NFL Betting Guide 2025 - Complete Guide to Football Wagering
Quick Answer
NFL betting is legal in 38 US states plus DC for anyone 21+. The most popular bet types are spreads (margin of victory), moneylines (pick winner), and totals (over/under combined score).
- 38 states have legalized NFL betting with mobile apps available
- FanDuel and BetMGM are the top-rated sportsbooks nationwide
- Use our 30+ free betting calculators to optimize your wagers
- Review Super Bowl history for historical trends
NFL Betting Legal States - Complete 50-State Breakdown
Before placing any NFL bets, verify your state's legal status. NFL betting is currently legal in 38 states plus Washington DC. You must be 21+ and physically present in a legal state to wager.
*Limited restrictions on college player props only
**Sports betting is only permitted in-person and on tribal lands
⚠️ Legal Notice: You must be 21+ and physically located in a legal state to bet. Using VPNs to circumvent location requirements is illegal. Always verify current state laws before wagering.
🚀 Start Betting in 3 Simple Steps
- Check if your state is legal using the above table. Also look for the available sportsbooks and any online or mobile betting restrictions
- FanDuel and BetMGM are our recommended NFL betting sites. Check their availability in your state, and you can sign up if you're aged 21 or over
- Use our betting calculators to size your bets. These tools enable you to construct different types of bets while setting optimal stake amounts
How to Bet on NFL Football - Complete Beginner's Guide
NFL betting unlocks a range of markets and lines, including extensive team and player props. Betting successfully on NFL matches requires considered analysis of these lines, so that you can identify the best value opportunities and maximize your starting bankroll.
Understanding NFL Betting Lines
We'll start by exploring the most popular NFL betting lines. You can find a brief summary below, including information on how to read each one.
📊 Calculate Your Spread Bets
If you do intend to back the Eagles to cover their 7.5-point spread against the Cowboys, you can use our Spread Calculator to set your stake, estimate potential returns and work out implied probability values. Odds of -110 are fairly standard and imply a 52.4% probability of success.
Types of NFL Bets
Next in our NFL betting guide, we're going to drill down deeper into the most commonly placed wagers. We'll also take a look at futures NFL betting odds, which often unlock enhanced value during the preseason.
Best NFL Betting Sites & Apps 2025
As we've touched on, there are multiple NFL betting sites licensed in states nationwide. These include private sportsbooks like FanDuel, which operate freely in competitive and regulated markets where betting has been legalized. Below, we'll summarize the best NFL betting sites, while taking a closer look at the relevant legal restrictions.
Top Legal US Sportsbooks
Let's start by comparing the top five NFL sportsbooks nationwide. This will cover each site's current welcome bonus and key feature, alongside their mobile app rating on iOS.
As we can see, DraftKings is live in the highest number of states (25). Here's a summary of the individual state-by-state availability for each of our best NFL betting sites.
- FanDuel Available In: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WA, WV, WY
- BetMGM Available In: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
- DraftKings Available in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WA, WV, WY
- Caesars Available in: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY
- ESPN Bet Available in: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV
In the 38 US states where sports betting is legal, all NFL betting odds, lines and props are widely available. However, you'll have to comply with the geographical restrictions imposed by the leading NFL betting sites to wager lawfully. Here are the key considerations:
- You must be physically present in a state where your chosen sportsbook is legal when placing bets. However, residency in the state is not a legal requirement
- Sportsbooks will use geolocation tracking tools to confirm your physical location when betting. So, your own device's geolocation technology must be enabled
- Because of the above, sites also prohibit the use of VPNs. If you're found to be using such technology, sportsbooks can immediately suspend your account access
💰 Starting Bankroll Guidelines
If you're new to NFL betting, it's important that you focus on disciplined bankroll management. Here are some steps to help you get the most out of your bankroll and distribute this as effectively as possible.
Never Deposit More Than You Can Afford to Lose
Your starting bankroll should never exceed an amount that you can comfortably afford to lose. This should also be designed to cover a finite period of time, whether this is an individual NFL gameweek or the regular season.
Set a Conservative Bet Unit
Bankroll management also requires you to set a single bet unit value. This should be conservative and typically capped at between 1% or 2% of your total bankroll. Use our Bankroll Calculator to set bet units based on your risk profile.
Set Deposit and Loss Limits
Using betting limits is also key to successful bankroll management. Personalized deposit limits can be set on a daily, weekly or monthly basis depending on your betting frequency. You can also set weekly loss limits based on your underlying appetite for risk.
NFL Betting Strategy & Tips
In terms of how does NFL betting work, strategy is key to making informed picks and selections. The goal should be to select the right NFL betting strategy to suit your risk profile and preferred wager types, while also making full use of the available tools. It's also important to understand the key numbers that underpin NFL spread picks.
Key Betting Strategies
First, let's take a look at the key NFL betting strategies and address precisely how they work. This summary will also include an estimated success rate and the tools required to implement them accurately.
Key Numbers in NFL Betting
Many tried-and-tested NFL betting tips focus on so-called key numbers. These pertain primarily to the typical winning margin and spread in NFL matches, with some occurring far more regularly than others. These spreads are the most commonly offered by sportsbooks.
"Our analysis of over 10,000 NFL games shows that 3 and 7 are the most critical numbers in NFL betting, accounting for 15.7% and 9.2% of all game margins respectively."— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports
- 3 Points (Field Goal) - Occurs in 15.7% of Games
- 7 Points (Touchdown) - Occurs in 9.2% of Games
- 10 Points (TD + FG) - Occurs in 5.9% of Games
🎯 Bankroll Management and Optimal Bet Sizing
We've already touched on the importance of comprehending responsible bankroll management when you learn how to bet on NFL. A key element of this is setting optimal stake amounts, which requires a strategic mathematical approach and should eschew any emotion or team loyalties. For example:
- Use the Kelly Criterion Calculator: Kelly Criterion is a mathematical formula that recommends an optimal stake amount based on the prevailing odds and implied probability values.
- Never Bet More Than 3% of Your Bankroll: Typically, you should cap each bet unit at between 1% and 2% of your bankroll.
- Track with ROI Calculator: Over time, you can also track your performance with our ROI Calculator.
- Fractional Kelly for Safety: NFL betting for beginners should focus on simplicity and minimizing risk.
- Bankroll Calculator: You can also use our free bankroll management calculator to calculate the optimal bankroll size and unit sizing for sports betting success.
NFL Season Betting Calendar & Key Dates
The 2025/26 NFL regular season runs from September 4th, 2025 to January 4th, 2026. The playoffs will commence on January 10th, 2026, while Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8th, 2026 at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Below, you'll find a summary of the season's key dates and potential opportunities when betting on the NFL.
Season Schedule Overview
Primetime Games
When betting on the NFL, it's also important to target so-called primetime games. These matches are typically scheduled on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights, while they boast the highest levels of viewership and tend to drive significant betting volumes.
- Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime): Matches typically kick off at 8:20PM ET
- Sunday Night Football (NBC): Matches typically kick off at 8:20PM ET
- Monday Night Football (ESPN): Matches typically kick off at 8:15PM ET
How NFL Betting Odds Work
Next in our NFL betting guide, we're going to look at the functionality of American betting odds. Along with decimal and fractional formats, American odds can be used to calculate both your potential return and the implied probability of a particular outcome occurring.
American Odds Explained
American odds present as three-digit numbers with either a plus or a minus sign. A minus sign reveals a betting favorite, while the corresponding number lets you know how much you'll need to stake to win $100.
There are also two mathematical formulas that you can use to translate American odds into implied probability values, depending on whether you back a favorite or underdog:
- Negative American odds / (Negative American odds + 100) * 100 = implied probability
- 100 / (Positive American odds + 100) * 100 = implied probability
🔄 Convert Any Odds Format
If you're more familiar with decimal or fractional odds, you may want to convert the American format. Decimal odds also make it easier to calculate implied probability values, while you can use our Odds Converter to perform such a calculation quickly.
You can then compare odds across all sportsbooks, using the same format consistently. This makes it easier to analyze online odds at-a-glance and identify the best value immediately.
Line Movement & Shopping
Odds comparison and line shopping should be a key component of your NFL betting strategy.
"Line shopping can increase your expected value by 3-4% over a season. Our data shows bettors using multiple books win 2.3% more often than single-book bettors."— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports
Lines can be adjusted due to a number of factors. These include sharp action from informed bettors, especially if this continues to fade public betting in the build-up to a match. Real-time team news can also impact odds immediately, while adverse weather conditions may also encourage bettors to wager below the consensus totals line.
When comparing odds, you can also choose when to time your bet. This will occur sometime between opening and closing lines, but the initial odds may offer optimal value (especially during Week 1 when prices are soft and conservative).
In order to act quickly on the best value odds, it helps to have active online betting accounts. So, it's worth opening accounts with multiple sportsbooks that you can log into at a moment's notice. This also unlocks potential arbitrage opportunities, which revolve around odds discrepancies between bookmakers and exist for a limited window before being corrected.
NFL Betting Tools & Calculators - TopEndSports Advantage
For NFL betting to be fully explained, you'll also need to understand how targeted tools and calculators can be used to aid your selections. According to Robert J Wood, sports scientist and TopEndSports founder, "Understanding the correlation between athletic testing metrics and on-field performance can provide valuable insights for informed betting decisions."
TopEndSports Exclusive Insights
The question that remains, of course, is what are the key betting calculators and tools available at TopEndSports? Here's a selection of the most purposeful and widely deployed:
1. NFL Combine Betting Correlator
"Our analysis of over 20 years of NFL Combine data shows clear correlations between specific athletic tests and positional success. For example, running backs with 40-yard dash times under 4.5 seconds average 12% more yards per carry than those over 4.6 seconds."— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports
This particular stat has relevance when analyzing rushing props and markets. For example, last season's rushing leader Saquon Barkley of the Eagles completed 2,005 yards and averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt. He has also previously completed an official 4.40-second 40-yard dash.
Another intriguing correlation exists between a player's vertical jump and ability to convert touchdowns. The Ravens' starting quarterback Lamar Jackson topped the charts with 41 touchdowns in the 2024/25 campaign, having produced an official vertical jump was 36.5 inches at his Louisville Pro Day back in 2018.
These insights may help you to identify high value prop bets. You can then compare line prices as usual, while using our betting calculators to convert odds, calculate implied probability and set optimal stake amounts.
2. Weather Impact Analysis
"Based on our database of weather conditions and scoring outcomes, wind speeds over 20 mph reduce total points by an average of 6.5 points, while temperatures below 20°F decrease scoring by 4.2 points."— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports
The combination of wind and rain is also highly impactful, as this can directly affect both passing and kicking games. Quarterback passing accuracy is also significantly reducing during adverse weather, while the success rate for field goals will also diminish sharply over 40 yards or more.
You can also factor in historical weather conditions at selected venues, such as Soldier Field in Chicago. This regularly experiences high winds, with the Chicago Bears only averaging 19.1 points per game there in the home matches through 2024/25.
So, you can analyze and input weather conditions to reveal adjusted totals. Then, utilize our Over/Under Calculator to set a balanced stake that treads the delicate balance between risk and reward.
3. Pace & Tempo Analysis
There's also an historic correlation between the speed and tempo of a team's offensive plays and the average number of points scored in a game. A particularly telling metric is the length of time that passes between snaps, with franchises allowed a maximum of 40 seconds to launch a new play after the end of the previous one.
"Teams averaging under 26 seconds between snaps correlate with games going over the total 58% of the time, while teams over 30 seconds hit the under 62% of the time."— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports
So, more fluent and decisive teams are likely to score a higher number of points and create more time in the game.
Like the weather conditions, a team's seconds per play data can impact directly on game totals. For example, Tennessee averaged just 18.3 PPG last season, making them the NFL's fifth lowest scorer. They were also the joint-slowest when constructing attacks, averaging 30.6 seconds per play overall.
Analyzing such datasets can help you to identify high value over/under lines in the NFL. You may be able to include these in SGPs, creating higher potential value when engaging in match betting. You can use our parlay calculator to plot this type of wager too.
Complete Calculator Directory
Pro Tip: Robert J Wood is an exercise scientist with over 20 years of experience in sports performance analysis. He has published extensively on athletic testing and performance metrics. Learn more about Rob's research here.
Advanced NFL Betting Options
In terms of how to bet on the NFL, you should also consider more advanced wager types and markets. These include parlays, which can unlock enhanced payouts and value while incurring an incrementally higher risk of loss with each pick.
Parlay Betting
A parlay is so-called if it includes two or more picks, while you can construct multi or same-game bets of this type. The odds of each selection will be multiplied to create a single, enhanced price, which will typically exceed to true odds and probability values. Here's an overview of the most basic parlay structures:
Teaser Betting
Teaser bets are categorized as a type of parlay, which enable you to adjust the point spread or totals line in multiple games. In this case, you'll adjust the odds in your favor and make them shorter, reducing the potential payout while unlocking a higher chance of winning.
Six-point teasers are the most common, particularly those that cross the aforementioned key numbers (particularly three and seven). The so-called Wong Teaser strategy will typically target betting favorites with spreads of -7.5 and -8.5, reducing these to -1.5 and -2.5 respectively.
💰 Hedge Your Futures
If your futures' pick does make the playoff, Conference final or Super Bowl, you may have an opportunity to hedge this bet and guarantee at least a nominal return.
- Use our Hedging Calculator to construct your wager. Start by entering the stake and odds of your original bet, before adding your pick for a postseason goal or the Super Bowl.
- For example, let's say that you back the Ravens to win the 2025/26 Super Bowl at +650. They then reach the showpiece on February 8th and face off against the Eagles, who are priced at -110 to win the match.
- A bet of $340.48 at these odds will lock in a minimum profit of $209.52 across all potential scenarios.
Live Betting NFL Games
Our NFL betting guide will now focus on live and in-play wagering. This unlocks a huge selection of betting markets, from live spreads and totals to micro wagers that are focused on the outcome of the next play.
We'll touch on some of the best live betting opportunities and strategies below. However, it's important to manage your live bankroll carefully due to the number of available markets, while we'd recommend watching the matches that you bet on to optimize timing.
Live Betting Opportunities
Live Betting Strategy
- Watch first quarter before betting: By watching the action you can gauge a game's ebb and flow, while understanding which team is performing better from a tactical perspective.
- Track momentum shifts: Momentum can change according to numerous in-game events. These can include touchdown scores or injuries, especially to a leading wide receiver or QB.
- Use commercial breaks for research: Half-time and the commercial break provides a natural break in-play. Odds will usually be assessed and adjusted at this time.
- Have accounts ready and funded: In order to place timely live bets or engage in micro wagering, you'll need to have fully funded sportsbooks accounts open and funded.
Responsible NFL Betting
Responsible NFL betting is crucial, especially given the duration of the season, the number of games contested and how many betting markets are available.
Initially, you should set a finite bankroll that doesn't exceed an amount you can comfortably afford to lose, within a fixed period of time too. You can also use personalized deposit and loss-limit tools to help manage your bankroll in the most disciplined manner.
Warning Signs & Resources
- Betting more than you can afford: Track both the time and money that you spend betting online. This will help to identify significant increases in either.
- Chasing losses with bigger bets: Chasing losses emotively is a clear sign of problem gambling. You should never exceed your bankroll or recommended bet unit.
- Lying about betting activity: Lying to your friends, loved ones and colleagues about your betting activity is a clear indication that you're gambling compulsively.
- Betting interfering with work/relationships: Similarly, if your betting activity is impinging on relationships or work prospects, you may have a gambling issue that needs to be addressed.
LEGAL STATES (21+ unless noted):
✅ Online Legal: AZ, AR, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY.
⚠️ Retail Only: DE, MS, MT, NE, ND, SD, WA, WI.
❌ ILLEGAL: AL, AK, CA, FL, GA, HI, ID, MN, MO, OK, SC, TX, UT
CRITICAL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be physically located in legal state (GPS verified)
- Using VPNs to circumvent location is ILLEGAL
- Must be 21+ in all states
- NFL player props legal in all betting states
- No restrictions on NFL games (unlike college)
FEDERAL LAW:
- Interstate betting without proper licensing is illegal
- Crossing state lines to place bets may violate federal law
- Online betting from prohibited states is illegal
🆘 Get Help If Needed
⚠️ Warning: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available:
- National Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Text "SUPPORT" to 53342
- Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
- Self-exclusion available in all states
- Set deposit limits on all apps
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NFL betting legal?
NFL betting is legal in 38 US states (in addition to DC) for anyone 21 or older. Legal states include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. You must be physically located in a legal state to bet, but residency isn't required. Just verify the relevant state's laws before betting and check for sportsbook availability.
2. What are the best NFL betting sites?
The best legal NFL betting sites are FanDuel (currently available in 24 states) and BetMGM (21 states). Both offer highly competitive odds, welcome bonuses and best-in-class mobile apps. DraftKings, Caesars and ESPN BET are also excellent options, with the former legal and operating in 25 states. Each one requires you to be 21+ and physically present in a legal state. Never use offshore sites.
3. How do NFL betting lines work?
In terms of how does NFL betting work, wagering lines show the point spread (margin of victory), moneyline (straight winner) and total (combined score). For example, Eagles -8.5 (-105) means that the Philadelphia Eagles are favored to beat their opponents by 8.5 points at odds of -105. You'll have to wager $105 successfully to win $100, while our Spread Calculator can calculate exact payouts and implied probability values.
4. What does the spread mean in NFL betting?
When answering the question "what does spread mean in betting on the NFL?", this refers to the projected margin of victory for one team over another. Using our previous example, if you back the Eagles to beat the Cowboys with a spread of -8.5 points, they'll have to prevail by nine points or more for the wager to payout. The most common spread betting odds are -110, so you'll have to stake $110 to win $100.
5. How do I start betting on the NFL?
To start wagering with our NFL betting guide, you'll need to demonstrate that you're aged 21 or over and be in a state where sports and American football betting is legal. You can then identify a sportsbook that operates in your state, before opening an account, verifying your identity and beginning to wager. Always wager responsibly and take the time to analyze relevant datasets before placing your bet.
6. When do NFL lines come out?
When you learn how to bet on NFL matches, opening lines are typically released on the Sunday night before next week's games. Sharp and informed bettors tend to wager early in the week, to capitalize on potentially soft lines and maximize value. Public money drifts in through the week, creating clear trends which can inform your picks either way. Lines can also move depending on injuries and weather news.
7. What's the best NFL betting strategy?
In terms of the best NFL betting tips and strategies, consider effective bankroll management measures, stringent line shopping across sportsbooks and understanding the influence of key numbers. If you're informed and know how to research and analyze betting markets, you should also consider fading public betting trends and identifying optimal value. Track your bets and use the Kelly Criterion Calculator for optimal sizing.
8. Can I bet on the NFL Draft?
Yes, draft betting is available in most legal states. Popular bets include first overall pick, draft position over/under and the first player drafted in each position. Draft betting peaks in April when the draft occurs, but markets are available a little longer until the end of the draft. These markets can unlock highly competitive odds, while it's easy to access the latest draft news and insights before betting.
9. What's the difference between college and NFL betting?
NFL matches typically have tighter spreads, far greater betting volumes and no restrictions on player props at all (the same is not true of college football where restrictions exist in several states). NFL games are more predictable with professional players. All 38 legal betting states allow full NFL betting, during the regular season, postseason and defining Super Bowl game.
10. How much should I bet on NFL games?
Never bet more than 1-3% of your total bankroll on a single game. If you have $1,000 to bet with for the season, each wager should be $10-30, although you can adjust your starting bet unit to suit your risk profile and activity levels. You can use our Bankroll Calculator to determine appropriate bet sizes, with your stake decreasing in relation to unlikely outcomes with high odds and reducing when you're backing a favorite.
References
- Wood, R.J. (2025). "Correlation Analysis of NFL Combine Performance Metrics and On-Field Success." Journal of Sports Science. TopEndSports Research Publications.
- National Football League. (2025). "2025-26 NFL Season Schedule and Structure." NFL Communications.
- American Gaming Association. (2025). "State-by-State Sports Betting Tracker." AGA Research Department.
- Wood, R.J. (2024). "Weather Impact on NFL Scoring Patterns: A 20-Year Analysis." TopEndSports Research.
- Nevada Gaming Control Board. (2025). "Sports Betting Handle and Revenue Reports." NGCB Statistical Reports.
- Wood, R.J. (2024). "Tempo and Pace Analysis in Professional Football." Sports Analytics Quarterly.
- FanDuel Sportsbook. (2025). "NFL Betting Markets and Line Movement Analysis." FanDuel Trading Department.
- BetMGM. (2025). "Responsible Gaming Guidelines and Tools." BetMGM Player Protection.
- National Council on Problem Gambling. (2025). "Problem Gambling Warning Signs and Resources." NCPG Publications.
- Wood, R.J. (2023). "Mathematical Approaches to Sports Betting: Kelly Criterion Applications." TopEndSports Analytics.
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