Why Is Football Betting A Favorite Among Sports Bettors

While many sports have gained a lot of followers in the sports betting online world over the last 20 years, none have stood out the same as football. Football betting has grown not only online but in person as well.

American football has become the largest sport niche in the betting industry since the beginning of the 1960s. Before football took over as the well oiled betting machine that it is today, the main niche for many sports bettors was baseball. For the majority of the first half the 20th century, sports betting fans in North America were spoiled by amazing New York Yankee teams first led by Babe Ruth.

However, since the 1960s football has been the bread and butter of the betting industry both in person and online. America’s biggest niche within football has been the college football ranks as everyone has an individual team to cheer for. In the NFL on the contrary the majority of fans for the early years of new NFL were mainly fans of the championship teams. This was best identified within sportsbooks as the favorite was bet upon the most.

Nevertheless, all things evolve and football betting was no different. By the middle of the 1980s, football betting became a huge favorite amongst sports bettors because of the creation of proposition wagers. Essentially how prop bets work is that fans could now wager on things within the game aside from the overall outcome. Things such as individual players scoring touchdowns and the Super Bowl half time show’s opening song could now be bet upon by fans.

As well, the first known point spread, over/ under totals, parlays and teasers were associated with football betting. Football popularity amongst sports bettors set the foundation for the popularity of other sports.

NFL Week 1 Best Bet

With training camp underway, NFL betting enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth in anticipation for the season to get underway. In week one there are many games on Sunday that one can look forward too. However, the best bet in week one is on the Monday night as the new look Ravens face the ever improved Jets. Here is a breakdown of the game.

Baltimore Ravens v New York Jets

On Monday September 13 in the first game of a Monday night doubleheader the AFC’s two wild card teams of a year ago will clash. During the offseason, both teams were part of a handful of squads that were rather busy.

The Jets added future hall of fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson and 2009 Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes to the wide receiving core. Adding them to an already stacked Jets offense could be the final puzzle pieces to making it back to the Super Bowl.

Conversely, the Baltimore Ravens added Antoine Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals. Although a ground and pound offensive team, the acquisition of Boldin makes the Ravens just as dangerous when quarterback Flacco decides to air out the ball.

Aside from how both sides key offseason acquisitions will fare, a few other interesting storylines for NFL bettors to consider will be coming out of the New York Jets. For instance, although the Jets are a three point favorite, how will quarterback Mark Sanchez knee hold up after offseason surgery? Secondly and more importantly, will disgruntled cornerback Darrelle Revis be wearing a Jets uniform come the start of the season or will he be on a different team altogether?

With two of the NFL’s premier defenses facing off, we expect this game to be low scoring. Nevertheless, this will be the best bet of week one as both are exciting squads to bet upon.more…