The NFL is a hotbed of sports betting activity, which can prove to be lucrative for those who know how to make smart bets. Many novice sports bettors make common mistakes that doom them to failure. Here are five tips that you can use to make intelligent NFL picks.
Limit the Number of Games
Don’t try to put money on every NFL game, or even on a majority of them. This is a major mistake as it spreads your cash too thin and increases your chances of losing. The best way to boost your betting power is to concentrate on five to seven games that you feel give you the best chance of winning. These may or may not be high profile games. In choosing which contests on which you’re going to bet, go with games that you determine have advantageous spreads.
Be Smart with Betting Units
Use your bankroll properly, utilizing 10% or less of its total potential on five to seven games. Place the most units, three to four, on the games that give you the best chance of making cash. For those that are perhaps a bit more questionable, wager two units. If you find games that might be a good bet but are tougher to justify, place one unit. Four units should be bet only on games that you consider locks. That means you probably won’t make a four-unit wager every week.
Stay Away from High Risk Wagers
High risk, high reward wagers often look so inviting. Stay away from them. Parlays, various prop bets, and exotics will eat up your bankroll very quickly. The NFL season is about five months long and you want to be in it for the duration. That means making picks that offer you almost even odds, spread and totals.
If you decide to wager on a parlay, choose only one per week and limit it to no more than three teams. That will lower risk considerably. Do not expect a parlay to solve any problems related to betting losses.
Look for Value in Underdogs
The betting public loves to wager on the favorite. However, underdogs in the NFL often win or beat the spread. Wagering on the team that’s favored is a lazy bettor’s game. The first question for any sports bettor is: Are you serious about making money? If the answer is, “Yes,” then do your homework before making any picks. Don’t let the point spread and a gut feeling make up your mind for you.
Winning is a Process
When betting on the NFL, successful sports bettors understand that winning is a process that involves being focused throughout the week. It takes time to handicap games and make accurate picks. Don’t skimp on your preparation, don’t blindly listen to the pundits and commentators, and don’t follow the betting public. In the end, your efforts will pay off for you.