NFL Parlay Betting

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NFL Parlay Betting

Parlays are a favorite among sports bettors, even though their chances of winning are slim. The allure of winning a big payout from a small wager is extremely tempting. However, achieving success in a massive 16-leg parlay, where you correctly predict the outcome of all games, is a rare occurrence.

What makes NFL parlays so popular? Is it actually possible to win one? How can you create a successful NFL parlay? Find the answers to these questions and more in the following sections.

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All leading Michigan sportsbooks offer the option of placing parlays. Crafting multi-leg wagers is a breeze thanks to the user-friendly platforms and seamless betting slips. Simply click on the odds of your desired selections to effortlessly assemble your ticket.

However, it is important to note that there are certain limitations to consider, which we will discuss shortly. In the meantime, let’s take a look at what the leading sportsbooks in Michigan have in store for NFL bettors interested in placing parlays.

  • DraftKings MI Sportsbook offers convenient parlay building options, with a separate tab for pre-built player parlays. Moreover, for those who prefer making multiple picks in a contest, DraftKings provides betting pools.
  • At BetMGM MI Sportsbook, you have the option to place multi-game parlay bets, and there are also separate links available specifically for “one-game” parlay choices. Upon clicking on the tab, you will find suggested options as well as the ability to create your own parlay.
  • Caesars MI Sportsbook offers the same options as before. You can place standard parlays, and they also have a special tab for “same game parlay” where you can find popular choices to try out.
  • At BetRivers Michigan, you can also enjoy parlays. By clicking on the main game listing, you will find a link for “game combos” that includes various available props.
  • FanDuel MI Sportsbook has played a pivotal role in making the “same game parlay” option more accessible and well-known. Every game has a dedicated tab for this feature, allowing you to customize your parlays according to your preferences. Additionally, you can also create traditional parlays on the platform.

Moreover, be on the lookout for exclusive parlay promotions offered by leading sportsbooks. These promotions often present distinctive combinations with boosted betting odds, giving users the opportunity to explore options like a victorious team alongside a prominent player proposition.

Warning: Parlays are high-risk

Let’s address this right away. It’s important to recognize that parlays involve a high level of risk. Consider this: Why are sportsbooks willing to offer significant payouts, multiplying your initial bet, if you manage to win a parlay bet on sports?

In response to your question, the reason is that your chances of winning are incredibly slim. While a few bettors may experience some luck, it is often overshadowed by the consistent loss of parlay tickets week after week. Parlays serve as a significant revenue generator for legal online sportsbooks.

The term “hold” represents the portion of funds that sportsbooks retain after distributing winnings to bettors. On an ordinary NFL game day, an overwhelming number of parlay tickets are received, vastly surpassing the sums that are ultimately paid out.

Moreover, take into account the difficulty of maintaining consistency when placing single-game spreads and totals bets. Given this circumstance, continuously constructing successful parlay tickets is simply not a feasible idea.

If you spend excessive time searching for parlay tickets online and wasting your money, it’s time to stop. Your bankroll will appreciate it in the long run. However, if you still want to indulge in parlays, consider treating them as enjoyable, low-stakes lottery tickets. Here is some information that might assist you on this path.

What is an NFL parlay?

A parlay bet is a type of wager that involves including multiple selections on a single betting slip. To qualify as a parlay, you must have a minimum of two choices included in the bet. While some sportsbooks may limit the number of selections you can include, others may permit up to 16 picks.

Adding more selections to the ticket increases the potential return, but it also decreases your overall chances of winning. To win a parlay bet, you must accurately predict the outcome of all your selections.

Losing is inevitable if you miss even a single pick.

Parlays can be regarded as high-risk, high-reward wagers. While the potential returns can be incredible if you succeed, the likelihood of winning decreases as the parlay size increases.

NFL 3-leg parlays

The 3-leg NFL parlay is a popular bet where bettors combine three of their top choices, aiming to win all of them for increased profits. You have the flexibility to create a parlay by selecting different types of bets, such as spread, total, and prop, or opt for a parlay consisting solely of one specific bet type.

For instance, suppose you specialize in selecting outright winners on the money line. In order to increase your chances of success, you opt to create a parlay consisting of your top two favorites and an underdog choice, hoping that everything turns out as planned.

  • The Kansas City Chiefs are favored at -290 against the Washington Football Team.
  • The Dallas Cowboys are favored with odds of -165 against the New England Patriots.
  • The Detroit Lions are favored with odds of +155 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • The combined odds for a 3-leg parlay is +450.

Placing a $10 bet on the above and winning will result in a remarkable $45 return. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that a single incorrect choice will make the entire bet a loss. Parlays involve a significant amount of risk, regardless of the number of selections you make.

However, it is important to note that your likelihood of being correct increases when placing a smaller parlay consisting of two or three legs, as opposed to a larger ticket with 10 or 15 legs. With each additional selection added to your bet, the level of risk and odds significantly escalate.

NFL 4-leg parlays

The 4-leg parlay can be assembled in a similar manner, allowing for a variety of wager types or sticking to one type exclusively. For instance, you could focus on four spread picks for a Sunday lineup of NFL games.

  • The Los Angeles Rams are favored to win by 10 points against the New York Giants, with odds of -110.
  • The Baltimore Ravens are favored by 2.5 points against the Los Angeles Chargers with odds of -115.
  • The odds for the Detroit Lions to win with a +3.5 point spread against the Minnesota Vikings are -110.
  • The Denver Broncos are favored by 4.5 points against the Las Vegas Raiders, with odds of -105.
  • The combined odds for a 4-leg parlay are +1230.

By including just one additional option, the NFL parlay odds significantly increase. If you were to place a $10 winning bet at odds of +1230, you would receive $123 in return. However, it’s important to note that if you make one wrong selection, you will lose the entire bet.

NFL 5+-leg parlays

If you decide to create an NFL parlay ticket with five or more selections, you will encounter numerous variables in play. Each of these variables needs to align perfectly, which is quite demanding. To illustrate, let’s consider the odds for a 5-legger using Over/Under bets.

  • Over 50.5 (-110)
  • Under 44.5 (-110)
  • Over 42.5 (-110)
  • Over 54.0 (-110)
  • Under 44.5 (-110)
  • The combined odds for a 5-leg parlay are +2435.

If you are able to accurately predict all of them, there is a high likelihood that you would be extremely satisfied with the outcome. However, for significantly large parlays, the probability of winning decreases significantly. Therefore, it is important to keep this in mind and gamble responsibly with small amounts of money that you can afford to lose.

NFL parlay insurance

New and existing players can benefit from a range of bonus offers provided by legal Michigan sportsbooks. Among these offers is parlay insurance, which guarantees a refund of your bet amount in case of a parlay bet loss.

(Paul Sancya/AP file photo)

Of course, there are terms and conditions in place, as well as wagering limits. Most parlay insurance offers specifically cover the scenario where you correctly predict a majority of the legs in a multi-leg bet, but miss out on one leg. For example, if you make a four-game parlay and accurately predict three out of the four choices.

Typically, the maximum return is limited to a fixed sum, for instance, $25. Additionally, specific odds criteria must be fulfilled, such as all selections having odds of -200 or higher.

Putting restrictions aside, if parlays are something you enjoy, then this offer is worth considering. The advantage of getting back a portion of your bet even if you miss just one can be quite beneficial, especially compared to the possibility of losing everything.

Early cashout for NFL parlay bets

Imagine this scenario: You have impressively achieved successful outcomes for 15 legs out of a 16-team NFL parlay. Your victory hinges solely on the Detroit Lions emerging triumphant on Monday Night Football. Wouldn’t it be absolutely incredible if there existed a method to safeguard your earnings prior to potential failure?

The aforementioned situation occurred during the early stages of the 2021 NFL season. What’s even more astounding is that the person who placed the bet utilized a $25 promotional wager from BetMGM Sportsbook, making it a truly remarkable feat. Considering the astronomical odds of being correct about every aspect, the potential profit amounted to an incredible $726,959.

Typically, sportsbooks do not provide an early cash-out option for promotional bets. However, in this case, the book decided to make an exception and presented the bettor with a cash-out opportunity of $133,000 before the start of the game. Fortunately, the bettor wisely chose to accept the offer, as the Lions ultimately suffered an 18-point defeat.

If you are a parlay bettor and have already won a few legs, be on the lookout for cashout offers from sportsbooks. These offers will be located next to your wager in the open bets section on their websites or apps. To take advantage of the offer, simply click on it and your bet will be settled right away.

Sportsbooks tend to provide the cashout option in situations where they anticipate incurring a loss. For instance, if you have successfully predicted four out of five outcomes and only await the result of one highly favored event, it is likely that you will be presented with the opportunity to cash out ahead of time.

Ultimately, the decision to accept or decline is in your hands, but it would be wise to consider the difficulty of winning a parlay with numerous stages. It is often more advantageous to secure some profits rather than relying on everything going smoothly in the last stage.

NFL in-game parlays

As the games unfold on the field in the live sports betting market, you have the opportunity to create parlays. Live betting is a prominent feature provided by the leading legal online Michigan sportsbooks, and the pace is rapid.

After the commencement of the games, you will be able to observe the revised odds for the game outcome, spread, and totals, alongside different proposition wagers. While you can combine your selections into a parlay, it can be quite difficult to successfully place it due to the rapid fluctuations in the market.

Throughout the game, the live betting features ensure that the odds and offerings are continuously refreshed. If you’re determined to place a parlay once the game begins, it’s advisable to keep it modest and easily controllable. Remain cautious not to be overwhelmed by the exhilaration.

NFL same-game parlays

In the past, discussions about NFL parlays primarily centered around tickets that combined results from multiple games. However, in recent times, there has been a surge in the popularity of same-game or single-game parlays.

Parlays allow you to combine various picks from a single game into one bet. For instance, you can choose the Detroit Lions to win, predict that the game will have over 50 points, and also add a touchdown prop for D’Andre Swift.

Similar to a multi-game parlay, the potential return and odds increase as you make more choices. While same-game parlays can be enjoyable, it’s important to remember that the same principles still apply. So, don’t feel discouraged if your meticulously crafted 8-leg option doesn’t turn out as expected.

Correlated NFL parlays

A correlated parlay is a combination bet that connects two interrelated outcomes. The idea behind it is that if one of the outcomes occurs, it increases the likelihood of the other happening as well. For instance, a correlated parlay could involve predicting whether the favorite or underdog team will cover the first half of a game, as well as the overall outcome of the entire game.

Determining what is permissible or prohibited can become complicated in this aspect. Every sportsbook has its own specific set of regulations, although there is generally a considerable level of consistency within the industry. If you attempt to create a parlay that violates the rules, the bet will not be accepted.

If you’re seeking an alternative, consider exploring the single-game parlays mentioned earlier. These wagers allow you to combine multiple selections from a single game on a single ticket. However, it’s worth noting that sportsbooks generally disapprove of correlated parlays.

NFL round robins & teasers

NFL round robins and teasers have similarities to parlays, but they are unique types of bets. In the case of round robins, you create various combinations from multiple choices, like generating four different combinations from three game picks.

Bettors can utilize the teaser bet to adjust the spread on multiple games. In the case of NFL teaser betting, the focus typically lies on the significant numbers of three and seven. This betting strategy requires applying the teaser to both outcomes, enabling the bettor to shift the spread by six points on two games.

If all your selections in the teaser call are correct, you emerge as the winner. However, a single incorrect choice turns it into a losing bet. Essentially, it resembles a parlay that grants you additional control over spreads and totals. On the other hand, round robins enable you to include multiple combinations on a single NFL parlay card.

These bet types can be found at the leading online sportsbooks in Michigan. Deciding whether to use them or not depends on your risk tolerance and comfort level. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees, regardless of how confident you are in your strategy.

Are parlays even worth playing?

Many NFL bettors consider parlays worth the risk due to their potential returns. When deciding what to wager on, the average bettor should consider their comfort level with the bet and the amount they can afford to lose without any problems.

When it comes to sports betting, there are no certainties at all. This holds true for any bet you make, but the uncertainty is even greater with parlays. Sportsbooks are paying out significantly less than what they are collecting from parlays.

Parlays can be enjoyable if you find them entertaining and manage your expectations well. However, to have a good time without risking much, it is crucial to bet responsibly with small amounts that you can afford to lose. On the other hand, if you struggle to adhere to these guidelines, parlays can result in losses.

That said, how do I put together a good NFL parlay ticket?

If you insist on betting on NFL parlays regardless of the circumstances, it is strongly advised to place smaller wagers. It is essential to bet responsibly and only use funds that you can comfortably afford to lose, similar to what you would spend on any other form of entertainment.

If you can manage to hit those notes without getting carried away, NFL parlays can provide some entertainment. However, if you tend to bet excessively and always expect to win, parlays will lose their charm rather quickly.

Just like any other form of betting, it’s beneficial to remain within your expertise and stick to what you feel comfortable with. If you have struggled to make progress with NFL spreads or totals, it is unlikely that combining these types of wagers through parlays will yield positive results.

Alternatively, if you possess the ability to consistently identify successful moneyline picks on a weekly basis, it would be wise to prioritize those for parlays. Similarly, if there are particular prop bets in which you have demonstrated proficiency, it would be advisable to concentrate on those.

For instance, consider approaching each NFL week by seeking out a couple of moneyline favorites that have attractive odds and appeal to you. Moreover, indulge in the excitement of uncovering potential upsets and consistently making accurate predictions week after week.

After placing your individual bets on each game, you have the option to combine all three of them on a single ticket for a smaller amount of money. While it would be fantastic if you are correct on all three, it is important to remember that your preferred choices may not always result in victories.

When it comes to spreads and totals bets, individuals who achieve success with these wagers can adopt a similar approach. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these bets can be challenging to win on their own. Combining multiple components together amplifies the difficulty, as you would require numerous factors to align perfectly in order to secure a victory.

Lastly, it is crucial to note that when it comes to betting on parlays, the amount you risk should only constitute a small fraction of your total bankroll. It is important to acknowledge that losses are likely to occur frequently, and they can accumulate rapidly. As a general guideline, a cautious strategy would recommend allocating 1-2% of your bankroll for parlays, while a more daring approach would entail wagering 3% or more.

Should I hedge an NFL parlay?

So, you believe you’ve made a significant discovery. What if you create several parlay combinations where you swap out selections for an equal number of games? Will you definitely succeed and end up with a profit? Not necessarily.

(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

To illustrate, let’s examine a straightforward exercise involving two NFL games and the spreads available on legal betting apps in Michigan.

  • The Philadelphia Eagles are +6.5 underdogs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • The Detroit Lions are the underdogs with a +3.5 point spread, as they face the Cincinnati Bengals.

In order to include all potential scenarios, it would be necessary to create the subsequent combinations.

  • Buccaneers and Bengals cover
  • Buccaneers and Lions cover
  • Eagles and Bengals cover
  • Eagles and Lions cover

To clarify, you would need to place four distinct parlay bets in order to encompass all potential spread outcomes for these two games. Most sportsbooks establish -110 as the initial odds for spread bets. Let’s illustrate how these odds function for two bets at such odds.

  • Bet 1: -110
  • Bet 2: -110
  • 2-leg parlay odds: +264

If you were to place a $1 bet with odds of +264 and win, your overall return would amount to $3.64. However, in order to cover all possible combinations at the same stakes, you would need to bet $4. Consequently, by the end of the day, you would have incurred a loss of $0.36.

To put it briefly, attempting to outsmart the sportsbook by creating multiple combinations is unlikely to work. Hedging may not guarantee success with parlays, but if you wish to try it to safeguard your investment, the decision is up to you.

In order to achieve a favorable outcome, one would have to create numerous combinations while also ensuring that the odds are in their favor by balancing positive and negative probabilities. However, it should be acknowledged that this process would be extremely time-consuming and often result in a significantly reduced benefit.

NFL parlays vs NFL survivor pools

The popularity of NFL survivor pools is on the rise, and legal online sportsbooks now offer various versions of these contests. The idea behind them is straightforward: Pick one team to win, and if your pick is correct, you move on to the next round. However, if your chosen team loses, you’re out of the competition.

Numerous competitions are held throughout the NFL season, commencing in Week 1. However, there are also contests that start as the season progresses. In addition to making accurate predictions, participants face the challenge of choosing a team only once.

Survivor pools and parlays have a similarity in the sense that both require accurate predictions to win. However, they differ in the number of picks you need to make each week. While parlays demand multiple selections, survivor pools only require a single pick.

Similar to parlays, NFL survivor pools provide entertainment but are difficult to win. The unpredictable nature of the game means that even your top pick of the week can go wrong. This concept holds true when selecting multiple NFL parlay picks as well.

Sportsbooks rules for NFL parlays

It is imperative for bettors to familiarize themselves with and abide by the specific house rules established by all legal sportsbooks. While certain establishments may have a dedicated section outlining these rules, others may include them in the help or FAQ section. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the bettor to acquire knowledge and comprehension of these rules.

When it comes to NFL parlays, it is crucial to remember a few important factors.

  • Operators have the authority to set a limit on the maximum number of selections permitted on a single betting slip, as well as restrict the maximum winnings from any individual wager.
  • In the case of a multi-leg parlay, if one of the options gets canceled, the settlement of the parlay will be determined solely by the outcomes of the remaining legs.
  • It is not possible to choose both the Lions and Vikings to win on the moneyline within the same bet slip, especially when they are playing against each other.

If you attempt to create a parlay combination that is not permitted, you will receive a notification on the betting slip or you will not find the option to place a parlay with all the selected choices. In such cases, make adjustments to the selections on the betting slip to ensure they comply with the sportsbook’s rules and regulations.

NFL picks and parlays

The increasing popularity of legal online sports betting is accompanied by a surge in coverage from various sources. It is now effortless to find NFL picks, including those for parlays, on the internet or social media platforms.

Parlay picks may offer captivating articles to read, but they won’t bring you any closer to achieving success. This is not meant to undermine the hard work of the talented individuals who write the content. It’s simply a reminder that parlays are challenging.

It is important to conduct thorough research before considering purchasing NFL picks, as while there are legitimate services that strive to provide the best for their clients, the presence of numerous fraudsters who take advantage of unsuspecting bettors creates a negative balance.

While engaging in NFL betting, conducting research can be an enjoyable aspect. It is advisable to gather information from reliable sources that you trust. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that stumbling upon surefire ways to win is unlikely during this process.

NFL parlay calculators

When placing bets on a legal Michigan online sportsbook, you will be able to view the potential return for your wager before clicking “submit.” As you add selections to the betting slip, the total parlay odds will dynamically update right in front of you.

Before placing the bet, feel free to make any necessary adjustments. If you’re still exploring the possibilities, numerous online handicapping calculators are available. These tools allow you to input the odds for parlay bets and determine the potential return.

Once you accumulate experience in betting on NFL parlays, you will develop an intuition for the range of odds associated with your selections and their current numbers. To accommodate different scenarios, you can rely on adding choices to your betting slip. However, it is important not to submit your bet until you feel prepared.

NFL parlay systems

While browsing through NFL picks and predictions, it is highly likely that you will encounter various parlay systems. These systems can vary from simple ones, such as selecting all the dominant favorites, to more intricate ones like an Over/Under parlay that aligns with prevailing trends.

As we previously discussed regarding picks, there is no simple solution to be discovered here. Consider this: If there existed a foolproof system, wouldn’t it already be widely known? And consequently, the sportsbooks would have adjusted their strategies accordingly.

Having said all of that, if you enjoy playing parlays, it’s perfectly fine to try developing a system that might guide you towards more favorable selections. However, it’s important not to deceive yourself into believing that it will be completely infallible.

Famous NFL parlays that paid out

Despite the negative reputation, NFL parlays occasionally bring good news. On rare occasions, luck favors a bettor, leading to remarkable payouts that defy expectations. Throughout the years, there have been instances of incredibly high winnings.

In the year 2020, a sports enthusiast made a remarkable wager at a sportsbook in Las Vegas. This individual meticulously crafted a seven-leg parlay, encompassing various college football and NF games. The bet amounting to $4,000 proved to be an excellent decision. Astonishingly, the bettor accurately predicted all seven outcomes, resulting in a triumphant ticket worth an astonishing $442,643.40.

In 2017, a Las Vegas bettor achieved an incredible feat by winning $250,000 on a five-leg $8,500 parlay. What made it even more remarkable was that one of the winning selections was the Lions. The rest of the picks consisted of favorites from the weekly games.

The significant victories were achieved by high-stakes bettors, while there were also some smaller wins that occurred. Additionally, there were a few close calls with smaller prizes that were quite agonizing.

Famous NFL parlays that just missed

As previously discussed, there is an abundance of tales surrounding the parlay bets that slipped away. Any frequent parlay bettor will have a couple of these stories to share, and the defeats can certainly leave a painful mark.

In certain exceptionally rare instances, one can only fathom that the emotions experienced were far more profound. Two particularly remarkable illustrations involve a parlay worth $0.89 that successfully hit 19 out of 20 selections, and a 14 out of 15 bet that unfortunately failed on the final leg.

If Washington had won against Chicago, the person would have transformed 89 cents into $500k. However, the Bears emerged victorious. On the other hand, the bettor could not convert $5 into $100k due to the Patriots’ inability to cover the spread.

There is simply no way to downplay the extent of that loss, but it also acts as a reminder for the average bettor to face reality. In order to achieve those enormous multi-leg winnings, every single thing has to go perfectly.