterbacks and can include:
- Passing yards
- Passing touchdowns
- Pass completions
- Pass attempts
- Interceptions thrown
Rushing Props
Rushing props are commonly offered for running backs and quarterbacks, although other players can also have markets available. Typical options include:
- Rushing yards
- Rushing attempts
- Longest rush
- Rushing touchdowns
These markets measure a player’s contribution on the ground.
Receiving Props
Receiving props cover a player’s performance catching passes and are commonly available for wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. Markets can include:
- Receiving yards
- Number of receptions
- Longest reception
- Receiving touchdowns
Some players will have both rushing and receiving props available, particularly running backs who are regularly involved in their team’s passing game.
Touchdown Scorer Props
Touchdown props allow you to bet on whether a particular player will score. Common markets include:
- Anytime touchdown scorer
- First touchdown scorer
- Two or more touchdowns
An anytime touchdown bet generally wins if the selected player scores a qualifying touchdown at any point during the game. However, settlement rules and the types of touchdowns that count can vary between bookmakers, so it is worth checking the individual market rules before betting.
Defensive and Other Player Props
Player prop betting isn’t restricted to offensive players. Depending on the game and bookmaker, you may also find markets covering defensive players, kickers and other individual performances.
These can include statistics such as sacks, tackles, interceptions and kicking points. More specialised props tend to be less widely available than passing, rushing and receiving markets, making the range of NFL player props offered one of the areas that can differ significantly between betting sites.
NFL Team and Game Prop Bets
Player markets are only one type of NFL proposition bet. Bookmakers can also offer props based on a team’s statistical performance or events involving the game as a whole.
Common NFL team and game props can include:
- Which team will score first
- Team total touchdowns
- First scoring play
- Winning margin
- Highest-scoring quarter
- Whether both teams will score a touchdown
- Team passing or rushing totals
For example, instead of betting on a team’s point spread, you might bet on whether it will score over or under 2.5 touchdowns. The result of the bet depends only on that particular outcome, regardless of whether the team ultimately wins the game.
Game props can cover events involving either team or the game as a whole, such as the type of first score or which quarter produces the most points.
As with player markets, the selection of team and game props can differ considerably between NFL betting sites. Major games often have a wider range available, while less prominent fixtures may be limited to the more common prop markets.
How Do NFL Prop Bet Odds Work?
NFL prop bets have their own odds and, for many statistical markets, a line that determines what needs to happen for the bet to win. These are two separate parts of the wager: the line sets the target, while the odds determine the potential return.
For example, a receiving-yards prop might look like this:
Player receiving yards: Over 74.5 @ 1.90 / Under 74.5 @ 1.90
Here, 74.5 is the line. An over bet wins if the player records at least 75 receiving yards, while an under bet wins if they finish with 74 or fewer.
The 1.90 is the decimal price offered on each outcome. At odds of 1.90, a £10 winning bet would return £19 in total: your £10 stake plus £9 profit.
Not every NFL prop uses an over/under line. A market such as an anytime touchdown scorer simply gives each player a price based on the bookmaker’s assessment of their chances of scoring.
Prop lines and odds can also differ between bookmakers and change as a game approaches. One betting site might offer a player’s receiving-yard line at 72.5 while another has it at 74.5, potentially with different odds attached. Comparing the line as well as the price is therefore important when evaluating the same NFL player prop across different bookmakers.
For a more detailed explanation of decimal and American prices, implied probability and how betting lines move, see our NFL betting odds guide.
How to Place an NFL Player Prop Bet
Placing an NFL player prop bet is similar to betting on other NFL markets, although player props are usually grouped into separate categories within each game.
- Choose the NFL game.
- Open the player-prop markets.
- Select the player, market and over/under or other outcome.
- Check the line, odds and settlement conditions before confirming your stake.
It is worth checking the market’s settlement rules before betting, particularly for touchdown and less common player props. Bookmakers can also offer different lines and odds on the same player, so comparing NFL betting sites before placing a prop can help you see what alternatives are available.
What Should You Consider When Betting on NFL Player Props?
NFL player props are based on individual performances, so assessing them involves more than looking at a player’s recent statistics. Their role, expected opportunities, opponent and the line set by the bookmaker can all provide useful context.
Player Role and Usage
Consider how regularly a player is involved in their team’s offence. For a running back, this could mean carries and involvement in the passing game, while targets and receptions are particularly relevant for receivers. For quarterbacks, pass attempts can provide context when assessing passing-yard or completion props.
A receiver who has recorded 80+ yards in three consecutive games may initially look attractive, but if their number of targets has been falling, those yardage totals alone may give an incomplete picture.
Recent statistics can be useful, but they do not always show whether a player’s underlying role has changed.
Opponent and Matchup
The opposing defence can affect the opportunities available to different players. A defence may perform differently against the run and pass, while individual matchups can influence how an offence approaches a game.
Rather than relying on a single defensive statistic, consider how the matchup could affect the player’s expected workload and the particular prop you are assessing.
Injuries and Team News
Injuries can change a player’s role considerably. This applies not only to the player you are considering but also to their teammates.
For example, the absence of another receiver could result in additional targets being available, while changes to the offensive line may affect rushing or passing performance. Team news can also cause bookmakers to adjust player-prop lines and odds.
Expected Game Situation
How a game is expected to develop can influence player usage. A team playing from behind may need to pass more frequently, potentially creating additional opportunities for quarterbacks and receivers. A team protecting a lead may be more inclined to run the ball.
For example, if a team is a significant underdog and expected to spend much of the game chasing the score, its quarterback could be required to attempt more passes than usual. That may create additional opportunities for passing-yard, completion and receiver-target props. Conversely, a strong favourite that builds a lead may run the ball more frequently later in the game, potentially increasing opportunities for its running backs.
Game situations are unpredictable, so this should be treated as one factor rather than an assumption about exactly how a game will unfold.
The Line Matters as Much as the Player
Thinking a player will perform well does not automatically mean the over represents an attractive bet. The bookmaker’s line may already reflect expectations about the player’s form, role and matchup.
A receiver expected to have a productive game, for example, might normally have a line of 60.5 receiving yards but be offered at 78.5 for a favourable matchup. The question is therefore not simply whether the player will play well, but whether their likely performance justifies the particular line and odds available.
This is also why comparing bookmakers can matter. Different NFL betting sites may offer slightly different lines or prices on the same player prop, changing the value of the wager even though the underlying player and game are identical.
Comparing NFL Prop Bets Between Betting Sites
Comparing NFL prop bets involves looking at both the line and the odds, rather than simply finding the bookmaker offering the biggest price. Betting sites can set different statistical targets for the same player, meaning two apparently similar bets may require different performances to win.
For example, two bookmakers could offer the following receiving-yards prop:
| Betting site | Receiving-yards line | Over odds |
| Bookmaker A | Over 72.5 yards | 1.85 |
| Bookmaker B | Over 74.5 yards | 1.95 |
Bookmaker B offers the higher odds, but the player must record at least 75 receiving yards for the bet to win. With Bookmaker A, 73 yards would be enough. The higher price therefore comes with a higher statistical target, so comparing odds alone does not show which market offers the more favourable terms.
Differences between betting sites can also include the range of players and statistics covered, alternative lines and which props are eligible for a Bet Builder. One bookmaker might offer only a player’s main receiving-yards line, while another provides several alternative targets at different prices.
When comparing the best NFL betting sites, consider the depth of their player-prop markets alongside the lines and odds available. The most suitable option for a particular prop may not simply be the bookmaker displaying the highest price.
Can You Use NFL Player Props in a Bet Builder?
Yes. Many UK betting sites allow selected NFL player props to be included in a Bet Builder, letting you combine multiple markets from the same game into a single wager.
For example, an NFL Bet Builder could combine:
- A team to win
- A quarterback to throw for 250+ yards
- A receiver to record 50+ receiving yards
Rather than placing three separate bets, the selections are combined into one bet with a single set of odds. In a standard Bet Builder, every selection must win for the overall bet to be successful.
The player props available for Bet Builders vary between bookmakers. Passing, rushing, receiving and touchdown markets are commonly included, while more specialised props may not be eligible. Some betting sites also provide alternative player lines, allowing you to choose a different statistical target when building your bet.
It is worth checking the available markets, odds and settlement rules before placing a multi-selection wager, rather than adding player props simply to increase the potential return.
For a more detailed explanation of how same-game combinations work and the markets that can be included, see our NFL Bet Builder guide.
NFL Prop Bets vs Traditional NFL Betting Markets
The main difference between NFL prop bets and traditional betting markets is what determines whether the wager wins. Traditional markets generally focus on the result or overall score of the game, while prop bets are settled on a specific player performance or event.
| Market | What You’re Betting On | Example |
| Moneyline | Which team wins the game | Kansas City to win |
| Point spread | The result after a points handicap is applied | Kansas City -3.5 |
| Over/Under | Whether the combined score is above or below a set total | Over 47.5 points |
| Player prop | An individual player’s performance | Over 74.5 receiving yards |
| Team/game prop | A specific team statistic or game event | Kansas City to score first |
With moneyline or NFL spread betting, the team’s overall result determines the outcome, whereas a player prop can win regardless of the final score. A receiver could exceed their receiving-yards line, for example, even if their team loses.
Neither approach is inherently better. Prop bets focus on specific players, statistics or events, while traditional markets provide a broader way to bet on the outcome or score of the game.
Are NFL Prop Bets Available on Every Game?
No. NFL prop bets are not guaranteed to be available on every game, and the range offered varies between bookmakers.
High-profile games will typically attract a wider selection of player, team and game props. These can include passing, rushing and receiving totals, touchdown scorers and more specialised statistical markets. Other fixtures may have a smaller range available, particularly further in advance of kick-off.
The selection can also change as game day approaches. Bookmakers may add new player props once team news becomes clearer, while existing lines and odds can move in response to new information or betting activity. Markets may also be suspended or removed following significant injury or availability news.
Not every bookmaker offers the same selection either. One site may provide several alternative receiving-yard lines for a player, for example, while another only offers a single over/under market.
Some NFL prop bets may also be available in-play after a game has started, although the range and availability can change quickly as the action develops.
If a particular player or prop market is important to you, it can therefore be worth comparing NFL betting sites rather than assuming every bookmaker will offer the same options.
NFL Season-Long Prop Bets
NFL prop betting is not limited to individual games. Bookmakers can also offer season-long and futures props based on what a player or team achieves over a longer period.
Player season props commonly focus on statistical totals or milestones, such as:
- Regular-season passing yards or touchdowns
- Rushing yards or touchdowns
- Receiving yards or receptions
- Player statistical milestones
Unlike a game prop, which is usually settled after a single fixture, a season prop remains open until the relevant period or outcome has been completed.
For example, a bookmaker could set an over/under line for a quarterback’s total regular-season passing yards. The bet would be settled according to their final qualifying total rather than their performance in any individual game.
Season-long player props should not be confused with traditional NFL futures such as the Super Bowl winner or division winner.
Although both involve longer-term outcomes, a prop typically focuses on a particular statistic, achievement or event rather than simply which team wins a competition.
As with game props, available markets, lines and settlement rules can vary between betting sites. It is particularly important to check how a bookmaker treats situations such as a player missing games or changing teams before placing a season-long prop.
NFL Prop Bets FAQs
What is a prop bet in the NFL?
An NFL prop bet is a wager on a specific player performance, team statistic or event within a game rather than simply the final result. Examples include passing yards, receptions, touchdowns and which team scores first.
What are NFL player props?
NFL player props are bets based on an individual player’s performance. Common markets include quarterback passing yards, running back rushing yards, receiver receptions and anytime touchdown scorers.
What are the most common NFL player prop bets?
Passing, rushing, receiving and touchdown props are among the most common. Depending on the bookmaker and game, you may also find markets for completions, interceptions, longest receptions, sacks and other player statistics.
What happens to an NFL player prop if the player doesn’t play?
Settlement depends on the bookmaker and market rules. Player props may be void if the selected player does not participate, while different conditions can apply once a player has taken part in the game. Check the bookmaker’s settlement rules before betting.
Can you bet on NFL player props in the UK?
Yes. UK betting sites commonly offer NFL player props, although the number of markets and players available varies between bookmakers and fixtures.
Can NFL prop bets be included in a Bet Builder?
Many bookmakers allow eligible NFL player props to be combined with other selections from the same game in a Bet Builder. The markets that can be combined and the resulting odds depend on the individual betting site.
Are NFL prop bets available before and during games?
NFL props are commonly available before kick-off, while some bookmakers also offer selected player and game props in-play. In-play availability can change throughout the game.
Do all NFL betting sites offer the same player props?
No. Betting sites can differ in the players and markets they cover, as well as the lines, alternative lines and odds they offer. Comparing both the line and price can therefore be useful when looking at the same NFL player prop across different bookmakers.