NFL 1st Quarter Picks Against the Spread

Betting on the first-quarter spread is one way to get in on the action, and it can be a successful strategy to improve your NFL betting profits.

In this article, we'll examine NFL picks against the spread in more detail and discuss some factors to consider when making them.

Understanding the first-quarter spread and knowing how to make wise bets can help you win big and improve the NFL betting experience for players of all levels.

 

How Spread Bets Work

 The point spread is among the most common wagers when betting on NFL games. The point spread is a method of leveling the playing field between two teams that are not evenly matched. This allows bettors to take underdogs that they don’t believe will necessarily win the game.

The spread indicates the predicted margin of victory for the favored team. For example, if the Chiefs are -7.5 against the Broncos, they must win by at least eight points for the bet to win. A +7.5 spread predicts a 7.5-point loss for the underdog. A bettor would win.

Oddsmakers calculate the spread based on several variables, including team records, player injuries, and home-field advantage. For the sportsbook to be profitable, oddsmakers establish the spread to encourage equal betting regardless of which team wins.

  

Factors To Consider About While Placing NFL Wagers

There are several factors to consider before betting on a first-quarter spread. Here are five important factors that can help not only for the first quarter, but also with your NFL first-half spread picks and NFL second-half spread picks. 

1. Recent Play - The most important factor to consider when making NFL picks is the recent play of each team. Has one team recently struggled to win games, or are they in the midst of a winning streak? Considering how each team has been performing in the weeks leading up to their clash is vital because teams can go through hot and cold streaks over a long NFL season.
2. Key Injuries -  Injuries can significantly affect how NFL games turn out, especially if a key player is forced to miss time or is limited on the field. Check the injury reports for each team to see if any key players will miss the game before making your pick. Even though a player is expected to play, they might not be fully healthy, which can alter the outcome of a game.
3. Matchup History - Before making your NFL pick, looking at the head-to-head record from their previous meetings is always worthwhile. Some teams match up better against specific opponents, which can be uncovered through your own research.
4. Betting Odds – Bookmakers' odds reflect how they predict the game's outcome. When selecting your bet, check to see if the lines or odds have changed since the bet opened. This can give you an idea of where the NFL consensus picks are, showing what the betting public thinks of the bet.
5. Weather - Last but not least, it's crucial to consider the weather while picking NFL games. Strong winds, heavy rain, or snow can all affect the game's style of play and may help teams with potent running games or formidable defenses.

 

Tips for Making Winning Picks

1. Resist the need always to back your favorite team to win  

While it may be appealing to do so, it's best to remain unbiased and avoid letting your feelings influence your decisions. While you may know that team better than any other, your loyalty to the team can add an emotional element that can lead to bad picks. You can increase your chances of winning by placing your bets rationally rather than emotionally.

2. Keep up with the most recent news and trends

Following NFL news, rumors, and trends can help you gain insightful knowledge about how teams are doing and the potential outcomes of upcoming games. To stay informed, read up on sports news websites and blogs, and follow sports commentators, coaches, and players on social media.

3. Manage your bankroll

Successful betting revolves around risk management and long-term bankroll preservation. Never chase your losses by betting more than you can afford to lose by setting a budget for yourself and sticking to it. As a general rule of thumb, never risk more than 2% of your total bankroll on a single gamble.

4. Look for free expert or AI picks

You can find expert picks for free through sports betting sites, NFL news sites, and even on social media. Some of these will also offer free NFL computer picks, giving you another way to boost your chances of placing winning wagers. 

5. Shop around for the best odds

Various sportsbooks may offer different odds for the same game, so it's crucial to compare prices to discover the best value for bets. Look for sportsbooks with competitive odds to increase your chances of winning. You can also use various sportsbooks.