A teaser bet adjusts the point spread in your favour across multiple selections — a safer version of a parlay, but at reduced odds. The concept originated in American sports betting and is most valuable in NFL wagering.
How Teasers Work
In a standard teaser, you select two or more games and move each point spread by a fixed number of points in your preferred direction. A two-team, 6-point NFL teaser is the most common format.
Example: You like the Kansas City Chiefs at -8 and the Buffalo Bills at +1.5. A 6-point teaser adjusts these to Chiefs -2 and Bills +7.5. Both legs must win for the teaser to pay out, typically at odds around -110 (1.91) for a two-team, 6-point version.
A £20 teaser bet at -110 returns approximately £39.10 if both legs cover. Compare this to a standard two-team parlay, which might pay +260 (3.60) but without the safety of adjusted lines.
The Key Numbers Strategy
NFL scores cluster around specific margins of victory: 3 (field goal) and 7 (touchdown) are by far the most common. A 6-point teaser is valuable precisely because it can cross through both of these numbers.
Which Lines to Target
- Favourites at -7 to -8.5: Teasing down to -1 to -2.5 crosses through 7 and 3.
- Underdogs at +1 to +2.5: Teasing up to +7 to +8.5 crosses through 3 and 7.
- Avoid lines already past key numbers: A -3 favourite teased to +3 only crosses one key number.
When Teasers Lose Value
Teasers become poor value in several situations:
- Three or more legs: Each additional leg significantly reduces the probability of winning all selections.
- Buying extra points: Moving from 6 to 7 points costs far more in reduced odds than the marginal benefit provides.
- NBA teasers: Basketball scores are more evenly distributed, so the key-number advantage that drives NFL teaser value largely disappears.
Practical Application
Limit yourself to two-team, 6-point NFL teasers that cross through 3 and 7. Track your results over a full season, as even profitable teasers require patience through losing weeks. As with all multi-leg bets, responsible bankroll management is essential — never stake more than 2-3% of your bankroll on a single teaser.