Betting options in sports are always abundant, but two consistently dominate the charts. The NBA and NFL consistently draw a lot of attention from the public and bring many people to the betting window.

The undeniable popularity of these two sports attracts numerous bettors who engage in both. However, some bettors may lean towards one sport more than the other. While there are certain similarities in betting on both sports, it’s important to note that there are also significant differences.

Now that Illinois has legalized sports betting, many newcomers are contemplating which of the two major options is preferable for wagering. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information right here. Let’s begin by examining some of their similarities.

Similarities between NBA vs. NFL betting

When examining NBA and NFL betting, you’ll see that the primary types of bets available are identical. The standard bet types are Moneyline, point spread, and totals. Clicking on the game will reveal even more betting options.

The types of bets function in a similar manner, so those who want to gamble on either sport can rely on comparable handicapping principles during their research. However, there are also some unique differences to take into account when betting on each, which we will explore shortly.

Key differences between NBA vs. NFL betting

One significant distinction lies in the number of games for both sports. NFL teams participate in 16 games per week throughout the regular season. Conversely, an NBA team plays 82 games in a typical season, often having multiple games in a week.

NFL games, being events, generate a significant amount of betting volume. On the other hand, in the NBA, most of the betting volume is seen in marquee affairs, while the remaining games attract less. Furthermore, the NFL is recognized for having greater parity than the NBA.

How do NBA team schedules work?

The NBA comprises 30 teams, divided between two conferences – Eastern and Western, and further into six divisions. Each team competes in an 82-game schedule, ensuring a balance of games against division rivals, other teams within their conference, and teams from the opposing conference.

The season usually starts in November and the regular season typically wraps up in April. This then leads to the NBA playoffs where the best eight teams from each conference usually qualify.

The playoffs occur in a series format, with victorious teams moving forward. The best two teams reach the conference finals for both sides, with the winners progressing to the NBA Finals, a seven-game event. Premium games during the season attract the most activity, while all postseason games are also subject to intense betting.

Within the competitive framework of a league, there’s typically a ranking system: a few top-tier competitors, several teams vying for playoff spots, and the underdogs that round out the bottom of the list. When the top performers compete against the underdogs, significant disparities are expected, but surprises can and often do occur.

How do NFL team schedules work?

The NFL consists of 32 teams, split between two conferences: the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference. Each conference is divided into four divisions, with four teams in each division.

Typically, the regular season begins in early September and lasts until late December or early January. It’s a 17-week season where each NFL team competes in 16 games. The schedule is evenly distributed between division, conference, and interconference games, and each team gets a week off during the season.

In each conference, the top seven teams qualify for the postseason. The highest seeded team in each conference gets a bye into the divisional round, while the remaining teams compete in the “Wild Card Weekend.”

The NFL playoffs consist of single-elimination matches. The best two teams from each conference reach the conference championship games. The victors from these games then progress to the Super Bowl, the year’s most significant event in sports betting.

The NFL exhibits a significant amount of equality, as suggested by the saying “any given Sunday,” which alludes to the reality of unexpected victories. However, as the season progresses, a hierarchy inevitably forms. Every year, there are dominant teams, some trailing slightly behind in the playoff contention, and the remainder lag behind.

Online betting rules for the NBA vs. the NFL

Every online sportsbook in Illinois establishes a specific set of house rules for each sport. Although there are industry-wide standards, there can be variations in certain areas. Here’s a basic overview:

• Once the game has started, bets are classified as live. If there is a delay or postponement, the bets might still be considered active if the contest is scheduled to be finished within a reasonable time, like within 24 hours.
• Wagers were settled using official league data in books. This includes final scores and statistics for props and live betting.
• Total and spread bets that hit the specified number will be considered a “push”, leading to a refund of the bets.
• Should a game or season be cancelled, bets will be deemed null and void, and refunded.

Although this encompasses a wide range of situations, it’s still important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the games you participate in for specific details. Unforeseen and atypical situations may arise, and they might be resolved differently depending on the context.

In both the NBA and NFL, it’s interesting to see how prop bets are managed. When a player is geared up and prepared to play, all bets placed on them are deemed as action. However, what occurs if the player gets injured or doesn’t participate? This is just one of the numerous queries that can be answered by referring to the house rules.

Comparing odds for the NBA vs. the NFL

Every NBA and NFL game listed will be open for betting at lawful and regulated sportsbooks in Illinois. As expected, each type of bet will have attached odds. These odds operate similarly for both sports, with the main difference being the timing of their release.

The NBA is a daily sport during the regular season. While individual teams may not play daily, they are on the court multiple times a week. The number of games varies from day to day, with some days having numerous games and others only a few. However, there are always basketball games available for betting on a regular basis.

The release of NBA betting lines for the games usually occurs on the morning of the match, and occasionally, the night prior. As betting activity rolls in, these figures will fluctify and this can persist up until the commencement of the game.

The structure of the NFL is unique. Every team only competes once every week, with specific broadcasting times set for each game. The schedule begins with Thursday Night Football, progresses through the games on Sunday, and concludes with Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football.

The odds for competitions are generally released well before the actual events. Certain operators may offer projected lines over a week prior. Typically, betting lines for most NFL games can be anticipated as Sunday concludes, with the rest revealed shortly after.

The gap between games provides additional time for line movement and handicapping. Given that each NFL game draws a significant amount of betting volume, it’s not unusual to witness substantial shifts between the initial release and the start of the game.

If there are any delays in the lines’ usual release for either sport, it indicates that the oddsmakers are awaiting crucial information, like the injury status of a key player.

Lastly, remember that not all books will offer the same odds. For instance, the spread on an NBA game at DraftKings Sportsbook may differ slightly from that at FanDuel Sportsbook. Always take the time to compare prices before placing your bets to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

NBA vs. NFL betting on moneylines, spreads and totals

The primary methods of betting on the NBA and NFL are identical, comprising of moneyline, point spread, and totals bets. As you navigate through the offerings at IL online sportsbooks, you will encounter the odds for these three betting types.

Moneyline

Understanding this bet is simple and it’s an excellent starting point for betting novices. When placing a moneyline bet, all you need to do is select the game’s winner. For instance, in the NBA, a line could appear as follows:

Orlando Magic +120

Chicago Bulls -150

This principle applies to the NFL as well. Favorites possess negative odds, while underdogs are associated with positive numbers. Let’s consider a game involving the Chicago Bears as another example:

Denver Broncos +130

Chicago Bears -160

In moneyline bets, a significant disparity between the two numbers signifies a clear favorite. Conversely, if the numbers are closer, the sportsbook perceives the game as more uncertain.

Point spread

Bookmakers set a spread bet on the match. Essentially, it is a projected margin of victory that you need to consider in your betting strategy. For instance, an NBA spread could appear like this:

Philadelphia 76ers +2.5 (-110)

Boston Celtics -2.5 (-110)

You have the option to choose the favorite less the points or select the underdog plus the number. This is how spreads function in the NFL. Here’s an illustration:

Green Bay Packers +1.5 (-110)

Indianapolis Colts -1.5 (-110)

In order to win the bet, the team you select must beat the spread. Taking our NFL example into consideration, the Packers can cover the spread either by maintaining a one-point lead or by securing an outright victory. Conversely, the Colts must secure a victory by at least two points to cover the spread.

Totals

This bet, also referred to as an over/under, encompasses the total points scored in the game. Bettors are given a reference number by oddsmakers. Here’s an example of how it could appear for the NBA:

O 209.5 (-110)

U 209.5 (-110)

In the NBA where high scores are common, the benchmark for totals usually hits triple digits. Meanwhile, the over/under in the NFL typically lands in the double digits. Let’s give an example:

• Over 49.5 (-110) Under 49.5 (-110)

Betting on the over in this case means you’re anticipating a score of 50 points or above. Conversely, if you place your bet on the under, you’re expecting a score of 49 points or less.

Prop betting for the NBA vs. the NFL

Prop betting, a popular wager type for both sports, provides additional betting opportunities for individual games. Some prop bets are specific to the overall game or team performance, while many are based on the statistical achievements of individual players.

Props that belong to that final category are some of the top picks. Let’s examine what you could potentially observe, beginning with the NBA:

• Will LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard score more points in the game?
• Will Anthony Davis have over or under 30.5 points plus rebounds?
• Who will be the top scorer for the Bulls – Zach LaVine or someone else?

For every NFL and NBA game scheduled, there will typically be a broad selection of prop bet options. You might encounter NFL prop bets similar to these:

• Will a defensive or special teams TD occur in the game – yes/no?
• Will the Bears or the Rams record more sacks in the game?
• Will Aaron Rodgers have over or under 284.5 total passing yards?

Props are excellent choices to consider for all sports. The most action is drawn to the biggest games in the NBA and NFL, however, there is significant interest in props for all scheduled games.

Live betting on the NBA vs. the NFL

Also referred to as in-game betting, live betting allows you to place bets as the action unfolds in real time. The market is fast-paced, but apps from leading operators are designed to keep up with the speed and ensure a smooth operation.

Both sports offer betting opportunities on aspects such as game conditions and player performance. Updated betting odds for major wager types, as well as lines for quarters and halves, will also be available.

The primary distinction for live betting lies in the speed of the game. In the NFL, there’s enough time to place a bet on the result of the next drive. However, in NBA, the possessions occur so rapidly that it’s more beneficial to concentrate on game segments or player statistics.

NBA vs. NFL futures market

If you enjoy forecasting future events, the futures market is just for you. This market allows you to place bets on results that won’t be determined until a future date.

The NBA and NFL are among the most favored sections of the futures market. The major draws are wagers on who will win the Super Bowl or NBA Finals. Many other types of bets are identical for both leagues, such as:

• Teams that will make or miss the playoffs.
• Conference and division winners.
• Regular-season win totals.
• Award recipients for players – MVP, Rookie of the Year, and so on.
• Leaders in statistics — Top scorer in NBA, Leading rusher in NFL, etc.

Futures operate identically on either side. They require you to make a wager with a long-term outlook. The odds are released during the offseason, yet the markets remain lively all year round. Consequently, the figures will fluctuate, but you always have the option to explore different options.

Remember, your funds will be inaccessible until the bet is resolved. While the NFL generally has more appeal than the NBA when it comes to futures, both sports garner a significant amount of interest.

Handicapping differences for the NBA vs. the NFL

The primary difference to consider is the time between games. NFL teams play weekly, while NBA teams play multiple times in the same period. The longer breaks between NFL games allow more time for handicapping.

Furthermore, having less frequent games increases the potential for outcomes that can be predicted with a reasonable level of certainty. When teams play multiple times in a week, it introduces a greater degree of variance and other factors that can affect the quality of the game on the court.

Looking from a top-down perspective, the principles of handicapping are equally significant for both sports. It’s necessary to thoroughly analyze the matchups, scrutinize recent gameplays, and explore the outcomes across different betting metrics in both sports.

Given that they are completely distinct games, it is natural that certain focus areas may not be as relevant to each other. For instance, the performance and statistics of an NBA game can be significantly influenced by one or two superstar players.

Star players can undoubtedly shine and influence the outcome in NFL games, but the results largely depend on the collective performance of the team. Moreover, remember that weather conditions can affect NFL games, whereas this is not a concern for NBA games.

The positive aspect is that the abilities for handicapping can be applied elsewhere. If you’re doing well in one sector, it’s highly likely that you can quickly adapt to the requirements of another. However, remember to spend time learning about any new sport you intend to engage in before fully immersing yourself in it.

What to remember about NBA vs. NFL betting

The NBA and the NFL are the most favoured sports for betting. Online sportsbooks provide odds for each game and each one garners a considerable amount of betting volume.

NBA games have a more regular schedule, as teams participate in multiple games each week throughout the season. On the other hand, NFL teams engage in a total of 16 games throughout the season, spread over 17 weeks, including one bye week.

When assessing the two sports, you can rely on numerous fundamental principles for both, but you’ll also need to incorporate more sport-specific factors. It’s completely normal to specialize in one or the other, but many bettors gamble on both sports and achieve success.