Beginners Guide to American Football Betting

So, you want to take up American football betting? Great choice! NFL bets are the biggest part of the US sports betting market. $100 billion in wagers is placed on games each season, and the number only seems to be growing larger.

Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
By Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
  2. Betting Academy
  3. Betting on American Football

To help you have fun and make correct predictions in the long run, we’ve prepared a short guide. You’ll get a quick rundown on American football betting. It contains all the knowledge you need to create proper strategies. Ready to tackle some facts and numbers?

Page Navigation

Understanding the Rules

If you want to bet on football games, you can’t just visit the first betting site and start wagering. Nope, you need to take it easy. Even if you know the game inside-out, don’t forget to brush up on the rules. The league has an official rulebook. All the bookies use it to determine NFL-related disputes, so you should be ready. So, let’s take a quick look into how American football works and what makes the games exciting.

First of all, what’s the goal of a football game? The main objective is to score more points than the opposing team, obviously. A team can achieve this by passing, carrying, or kicking an egg-shaped ball with pointy ends into the opponent’s end zone.

The end zone is just one part of the gridiron, which is the name of the field in American football. It’s a 100 yard-long and 160 feet-wide grass field. At the end of each side of the gridiron, the end zone is 10 yards long and is covered in colours corresponding to the team that is supposed to defend it. There’s a goal within each end zone — it’s like a trident, but without the middle spike.

But enough about the field, let’s take a look at the juicy stuff — the players and their positions. Each NFL team can have up to 48 players on a roster, and they’re divided into two groups — offense and defense. Only one group can be on the field at a specific time. If the team is attacking, then the offense will take the gridiron and vice-versa. Let’s tackle (pun intended) each side and their positions.

The Offensive Line

nfl game attack

Offensive players have a goal to score points for the team. While some players, such as QBs and WRs, only think of scoring, there are also other roles to fill. The offensive functions are divided amongst the following players:

  • Quarterback – He’s the one who throws the ball in an offensive possession. QBs are often seen as ‘coaches on the gridiron’, as they call plays, yell signals, and initiate plays. Once the QB receives the ball from the centre, he can either carry it himself, hand it off to a running back, or throw it to a receiver.
  • Center – The guy who initiates every offensive play. When the team’s offensive line faces the other team’s defence, the center throws the ball to the QB, making the play.
  • Wide receiver – WRs are usually the guys who score touchdowns by running into the opposing end zone. When the QB receives the ball, you can see the team’s 2-4 WRs running wide (hence the name) in an attempt to make a catch and score a TD.
  • Running back – What if the WR is well-covered? Then, the QB simply hands the ball off to the RB, who then proceeds to run with it in an attempt to reach the end zone. Think of RBs as more of a ground attack, while WRs focus on the aerial part of the game.
  • Fullback – Suppose an RB wants to rush the ball. In that case, he will face significant resistance in the form of opposing defenders trying to tackle him. That’s where the fullback comes in. His role is to block the defenders so that the RB can cover more yards in a single rush. Fullbacks also protect the QB when he’s throwing the ball.
  • Tight end – In a hybrid position, the tight end can receive the ball and block opponents from tackling their teammates. His place is right next to the QB, either on the left or the right side.
  • Left/right guard – Guards are supplementary players, and their main goal is protection. They block and use their bodies to protect the RB or the QB.
  • Left/right tackle – Also known as offensive tackles, these big guys are there to guard the outer reaches of the offensive line and prevent any disruptions. Simply put, they tackle opposing defenders that try to barge in.

Defensive Line and Special Teams

nfl game defence

Now, time for the defensive line. When the team scores a touchdown or a field goal, they go to the bench, and the other side steps in to defend the opponent’s four downs. Their goal is to disrupt the other team’s offense as much as possible — by either tackling opponents, disrupting lanes, or clogging the field. Here are their positions and roles:

  • Cornerback – A CB’s main role is to man-mark the opposing receiver. Wherever his guy goes, the CB must remain glued to him at all times. They can either slow down the WR so that he can’t catch the ball in time, or they cause a pass interference by putting their hands on the ball.
  • Safety – Safeties are the deepest players in the defensive line. Think of them as zone defenders. They roam free in the back and are mostly used as the second line of defense if the CB fails to stop the WB in time.
  • Defensive tackle – DTs come in twos, and their main job is to stop a running play from happening. If an opportunity emerges, they can also slip through the cracks of the opposing offensive line and sack the QB.
  • Defensive end – Located on the outer reaches of the defensive line, DEs are there to prevent opposing TEs, guards, and offensive tackles from shielding their players. This allows DTs to sack the QB and effectively neutralize any form of running play.
  • Linebackers – LBs are located behind the scrimmage line and are known as the best tacklers on the team. If other defensive linemen fail to stop a play from occurring, the LBs prevent both throws and running plays.

Even though offensive and defensive players make up the bulk of each team’s roster, there’s also one other distinct group — the special teams. What is their role, exactly? Well, each opposing team has four attempts (downs) to advance the ball 10 yards or more. If they fail to do so during the first three downs, they have two choices. If the ball is close to the goal, they kick it. If it’s not, they punt it (a form of a kick) so that the opposing team starts as far away from the end zone as possible.

It is in that specific situation that the special teams come to play. They are exclusively on the field for kicking plays. Aside from punts and field goals, they can also be present during kickoff. Here are the three main members of the special team and their roles:

  • Kicker – A kicker is involved in every play where using your feet to contact the ball is allowed. He takes care of extra points, field goals, and kickoffs. When the team’s designated kicker enters the game, the ball is held by another player or placed on a tee. His job is just to smash it in a precise manner.
  • Punter – Lined up behind the scrimmage line, the punter’s job is to kick the ball. However, he does it in a different situation and in a different way than regular kickers do. When the team is on its fourth down, the center snaps (throws backwards) the ball to the punter. The punter then throws the ball about 4-5 feet in the air and kicks it as far away as possible.
  • Returner – When the opposing team punts, the goal is to use the opportunity and make a play. That’s where punt/kick returners are immensely valuable. They often camp out near their team’s endzone and wait for the punt. After the catch, the returner seeks to advance the ball as far downfield as possible. Oftentimes, these guys are the fastest on the whole team.

Basic Terms

Are you up to date with all the rules? Great, but that’s just the first step on your road. To learn how to bet on football online, you need to be aware of football terminology.’ It’s a bit more complicated than ‘which team will win’, but nothing too complex. See for yourself, as these are the most common NFL terms you can see at sportsbooks:

  • Line of scrimmage – An imaginary line that runs through the location where the ball landed on the last play. Neither team’s linemen can cross until the play begins by the center throwing the ball to the QB.
  • Red zone – A colloquial name for the area behind the 20-yard line, all the way to the goal line. It’s considered a significant place of activity on the field. An offence is much more likely to score a touchdown when the distance to the end zone is this small.
  • Sack – A sack is an action when the defensive player manages to squeeze behind the scrimmage line and sack the QB. This results in a loss of yardage for the team whose QB got sacked.
  • Interception – When a defensive player manages to snatch the ball during the opposing team’s down, it’s called an interception. If such a thing happens, the team on offense immediately relinquishes its possession of the ball.
  • Down – A period of action when the ball is in play. The team on offense gets four downs to advance the ball 10 yards or more. If they fall, they have to give the ball to the opposing team.
  • Drive – Any series of plays, moves, or strategies implemented during a down, with the attempt to score a field goal.
  • Touchdown – A touchdown is a score worth six points, and it happens when a player crosses the opposing end zone — the coloured part at the end of the field.
  • Field goal – Unlike touchdowns, field goals are worth three points and are scored by kicking the ball instead of carrying it into the end zone.

Where to Find American Football Betting Websites?

Bet365Rating: 5.0/5
Bet365 online
  • Different bonuses
  • Cash Out
  • Different payment methods
  • High odds
New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply. #Advertisement
bonus icon
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Bet Credits
Get your bonusGo to Bet365
BetwayRating: 4.9/5
Betway online
  • High odds
  • Great markets
  • Superb support
  • Welcome offers
New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Terms apply 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Free Bet £10
Get your BonusGo to Betway
888sportRating: 4.6/5
888sport online
  • Fantastic bonuses
  • Good sportsbook
  • Amazing casino games
  • Many payment methods
+18 | Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets are credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes are not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days, wins are capped at £/€/$500 • To withdraw bonus/related wins, you must wager the bonus amount up to 40 times its value within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Casino Bonus can be used on selected games in casino only • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods & countries & full T&Cs apply | begamblingaware | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Bet £/€10 Get £/€30
Get £/€30 BonusGo to 888sport
BwinRating: 4.7/5
Bwin online
  • Big range of sport betting options
  • High odds
  • Casino games
  • Poker platform
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing| Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 1/5 (1.5) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Get a £20 for New Customers
Get your bonusGo to Bwin
William HillRating: 4.9/5
William Hill online
  • Wide range of casino games
  • Hundreds of sports betting markets
  • Lots of other betting options like bingo and poker
  • Cash Out option
New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£30 Welcome Offer
Claim £30 bonusGo to William Hill
KarambaRating: 4.4/5
Karamba online
  • Excellent promotion package
  • Convenient payments
  • Mobile apps for iOS & Android
New customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. Real money bets required for Karamba battle. Participants subject to timeout. £1000 Winner cash prize guaranteed. 18+ | | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
£10 Welcome offer
Get £10 BonusGo to Karamba
BoyleSportsRating: 4.5/5
BoyleSports online
  • Variety of sports markets
  • Good odds
  • Mobile apps for Android & iOS
  • Bonuses for existing customers
18+. UK Customers (Excluding NI) only. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 £5 max qualifying bets. 13 settled bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed on sportsbook within 30 days of opening account. Cashed out bets will not qualify towards your average stake. One free bet offer per customer, household or IP address only. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
£25 New Customer Exclusive Offer
Welcome OfferGo to BoyleSports
BetUKRating: 4.6/5
BetUK online
  • Great selection of sports betting markets
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Betting Features
  • Android and iOS mobile apps
NEW Significant terms: T&Cs apply. New customers, Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. Stake not returned. Opt-in required. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Bet £10 Get £30 Welcome Offer
Claim £30 BonusGo to BetUK
Virgin BetRating: 4.6/5
Virgin Bet online
  • Great selection of sports markets
  • High-level Odds
  • Casino Games
  • Excellent Betting Features Included
*New members. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Register before 17:59 8/04/20022 and after 18.00 9/04/2022. Win part of the E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance (ex E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. 18+ T&Cs Apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free bets
Claim your BonusGo to Virgin Bet
CoralRating: 4.6/5
Coral online
  • Good looking website
  • An operator with a long history
  • Great selection of sports
  • Helpful customer support
18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Get £20 Welcome Bonus
Get your OfferGo to Coral
BetVictorRating: 4.6/5
BetVictor online
  • eSports betting markets
  • Live Casino
  • Mobile apps for Android and iOS
  • Cash out option
New Customers only. Deposit, opt in and place a £5 qualifying bet at odds of 2.00 or greater within 7 days of opening a new account; excludes cashed out bets. Receive 2x £10 Free Sports Bets, valid on set events only at odds 2.00 or greater, expires in 7 days.  Plus a £10 Game Show Bonus, selected games, wager 40x to withdraw a max of £250. PayPal and Card Payments only. Geographical Restrictions and T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
£30 New Customers onus
Claim Your BonusGo to BetVictor
UnibetRating: 4.6/5
Unibet online
  • Good bonuses
  • Big range of sports betting options
  • Different casino games
  • Mobile apps
New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. No deposit required for NI customers. Call 08081699314 to claim. Full T&Cs apply | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Claim £40 Bonus
Claim your bonusGo to Unibet
InterbetRating: 4.6/5
Interbet online
  • Huge amount of promotions
  • Live dealer and casino games
  • VIP program
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of €/$/£10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: €/$/£20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Up to €/£/$10 Welcome Bonus
Get €/£/$10 BonusGo to Interbet
KwiffRating: 4.6/5
Kwiff online
  • Licensed Brand
  • Easy-to-navigate Platform
  • Excellent Odds
  • Great Betting Products
New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £/€10. Qualifying real money bet of £/€10. Min. odds greater than or equal to 1.50 required. Each way bets excluded. Offer credited within 48 hours. Additional T&Cs apply. | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
£20 Sports Sign-up Bonus
Claim your BonusGo to Kwiff
NovibetRating: 4.6/5
Novibet online
  • Attractive Odds
  • Fun bets available
  • Cash-out feature
18+ | UK new customers only | KYC verified | Min £10 bet | Max £20 free bet (2 x £10) full amount awarded on losing first bet only | Min odds 7/10 (1.70) | Free bet stake not returned | Certain Markets/sports/payment methods restrictions apply | Cashed-out and Bet Builder bets are excluded from this offer | Qualifying bet must be made within 30 days | Free bet valid for 30 days | T&C's apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £20 Welcome Bonus
Get this bonusGo to Novibet
BetfredRating: 4.5/5
Betfred online
  • Odds promotions
  • Good sports betting
  • Opportunity to watch the games live
New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Welcome Bonus - Bet £10 Get £40
Get £40 bonusGo to Betfred
BetRegalRating: 4.5/5
BetRegal online
  • Many betting markets
  • Cash-out option is active
  • Superb website design
  • Fantastic casino section
New customers only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller, Paypal not eligible. T&Cs apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
£10 Bonus for New Players
Get £10 bonusGo to BetRegal
10betRating: 4.5/5
10bet online
  • Good welcome offer
  • Active cash-out option
  • Plenty of sports
New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager 8 times deposit + bonus, max qualifying bet equal to initial bonus amount; valid for 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles or 2/5 per acca leg; Some bet types excluded; See full terms; 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
50% up to £50 for UK players
Claim your BonusGo to 10bet
FitzdaresRating: 4.5/5
Fitzdares online
  • Reputable and licensed brand
  • Excellent horse racing section
  • Outstanding Club in Central London
  • Good odds
New customers only aged 21+. Minimum deposit £10. Qualifying bet must be placed at odds of evens (2.0) or greater. Get 50% back on first day losses as a free bet up to £50 plus 10 free spins on Reel King, credited within 24 hours. Free Bet and Spins expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
50% back up to £50
Claim your BonusGo to Fitzdares
LadbrokesRating: 4.6/5
Ladbrokes online
  • High Odds
  • Good Mobile Apps
  • Reliable Customer Support
  • Quick Payments
18+ New UK+IRE customers. Certain deposits and bet types excl. Min £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x /€5 free bets. Free bets valid available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Rrestrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Up to £20 Welcome Bonus
Get your BonusGo to Ladbrokes
VStarBetRating: 4.6/5
VStarBet online
  • Big list of sports
  • Great betting features
  • Variety of casino games
  • Nice payment options
New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get AMOUNT Bonus
Welcome OfferGo to VStarBet
BetNeptuneRating: 4.5/5
BetNeptune online
  • Variety of sport markets
  • eSports and Virtuals in place
  • Cash-out option available
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Minimum £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.50, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Get £10 New Customers Offer
Get your OfferGo to BetNeptune
Parimatch UKRating: 4.7/5
Parimatch UK online
  • Licensed bookmaker and casino
  • Trusted brand
  • High odds on sports
  • Professional Support
18+ Opt In, bet £5 (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. No cash out. Get 2x £10 Free Bets, set events odds 2.00+ & £10 Slot Bonus selected games, wager 35x to withdraw max £250. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Please gamble responsibly
bonus icon
Claim £30 Bonus
Claim your OfferGo to Parimatch UK
BetTargetRating: 4.5/5
BetTarget online
  • Competitive Odds
  • Great range of betting markets
  • Exclusive Features like Bet.Battle
  • Various Payment Methods
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not Eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Bet £10 & Get £10 Welcome Bonus
Claim your OfferGo to BetTarget
GatobetRating: 4.5/5
Gatobet online
  • Good welcome bonus
  • A ton of sport markets
  • Casino games in place
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Minimum £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £30, minimum odds of 2, stake is not returned, maximum Conversion £30, 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Valid for 5 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Get £30 Bonus
Get your OfferGo to Gatobet
HopaRating: 4.5/5
Hopa online
  • Great selection of sports
  • Casino games available
  • Helpful customer support
  • Competitive odds
New customers only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus toket with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. Real money bets required. First bet required to opt into next tournament. T&Cs apply. 18+. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Sign Up & Get £10 Bonus
Get your OfferGo to Hopa
Genting BetRating: 4.5/5
Genting Bet online
  • Good looking website
  • Great selection of sports
  • Cash-out feature available
  • Helpful customer support
Sig. terms: New customers only. First £10+ (£10 E/W) real money bet at odds of 2.0+ qualifies. £10 free bet credited following bet settlement and to be used on sports. Stake not returned, use within 7 days. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Sign Up & Get £/€10 Bonus
Get your OfferGo to Genting Bet
BetitonRating: 4.5/5
Betiton online
  • Generous bonuses
  • VIP program for punters
  • Lots of features for Sports & Casino
  • Great payment methods
New Customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&CS APPLY. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
€/£10 Free Bet for New Players
Welcome OfferGo to Betiton
MoPlayRating: 4.5/5
MoPlay online
  • Rich Sports betting section
  • High Odds
  • A lot of betting features
  • Mobile apps
18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £30 Welcome Bonus
Get your BonusGo to MoPlay
MatchbookRating: 4.5/5
Matchbook online
  • Good payment methods
  • Allows easier access to mobile betting games without the need of a browser
Sign-up today with bonus code MB20. Place your first bet at odds of 1.8 or more, and if it loses, we will refund your stake as a single free bet. Once your first bet has settled, you will receive 20 free spins on Starburst.. 18+ T&C apply |begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £20 Free Bet
Claim £20 BonusGo to Matchbook
SkybetRating: 4.5/5
Skybet online
  • Amazing sportsbook
  • Offers a welcome bonus for new customers
  • Provides applications for iOS and Android
FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 4 X £5 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£20 Welcome Offer
Get £20 bonusGo to Skybet
Mobile WinsRating: 4.4/5
Mobile Wins online
  • Excellent website design
  • Rich Sportsbook section with betting options
  • Cash out feature
  • Live streaming video
New Players Only. Minimum stake £10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not returned. 10X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: £20. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
100% up to £/€/$10
Claim £/€/$10 bonusGo to Mobile Wins
Bet DukesRating: 4.4/5
Bet Dukes online
  • Awesome bonus campaign
  • Lots of sports markets
  • Great odds to choose from
New Players Only. Minimum £/€10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £/€10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max. conversion: £/€20. Valif for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get up to €/£10 Free Bet as a New Player
Get €/£10 BonusGo to Bet Dukes
Sporting IndexRating: 4.4/5
Sporting Index online
  • Trusted and Licensed brand
  • Great betting exchange
  • High odds at the Sportsbook
  • Various bonuses
New UK & Eire clients only. 50% cashback on cumulative net losses on qualifying spread bets placed and settled within 7 days of account opening. Fully, partially or reverse closed bets do not qualify. Max cashback £500. Full terms apply. Spread betting involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits. Always bet responsibly | 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£500 Cashback Welcome Offer
Claim £500 BonusGo to Sporting Index
SportNationRating: 4.4/5
SportNation online
  • Great selection of sports
  • Cash-out and live streaming
  • Live betting available
  • Helpful customer support
Key Terms: New customers only. Place the 5 specified bets to earn Free Bets. Each leg must have minimum odds of 1.8 (4/5). Applies to bets on sport only. Valid once per customer. Free Bet valid for 7 days. Free Bet max winnings is 20x Free Bet stake. Free Bets must be accepted in popup messages once their qualifying bets have settled. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get your OfferGo to SportNation
LucksterRating: 4.4/5
Luckster online
  • Great range of sports betting options
  • Cash out is available
  • Wide array of casino games
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£10 Welcome Offer
Claim your BonusGo to Luckster
LuckLandRating: 4.3/5
LuckLand online
  • Great Variety of Sports betting options
  • Good Odds
  • Cash out feature is available
  • Different Payments accepted
T&Cs apply. This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. 18+. Max Free Bet Token amount: £10. Min deposit: £10. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15. Restrictions Apply. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£10 Free Bet
Claim your OfferGo to LuckLand
JeffBetRating: 4.3/5
JeffBet online
  • Many betting options on sports
  • Cash Out is available
  • Good sports bonuses
  • Follows Esports
New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply.
bonus icon
Bet £10 & Get £30 Bonus
Claim your BonusGo to JeffBet
Paddy PowerRating: 4.3/5
  • Excellent promos
  • Offer quality games and user experience
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. Promo code YSKA00. Place your FIRST sports bet and if it loses we will refund your stake in cash, up to £/€10. Only deposits made using cards or PayPal qualify. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Grab a £10 Bonus
Get BonusGo to Paddy Power
MrRexRating: 4.3/5
MrRex online
  • Great selection of Sports betting markets
  • Wide range of Casino games
  • Cash out function is available
New customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&C's apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£10 Free Bet Welcome Bonus
Claim your BonusGo to MrRex
Bethard Rating: 4.3/5
  • Offers a real live casino
  • Secured with SSL encryption
  • Proven fair by independent audits
  • Live chat support provided 7 days a week during most hours
18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
100% Bonus Up to €100
Get BonusGo to Bethard
BetSteveRating: 4.3/5
BetSteve online
  • List with many sports events
  • Attractive casino section
  • Many live dealers games
  • Live Streaming is available
New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering stats from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £/€/$10 as a Sign-up Promo
Get £/€/$10 bonusGo to BetSteve
SwishBetRating: 4.2/5
SwishBet online
  • Extraordinary website design
  • Great sportsbook
  • Professional and reliable customer support
  • Huge range of casino games
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering stats from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £10 Bonus
Get £10 BonusGo to SwishBet

Now, with knowledge about all the available bets and the NFL rulebook at your fingertips, it’s finally time to play, right? Not so fast. Even if you have the best football bets up your sleeve, you still need to know where to bet on NFL games.

Why is this important? Believe it or not, peace of mind is essential in American Football betting. That’s why having a secure, licensed bookmaker should be your top priority when looking at NFL betting sites.

To get started, check out our guide on the top-rated bookmakers for American football betting. It contains all the info you need to find a bookie that fits your needs. Make sure you pick up a good welcome bonus while you’re at it, too!

Which Are the Most Popular Leagues?

Even though American Football betting is basically NFL betting, there are still other leagues to follow. After all, Monday Night Football is still once per week. If you’re looking to get into football betting more seriously, you will need to diversify your sources of knowledge.

So, what American football leagues other than the NFL should you follow? Your best bet is, of course, college football. If that isn’t on the menu, your best bet is the Canadian Football League (CFL) or the Central European Football League (CEFL). Both leagues have grown immensely in the last few years, so you’re in for a treat. Oh, and did you notice that Vince McMahon’s XFL is back on?

NFL Betting — What Should You Know?

nfl game stadium

There’s always that extra something, and American Football betting markets are no exception. To win consistently, you need to look beyond NFL odds and things such as handicap betting. The target of your focus should be the following less-known factors:

Understand Conferences and Divisions

There are 32 teams in the NFL, and they are separated into two conferences, the AFC and the NFC, each containing four more divisions. This has resulted in some pretty epic rivalries and matchups.

NFL Games Schedule

Since the league takes up a large chunk of the North American continent, no team can play every other team. Watch for the schedule when it comes out, as it will help you predict upsets.

NFL Playoff Games

American Football betting odds go crazy once late December comes around. Use the lack of games to analyze each matchup more thoroughly. Write down any patterns or standout performers, too.

NFL Super Bowl

Ah yes, The Big One. Once the final game of the season comes around, there will be a plethora of NFL prop bets to choose from. You can even bet on the halftime performers!

NFL Short History and Facts

The National Football League (NFL), as we know it today, was founded in 1920. In the 1960s, it merged with its rival league, the AFL. This gave birth to modern football as we know it. Today, the NFL has the highest average attendance of any sports league in the world and is also the most lucrative. Since the Super Bowl era began, few of the most successful teams are the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Final Thoughts

American football betting is an exciting hobby. That’s why Nostrabet advises you to prepare thoroughly before placing your first bet. Study the rules, analyze the players, and use online resources. Also, don’t forget to cast a glance at your list of the top-rated bookies for NFL bets.

FAQs

What is American football handicap betting, and how does it work?

Also known as line betting or point betting, football handicap betting serves to even the playing field between the two teams. The weaker side is given a virtual advantage before the game starts.

What are the most popular American football markets I can find?

The most popular American football markets include spread, moneyline, half-time lines, teasers and future bets.

Can I earn from American Football betting?

Yes, you can, but it’s still gambling. If you devise a good strategy and if luck is on your side, you might see some returns.

How does handicap betting (spreads) work in American football?

When you’re betting on the NFL, a spread is a bookie’s pick for the winner. Instead of just flagging the favourites, betting sites also use software to determine how many points the favourites will win. For underdogs, the bookie also sets a bar for how many points they will lose by. It’s like a basic moneyline bet, but with an extra bit of flavour.

Is American football betting legal in the US?

Since sports betting is not federally illegal since 2018, states now have the freedom to set their own laws. Nevertheless, no law can prevent you from visiting offshore sites, even if there are no online sportsbooks where you live.

Which other leagues are good for American football betting?

The European CEFL and the Canadian CFL both provide good entertainment and are popular amongst US bettors.

Is it safe to bet on futures when betting on American football?

Technically, no. Still, you can capitalize on the fact that different bookies offer different odds of futures markets. That means you should never make them a part of your regular strategy, but there’s no harm done in betting $10 on the SuperBowl MVP in 2007. Returns are always juicy.

Author

Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Certified Betting Expert
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov specializes in bookmakers’ analyses. He has years of experience betting online and always keeps an eye on the different operators. His tasks in Nostrabet include writing, editing and publishing expert reviews.