How to Handicap an NFL Game

Many people believe that the NFL is such a popular spectator sport because it is so easy to bet on. This may very well be true, but it is not necessarily an easy sport to handicap. Follow these steps to handicap a NFL game.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Learn all you can about the sport. Follow the teams, players, coaches and styles so that you know all you can about every team you handicap. Do not stick your neck out on a pick if you do not know all you can about both of the teams in the game. Handicapping is not guessing.
2. Find the statistics you trust and stick with them. Numbers can lie, but when you are going to handicap an NFL game you need to know what stats are important indicators of success and what stats are misleading. Consider both team and individual stats.
3. Track the teams' alterations. Keep an eye open for lineup changes or philosophy changes that spark a turnaround or a hot streak. These are vital when handicapping a NFL game.
4. Ride the top teams. Every year there are three or four good teams who seem to dominate the others. Take advantage of these teams when you make your selections.
5. See the action for yourself. It is important that you actually watch the teams you are handicapping. You cannot base your selections on numbers or box scores alone. You need to know how those numbers happened.
6. Look for other prop bets that are enticing. Over/under totals and scoring by halves or quarters can be decent options to handicap. Some teams are strong first of second half teams, which is something you can use when you handicap a NFL game.
7. Remember that not every game is worth picking. Do not try to pick every game. When you handicap a NFL game, pick the game or games you feel strongest about.
8. Keep at it. Do not let a slow start or a bad stretch keep you from working to refine your technique. Keep looking for indicators that prove to be accurate precursors to events on the field.