NFL Moneyline Action: What is a NFL moneyline bet; how you can make one this season

With the NFL regular season almost here, bettors everywhere are prepping for a bonanza of football action over the next five months. 

And with a host of sportsbook apps available, including at Fan Duel and Draft Kings, a number of different bets are available when betting on the NFL. But a moneyline bet is still a popular option  when looking for pro football action. Here is a short explanation of a 'moneyline bet', and how to make one when betting pro football. 

HOW TO MAKE A NFL MONEYLINE BET

Moneyline bets, common place in baseball, soccer, and other sports where the final score(s) tend to be on the lower side, can also be made on NFL games.

Unlike with a point spread bet, you're betting on what team will the win the game when making a moneyline bet on any particular NFL team. (*The final score doesn't matter - as long as the team you bet on wins the game.)

Moneyline favorites (-170) are denoted with a negative sign; underdogs are denoted with a plus sign (+;). Let's say the underdog Dolphins (+130) are playing the favorite Texans (-170). If you think Miami is going to win, you bet $100 to win $130. If you like Houston to cash your moneyline bet, you must bet $170 to win $100.

(Reminder: A 10-20 % fee, known as the 'juice' in sports betting circles, will be baked into your moneyline bet. So, a $100 bet will cost you from $110-$120.)

    

                    

Moneyline: In order to win your moneyline bet, the team you bet has to win the game.

                 

Hold the offense: Bet Colts-Bears to go under the 40.5 point total

The total for this game kept rising earlier in the week after Colts QB Anthony Richardson was named the No. 1 starter.

 Meanwhile, Bears QB Justin Fields isn't expected to play.

 Regardless, l like the under 40.5 point total. Here's why. 

Colts @ Bears: Under 40.5 (-110)

While I think the Bears and Colts are set to play plenty of key starters on offense, both teams have plenty to iron out when it comes to moving the football effectively.

On one hand, Richardson, named the Colts No. 1 QB earlier this week, threw a pick on his first NFL drive last week, and looked quite uncomfortable doing it. 

As a result, he's likely to see the field a lot, and that's a good thing for under bettors because I'm not sure the Florida alum is better right now than backup QBs Gardner Minshew or Sam Ehlinger. 

At first glance, Fields' stats last week (129 passing yards and two touchdown passes on just three completions) jump off the page. But most of those yards were gained after successful screen passes. In addition, the Bears, working out a new offensive scheme, have determined Fields will not play against Indy. So, be very careful.

Finally, as a contrarian, I like the fact that the total in this game keeps going up. I also tend to take a hard look at the under total in NFL preseason games. Especially in this spot, and given the uncertainty, still, surrounding both of the offensive units.

Cut it out: Bet Washington (+3.5) to beat Baltimore, end streak

Commanders (+3.5) over Ravens 

The Ravens, on a 24-game preseason win streak, rested most of their key starters in last week's win over the Eagles. So, it's safe to bet on Lamar Jackson and Co. playing very little here.

Despite a Week 1 preseason win against the the Browns, Washington struggled to find any offensive rhythm with Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett behind center. For that reason, I look for Howell and Brissett to get significant playing time as the Commanders not only look to settle in on a starting quarterback, but dig deep into what is an uneven roster. 

One of the few preseason questions left for the Ravens to answer is who will be their backup QB: Tyler Huntley or Josh Johnson?  Oddly, Huntley, nursing a hamstring injury despite reportedly being in the lead to win the job, might not play much in this spot, leaving the 37-year-old Johnson plenty of snaps vs. Washington.

Watching Johnson at quarterback, even against Washington's second and third-team teamers on defense, should give all bettors pause, even with a meaningless winning steak at play. 

Without giving away all of my NFL betting strategy, I'm also intrigued by a road underdog getting more than a field goal against a team riding a meaningless winning streak.

Remember: Washington, losers of four straight exhibition games vs. Baltimore, doesn't have to win the game straight up, as losing by a FG or less would be just fine.

Bet on Terance Crawford (-150) to defeat Errol Spence Jr. in 'super-fight' for welterweight supremacy

 

Finally boxing bettors have another 'super-fight' to bet on as Terence Crawford (39-0, 33 KOs) vs. Errol Spence Jr. (33-0, 22 KOs) takes place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Whether or not, Crawford and Spence Jr., still the two best welterweights in the world but only now getting in the ring after years of engaging in social media wars and promotional teases, provide a memorable fight is no sure bet. 

But their respective styles make it an intriguing watch -- at least going into the fight. 

Betting Analyst + Prediction 

At first glance, Crawford (-150), a solid favorite at most sportsbooks to win the long-awaited unification bout for all the belts in the welterweight division, appears to be the right bet. Especially, if you can get him at a reasonable price.

Still widely considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Crawford's ability to switch from orthodox to southpaw on a whim while using his speed and footwork to neutralize opponents, if not counter-punch, is a work of art inside the ring. And it will give Spence Jr., who at times can find himself flat-footed, problems.

His overall skill set unaffected by his trajectory, Crawford, who unified two titles at 135 pounds before running through the super lightweight division, is 9-0 at welterweight. 

While just 5-foot-8, Crawford will not only have a reach advantage but is also the better defensive fighter. It will help him ward off any kind of pressure in this spot.

Spence Jr. (+120), the underdog despite owning three welterweight belts, is on the short list of top welterweights since picking apart Kell Brook in 2017; his size and strength giving him a physical advantage over Crawford - at least on paper. 

But while he owns impressive victories over Brook and Shawn Porter, both good, but not all-time fighters, it's hard to imagine him bullying Crawford around the ring for most of the night. 

When I think of putting a capsule on this fight, I think of the Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns classic in 1981. In no way am I comparing these two .. but Hearns, the taller and stronger fighter, had his way for much of the early rounds before Leonard's superior boxing skills took over in the second half of the fight .. and eventually earned him a 14th round TKO win. 

So, yes, Spence Jr. will probably have his moments, especially early if he can make Crawford feel his power, but Crawford will eventually adjust and use his array of skills to earn another impressive victory. (Crawford by split decision.)

Bet: Crawford (-150) 

(Looking for a media specialist/sports betting analyst or just have a question or two on how I can be of help? Follow me @bet_on305fernie)

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Ice Cold: How To Make NHL Moneyline, Puckline & Goal Over/Under Bets

It's that time of year when NHL bettors are ready to cash in on all the hockey action.

Here is what to look for and how to make moneyline, point spread and over/under total bets when betting on NHL games.

(Note: I'm using a Rangers @ Devils game as an example on how to make moneyline, puck line and over/under goal total bets when betting on NHL games.)

Moneyline NHL Bet

When making an NHL moneyline bet, you choose what team you think will simply win the game. The odds indicate what team is the favorite (-) or the underdog (+). 

Rangers (-113)

Devils (+103)

This moneyline projects a close game with the Rangers listed as short road favorites over the Devils. As a hockey bettor, you have two options when making an NHL moneyline bet in this spot: 1.) You can bet $113 to win a return profit of $100 (=$213) on the Rangers. 2.) Or you can bet $100 to win a return profit of $103 (=$203) on the Devils.

Puck line NHL Bet 

As per usual, sportsbooks set a puck line, in place of a more common point spread, for hockey games - which is a projected margin of victory to equate into whether you think the Rangers or Devils are going to cover the given puck line. 

(Let's use the following puck line as an example.)

Rangers - 1.5 (-110)

Devils +1.5 (-110)

For you to win your bet, the side you bet on has to cover the puck line. So, if you bet on the Rangers (-1.5), New York would have to win the hockey game by two goals or more for you to win your point spread bet.

If you bet the Devils (+1.5), New Jersey would have to win the game or loss by one goal for you to win your bet. (A puck line bet that lands exactly on the number is considered a push, which means neither side wins and you get your money back.)

Total Goals ('Over/Under') NHL Bet 

Oddsmakers set a total combined goals for a game. An NHL bettor has to decide whether the amount of goals for the game will go 'Over' or 'Under' the total.

Over +6.5 (-110)

Under -6.5 (-110)

If you think the Rangers and Devils will combine to score less than six goals, you can bet on the 'Under' 6.5 total. On the flipside, if you think the Rangers and Devils will go 'Over' the total, both teams would have to score more than six goals for you to win your Over/Under bet.

(NHL lines and odds are usually available the day before a game is played, so check your sportsbook of choice for updated betting info., injuries, etc.)

Play-On: How To Make Moneyline, Point Spread and Over/Under Total Bets On NBA Games

What can beat the start of the NBA regular season for basketball bettors ready to cash in on the hardwood action over the next eight s months (?) And as is the case with other pro sports, bettors can make moneyline, point spread and over/under total bets when betting on NBA games. Here is a tutorial on what to look for and how to make moneyline, point spread and over/under total bets when betting on NBA games.

Moneyline NBA Bet

When making an NBA moneyline bet, you choose what team you think will simply win the game. The odds indicate what team is the favorite (-) or the underdog (+). 

Bulls +340

Bucks -350A

As a bettor, you have two options when making an NBA moneyline bet in this spot: 1.) You can bet $350 to win a return profit of $100 (=$450) on the home favorite Bucks. 2.) Or you can bet $100 to win a return profit of $340 (=$440) on the road underdog Bulls. 

Ballin': The start of the NBA regular season offers bettors of all levels plenty of betting options, including the chance to make moneyline and point spread bets. 📸: Getty Images 

Point Spread NBA Bet 

As per usual, sportsbooks set a point spread, which is a projected margin of victory to equate into whether you think the Bucks or Bulls are going to cover the given point spread. 

Bucks -9 (-110)

Bulls +9 (-110)

For you to win your bet, the side you bet on has to cover the spread. So, if you bet on the Bucks (-9), Milwaukee would have to win the game by 10 points or more for you to win your point spread bet. If you bet the Bulls (+9), Chicago would have to win the game or loss by 8 points or less for you to win your bet. (A point spread bet that lands exactly on the number is considered a push, which means neither side wins and you get your money back.)

Totals ('Over/Under') NBA Bet 

Over +212.5 (-110)

Under -212.5 (-110)

If you think the Bucks and Bulls will combine to score less than 212 points combined, you can bet on the 'Under' total. On the flipside, if you think the Bucks and Bulls will go 'Over' the total, both teams would have to score more than 212 points for you to win your Over/Under bet. 

(Based in South Florida, I would be happy to answer all your questions and discuss how I can be of help to you.) 

Bet on Texas (-190) to continue 'sweet' run with a win over Xavier

 (2) Xavier vs. (2) Texas (Fri., Mar. 24., approx., 9:45 pm): Texas, -190* moneyline favorites in this spot, beat Colgate and Penn State to advance to the second weekend, while the Musketeers scored wins over Kennesaw State and Pittsburgh to get to Kansas City, Mo. 

For all the 💰 bet in recent days on the Musketeers, I feel Xavier, just okay vs. Kennesaw State after handling an average Pitt squad, is fortunate to be in the Sweet 16. 

Xavier, while capable of scoring in bunches, bets heavily on pushing the ball in an effort to get easy buckets, but the big + athletic Longhorns, right now getting great interior play from Dylan Disu, are a problem - thanks to their ability to force turnovers on 'D'.

Texas, who I've watched plenty of this season, also bets on their ability to play multiple styles of hoops + adjusting on the fly. The Longhorns can slow you down, but are definitely open to pushing the pace, if required. Just go ask the Kansas Jayhawks.

The 'Horns, way off target from 3-pt. land (1-for-13) in their 'W' vs. Penn State, were 🔐 by an opp. out to guard the perimeter from the jump. But bet on the 'Horns to get plenty of open 👁️👁️ from 3 pt. distance vs. the Xavier. 

Sean Miller vs. Rodney Terry, the coaching matchup in this spot, is also of note to me.

Smart bet: Texas men's basketball coach Rodney Terry, who replaced Chris Beard on an 'interim basis' earlier this season, has the Longhorns in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2008. Photo 📸: University of Texas 🏀

It's no secret why Miller, 5-1 ATS as an underdog in Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games, was shipped out of Arizona - his on-court success aside. Terry, a 🏀-lifer on a dream run since taking over for Chris Beard earlier this season, is still fighting off the 'interim tag' despite the 'Horns being two wins from the Final Four. It's a heavy price to pay, but I'm betting his joy ride continues vs. Xavier. 

Bet: Texas -190 (*✓ your sportsbook of choice for updated moneylines, odds, etc.)

Based in South Florida, I have covered sports for a host of local and national platforms in over two decades. Betting Brent Musburger I could eat more hot dogs than him while at a college football game at the Orange Bowl was profitable, but finding winners is truly my best bet. While MLB has always been my primary sport of focus, I have no issues betting on my knowledge when it comes to the NBA, NHL, NCAAF and NCAAM. 

Gifted with A+ sports intuition and acumen, I bet on my work to find profitable angles and edges for you, before creating what I feel is valuable content in this space. Excited about the present and future of legalized sports betting, I enjoy educating and motivating those who are serious about the bet game, not just looking for a 'free ride' to the cash window. I also have plenty of marketing + advertising juice, so you can DM or email me with any bet, adv. questions, comments or professional inquiries. Thanks for reading, and please bet responsibly.