If you’re looking for a way to balance risk and reward in NFL betting, teaser bets might be just the thing. While parlays are all-or-nothing wagers that can be high risk, teasers give you a bit of flexibility by allowing you to adjust the point spread or total in your favor. Essentially, you’re “teasing” the odds to make the bet easier to hit—but of course, there’s a trade-off: lower payouts.
So how do you use teaser bets to boost your returns while reducing risk? It’s all about knowing how to pick the right games and spreads, and understanding when a teaser bet makes more sense than a straight bet. Let’s get into it.
What Is a Teaser Bet?
A teaser bet allows you to adjust the point spread or total points line in your favor across multiple games, similar to a parlay. However, unlike parlays where the odds are set, teasers allow you to move the spread (typically by 6, 6.5, or 7 points) to make it easier for you to win each leg of the bet.
For example, let’s say you’re looking at two games:
- The Chiefs are -7 favorites over the Broncos.
- The Packers are +3 underdogs against the Vikings.
With a 6-point teaser, you could move the Chiefs to -1 (making it easier for them to cover) and move the Packers to +9 (giving them more cushion to cover the spread). The downside? The payout on teasers is lower than traditional parlays, but the upside is that you’re reducing the overall risk.
Why Use Teaser Bets?
Teasers are a great option when you have a handful of games you feel confident about, but the spreads are just a bit too risky. By adjusting the lines in your favor, you reduce the odds of a bad beat ruining your bet.
- Reduce Risk: If you like a favorite to win but think the spread is too big to trust, teasing the line down can make it more manageable.
- Increase Chances of Winning: Teasers allow you to get better odds for games that might otherwise feel too close to call. By shifting the line, you give yourself a better shot at hitting each leg.
Key Strategies for Teaser Bets
1. Tease Through Key Numbers
In NFL betting, certain numbers—like 3 and 7—are more common final margins of victory. These are called key numbers because many games are decided by a field goal or a touchdown. When placing teaser bets, it’s crucial to move the spread through these key numbers.
- Example: If a team is a 2.5-point favorite, teasing them down to +3.5 moves the spread through the key number of 3, giving you extra security in case the game is decided by a field goal.
- Tip: Always aim to tease spreads across 3 and 7, as it can drastically increase your chances of hitting the bet.
2. Focus on Low Scoring Games
Teasers tend to be more effective in low-scoring games because each point you move the spread becomes more valuable. In games with fewer points scored, covering the spread can be tougher, so giving yourself extra points can make all the difference.
- Example: In a game with two strong defenses, the final score is likely to be close. Teasing the underdog by 6 points in a low-scoring affair can significantly boost your chances of covering.
3. Tease Favorites When You’re Confident They’ll Win
Teasing favorites is a popular strategy when you believe a team will win but aren’t comfortable with the full spread. For instance, if a team is favored by 9 points, teasing them down to -3 gives you much more breathing room without completely eliminating the value of the bet.
- Tip: Use teasers when you think the favorite will win, but the spread feels a little too aggressive. Teasing them down by 6 points can make the bet more manageable.
Best Types of Teaser Bets
1. Two-Team 6-Point Teaser
The two-team, 6-point teaser is the most common teaser bet in NFL betting. This allows you to move the line by 6 points on two different games. The payouts are typically even money (1:1), and it’s a solid way to increase your chances of winning while still keeping the bet profitable.
- Example: Tease the Patriots from -7 to -1 and the Rams from -4 to +2. Both teams now have a much better chance of covering the spread, while your risk is minimized.
2. Three-Team 10-Point Teaser
With a 10-point teaser, you can move the line by 10 points across three different games. The payout is lower, but the odds of hitting the bet are much higher.
- Example: Tease the Cowboys from -8 to +2, the Chargers from +5 to +15, and the Bills from -10 to 0. You’re giving each team a significant advantage, increasing your chances of hitting all three legs.
3. Over/Under Teasers
Teasers aren’t just for spreads—you can also use them on over/under totals. If you think a game will go over or under but the line feels too tight, teasing the total by 6 points can give you more room to win.
- Example: If the total points for a game are set at 47 and you think the game will be high-scoring, teasing the over down to 41 makes it easier to hit.
Common Teaser Betting Mistakes
1. Teasing the Wrong Spreads
Not every spread is worth teasing. If the original line is already set well below key numbers, teasing it might not add much value. Always make sure the teaser gives you an edge by moving through key numbers.
2. Overloading on Teams
It’s tempting to keep adding teams to your teaser to increase the payout, but the more teams you add, the harder it becomes to win. Stick to 2- or 3-team teasers for the best balance of risk and reward.
3. Ignoring Game Flow
Teasers can backfire if you’re not paying attention to how the game is likely to play out. For example, teasing a favorite in a game where their star quarterback is injured might not be the best idea. Always take the context of the game into account before placing a teaser bet.
Final Thoughts on Teasers
Teaser bets are all about balance. You’re trading a lower payout for a higher chance of success, which can be a smart move when betting on NFL games. By focusing on key numbers, low-scoring games, and making smart adjustments to the spread, you can reduce risk while still boosting your potential returns.
- Move spreads through key numbers like 3 and 7.
- Tease low-scoring games where each point matters more.
- Don’t overcomplicate your bets—stick to 2- or 3-team teasers.
Teasers offer a more controlled way to bet, letting you minimize risk without sacrificing too much potential return. With the right strategy, they can be a valuable tool in your NFL betting playbook.