What does money line mean in American football (NFL, NCAA) betting?

As opposed to betting the point spread (a forecast of the number of points by which a stronger team is expected to defeat a weaker one), the money line in NFL betting is a wager made on a team to win the game straight up, with no spread.

4.8 / 5

$1000 First Bet on Caesars

JULIUS1000 Copied!

Bet now

Disclaimer

Offer valid and must be physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. 21+. New users only. Ends 9/18. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Min. Bet: $50. Each Bonus Bet expires 7 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? IL, MD, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; CO, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino): Call 1-800-522-4700; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA: Call 1-877-770-STOP (licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Harrah’s New Orleans); MI: Call 1-800-270-7117. Read More GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Read More MA: CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org Read More NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) Read More

The money line favorite is the team that oddsmakers think should win the game. You will find these odds on all betting sites.

For example, when Super Bowl 53 (pitting the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams) kicked off, the Patriots were -150 money line favorites. That meant if you wanted to bet that New England would win the game outright, you would have to bet $150 to return $250 back, your initial stake plus $100.

If you bet the Rams on the money line, you would have gotten odds of +135 ($100 bet would have returned $235). But you also would have lost your bet; the Patriots won the game 13-3.

Money line bets are very good if you think that the underdog is going to win the game outright because you will win more money. For instance, during the 2018 NFL season, there was a game that featured the biggest moneyline upset win since 1995.

The Buffalo Bills stunned the Minnesota Vikings 27-6, at money line odds of +1000, or 10-to-1. A $100 bet on the Bills returned $1100.

Betting underdogs on the moneyline can be a great way to maximize payouts while risking smaller amounts. Another great way to do this, is leveraging the best sportsbook promos available in any state where online sports betting is legal. New Kentucky bettors can claim Kentucky sports betting promos for the first time this NFL season!