Parlays vs. Single Bets: Which Strategy Works Best for NFL Betting?

NFL Sundays are an absolute rollercoaster for bettors. Between the spread, player props, and over/unders, there are endless opportunities to put your money (and your fandom) on the line.

Should you stick to single bets, or get adventurous with parlays?

Each strategy comes with its own perks and pitfalls, so we’re here to break it all down so you can decide how to tackle NFL betting.

What Are Single Bets and Parlays?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s review the basics:

Single Bets

A single bet is the simplest type of wager—you choose one focus area, like “The Eagles to cover the spread,” and lock it in.

For example, looking at the NFL odds by Fanduel, you might bet on the Philadelphia Eagles at +1.5 (-110) to cover the spread against the Kansas City Chiefs.

If the Eagles meet the specific criteria you bet on, you win. It’s straightforward and a great way to get started with betting while keeping things simple.

The Pros:

• Probability of Win: With only one outcome to focus on, your chances of winning are better. It’s all about that single call.
• Lower Risk: You’re not banking on miracles; just one game or one outcome needs to go your way.
• Beginner-Friendly: If you’re new to the world of sports betting, single bets are like your training wheels.

The Cons:

• Lower Payout: Simplicity comes at a cost—single bets don’t always deliver the big, life-changing payout.

Parlays (aka The Gambler’s Dream)

Parlays take betting to the next level. When you choose an NFL parlay, you’re combining multiple bets into one single wager. You can pick odds from different games, or go all-in on a Same Game Parlay, stacking bets like total points, rushing yards, and who scores first—all in a single matchup.

To win, every single one of your bets (also called “legs”) in the parlay has to hit. If even one misses, it’s a wash.

The Pros:

• Higher Payouts: Parlays can offer eye-popping potential winnings. More legs = more risk = bigger reward.
• Excitement Level 100: Hitting a parlay feels like Christmas morning. You’re betting on multiple outcomes simultaneously, which means the stakes couldn’t be higher.
• Creative Strategies: With platforms like FanDuel offering NFL Same Game Parlays, you can curate highly specific wagers for even more thrill.

The Cons:

• Higher Risk: Parlays are tough to hit. Nothing stings more than getting 4 out of 5 legs right. You almost nailed it—almost.
• Overconfidence Trap: It’s easy to get carried away stacking legs, only to have one last-minute turnover ruin it all.

Which Strategy Works Best for NFL Betting?

Here’s the truth, folks—there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. It depends on how you like to bet and your appetite for risk.

When to Stick to Single Bets

If you’re looking to win more consistently or play it relatively safe, single bets are the right move. With fewer outcomes to rely on, there’s a higher chance of cashing in. Plus, you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket (unlike those parlay heartbreakers).

Are you trying to ease into NFL betting and just want to experiment with the odds? Single bets are more beginner-friendly and less likely to leave you second-guessing your choices, especially if you’re following reliable NFL news for updates.

When Parlays Are Worth It

Feeling lucky? Want to turn a small $10 bet into a multi-hundred-dollar payout? That’s where parlays shine. Parlays are better suited for bettors who enjoy the adrenaline rush and are comfortable risking a little more for a potentially large payout.

Seasoned bettors who know how to find value can use parlays to multiply their payouts. For example, try parlaying multiple NFL lines or combine props in a Same Game Parlay for one specific matchup. It’s risky, sure, but that’s also where the fun comes in.

Maximize Your NFL Betting Experience

As NFL Sundays continue to thrill fans and bettors alike, understanding the nuances of single bets and parlays becomes essential for making informed wagering decisions. Whether you prefer the straightforward nature of single bets or the high-risk, high-reward excitement of parlays, each strategy offers unique opportunities to enhance your betting experience. By weighing the pros and cons of both approaches, you can find the right balance that aligns with your risk appetite and betting style.