The new NFL season is fast approaching, with football fans penning the big kick- into their diaries for Thursday 8th, September. That’s when the waiting is over and weeks of agonizing over an empty schedule, trying to fill the gap by following other sports like tennis and athletics comes to an end. That’s the day the 103rd NFL season and the journey to becoming Super Bowl champion begins. Are you ready?
The players and officials are good to go. The top coaches are ticking off the names at the head of their most wanted list, and the TV schedulers have published the matches they will cover on the opening weekend. All that’s left to do is for supporters to study the form and make predictions on the teams they expect to secure success this term.
The top Texas sports betting apps offer odds on several exciting NFL gambling markets, including champions of the Super Bowl, to make the playoffs and the winners of each Conference. You can also have your say on the top players with bookies accepting bets on the player of the season, young player of the season and the highest scorer.
If you have been following the news regarding the growth of online gambling in the United States, you will know this promises to be the most bet-on NFL season there ever was, with millions of wagers struck at the top gambling apps worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about betting on the NFL before starting.
Find the right bookie
There are hundreds of online bookmakers, all vying for your attention and trying to convince you that they are the best in the business. Of course, they can’t all be the best, so you must spot the difference between a good bookie and a great MyBookie. Remember, you are only as good as the tools at your disposal, so it’s worth taking your time when choosing a betting app and ensuring you get the best deal.
What should you look for in a bookie? First of all, you want a generous welcome bonus. Sports books offer this promotion to encourage you to register and bet with them over the competition. These deals come in many shapes and sizes, but the best are free and risk-free bets. These promotions will give you free bet tokens equal to your first deposit and bet. So, if you gamble $50 on the Super Bowl winner, for example, you’ll bag a $50 free bet.
Other things that attract you to a bookmaker are a user-friendly smartphone app, generous odds on your favourite teams and markets, and modern features like in-play betting and cash-out. You also want 24/7 customer service and a range of secure payment options, including debit cards, e-wallets, cash and crypto accounts. When faced with so much choice, you can afford to be picky and not just insist on but demand the best.
Study the stats
So, you have registered at the best bookie; what’s next? It’s time to do your homework before selecting a bet. Whether you are wagering on the bet winner of the Super Bowl or an upcoming match to be shown live on television, you must study the stats. The more you know about a competition or match and the players and teams involved, the better chance you will have of beating the bookies.
- Analyze Team Performance in Specific Situations: Instead of just looking at overall team stats, dive deeper into how they perform in specific situations, such as:
- Red zone efficiency (how often they score touchdowns inside the 20-yard line)
- Third-down conversion rates
- Performance in close games (within 7 points)
- How they fare against specific types of defenses (e.g., man-to-man or zone coverage)
- Examine Advanced Metrics: Go beyond basic stats like yards and points scored. Look at advanced metrics like:
- Expected points added (EPA) per play
- Defense-adjusted value over replacement (DVOA)
- Pro Football Focus grades for individual players and units
- Next-gen stats like completion probability and expected yards after catch
- Identify Trends and Patterns: Study historical data to identify trends and patterns that can inform your betting decisions, such as:
- How teams perform after a bye week or on short rest
- How they fare in specific fairweather conditions (e.g., rain, wind, or extreme temperatures)
- Which teams are more likely to cover the spread in certain situations (e.g., as underdogs or in divisional games)
Study the head-to-head stats, recent form, and any injuries that will affect selection, past schedule and upcoming games. There is no such thing as doing too much research, so read reviews and listen to interviews. It can all help you get one over on the traders.
Place your bets
Are you happy with your pick? Let’s place that bet. Click the NFL tab on your chosen bookmaker, then find the fixture or outright market of interest to you.
Here are some special tips on how to place your bets like a champion:
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Divide your bankroll into units (e.g., 100 units) and allocate a specific amount for each bet. This helps you avoid chasing losses and makes your wins more sustainable.
- Shop for the Best Lines: Different sportsbooks offer varying odds. Find the best lines and prices to maximize your winnings. A small difference in odds can add up over time.
- Hedge Your Bets: Consider placing hedge bets to mitigate losses or lock in profits. For example, if you bet on a favorite and they’re winning at halftime, you can hedge by betting on the underdog to reduce potential losses.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Avoid betting more to recoup losses. This can lead to a vicious cycle and deplete your bankroll quickly. Instead, take a break, reassess, and come back with a clear head.
- Stay Disciplined: Stick to your strategy and avoid impulsive decisions based on emotions. Fear and greed are common pitfalls in sports betting.
- Monitor Injuries and Suspensions: Keep an eye on injury reports and suspensions, as they can significantly impact team performance.
- Don’t Bet on Too Many Games: Focus on a few games where you have a clear edge, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
- Stay Informed but Avoid Overthinking: Stay up-to-date with news and trends, but avoid overanalyzing. Trust your research and instincts.
- Don’t Bet Under the Influence: Make informed decisions when sober and clear-headed. Avoid betting while drinking or under stress.
Click the odds attached to the selection you wish to make, and it will be added to your bet slip. Input the stake, check everything is how you want it to be, and then click to confirm. The bet will be accepted and become live.
