What Is Moneyline in NFL Betting? [With NFL Teams Examples]
In this guide, we will answer what is moneyline in NFL betting and all related questions asked by real NFL bettors.
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Alright, armchair quarterbacks! So, you’ve probably heard about NFL betting, but what is the moneyline in NFL betting that everyone’s talking about? Well, I’m your friendly neighbourhood sports guru, ready to unpack it all for you!
Moneyline betting is like a throwback to the good ol’ days. It’s a no-nonsense approach to betting on NFL games minus any fancy-schmancy terminology – No spreads, no over/under and no overthinking. Just pick the team you think will come out on top, and that’s it. Think of it as a no-frills, no-fuss way to bet on those epic Sunday night matchups!
How Does The Moneyline Work in NFL?
Any seasoned NFL bettor will tell you that NFL money lines are, without a doubt, the most beginner-friendly way of wagering on NFL games. Point spreads and over/under are popular as well, but there’s a lot more room for error since you also need to take into account what the final score will be. With the moneyline, you keep it simple – If the team you bet on wins, you win. So, for those who prefer a more direct approach, it’s the go-to form of NFL betting.
Now, understanding the odds is key when it comes to moneyline matches. For favourites, you’ll see a minus sign (-) next to their number, indicating the amount you need to bet to win $100. Underdogs, on the other hand, have a plus sign (+) next to their number, indicating the amount you would win by betting $100. When the odds have a plus sign, it means you stand to win more for every $100 wagered, but it’s usually on riskier bets. The larger the odds, the bigger the underdog, and the more you stand to win if they prove everyone wrong.
For example, let’s look at the 2023 NFL season opener between the Detroit Lions (+225) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-275). In this instance, the Chiefs would be the favourites at -220, displaying that you would need to bet $275 to win back $100 if they claimed victory. Whereas, the Lions are listed at +225, offering a potential $225 payout with just a $100 bet, assuming they can pull off the upset. But remember, they need to win the game outright, not just come close.
Moneyline Winning: Explained
Now, let’s tackle the essence of a winning moneyline bet and answer the all-important question: “Is Moneyline a Win or Loss?”
So, picture this: Monday Night Football is heating up with the Buffalo Bills facing off against the New York Jets. You’ve got that gut feeling that the Bills are going to emerge victorious, so you place a moneyline bet on Buffalo. In this case, it doesn’t matter whether they win by one point or 50 points so long as they win.
But of course, we have to face the reality of sports and sports betting. Not every game goes the way we hope. So, if the Jets pull off a surprise win, your moneyline bet takes a hit.
To put it simply, NFL money lines are all about wins or losses. If your team triumphs, you’re celebrating right along with them. However, if they fall short, so do you. The beauty of moneyline betting lies in its simplicity. You’re not worrying about point spreads or exact scores, just backing your team and hoping they bring home that sweet victory.
Negative Money Line: Decoded
In NFL betting, negative moneyline odds signify the team considered the “favourite” to win the game. For example, if the Green Bay Packers have a -200 moneyline, you need to bet $200 to win $100. On the other hand, positive moneyline odds are for underdogs, indicating a potential upset. If the Chicago Bears have a +150 moneyline, a $100 bet could win you $150.
So, “What does a negative money line mean?” It tells you which team is favoured and how much you need to bet for a $100 win. So, don’t be intimidated; these odds are valuable tools in your betting game. Decode them, predict wisely, and embrace the excitement of every NFL showdown.
NFL Moneyline Favorites: Winning Statistics
Positive moneyline odds represent the underdog, offering lucrative payouts if they win. For example, a +250 moneyline means a $100 bet could yield $250 in winnings. Thus, betting on underdogs could be tempting due to the potential for big paydays, but it’s essential to consider the odds of an upset and weigh the actual chances of it happening.
Now, the big question: “How often do moneyline favourites win in NFL?” History shows that favourites do win more frequently, thanks to their favourable odds. However, sports are unpredictable, especially football, and upsets can happen at any time. This is part of the reason why the NFL is the most widely bet on sports league in the world, and the NFL Super Bowl is the most watched event in the United States.
So, while favourites typically have the upper hand statistically, it’s crucial to balance the potential risks and rewards and conduct thorough research before placing your bets.
Winning on Moneyline: Tips & Tricks
Alright, my fellow football fanatics, it’s time to get tactical and outsmart those oddsmakers. Here are some winning tips for those still wondering, “How do you win on moneyline?”
- Know Your Teams – You wouldn’t hit the field without knowing your team’s playbook or strategy, right? Well, the same goes for your NFL picks. Study those teams, and look at their home and away records, head-to-head records, recent performances, coaching strategies, and latest trends to get a feel for their strengths and weaknesses.
- Trust Your Gut, Not Your Heart – We all have our favourite teams, but don’t let those emotional ties cloud your judgment. Be objective and realistic when placing your bets, taking into account relevant statistics and analytics. Emotions are great for cheering on your favourite team, but not necessarily for betting.
- Don’t Chase Losses – Though nobody may like to admit it, losing happens. Don’t go all “double or nothing” to make up for it. Come up with a strategic game plan, stick with it, and if luck’s not on your side, live to bet another day.
- Shop for the Best Odds – Sports betting can be incredibly exhilarating, but don’t settle for the first odds you see. Sign up and shop around in different sportsbooks to find the juiciest odds. While seemingly minuscule, even the slightest variance in NFL odds can lead to a substantial difference in the payout. Simply put, line shopping is one of the best ways for someone to find hidden value and make more profitable wagers.
Moneyline Payouts
Next up, let’s talk a little bit about moneyline payouts to uncover the secrets behind those sweet cash rewards and answer that burning question: “How does moneyline payout?”
Let’s break it down using a real-life NFL example. Say you’re eyeing a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. The moneyline odds show the 49ers as -150 favourites and the Seahawks as +200 underdogs.
When betting on the favourite, the 49ers, at -150, you’d have to bet $150 to win back $100. Keep in mind that this ratio applies to any amount you bet. So, if you wagered $75, you’d win $50, or if you bet $300, you’d win $200, and so on.
On the flip side, betting on the underdog, the Seahawks at +200, means you’d win $200 for every $100 bet. Again, this payout holds for any amount you wager. A $50 bet could yield $100 in winnings, a $200 bet would result in $400 in winnings, and so forth.
Keep in mind that most sportsbooks include the initial bet in the payout amount. So, if you win a $100 bet with +200 odds, you’d receive $300 total (your initial $100 bet plus the $200 in winnings).
As you can see, NFL money lines are all about risk and reward. Betting on favourites may give you better odds of winning, but the payouts are much smaller. Whereas betting on underdogs can lead to some massive rewards, the chances of winning are a lot lower.
NFL Moneyline Tiebreaker
At this point, you may be wondering, “Does an NFL moneyline lose in a tie?” Well, when it comes to ties in NFL games, your moneyline bet typically isn’t lost.
In some sports, like soccer, you can bet on a tie (three-way moneyline bet), and if you do, the other two options (win or loss) would be considered losses if the game ends in a tie. However, in sports like football, you typically can’t bet on a tie (except as prop bets). So, in this case, if the game ends in a tie, most sportsbooks would treat your moneyline as a “push,” meaning you’d get back your initial stake with no profit or loss.
Now, in regular season NFL games, ties are quite rare, so you might not encounter this scenario often. But in some cases, ties might result in a losing bet, so it’s always important to check the specific policies of your sportsbook to stay in the game.
Moneyline Bets with Overtime
In an NFL moneyline match, overtimes often include the outcome of your moneyline bet. When a game goes into overtime, your bet stays in play, and the suspense builds with every moment that passes. If your chosen team wins during overtime, your moneyline bet is a winner, but if the opposing team pulls off a comeback, it’s a loss. Although, it’s important to note that specific sportsbooks might have varying rules on overtime.
So, to answer the big question: “Do moneyline bets include overtime?” In the NFL, many moneyline bets do! So, place your bets strategically, cheer on your team, and let’s celebrate those thrilling moneyline wins – no matter how long it takes!
Spread vs. Moneyline in NFL Betting
Catering to different betting preferences, spread betting and moneyline betting are easily the two most popular types of NFL bets. While spread betting offers a more strategic approach, moneyline betting provides simplicity for a broader audience of bettors. Let’s compare these two in more detail to get you equipped to conquer the betting arena.
In spread betting, oddsmakers set a point spread to even the odds between the two teams. The favoured team is given a negative spread, while the underdog gets a positive spread. To win a spread bet wagering on the favoured team, they must win by more points than the spread. For example, if the New Orleans Saints have a -7.5 spread, they must win by 8 or more points for your bet to succeed.
On the other hand, to win a spread bet wagering on the underdog, they must either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread. If the Atlanta Falcons have a +3.5 spread, they need to win the game or lose by no more than 3 points for your bet to pay off.
With moneyline betting, you simply bet on the team you think will win the game, with no point spread involved. The odds for the favoured team has a minus sign (-) next to them, while the underdog team’s odds have a plus sign (+). The negative odds represent how much you need to bet to win $100, while the positive odds indicate how much you can win by betting $100.
So, what’s the difference between spread and moneyline in NFL betting? Spread betting involves predicting the margin of victory or defeat, making it more challenging but potentially more rewarding. While moneyline betting focuses solely on picking the winning team, making it simpler but with lower payouts for favourites.
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Expert's Closing Thoughts on NFL Moneyline Betting
NFL Betting Expert
All in all, don’t let the simplicity of moneyline betting fool you. If used properly, it’s a secret weapon that can make any sports fan profitable.
The key to success in moneyline betting lies in knowing when to back the favourites and when to take a chance on the underdogs. While betting on favourites may lead to a higher success rate (albeit with smaller payouts), strategically picking your spots with underdogs can turn the tables and lead to greater returns in the long run.
The beauty of NFL moneyline betting is its straightforward nature – no spreads, no point differentials. Just do your research, analyze the teams, root for your chosen team to secure that well-deserved victory and let the excitement unfold.
Above all else, remember that every bet is a learning experience. Embrace the wins, learn from the losses, and sharpen your skills as you play the game of NFL moneyline betting.
Q&A NFL Moneyline Bets
The frequency of moneyline wins in NFL betting depends on various factors, including team strength, matchups and football odds. Betting on favourites may lead to more frequent wins but with lower payouts, while underdog betting offers higher potential returns but may result in fewer wins. Understanding the risk-reward balance and conducting thorough research can help you have success with moneyline betting.
Winning on the moneyline is simple – you just need to pick the team that wins the game outright. It doesn’t matter if the team wins by one point or a landslide victory; as long as your chosen team comes out on top, your moneyline bet is a winner.
Yes, moneyline betting is all about picking the winning team. Unlike spread betting, which involves predicting the point difference, or over/under betting, which involves predicting the total points scored, moneyline focuses solely on the game’s outcome.
In terms of simplicity and understanding, moneyline betting can be considered safer than other forms of NFL betting. It eliminates the need to worry about point spreads and covers the most fundamental aspect of the game – the team that wins.
Knowing when to bet on the moneyline depends on your betting strategy and your level of confidence in the teams competing. Betting on favourites is typically more suitable for games with clear-cut dominant teams, while underdog betting might be tempting in matchups where the odds are more evenly matched. However, you will ultimately need to critically evaluate factors like team form, injuries, weather, home-field advantage, and past performances to make a well-informed moneyline bet.
Absolutely! Moneyline betting offers a thrilling and straightforward way to engage with the NFL. With the right research and strategy, moneyline bets can lead to exciting wins and attractive payouts.
Cashing out moneyline bets depends on the sportsbook you use. Some sites offer cash-out options, allowing you to settle your bet before the game ends. This feature can be handy to secure partial winnings or limit losses if the game takes an unexpected turn. Always check with your chosen sportsbook to see if they offer cash-out options for moneyline bets.
Rowan is a highly accomplished sports betting journalist with a proven track record of over 6 years in the sports media industry. He is widely recognized for his insightful coverage and thought-provoking commentary on major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NCAA.
Facts checked by Eamon Doggett
