NFL Betting Guide for 2024: Odds, Lines and Futures

The 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, with star quarterbacks leading the charge, rookies eager to prove themselves, and teams making bold moves in free agency.

As an NFL fan who’s been through the ups and downs of sports betting, I’ve discovered that each season is a fresh opportunity to refine your strategy and make the most of the unpredictable world of the NFL.

In this guide, I’ll share with you the strategies that have helped me navigate the NFL betting landscape.

I’ll dive into advanced odds analysis, where reading between the lines can give you a real edge.

Together, we’ll explore the dynamic world of live betting and how you can stay ahead as the odds shift in real time.

Once you are ready to start betting, visit our updated NFL betting sites page to find AGCO-licensed sportsbooks.

📊 How to Make the Most of NFL Betting Odds

NFL odds are more than just numbers—they’re opportunities. But finding value requires a bit of digging.

Let’s explore how to turn casual wagers into profitable bets by understanding the numbers.

How to Read NFL Odds?

When you look at NFL odds, you’re not just predicting the game’s outcome. Oddsmakers factor in everything from injuries and team form to public betting trends and even the weather.

Your job? Find where the odds might be off.

For instance, if a point spread seems skewed due to an injury, consider how much that injury actually impacts the game. Oddsmakers can overreact, and savvy bettors can capitalize.

💡 I’ve often found success when bookmakers overestimate the impact of a star player’s injury.

💰 The 3 Most Popular NFL Betting Lines

When you’re learning how to bet on NFL games, you’ll encounter three main types of bets: point spreads, moneylines, and over/under bets.

Here’s how each can offer you value:

• Point Spreads: Level the playing field by giving one team a handicap. Betting against the spread can be lucrative if you think the underdog will outperform expectations.
• Moneylines: Simple and straightforward—NFL moneyline betting involves wagering on which team will win the game outright. Don’t overlook slight underdogs in evenly-matched games.
• Over/Under Bets: Bet on the total points scored. If you anticipate a high or low-scoring game, there’s value to be found here. For example, I bet the “Over” in a high-scoring matchup between the Ravens and Dolphins last season, and it paid off big.

🔍 How to Find Value in Niche NFL Betting Markets

To really up your game, it’s essential to explore niche markets like player props, alternate lines, and team-specific bets.

These markets often have less accurate pricing, meaning there’s more potential for value.

Go Beyond the Basics: Dive Into Niche Markets

• Player Props: Bet on individual performances, like a quarterback’s passing yards or a receiver’s touchdowns.
• Alternate Lines: Adjust the point spread for a different payout. Confident in a blowout? Bet on a larger spread for better odds.
• Team-Specific Bets: Bet on team totals or which team scores first. Knowing a team’s tendencies can give you an edge here.

🛎️ Why Line Shopping Can Make or Break Your NFL Betting Strategy

One simple but powerful strategy is line shopping, which means comparing NFL odds across different sportsbooks.

Even a small difference in odds can significantly impact your long-term returns.

Before placing a bet, I always check multiple sportsbooks, especially for player props or smaller markets where odds can vary more.

For example, if you’re betting $100 on a team at -110 odds at one sportsbook versus -105 at another, that small difference might not seem like much on a single bet, but over time, it can add up to hundreds or even thousands in profit or loss.

With so many options in Ontario, there’s no reason not to shop around for the best price.

💭 When and Why to Bet Against the Public in the NFL

Betting against the public, known as contrarian betting, can be a smart move in the NFL.

Public opinion often skews the lines, creating value opportunities for those willing to bet on the less popular side.

For example, in a highly anticipated divisional game between the Chiefs and the Denver Broncos in 2023, most of the money came in on Kansas City.

But the line was inflated due to the NFL public betting heavily on the Chiefs, and I took the underdog bet to cover the spread. They not only covered but won the game outright, proving that sometimes it pays to fade the crowd.

⏺️ Winning NFL Bets with Live Betting

Live betting, or in-play betting, opens up opportunities that traditional pre-game bets can’t match. With NFL odds constantly adjusting, this is where your ability to read the game in real-time pays off.

Betting in Real Time

One key advantage of live betting is the ability to observe the flow of the game before committing to a bet.

If you notice one team is struggling on offence or a defence is dominating, you can place your bet in response to these real-time insights, rather than relying solely on pre-game predictions.

For example, let’s say the San Francisco 49ers are heavy favourites in a game against the Los Angeles Rams, but after the first quarter, their offence is stalling while the underdog is keeping things close. The live odds may still favour the 49ers, but if you think the Rams can continue their momentum, betting on them in real time could offer excellent value.

Adjusting Your Strategy Mid-Game

One key tip is to have a clear idea of your game strategy going in but be ready to shift gears based on live developments.

Focus on player matchups, how well each team’s game plan is working, and how the clock management might influence the final outcome.

If a star quarterback goes down with an injury, for example, the entire dynamic of the game changes instantly. In this case, you might want to hedge your pre-game bet or double down on a new opportunity if the backup QB isn’t likely to perform well.

Similarly, momentum swings are crucial to watch for. In the NFL, a team may be down by two touchdowns but could be showing signs of a comeback.

If you recognize the momentum shifting, you can jump on advantageous odds before they correct themselves.

🚀 How to Leverage NFL Futures and Season-Long Bets

NFL futures and season-long bets offer a chance to invest in long-term outcomes, like who’ll win the Super Bowl or how many games a team will win.

While these bets can be rewarding, they require careful planning and a balanced approach.

Betting on the Big Picture

Futures bets are wagers placed on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the Super Bowl, who will be named MVP, or how many games a team will win throughout the season.

NFL futures odds typically offer better returns compared to individual games as well.

Timing is crucial when betting on futures. The earlier you place a bet, the better the NFL futures odds will likely be.

Early bets also carry more risk since unforeseen events, like key injuries or unexpected slumps, can derail a team’s season.

When it comes to betting on season totals, such as the number of wins a team will achieve, research is your best friend. Analyze teams’ off-season moves, strength of schedule, and injury history to make informed predictions.

💡 I’ve found success betting on teams with solid defensive units to surpass their season win total because defence tends to provide a more stable foundation than offensive performance, which can fluctuate.

Keep a Balanced Approach

A common mistake bettors make is placing too much money on futures without considering their week-to-week bankroll.

Futures bets are long-term investments, so they shouldn’t make up the bulk of your betting portfolio.

Keep them as a smaller part of your strategy—think of them as high-risk, high-reward plays that complement your more frequent, less risky bets on individual games.

For example, while I might have a couple of futures bets locked in for the Super Bowl or divisional champions, I continue to make weekly wagers based on matchups, injuries, and trends. This approach allows me to stay flexible, manage my bankroll effectively, and avoid the pitfall of being overly dependent on a single long-term bet.

🚨 How to Bet on the NFL Legally in Ontario?

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates online sports betting in the province, requiring sportsbooks to meet strict guidelines for fairness, transparency, and player protection. So, sticking to AGCO-licensed sportsbooks guarantees that your money, personal information, and bets are secure.

Licensed sportsbooks offer a level of accountability that offshore or unregulated sites simply can’t provide.

If you encounter any issues, AGCO-licensed sportsbooks must operate under Ontario law and provide clear resolution processes. Plus, these sportsbooks use fair NFL odds, are regularly audited, and follow best practices to protect bettors.

AGCO-licensed sportsbooks also offer responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and time management features. These tools are there to help you stay in control of your betting habits and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.