NFL Bet Types
The NFL is the most bet-on sport in America. Here are the main ways to wager on professional football:
The most popular NFL bet. The favorite "gives" points, the underdog "gets" points. The spread handicaps the game to create even action on both sides.
Chiefs need to win by 7+ to cover. Bengals can lose by up to 6 and still cover.
Simply pick the winner. No spread involved. Favorites pay less, underdogs pay more. Great for parlays or when you just want to back a team to win.
Bet $280 on Chiefs to win $100. Bet $100 on Bengals to win $220.
Bet on whether the combined score will be over or under a set number. Weather, pace, and defensive matchups are key factors.
If the final score is Chiefs 31, Bengals 24 (55 total), the Over wins.
Bet on individual player performance. Passing yards, rushing yards, receptions, touchdowns — if a stat exists, you can probably bet on it.
Travis Kelce Over 5.5 receptions (-120)
Long-term bets on season outcomes. Super Bowl winner, division champions, MVP, win totals. Lock in odds early for best value.
Bengals to win AFC North +150
Key Numbers in NFL Betting
NFL games cluster around certain final margins. These "key numbers" are crucial for spread betting:
About 15% of NFL games end with a 3-point margin. Getting +3 instead of +2.5 or -2.5 instead of -3 is extremely valuable.
NFL Betting Strategy
Ohio NFL Teams
Ohio has two NFL teams with passionate betting fanbases:
Cleveland Browns: Defense-first, run-heavy identity. Games trend under. Strong home-field advantage in bad weather. Full Browns betting guide →
Cincinnati Bengals: Explosive offense with Joe Burrow. High totals, can beat anyone when healthy. Dangerous underdogs. Full Bengals betting guide →
Best NFL Betting Apps
For NFL betting in Ohio, FanDuel leads on spread pricing, DraftKings wins on player props, and bet365 offers the best live betting. Having accounts at all three lets you grab the best line on any given game.