Understanding NFL odds and using them to win more bets

If you’ve ever opened a betting site and saw a jumble of numbers like -150, +200 or 3.5, you’re probably wondering what the heck they mean. Those are NFL odds – the language bookmakers use to show how likely a team will win and how much money you can make.

There are three common ways odds are displayed: American (the -150/+200 style), decimal (1.67, 3.00) and fractional (5/2, 3/1). American odds are most popular in the US, so we’ll focus on those. A negative number tells you how much you need to bet to win $100. A positive number shows how much you’ll win if you bet $100.

How to read the odds quickly

Let’s say the New England Patriots are at -180 and the Miami Dolphins are at +150. The Patriots are the favorite – you have to risk $180 to earn $100. The Dolphins are the underdog – a $100 bet could bring $150 if they pull an upset. The bigger the negative number, the stronger the favorite; the bigger the positive number, the bigger the payout potential.

Decimal odds make the math a bit easier: just multiply your stake by the decimal figure. So a $50 bet on odds of 1.55 returns $77.50 (your stake + profit). Fractional odds work the same way, but you need to add the fraction to 1 and multiply by your stake.

Finding the best NFL odds

Different sportsbooks often have slightly different lines for the same game. That’s because each book balances its own bets to stay profitable. To get the best value, compare at least two or three sites before you place a wager. Use odds‑comparison tools or simply open a few tabs and look for the biggest positive underdog line or the smallest negative favorite line.

Watch for line movements, too. If a lot of money comes in on one side, the odds will shift to attract action on the other side. A moving line can signal where sharp money is going, which can be a useful clue for your own picks.

Don’t forget the “spread” and “over/under” numbers. The spread levels the playing field by adding points to the underdog’s score. For example, if the spread is Patriots -4.5, they need to win by five or more for a bet on them to win. The over/under is a total points line – you bet whether the combined score will be higher or lower than that number.

Finally, consider using simple betting strategies. One popular method is the “percentage bankroll” – only wager a small, fixed percentage of your total bankroll on each bet. This helps protect you from losing big on a single bad pick.

In short, NFL odds are just a way to price a game’s risk and reward. Learn the three formats, compare lines across books, and keep an eye on how the numbers move. With those basics, you’ll be able to spot value and make smarter bets without getting lost in jargon.