Get Ready for Football Season by Understanding These Common NFL Betting Terms

The most recent NFL season finished back in February, and we saw Patrick Mahomes ascend to his throne as the greatest quarterback on planet Earth today with a masterful performance at Super Bowl LVII. His MVP-winning display helped the Kansas City Chiefs to their second Lombardi in just four seasons as the Missouri-based outfit staged an astonishing comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles inside Glendale's State Farm Stadium. Despite trailing 24-14 at the halftime interval, the Chiefs came roaring back throughout the third and fourth quarters to eventually seal the victory. 


With five consecutive AFC Championship game appearances in the last five seasons, it's no surprise that reputable NFL betting sites have made Andy Reid's side the +600 favorites for yet another Super Bowl championship next season. They are closely followed by the Philadelphia Eagles (+650) as well two AFC powerhouses, namely the Buffalo Bills (+900) and the Cincinnati Bengals (+1200). If you're considering betting on the new football season, it's important to understand the common NFL betting terms before you start making bets. 


We'll go through some of the most often-used NFL terminologies and specifically those related to betting in this article to give you more confidence when you start placing bets on football games.

Point Spread

The phrase "point spread" is used in the world of NFL betting almost as frequently as the pigskin itself. But how did this word come to be one of the ones used in betting the most? In essence, the point spread is a form of wager used to balance the odds between teams. 


In this kind of wager, the underdog team receives a point handicap, which is subsequently added to their final score. Therefore, people who gambled on the underdog team still gain even if they lose if they cover the spread. Even for non-fans, this strategy helps level the playing field and makes games more entertaining to watch.

Moneyline

Another expression you'll frequently hear used is "Moneyline," which describes a wager on the game's outright winner (including overtime), regardless of spreads and handicaps. Although these bets have been around for a while, the rise of internet sports betting has made them more well-known recently. 


It's a simple way to bet on a game without worrying about point spreads or other complicated betting options. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the game, understanding the Moneyline is essential if you want to make informed bets on NFL games.

Over/Under

"Over/Under" is one of the most often used terminology in NFL betting circles, and if you're not familiar with sports betting, it might be a little daunting. But fear not, because understanding what Over/Under means is actually pretty simple. 


This term refers to the predicted combined score of both teams in a given game. Essentially, bookmakers set a number for the total points that they believe will be scored in a game, and bettors then have the option to either bet that the total score will be over that number, or under it. The next time someone mentions the Over/Under, you'll understand exactly what they mean.

Parlay

You've probably heard the word "parlay" mentioned more than a football during a game if you enjoy betting on NFL games. But have you ever wondered how this phrase got to be used so frequently in betting? 


The word "parlay" originates from the French verb "parler," which means "to speak." A parlay bet is a combination of many bets into a single wager with a bigger reward in the world of betting. The potential payout on a parlay bet can be much bigger even though the odds of winning are potentially lower than on a single wager. 

Teaser

This popular term is typically associated with NFL betting and refers to a type of parlay bet in which the bettor can adjust the spread or total in their favor. Essentially, a teaser allows you to move the lines in your favor by a certain number of points. As a result, your chances of winning the wager are increased, but the payout might not be as big as with a typical parlay. 


But how did the term become so prevalent in the NFL betting world? While the exact origins are unknown, it's believed that it derived from "card betting" in which bookies would hand out small cards with pre-set parlay bets to customers. Over time, the term "teaser" caught on and became a staple in the sports betting lexicon. 

Conclusion

 

You'll be more prepared to place your bets this football season now that you have a better understanding of some of the most frequently used NFL betting terminologies. You may make better selections and be more confident when you place your bets by being aware of these phrases. Just keep in mind to always gamble sensibly and within your means while taking in the thrill of the NFL season.