Football odds are determined by expert handicappers, who study team records, recent drafts, and other data to determine which teams are most likely to win a particular game. Each sportsbook will offer their own lines and bets, so it is important to shop around before placing a wager.
The three most popular betting options are moneyline, point spread and totals. The latter is a variation of the former that revolves around the total amount of points scored by each team in a game.
Money line odds are the most straightforward, as they simply state which team you think will win a given game. However, spread odds are more advanced, and they require more knowledge about how a team will perform.
A 3.5-point underdog is more likely to cover a spread than a 14.5-point favorite. This is because a team needs to score four or more points in order for a bet on them to pay out.
In addition to the standard straight bets, many online football betting sites also offer prop bets that are based on things like the crowd’s behavior and which players will do the best. These types of wagers are fun and offer a different element to betting on a game, which can make it more exciting.
To maximize your potential profits, you need to shop around for the best football odds and sign up at a sportsbook that offers competitive lines and bonuses. Some of the best sportsbooks include BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings and PointsBet. bookies