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NFL Primetime Betting
Football fans and bettors view every NFL game as important. Originally, NFL games were only played on Sunday afternoons. The introduction of Monday Night Football increased the television coverage of football. This was later expanded with the addition of Sunday Night Football and Thursday Night Football.
As the season and playoffs continue, there are games scheduled on Saturdays in addition to the usual Sunday lineup, providing NFL fans with plenty of viewing choices. However, for those who engage in sports betting, it is important to be aware of any specific details that may impact wagering during different parts of the schedule.
We will examine the various factors that can influence NFL odds, showcase noteworthy betting promotions to watch out for, and offer advice for placing bets on specific game days. Our focus will be on Monday Night Football, a highly esteemed television program.
NFL Monday Night Football betting
Monday Night Football (MNF) remains the pinnacle of a busy NFL regular-season week. Despite the addition of Thursday and Sunday night games, MNF still holds a prominent position in the sports world and attracts a large amount of NFL betting activity every week.
History of Monday Night Football
NFL Monday Night Football debuted on September 21, 1970, and was an immediate hit. The Cleveland Browns triumphed over the New York Jets in a thrilling game, winning 31-21. Since then, the highlight reel of MNF has grown significantly over the past fifty years.
The first edition garnered considerable attention, which has continued in subsequent seasons. The final game of the weekly NFL schedule typically sees a surge in betting enthusiasm as it marks the last chance for bettors to participate until the next series.
NFL Monday Night Football odds
The odds for Monday Night Football (MNF) games will be released at the same time as the rest of the week’s games. Usually, as Sunday games are finishing up, some sportsbooks will begin to release lines for the upcoming week’s games.
While numbers may be visible all around by Tuesday, some operators may not be fully ready until Monday morning. Some gamblers choose to place their bets right away, while others prefer a more patient and observant approach.
The NFL betting lines are subject to change due to betting activity or new information. With plenty of time before Monday night games, expect the numbers to fluctuate leading up to kickoff.
Handicapping tips for Monday Night Football
Studying NFL games is a consistent process that does not vary based on game time. It includes evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each team, comprehending the overall matchup, staying informed about sports betting odds and news, and ultimately forming an unbiased conclusion.
In addition, it is important to gather specific details for Monday Night Football matchups.
- Different NFL teams have varying levels of home-field advantage, which can be even more pronounced during primetime games. It is important to consider a team’s performance at home versus on the road. A team with a strong record at home heading into a Monday Night Football game may have a higher chance of success.
- Performance in Primetime Games: NFL teams are creatures of habit, so playing in unexpected primetime games can throw off their groove. Well-coached teams usually find a way to adjust, but struggling teams may struggle even more. It’s crucial to look at how a team has performed in evening games in the past.
- Analyzing the schedule and travel history of both teams is crucial. Home teams may be more well-rested, while teams with extensive travel may be eager to move on. It’s also important to consider upcoming travel plans to gain insight into the team’s mindset.
With Monday Night Football being the only NFL game of the day, expect in-depth coverage and analysis on potential outcomes. While it’s important to consider other opinions, remember to trust your own instincts and do your own research.
NFL MNF betting specials
Every NFL game garners a substantial following on online and mobile sportsbooks, with Monday Night Football standing out as a key event each week. Despite the already high levels of sports betting on this game, operators are not holding back on promotions.
Expect a variety of Monday Night Football betting promotions throughout the season. DraftKings in Illinois might offer an odds boost for the favorite team, while FanDuel could have enhanced odds for different player props.
Taking advantage of promotional offers can boost your profits and enhance your bankroll. The best places to find MNF betting deals are in the sportsbook lobby, the specific promotions section, or in promotional emails from the operator.
How to watch NFL Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football has been broadcast on ESPN since 2006, taking over from ABC. The game remains a popular television event despite the change in broadcast platform.
Monday Night Football typically starts at 7:15 p.m. CST after the first week. However, during the opening week, there is usually a MNF doubleheader with the first game starting around 6 p.m. and the second game starting around 9 p.m.
The updated Monday Night Football broadcasting team features Steve Levy calling the plays, while Brian Griese and Louis Riddick offer their analysis. The games are broadcasted on ESPN, which can be accessed through various cable, satellite, and streaming services. Primetime games can also be streamed on the NFL app.
NFL Thursday Night Football betting
Previously, the only chance to catch an NFL game on a Thursday was during Thanksgiving Day. Although this tradition remains strong, it is no longer the sole option. Thursday Night Football (TNF) has now become a regular fixture on the NFL calendar. It kicks off the betting and viewing week of the regular season, attracting a considerable amount of interest. Let’s delve deeper into this phenomenon.
History of Thursday Night Football
Before TNF was introduced in 2006, NFL games during the week, other than on Thanksgiving Day, were uncommon. The debut of TNF changed this, and in 2012, TNF expanded to cover almost the entire season and has continued with this schedule. TNF now kicks off the NFL week during the regular season and has become a key part of the NFL schedule.
Betting on NFL Thanksgiving games
The NFL tradition of Thanksgiving Day games began in 1920 when the league was established. The Detroit Lions began hosting a home game on this holiday in 1934.
Since 1966, the Dallas Cowboys have sparked a Thanksgiving tradition that remains strong to this day. Originally, these were the sole games played on Thanksgiving Day, but in 2006, the introduction of Thursday Night Football altered this tradition.
A popular primetime event is now held on Thanksgiving Day, usually showcasing a high-profile competition with no specific teams. The holiday has consistently attracted a large audience and betting activity, and the inclusion of a third game has only increased its popularity.
Handicapping tips for Thursday Night Football
Consistency is key when approaching NFL game handicapping, regardless of the teams or time of day. However, bettors may need to consider additional factors when making decisions for Thursday Night Football games.
- Injuries are a critical factor in determining the outcome of any NFL game, making it important to keep track of which players will be active or inactive for Thursday Night Football (TNF). This is especially important for teams coming off a game on Sunday, as some players may still be recovering from injuries.
- A strong head coach and exceptional staff are crucial for success in the NFL. Their impact is felt not only in the long term but also in short periods of gameplay. Well-prepared coaches can handle shortened preparation weeks with ease, while unprepared ones may lead their team into trouble.
- Summary: The length of the NFL season means that teams will have both good and bad periods. Successful teams may view Thursday Night Football as routine, while struggling teams may struggle with the quick turnaround. Recent performance and team morale are important factors to consider when evaluating a team’s ability to perform on a short week.
While each NFL game is a distinct event, it can be useful to reference a team’s recent performance in primetime games. It is also valuable to analyze team records in terms of spread and totals when betting on primetime matchups.
NFL Thursday Night Football betting specials
For NFL handicappers, Thursday Night Football (TNF) marks the beginning of an exciting week ahead. With the game being broadcast on national television during primetime, it also attracts a significant number of casual viewers who are interested in joining the action.
Operators will work to increase excitement by offering unique promotions tied to the game. For example, BetMGM Sportsbook in Illinois may adjust moneyline odds for both teams, while PointsBet could offer a tempting odds boost for quarterback passing yards.
How to watch NFL Thursday Night Football
Unlike Monday Night Football, which airs exclusively on one channel, Thursday Night Football can be watched on various channels throughout the season. Additionally, Thursday Night Football has the honor of hosting the season’s opening game in the first week of the regular season.
NBC is responsible for broadcasting the Thanksgiving night edition of NFL games, while the rest of the Thursday Night Football schedule is covered by NFL Network and FOX. Additionally, NFL Network exclusively manages several games throughout the season.
The rest of the TNF schedule will be shown live in both places at the same time. Amazon Prime also provides a streaming option for viewers not watching on the main network. The game is set to start at 7:20 p.m. CST.
NFL Saturday football betting
In the past, college football has always been the main event on Saturdays, a fact that the NFL has recognized by planning its games around it. However, after the NCAA regular season ends, the early part of the weekend becomes a free-for-all. This shift has important implications for both NFL fans and bettors. Let’s dive into the details.
Does the NFL play on Saturday?
As the NFL season nears its end, some games may be scheduled for Saturdays. In the early months of the regular season, college football (NCAAF) is in full swing, with the majority of games taking place on Saturdays.
During college bowl season, the NFL has more flexibility with scheduling games on Saturdays due to the decrease in college football games during this time. Unlike other broadcast windows, the number of NFL games on Saturdays can vary.
In 2017 and 2018, the NFL had two Saturdays with two games each. The following year, one day featured a triple-header of games, providing fans with a late-season treat. In 2020, Week 15 had two games and Week 16 had three.
History of NFL Saturday football
Saturday NFL games are not as common as Monday Night Football (MNF) and Thursday Night Football (TNF), meaning there is limited historical data available. In the last few seasons, only a handful of games have been played on Saturdays. A review of the statistics from the past four seasons of NFL Saturday games revealed the following information:
- Sixteen games were played.
- Visiting teams hold a slight edge with a 7-9 record.
- Several compelling wins were indicated by the average victory margin being over 7 points.
- The average scoring for Saturday games has been lower, with a total average of 42.37 points.
Since games scheduled for Saturdays occur later in the season, there is a large amount of data available for handicapping. Additionally, by this point, it is usually evident which teams are truly competitive.
Handicapping tips for NFL Saturday football
The standard betting rules for NFL Saturday games will be in effect, and odds will be posted well in advance of the games. Your objective is to pinpoint any possible weaknesses for each team and keep a close eye on any shifts in the betting line, among other factors. Here are some tips to consider:
- Team Trajectory: With Saturday games falling during a key point in the season, we can determine which teams are truly in the playoff race. Teams on a hot streak could solidify their position, while those looking towards the draft may struggle once more.
- Weather can have a significant impact on NFL games held outdoors in the late season. Cold temperatures, rain, snow, and strong winds are factors that can disrupt the game. Teams used to playing in these conditions may have an advantage, while teams from warmer regions or those used to playing in domed stadiums could struggle.
- Betting Trends: The NFL season is a long one, and the data collected throughout the year can be very beneficial. In addition to looking at the overall performance, it is important to consider recent trends such as how teams have been performing in their last three or five games. It is also valuable to take into account how teams have been performing against the spread and with totals.
Introducing Saturday games into the mix expands the range of betting options available. For example, the 2019 triple-header provided an excellent opportunity for a three-team parlay throughout the day. While bets of this nature can carry a certain level of risk, the potential rewards are significant if successful.
NFL Saturday football betting specials
Promotional deals are regularly included in the sports betting options for every NFL broadcast, including Saturday games. For example, BetRivers and Caesars, both based in Illinois, may offer a special promotion for the all-day parlay mentioned above.
No matter when you plan to bet on the NFL, it’s a good idea to check out the latest offers at Illinois sportsbooks. You never know when you’ll find a perfect deal for you.
How to watch NFL Saturday football
In 2019, all three Saturday NFL games were televised on the NFL Network, which is one of the typical broadcasters for Saturday games along with CBS, FOX, and NBC.
NFL Sunday football betting on early games vs. late games
Sunday is the most anticipated day of the week for NFL enthusiasts and sports bettors, as it offers three distinct broadcast windows filled with non-stop football action from early in the morning until late at night. The day is capped off with a special primetime game known as Sunday Night Football.
NFL early Sunday game betting
The heart of the NFL schedule typically occurs on Sunday afternoons, with games kicking off at noon CST. In previous seasons, there have been occasional morning games from London.
The majority of this week’s games will take place in the early timeframe, providing over three hours of exciting action with multiple contests happening simultaneously.
NFL late Sunday game betting
The Sunday afternoon schedule kicks off around 3 p.m. CST, with at least two games happening at once and sometimes even four. While the pace of action may slow down during this time, the late games typically wrap up by 7 p.m., providing dedicated fans with a full seven hours of live football to enjoy. And the excitement isn’t over yet.
History of Sunday Night Football
Sunday Night Football has been a staple of the NFL schedule since 1987, with varying numbers of games and broadcast outlets over the years. It is now a regular fixture on the weekly regular-season calendar.
Since 2006, NBC has aired the game. The schedule is meticulously planned to showcase a high-quality matchup for this prime time slot as one of the week’s standout games. Flex scheduling allows for adjustments as the season unfolds. During this time frame, the following teams have appeared most frequently on Sunday Night Football:
- The Dallas Cowboys have achieved a total of 49 wins and 24 losses, with a win percentage of .490.
- Philadelphia Eagles finished the season with a record of 20-21, resulting in a winning percentage of .488.
- The New England Patriots have a record of 40 wins, 24 losses, and 16 ties, resulting in a win percentage of .600.
The following teams have made multiple appearances on Sunday Night Football.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars have a record of 1-1, giving them a winning percentage of .500.
- The Miami Dolphins have a record of 0-3, resulting in a winning percentage of .000.
- The Buffalo Bills have played 4 games, winning 3 and losing 1, resulting in a winning percentage of .750.
- The Cleveland Browns have a record of 2 wins and 2 losses, putting them at a .500 winning percentage.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have played 4 games, winning 2 and losing 2, resulting in a win percentage of .500.
Handicapping tips for NFL Sunday football
The majority of NFL games are held on Sundays each week. While diving deep into every game can be time-consuming, a quick overview can help pinpoint the most exciting matchups. Here are some extra tips for betting on NFL Sundays:
- The time zone can have a major impact on the Sunday afternoon schedule, particularly when West Coast teams have to travel east for an early game or East Coast teams have to travel west for a late-night match. The time difference may affect the team’s preparation and the flow of the game.
- Momentum: As we progress through the regular season, we gain insight into teams’ performances and trends. It’s important to let go of preseason expectations and focus on the present after a few weeks. In general, after three weeks, it’s best to prioritize the current situation.
- As the season continues, it’s important to remember that looking at year-to-date performance alone doesn’t give the complete picture. Teams go through ups and downs, so it’s necessary to evaluate their recent games to get a more accurate assessment of their performance.
With the start of a new NFL season approaching, it’s important to create a solid betting plan that includes setting a weekly budget. It’s crucial to only wager within your means and not go overboard. If things are going well, you can increase your bets accordingly.
NFL Sunday betting specials
Legal and regulated sportsbooks see a surge in sports betting activity on NFL Sundays, with operators offering enticing betting specials to attract more bettors.
Be prepared for increased odds, special prop bets, parlay opportunities, and many other exciting offers. Throughout the NFL season, there will be plenty of promotions for you to take advantage of on Sundays. Don’t forget to stay updated on the latest deals from your favorite sportsbooks.
How to watch NFL Sunday football
The NFL has secured broadcast partnerships for all of its viewing time slots, guaranteeing that all games can be easily found. CBS and FOX handle the Sunday afternoon schedule, while DirecTV covers the extensive Sunday Ticket package. Additionally, RedZone provides “Whiparound Coverage” for fans.
You can watch Sunday Night Football on NBC, which can be found easily on the TV guide. However, availability may vary depending on cord-cutting options. A subscription to DirecTV is required to watch, and RedZone is an extra feature that can be accessed through cable, satellite, and streaming providers.
The outlet broadcasting the game usually offers extra streaming options on their website or app, but you may be required to enter your service provider login information. Yahoo and the NFL app also provide streaming for local and primetime games.
Betting on NFL night games vs. day games
The main difference between day and night games lies in the varying performances of different teams. Some teams thrive under the nighttime atmosphere, while others find it challenging.
In handicapping, focusing on recent primetime performance is more advantageous than considering a team’s overall history. A helpful approach is to analyze the last three years of primetime performance in key categories such as moneyline, point spread, and totals.
Furthermore, it is important to consider factors like travel, scheduling conflicts, injuries, and other relevant news that may impact the outcome of the match. While analyzing games in the standard manner, it is crucial to also factor in the specific conditions associated with night games.
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NFL schedule-based betting strategy
The NFL dominates the betting world, especially with its limited number of weekly games that allow for more time for handicapping, increasing its appeal even more.
We’ve already discussed several tips that can be used for each schedule window, but here are a few additional ones to keep in mind as you aim for a successful NFL betting season:
- It is important to plan ahead in order to achieve long-term success. Those who rely on chance may occasionally have a good outcome, but those who have a clear plan are more likely to succeed in the long run. When looking at the weekly schedule, pinpoint the games where you have a potential advantage and avoid the rest. This selective strategy can also be used for NFL props and live betting to prioritize the most profitable opportunities.
- Tracking Results: Success may be indicated by withdrawals exceeding deposits, but it’s important to closely monitor outcomes based on the type of bet to fully understand progress. This analysis will reveal the effectiveness of your strategy and areas in need of enhancement. Additionally, monitoring results for each part of the schedule can pinpoint specific strengths and weaknesses in your overall approach.
- Knowing what works best for you is key. By keeping track of your results, you can identify what strategies, methods, and resources are most effective for you. Stick with what works and make it the foundation of your betting strategy. You can then allocate a smaller portion of your funds to improve in other areas, but focus primarily on the areas where you see the most success.
If you were to hypothetically have a budget of $180 for weekly NFL betting, you can allocate it in the following manner:
- $100 for sides and props during Sunday afternoon
- $60 for betting on sides and props for Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football.
- Make a $20 in-play wager on the game that has your full attention for the week.
Setting a budget, creating a strategy, and improving your abilities can lead to a successful NFL season with the potential for profits.