How to Bet on the NFL: Complete American Football Guide for Europeans

The NFL has grown into one of the most popular sports betting markets globally, with European interest surging through London games, expanded broadcasting, and the Super Bowl's cultural reach. Here is everything you need to start betting on American football.

Understanding the NFL Structure

Regular Season

32 teams split into two conferences (AFC and NFC), each with four divisions of four teams. The regular season spans 18 weeks with each team playing 17 games. Games are played primarily on Sundays (evening kick-offs for UK viewers), with Thursday and Monday night games.

Playoffs and Super Bowl

Seven teams from each conference qualify for the single-elimination playoffs. The top seed in each conference earns a first-round bye. The playoffs culminate in the Super Bowl, typically held on the first Sunday in February.

How NFL Scoring Works

Touchdown: 6 points + extra point attempt (1 or 2 points)
Field Goal: 3 points (kicked through the uprights)
Safety: 2 points (tackling the opponent in their own end zone)

The prevalence of 3-point and 7-point scoring drives creates key numbers (3, 7, 10, 14) that are critical for spread betting.

Main NFL Bet Types

1. Point Spread

The most popular NFL bet. The bookmaker sets a handicap — e.g., Kansas City Chiefs -3.5 means they must win by 4+ points.

2. Totals (Over/Under)

Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under the bookmaker's line. A typical NFL total sits between 40 and 55 points.

3. Moneyline

Simply pick the winner. Moneyline odds vary widely — a heavy favourite might be priced at 1.20 (decimal) while an underdog could be 5.00.

4. Player Props

Bet on individual player performances: passing yards, touchdowns, rushing yards, and more.

Finding an Edge

Home-Field Advantage

NFL home-field advantage is worth approximately 2.5-3 points in the spread. This is smaller than in European football, partly because NFL stadiums are more standardised and teams travel by charter.

Weather and Dome Teams

Outdoor cold-weather games in December and January can significantly affect passing efficiency. Teams from dome stadiums (e.g., Atlanta, Las Vegas) may struggle in harsh conditions, creating value on totals unders.

Bye Weeks and Rest

Teams coming off a bye week (rest week) have historically performed slightly better ATS. The edge is small but consistent.

Where to Bet on the NFL in the UK

All major UKGC-licensed bookmakers offer NFL markets. major bookmakers provide the deepest market coverage, including player props, quarter betting, and same-game multiples.

Getting Started

Pick one conference or division to follow closely. Learn the teams, their playing styles, and key personnel. Watch games, read injury reports, and track line movement. Building genuine knowledge of a subset of teams is far more valuable than superficial coverage of the entire league.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bet on the NFL from the UK?+

Yes. All major UK bookmakers including major bookmakers, and a betting exchange offer comprehensive NFL markets throughout the season. Games are broadcast on Sky Sports and free-to-air channels, making research straightforward.

What is the most popular NFL bet type?+

Point spread betting is the most popular way to bet on the NFL. Rather than simply picking a winner, you bet on whether a team will win by more or fewer points than the bookmaker's line. Totals (over/under on combined score) is the second most popular.

When does the NFL season start and end?+

The NFL regular season typically starts in early September and runs through 18 weeks until early January. Playoffs begin in mid-January, with the Super Bowl held on the first Sunday of February.

How many points is a touchdown worth?+

A touchdown is worth 6 points, followed by an extra point attempt (1 point if kicked, 2 if converted via a two-point conversion). A field goal is worth 3 points, and a safety is worth 2 points.

What should beginners focus on when betting on the NFL?+

Start with point spread and totals markets for primetime games where information is most accessible. Focus on a small number of games rather than betting on every match. Track line movement and injury reports before placing bets.