Football Game Props & Player Props Betting Explained

Football proposition bets (props) allow bettors to wager on specific events within a game rather than just picking the winner or final score. These bets focus on team or player performances, game occurrences, or other situational aspects that happen during a football game.

1. Game Props Betting

Game props involve team-based or game-wide events rather than individual player performances. These bets can focus on scoring, team statistics, or specific in-game events.

Types of Game Props

1. First Team to Score

   • Betting on which team will score the first points of the game.
   • The bet can include touchdowns, field goals, or safeties.

2. First Scoring Play

   • Wagering on whether the first score will be a touchdown, field goal, or safety.
   • Some books allow you to pick the specific team and type of score.

3. Will There Be a Safety? (Yes/No)

   • A simple bet on whether a safety (a rare defensive score worth 2 points) will occur in the game.

4. Will There Be Overtime?

   • Betting on whether the game will require an overtime period.

5. Winning Margin

   • A bet on how many points a team will win by.
   • Example: Cowboys to win by 7-12 points.

6. Total Points (Odd or Even)

   • Betting on whether the total combined score of both teams will be an odd or even number.

7. First Half / Second Half Bets

   • Wagering on which team will be leading at halftime.
   • Betting on which team will score more points in the second half.

8. Total Touchdowns (Over/Under)

   • Betting on how many total touchdowns will be scored in the game.

9. Team Total Points (Over/Under)

   • Wagering on whether a specific team's total points will go over or under a set number.

10. Exact Score Bet

• Predicting the exact final score of the game.
• Example: Betting on Chiefs 31 - Eagles 24.

11. Defensive or Special Teams Touchdown (Yes/No)

• Betting on whether there will be a defensive or special teams touchdown.
• Example: A pick-six or a kick return touchdown.

12. Longest Field Goal Made (Over/Under)

• Betting on whether the longest field goal in the game will be over or under a specific yardage.
• Example: Over 47.5 yards.

13. Total First Downs (Over/Under)

• Betting on whether the total number of first downs in the game will be over or under a set number.

14. Will There Be a Missed Extra Point?

• Betting on whether a kicker will miss an extra point attempt.

2. Player Props Betting

Player props focus on individual player performances instead of the overall game outcome. These bets allow you to wager on specific statistics related to quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and even defensive players.

Types of Player Props

Quarterback Props

1. Passing Yards (Over/Under)

   • Betting on whether a quarterback's total passing yards will be over or under a given number.
   • Example: Patrick Mahomes Over 275.5 passing yards.

2. Passing Touchdowns (Over/Under)

   • Wagering on whether a QB will throw more or fewer than a set number of touchdown passes.

3. Interceptions Thrown (Over/Under)

   • Betting on whether a quarterback will throw a certain number of interceptions.

4. Longest Completion (Over/Under)

   • Betting on the longest pass completion a QB will have in the game.

5. Total Pass Attempts or Completions (Over/Under)

   • Betting on whether a QB will attempt or complete a set number of passes.

Running Back Props

6. Rushing Yards (Over/Under)

   • Betting on whether a running back's rushing yards will go over or under a specific total.
   • Example: Derrick Henry Over 92.5 rushing yards.

7. Total Rushing Attempts (Over/Under)

   • Betting on whether a running back will have a certain number of carries.

8. Rushing + Receiving Yards (Over/Under)

   • A combined bet on a player's total rushing and receiving yards.

9. First Touchdown Scorer

   • Betting on which player will score the first touchdown in the game.

Wide Receiver & Tight End Props

10. Receiving Yards (Over/Under)

• Betting on whether a receiver's total yards will be over or under a certain amount.
• Example: Justin Jefferson Over 85.5 receiving yards.

11. Total Receptions (Over/Under)

• Betting on whether a player will catch more or fewer passes than a set total.

12. Longest Reception (Over/Under)

• Wagering on the longest single catch a receiver will have in the game.

Defensive & Special Teams Props

13. Total Tackles + Assists (Over/Under)

• Betting on whether a defensive player will record more or fewer total tackles.

14. Sacks Recorded (Over/Under)

• Betting on how many sacks a specific defensive player will record.

15. Interceptions Recorded (Yes/No)

• Betting on whether a specific defensive back will record an interception.

How to Bet on Football Game & Player Props

1. Research Statistics & Matchups

   • Look at team and player trends, including past performances, injuries, and defensive matchups.
   • Example: A running back facing a weak run defense may be a great bet for Over rushing yards.

2. Consider Game Script

   • If a team is expected to be leading, they might run the ball more (boosting RB props).
   • If a team is trailing, they might pass more (boosting QB & WR props).

3. Check Weather & Injuries

   • Bad weather can impact passing and kicking props, favoring rushing props.
   • A missing offensive lineman can reduce a team's rushing effectiveness.

4. Monitor Line Movements

   • If a player's yardage prop is rising, it may indicate that bettors believe he will have a strong performance.

5. Bankroll Management

   • Avoid placing too many prop bets on one game and spread your risk across multiple games.

Final Thoughts

Football game and player props offer a unique way to bet beyond just the final score. Whether you want to bet on a quarterback's passing yards, a wide receiver's receptions, or even if there will be a safety, these props add excitement and strategic betting opportunities. With research, game analysis, and smart wagering, prop bets can be a profitable and fun way to engage with football betting.