Parlays are one of the most exciting ways to bet on NFL games. Why? Because they offer the chance for big payouts with smaller upfront risk. But if you’ve ever placed a parlay bet, you know they’re also tricky to win. Combining multiple bets into one wager is no easy feat, and if just one leg fails, the whole bet falls apart.
So how do you take advantage of the massive upside of parlays without making it a reckless gamble? The key lies in balance—choosing the right number of bets, managing risk, and knowing when to go for a home run versus playing it safe. Let’s break down how to maximize your profits with NFL parlays while keeping the risks in check.
What Is an NFL Parlay?
Before we dive into the strategies, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what an NFL parlay is. Simply put, a parlay is a bet that combines two or more individual bets into a single wager. For example, you could bet on the outcome of multiple games, the over/under in each game, or even combine different types of bets like spreads and player props.
The key thing to remember is that all legs of the parlay must win for you to cash out. While the payouts are much higher than placing individual bets, the risk also increases because you need every part of the bet to hit.
Key Strategies for Winning NFL Parlays
1. Don’t Overload Your Parlays
The biggest mistake people make with parlays? They get greedy. It’s tempting to throw in 6, 7, or even 10 different bets to chase a massive payday, but the more legs you add, the harder it becomes to win. You want to find the sweet spot between maximizing your potential payout and keeping your chances of winning realistic.
- Tip: Stick to parlays with 2 to 4 legs for better odds of success. While the payout won’t be as huge as a 10-leg parlay, you’ll have a much better chance of winning and steadily building your bankroll.
2. Combine Heavy Favorites with Safer Bets
One way to reduce the risk in parlays is to combine heavy favorites with safer bets. If there’s a game where one team is clearly better and heavily favored, adding them to your parlay can help increase your potential payout without significantly increasing your risk.
- Example: Let’s say the Kansas City Chiefs are playing a bottom-tier team and are heavily favored to win. Pairing this with an over/under bet or another spread can give you a decent payout while keeping your parlay grounded in likely outcomes.
Tip: Don’t just blindly bet on favorites. Make sure to research matchups and potential injuries to avoid surprises.
3. Leverage Correlated Parlays
Correlated parlays are where two outcomes are connected in a way that one is more likely to happen if the other does. For example, if you think a game is going to be a high-scoring affair, you might want to bet on the over for the game and also bet on a quarterback to hit the over on his passing yards.
- Example: If you bet on a team to cover a large spread, you might also consider betting on the under for the total points, since teams with a big lead often slow the game down in the second half.
Tip: Look for logical connections between the legs of your parlay to increase your odds.
4. Use Player Props to Add Value
Adding player props to your parlays can give you a little extra juice without adding too much risk. Betting on a quarterback’s passing yards or a running back’s rushing total can provide more specific opportunities for value, especially if you’ve done your homework on matchups.
- Example: If you’re confident that a certain receiver is set for a big game based on the defense they’re facing, you can bet on their receiving yards over and pair it with a game total bet to increase your payout.
Tip: Be careful with props that are unpredictable, like touchdowns, which can be more volatile from game to game.
Common Parlay Mistakes to Avoid
1. Adding Too Many Legs
It’s worth repeating: the more legs you add, the harder it becomes to win. While it’s tempting to try to hit a huge payout, you’re better off keeping it simple and sticking to 2-4 bets.
2. Chasing Losses
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make up for a lost parlay by placing an even bigger one. This is a surefire way to drain your bankroll quickly. Stay disciplined and stick to your strategy.
3. Ignoring Game Flow and Matchups
Just because a team is favored doesn’t mean they’ll cover the spread. Always consider how teams match up and how the game is likely to play out. Don’t just bet based on reputation or the betting public.
Best Types of Bets to Include in Your Parlays
1. Spreads and Totals
These are the most popular bets to include in parlays because they’re easier to predict than some other types of bets. A well-researched spread or total can give your parlay a solid foundation.
2. Moneyline Bets on Favorites
Moneyline bets on heavy favorites are a good way to increase your payout without adding a ton of risk. Just make sure the favorites you’re backing are reliable, and not vulnerable to an upset.
3. Player Props
As mentioned before, player props can add value to your parlay if you’ve done your research. Look for matchups that heavily favor a player and add that prop to your parlay for a little extra payout.
Finding Value in Parlays
Value is the key to success in parlay betting. Instead of swinging for the fences every time, find smart opportunities where the odds are in your favor. Whether it’s combining a heavy favorite with a couple of strong prop bets or leveraging correlated outcomes, the goal is to keep the risk reasonable while maximizing your potential profits.
Tip: Always compare odds across different sportsbooks. Some sportsbooks offer better parlay payouts than others, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.
Final Thoughts on NFL Parlays
Parlays are exciting, but they require discipline and strategy. Keep your parlays small, use player props to boost your payouts, and don’t be afraid to stick to favorites when the situation calls for it. The goal isn’t to hit one massive payout—it’s to steadily build your bankroll by winning consistent, smart bets.
- Stick to 2-4 legs for better odds of winning.
- Combine heavy favorites with safer bets to balance risk and reward.
- Leverage correlated parlays for logical connections between outcomes.
- Avoid chasing losses—stick to your strategy and keep it simple.