NFL prop bets have become one of the most popular ways to wager on football, offering a more detailed and strategic approach than traditional spreads or totals. Instead of betting on the final outcome, prop bets focus on specific events within the game, from player performance to unique in-game scenarios.
This guide from GamblingNerd.com breaks down the most common types of NFL prop bets, how they work, and where to find the best betting offers.
1. Player Props: Betting on Individual Performance
Player props are the most widely used type of prop bet. These wagers focus on how a specific player performs in a game.
For example:
- Patrick Mahomes passing yards set at 285.5
- Christian McCaffrey rushing yards set at 92.5
You can bet on whether the player will go over or under that number.
These bets rely heavily on stats like recent performance, matchups, and game script. A high-scoring game increases passing opportunities, while a run-heavy team boosts rushing props.
2. Anytime Touchdown Scorer Props
This is one of the simplest and most exciting prop bets. You’re betting on whether a specific player will score a touchdown at any point in the game.
Example:
- Travis Kelce to score a touchdown: Yes (+120)
This type of bet is popular because it doesn’t require deep statistical analysis— just a solid understanding of red-zone usage and offensive roles.
3. Game Props: Events Within the Game
Game props focus on things that happen during the game but are not tied to a specific player.
Examples include:
- Total number of sacks in the game
- Longest field goal made
- Total interceptions thrown
These bets often depend on team tendencies, defensive strength, and pace of play.
4. Team Props: Performance by One Team
Team props isolate one team’s performance rather than the full game.
Examples:
- Team total points (ex: Over/Under 24.5)
- Total rushing yards for a team
- Will a team score in the first quarter?
These bets are useful when you have a strong read on one side of the matchup but don’t want to take the spread.
5. First Score Props
This category focuses on who scores first and how.
Examples:
- First team to score
- First scoring play (touchdown, field goal, safety)
- First player to score a touchdown
These bets are high-risk but can offer strong payouts, especially when predicting specific players.
6. Quarter and Half Props
Instead of betting on the full game, these props break things down into smaller segments.
Examples:
- Total points in the first half
- Winning team in the second quarter
- Player stats in the first half only
These bets are ideal for bettors who focus on early-game trends or coaching tendencies.
7. Novelty Props (Especially for Big Games)
Novelty props are more common during major events like the Super Bowl. These include unconventional or entertainment-based bets.
Examples:
- Length of the national anthem
- Color of the Gatorade poured on the winning coach
- Coin toss result
While fun, these bets are more unpredictable and less tied to traditional sports analysis.
8. Same-Game Parlays (SGPs)
Same-game parlays allow you to combine multiple prop bets into one wager for a higher payout.
Example:
- QB over 250 passing yards
- WR over 80 receiving yards
- Team to win
All legs must hit to win, but the payout is significantly higher than individual bets. These are popular for experienced bettors looking to maximize value.
Best Betting Sites for NFL Props and Bonuses
If you’re looking to get started with NFL prop betting, several sportsbooks stand out for both prop variety and welcome offers:
BetOnline
Offers a strong selection of NFL props with a 50% welcome bonus up to $1,000, making it a solid choice for new bettors.
Bovada
Known for its user-friendly interface and wide prop market, Bovada typically offers a 50% bonus up to $750 on initial deposits.
MyBookie
Provides extensive prop betting options along with a 100% bonus up to $1,000, appealing to bettors who want maximum starting value.
XBet
Features competitive odds and frequent prop updates, with a 100% bonus up to $500 for new users.
These platforms are highlighted for their variety of prop bets, competitive odds, and accessible bonuses, making them strong options for NFL wagering.
About GamblingNerd.com
Gambling Nerd is the editorial brand and collective byline of GamblingNerd.com, an independent gambling media website that publishes experience-based reviews, guides, and analysis of online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites for gamblers of all experience levels worldwide.
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