What Are NFL Prop Bets and What Makes Them So Popular?

Prop bets (short for proposition bets) are wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game that don't directly affect the final score. Instead of backing a team to win, you're betting on individual performances, game statistics or specific moments that may occur.

In the NFL, they dominate betting markets. The Super Bowl alone provides hundreds of options, covering everything from touchdown scorers to coin toss results. Here's what prop bets are, why they're massive in American football and why UK bettors are increasingly engaging with them.

How do they work?

Rather than focusing on game outcomes, prop bets are more concerned with specific occurrences. With them, you aren’t betting on the winner of the game, but measurable events within it.

Common examples:

• Number of touchdowns a quarterback throws

• Number of rushing yards by a player

• Team to win both halves (Yes/No)

• First team to score

• Coin toss winner

As you see, prop bets can be player-focused, team-focused or game-focused. The key distinction is that they settle based on specific criteria, not the game’s final result. A team can lose the game, but if their quarterback throws three touchdowns and you backed the 2.5 over, your bet will win.

Types of NFL prop bets

Player props

These focus on individual player statistics. Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and defensive players all have prop markets based on how they’re expected to perform.

Examples include passing yards for quarterbacks, receiving yards for wide receivers, rushing yards for running backs and total tackles for defensive players.

Player props are popular because they allow you to back individual performances instead of relying on the outcome of the team. A strong player on a weak team can still hit their targets.

Team props

Here, the focus is more on a team’s collective achievements. These might include total points scored by a team, whether a team scores in every quarter or how which team has the most successful field goals.

Game props

Game props cover events that happen during the match but aren't tied to specific players or teams. Examples include the result of the opening coin toss and whether the game goes to overtime.

Game props range from serious statistical predictions to novelty bets designed purely for entertainment.

What makes them so popular in the NFL?

Statistical depth

American football games generate enormous amounts of data. Every play is recorded, every player's performance is tracked and advanced technology helps measure efficiency in a number of ways.

This wealth of statistics creates natural opportunities for this type of betting. When it's possible to measure passing yards, completion percentages, yards after catch and red zone efficiency, markets follow.

Focus on individuals

The NFL celebrates individual stars. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers are household names, and their performances drive media coverage and fan interest.

Prop bets make it possible for fans to engage with their favourite players directly. Backing Patrick Mahomes to throw over 300 yards or Derrick Henry to rush for over 100 yards connects betting to player fandom.

Game structure suits props

NFL games are divided into four quarters with structured breaks. Drives are measured in yards; possession changes hand and scoring comes through specific methods (touchdowns, field goals and safeties).

This structure creates clear segments and measurable outcomes that translate naturally into prop markets.

Entertainment value

Not every NFL game comes down to the wire. Blowouts happen, and betting on the final score loses appeal when one team starts dominating early on.

Prop bets keep things interesting in spite of the scoreline. Even in a one-sided game, individual players still generate statistics and certain events still occur. It’s a way to remain engaged even when the outcome is decided.

Super Bowl props: the peak of prop betting

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest single-day betting events around the world, and prop bets make up a massive part of that.

Markets extend far beyond the standard player and team stats. With unique game specials and novelty markets helping generate significant activity:

Examples of Super Bowl props:

• Team to score first and lose (Yes/No) - Super Bowl

• Game to go into overtime (Yes/No) - Super Bowl

• Match to end with a Scorigami (final score that’s never happened before) (Yes/No)

• Offensive lineman to score a touchdown (Yes/No)

Traditional Super Bowl props remain popular too: first touchdown scorer, total yards of longest pass and MVP winner all attract interest.

Why might UK bettors be interested?

Accessible entry point

Understanding NFL game tactics and team characteristics can take time. Certain bets allow engagement even without a deep knowledge of the league.

That said, it’s a good idea getting to grips with important positions, like quarterbacks and wide receivers, and their statistics as these tend to be the players that attract the most interest.

Evening kickoffs suit UK viewing

NFL games typically kick off at 6 p.m. GMT or later on Sundays, making them accessible for UK viewers. Evening matches align with evening TV schedules, and props can introduce a layer of engagement to watching sports to wrap up the weekend.

Growing popularity in the UK

The NFL has invested heavily in growing its UK audience through regular London games, increased broadcast coverage and development at grassroots level. As more UK fans follow the league, interest in betting markets grows.

Prop bets provide variety beyond the standard match odds, appealing to fans who want more ways to engage with games.

Entertainment focus

UK sports betting culture embraces entertainment-focused markets. Novelty bets on political outcomes and reality TV shows have normalised betting on non-traditional outcomes.

NFL prop bets fit this trend. They're fun, varied and don't necessarily require expert-level knowledge to participate.

How to approach NFL prop bets

Some props depend heavily on opposition quality, so research possible player matchups. A wide receiver facing weak cornerbacks can have better odds of racking up receiving yards than one facing elite defenders.

Teams leading heavily might rest star players in the fourth quarter, which will affect certain statistics. Teams trailing might pass more frequently, boosting quarterback and receiver stats while limiting running back opportunities. Those are just two examples of why it’s important to understand the game’s context.

Wind affects passing games and field goal accuracy, while rain impacts ball handling. Check weather forecasts before backing props that depend on specific skills.

Player availability can significantly affect prop markets. A starting running back being ruled out can change opportunities for backup players, so it’s worth keeping track of injury reports.

Key takeaways

Prop bets home in on specific events and player performances rather than final game scores. They're massively popular in the NFL because American football generates detailed statistics, spotlights individual star performances and helps keep things entertaining in spite of the scoreline.

The Super Bowl represents the peak of prop betting, with hundreds of markets covering traditional stats and novelty outcomes. UK bettors engage with NFL props as an accessible entry point into American football betting and as entertainment-focused wagering that doesn't necessarily need deep league knowledge.

Prop bets add variety to NFL betting beyond backing winners, and whether you're betting on quarterback statistics or a score that’s never happened before, props create opportunities to engage throughout a game.

For more useful sports betting articles, head over to the Bally Bet Sports & Casino blog. We've got articles covering odds, types of bets and much more so you can stay informed.

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.