Betting on American Football – NFL & College Markets, Strategies & Best Sites

American football, whether it’s the NFL or college action, offers some of the world’s biggest and most exciting betting markets. The fast pace, tactical depth, and sheer variety of bets make it ideal for both beginners and experienced punters. Here’s your 2025 guide to betting on American football - including key bet types, strategies, and the best ways to stay ahead of the game.

Key Takeaways

• The most popular bets are moneyline, point spread, and totals (over/under).
• In-depth research on team news, injuries, and stats gives you a true edge.
• OddsPortal provides real-time scores, for NFL and college football.
• Manage your bankroll and focus on markets you understand best.

Best Betting Sites for American Football (2025)

• Betfred: Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets
• bet365: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
• BetMGM: Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets
• Unibet: Bet £10, Get £40 in Bonuses

Main American Football Betting Markets

Moneyline (Match Winner)

• Simply bet on which team will win the game.
• Overtime counts—there’s always a winner.

Point Spread

• The most iconic American football bet.
• The favourite must win by more than the spread; the underdog can lose by less than the spread (or win outright) for your bet to cash.

Example: Patriots -7.5 vs. Jets +7.5

Totals (Over/Under Points)

• Bet on whether the total combined points scored by both teams will be over or under a line set by the bookmaker (e.g., over 48.5).

Player Props

• Bet on individual player performance: passing yards, touchdowns, rushing yards, etc.
• Great for fantasy fans or those who follow player stats closely.

Team Props and Specials

• Bets on the first team to score, total team touchdowns, turnovers, etc.
• More niche, but often less sharp lines than main markets.

Futures

• Season-long bets: who will win the Super Bowl, conference, or division?
• Also available for player awards (MVP, Rookie of the Year).

Top American Football Betting Strategies

• Research injuries and lineups: The absence of a star quarterback or running back can change everything.
• Monitor line movement: Bookmakers adjust odds as bets come in—early sharp money can indicate value.
• Shop for the best lines: Even a half-point difference on the spread can decide your outcome.
• Consider weather conditions: Bad weather often means lower-scoring games.
• Bankroll discipline: Don’t chase big parlays; consistent flat betting wins long term.

How to Use OddsPortal for American Football Betting

OddsPortal is a game-changer for American football punters:

• Live Scores & Updates: Real-time tracking of all NFL and major college games.
• Stat Centre: Team trends and H2H data all available in one place.
• In-Game Tracking: See how the game unfolds—vital for live betting.
• Season Overviews: Review past performances, streaks, and injuries for deeper research.

Tip: Combine OddsPortal's instant data with your sportsbook for the best live betting and research experience.

Conclusion

American football betting offers massive variety, thrilling action, and real profit opportunities for informed bettors. Stick to the main markets, do your research, and use live-tracking tools like OddsPortal to stay ahead. Whether you’re following the NFL or college games, disciplined betting and data-driven decisions are the keys to consistent wins.