This article aims to highlight the best NFL parlays this week…for every week of the NFL season (and playoffs). Of course, these NFL parlay and same game parlay picks are subject to opinion, but we’ll provide betting angles, insight, and rationale into these selections.
NFL parlay construction is the focus of this article. Every week, we will attempt to balance the risk/reward conundrum associated with parlay betting.
Top Apps in All States
Best NFL Parlay Picks: Returns Soon!
Every bettor has their risk tolerance, and we will sometimes push the envelope with these NFL parlay picks while other times playing it safe. Gauging your risk preference and combining these recommendations with your hunches is the best way to approach this article.
NFL Parlay Picks – Returns Soon!
Let’s take a look at our favorite NFL parlay and same game parlay bets for the upcoming slate.
Same Game Parlay
A quick look at our top parlay picks for the upcoming slate:
Returns soon!
Looking for more NFL betting and DFS picks? We’ve got you covered all season:
- NFL News Hub
- Anytime Touchdown Scorers
- First Touchdown Scorers
- Monday Night Football Props
- Thursday Night Football Props
- Sunday Night Football Props
What is an NFL parlay bet?
A parlay is a bet where you combine two or more selections and need all of them to win. Each selection you add to the ticket is called a leg, and a leg is one pick in your parlay, such as a spread, total, or player prop.
To win a parlay, every selection must be correct. If you place a two-leg parlay on NFL moneyline picks and only one call is right, you lose the bet.
Definition of an NFL parlay
A parlay is a bet where you combine two or more selections and need all of them to win.
How NFL parlay bets work
In a parlay, you combine multiple selections into one ticket, and every leg must win for the parlay to cash.
As an example, you could place a $20 wager on the Packers to cover the spread versus the Lions. At typical spread odds of -110, the potential profit on a winning bet is $18.18. If you place that same $20 on a three-leg parlay, the return could be much greater.
Let’s say you placed that same $20 wager on the following: Packers moneyline (-142), over 47.5 points (-105), and a Josh Jacobs touchdown (TD) (-175). When we crafted that parlay at FanDuel, the total odds were +273. At that number, a $20 wager could return $74.60.
Why are NFL parlay bets so popular with bettors?
Parlays are popular because they can turn a small stake into a larger payout if multiple picks hit, and they give you more sweat across several outcomes in the same slate.
Payout and return potential for NFL parlays
Parlay payouts increase as you add legs because more outcomes must be correct. Compare a $10 two leg parlay to a $10 five leg parlay; the five-leg can pay much more, but it’s harder to win.
Best NFL parlays today
Here are the best NFL parlay picks for the slate, including odds, key risks, and when to skip
Best sportsbooks for NFL parlays
The best sportsbooks for NFL parlays make it simple for you to place multi-leg wagers, and they do it with solid market coverage and a parlay builder that’s easy to use. You’ll also see parlay-related promotions show up regularly, which can matter if you like building tickets week to week.
Important, parlay and SGP rules, market availability, and promo eligibility can vary by location and account status, so check your sportsbook’s official rules and promo terms before betting.
BetMGM
BetMGM is a trusted name in gaming that’s a popular destination for NFL bettors. The platform delivers an intuitive parlay builder that makes it easy to craft multi-leg wagers, and also regularly displays featured SGPs and regular parlays at the top of the lobby on the website and mobile.
There’s also a steady stream of promos, like odds boosts and no-sweat tokens, that enhance potential returns and mitigate risk for select wagers.
FanDuel
FanDuel is one of the top sportsbooks for NFL betting. They’ve been one of the driving forces behind making SGPs an incredibly popular bet type. There are plenty of featured pre-built SGPs to choose from whenever you log into play, and crafting your own and other multi-leg bets is a snap on the user-friendly platform.
Add in a regular array of boosts and other promos, and it’s not hard to see why FanDuel is such a popular spot for NFL parlay bettors.
DraftKings
DraftKings is another industry titan that offers plenty for NFL parlays. The platform is incredibly slick on both mobile and web, and features one of the cleanest menus you could ask for.
For example, a clean listing of player props by category makes it a breeze to pick and choose legs for your parlay wagers.
There are also featured SGPs, regular boosts, and other promotional offers that you can apply throughout the NFL campaign.
Bet365
Bet365 is a global giant that continues to make its mark in the U.S. The interface is simple and smooth, and it offers an abundance of NFL betting markets to choose from. Featured SGPs are prominently displayed throughout the season, and you can build your own with ease.
Each game on the docket has its own SGP section, plus an assortment of bet boosts to choose from. There’s also a parlay boost accumulator that climbs up to 100% for 20-leg wagers.
Caesars
Caesars is an industry icon and a preferred sportsbook for many NFL bettors. The simple-to-use platform has a number of great features, including an intuitive search function that makes it a snap to find what you want.
SGPs and other parlays are a big part of the lineup, with scores of pre-built options to choose from, plus a dedicated NFL parlay builder button. Beyond boosts and no sweats, you can opt in for chances to get a share of prize pools for winning parlay wagers.
How to bet on NFL parlays
The basic flow is pick your sportsbook, choose your legs from NFL markets, add them to your bet slip as a parlay, enter a stake, and confirm. Here’s what that looks like step by step.
Once you’re logged in and know what you want to wager on, it’s as simple as clicking the odds for your choices to add them to the betting slip, and you can add and remove legs with ease.
After you’ve adjusted the parlay to where you want it, you add in your stake, apply any applicable promos, and place your bet. Once the games get underway, you can check your open (pending) bets or contact sportsbook customer support.
Step-by-step guide to placing a parlay bet
Here’s a step-by-step guide to placing a parlay bet, using a three-leg NFL point-spread wager as an example.
- Choose your sportsbook. Pick a legal, regulated option available in your market. If you’re signing up for the first time, be sure to claim the welcome bonus.
- Log in and browse the NFL betting markets to select what you want to include in your parlay wager.
- When you decide what to bet on, simply click the odds for your selection to add it to the betting slip.
- Using point-spreads as an example, you’ll click “Team A minus the points,” or “Team B plus the spread,” such as + or – 1.5 points.
- The sportsbook app updates your bet slip, automatically combining and calculating the odds into one parlay wager.
- Check to see if there are any applicable parlay promos that you can apply, such as an odds boost or no sweat bet.
- Enter your stake, such as $10, review the calculated potential payout, and confirm the bet with a final click.
The sequence is pretty universal across leading sportsbook sites and apps. If you ever run into trouble, you can explore the dedicated help sections or contact sportsbook customer support.
Understanding the bet slip for parlays
Your bet slip shows each leg, your stake, the combined odds, and the potential payout, and adding a new leg updates the combined odds and payout. Refer to your sportsbook’s help section for the exact fields shown on your bet slip.
Example of a winning NFL parlay
For a winning NFL parlay bet, you need to be correct on all of the legs that are included in the wager. Here’s an example of how it could play out.
- You place a $20 wager on a three-leg parlay of NFL point-spreads.
- Your three selections are Ravens -4, Bears +3, and Dolphins -2.
- The sportsbook calculates combined parlay odds of +600.
- The profit potential for the wager at those odds is $120.
- If all three teams cover, you’ll receive back $140, your stake plus winnings.
- If one or more teams fail to cover, you lose the wager and your stake.
The potential for great returns exists in NFL parlay bets, but it comes with a caveat. They’re challenging to win consistently, so be sure to always play within your means.
NFL parlay strategies and tips
NFL parlay strategies focus on improving your odds over time by tightening leg selection, shopping lines, and using promos responsibly, while keeping the number of legs and your stake within your bankroll. Simple stuff, but it adds up.
Line shop across sportsbooks
Take the time to line shop across sportsbooks before placing your NFL parlay bets. Line shopping means you’re comparing the numbers to find the most appealing options. It could be more favorable odds at one spot over another, or a difference of a half point or more on spreads or totals.
Each minor difference can add up to your bottom line. Let’s say you placed a $10 three leg parlay at Sportsbook A with odds of -110 each, translating into potential winnings of $59. Meanwhile, Sportsbook B has the same wagers at -105. By shopping around, your potential payout increases to $64 for the same $10 wager.
Prioritize bankroll management
Bankroll management is crucial for betting in general. For parlays specifically, it’s more important given their high risk and low success rate. You can use strategies like betting a fixed percentage of your bankroll on each parlay, such as 2 to 5%, or designate a portion of your budget for these bets.
If a bettor has a $500 bankroll, they might keep individual parlay bets between $10 and $20, spreading risk and helping to protect against losing streaks during the NFL season. The same applies to smaller stakes, such as parlays of $5 to $10 if you’re playing with a total bankroll of $200.
Evaluate key factors
Anytime you plan to place an NFL parlay bet or other type of wager, you’ll want to consider the key factors that could influence the outcome. Injuries to star players, unexpected weather events, or big coaching changes can impact the outcomes of multiple legs.
For instance, a Midwest snowstorm could affect several games. That could reduce passing yards and total points, for instance. If you stay mindful of those matchup factors, it can be the difference between hitting or missing a parlay leg or two.
Know your parlay and SGP rules (voids, pushes, and “related contingencies”)
Parlay settlement and eligibility rules vary by sportsbook, so it’s important to understand how your book handles voids, pushes, and which combinations are allowed before you build a slip.
- Many books adjust parlays when a leg is void. For example, FanDuel notes that a treble with one void leg becomes a double.
- FanDuel also states that if a selection is voided, the wager odds will be recalculated using the remaining legs.
- Some books will not allow certain event combinations. For example, FanDuel states that parlay bets combining different selections within the same event are not accepted when there are related contingencies.
Safety vs. risk with parlays
Safety vs. risk with parlays mostly comes down to the number of legs and the odds on each leg, with fewer legs generally being safer than longer, riskier tickets.
The odds for each leg also factor into things. As an example, you have a better chance of being right on a three-leg parlay with odds of +120 or less on each as opposed to a trio of longshots in which all are at +250 or greater.
Common mistakes to avoid
There are a few common mistakes you’ll want to do your best to avoid for NFL parlay bets. At the top of the list is too many legs. It can be fun to put together a huge 10-leg parlay with a much larger payout on paper, but the chances of winning are slim.
The same applies to loading up a parlay with nothing but longshots. It’s challenging enough to be right on one call at astronomical odds, let alone tying several together in hopes of the best. Keep it realistic, and it’s easier to manage bankroll and expectations.
Use your promo offers
When it’s time to place NFL parlay bets, scout for promos, claim what is available, and be sure to use them. You can find things like odds boosts for SGPs and other parlays, no sweat bets, and even parlay insurance that can refund your stake if only one leg loses. For example, a sportsbook might offer a 20% odds boost on parlays of four legs or more.
Using promos can increase payouts or reduce risk on some tickets, depending on the offer, especially for a wager as volatile as NFL parlays. Check what’s available when you log in and use the promos to your advantage.
Same game parlays explained
Same game parlays (SGPs) have rapidly gained popularity. These wagers let you combine multiple bets from a single NFL matchup into one ticket. Unlike some traditional multi-event parlays, SGPs offer the opportunity to unlock correlations.
For example, you might create an SGP with a quarterback (QB)’s passing yards, a wide receiver (WR)’s anytime touchdown, and the game to finish over 44.5 total points. If the game breaks the way you think it will across the board, one outcome could lead to another happening.
What is a same game parlay?
A same game parlay allows bettors to combine two or more legs from a single matchup on one ticket. Just like a standard parlay, you have to be right on all of your selections to have a winning wager.
The appeal comes from linking correlated outcomes that reflect how the game might unfold. For instance, let’s say it is a Sunday Night Football matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
You decide to place a wager on Patrick Mahomes to go over 275 passing yards and Travis Kelce to score an anytime touchdown. If Mahomes goes on to deliver a solid passing performance, chances are that one of his top targets will benefit.
Note, some sportsbooks explicitly treat SGPs as dependent combinations. For example, DraftKings’ house rules define a “Same Game Parlay” as a single bet combining multiple selections from the same event, and it depends on those selections and how they relate to each other.
How to build an SGP
Building an SGP with a sportsbook app is a simple process. Many have pre-built SGPs to consider, and some even have dedicated “parlay builder” functions or sections to help you craft one in no time. Use the steps below as a guide to building out your NFL SGPs.
- Begin by locating the game listing you are interested in, then tap it.
- You’ll see the menu of available wagers, including the game lines and player props odds.
- Decide which legs you want to include.
- Click the odds for each selection to add it to the betting slip.
- The odds will automatically calculate with each leg you add or remove.
- Once you’re happy with the bet, add your stake and submit the wager.
Let’s say it is a Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. You decide that it is an appealing matchup for the Bills’ offense. You put together a two-leg parlay for Josh Allen to have 275+ combined yards and James Cook to score a TD.
If both Allen and Cook hit those marks, you have a winning ticket. You can go beyond the simple two-leg strategy and add more options, such as a Bills receiver to have over 5.5 receptions. Risk rises fast, though.
Live betting and in-game parlays
Live betting lets you build or add parlay legs after kickoff using in-game odds that change in real time, which can increase payout potential but also increase volatility.
Those watching can react in real time with in-game parlays. For example, after the first quarter, a bettor might expect scoring to ramp up for the rest of the game. In anticipation of a potential shootout, a live parlay on total points and passing yards could be in order.
How live betting works with parlays
Once the game kicks off, you can log into your sportsbook app of choice and watch the odds consistently adjust. When you sense a momentum shift or any other appealing opportunities pop up, you can start putting together multi-leg bets and get in on the action.
Let’s say you are enjoying a competitive tilt between the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals. The Commanders are trailing at the half, 17 14, but have steadily taken control and closed the gap on a two-score deficit.
As you see it, the momentum will continue for the Commanders, and they’ll eventually come out on top, so you can put in a moneyline bet on Washington and add in a favorite player prop to make it a live SGP, giving you both rooting interest and the potential for a winning wager.
The real-time factor
The real-time factor in live parlays is that features like cash out, and more rarely edit style tools, can change your options mid-game, but availability varies by market and bet type. FanDuel explains that Cash Out exists, but it is not guaranteed.
In more limited cases, certain sportsbooks may also offer an edit style feature on eligible bets. For example, BetMGM describes Edit My Bet as an available feature when eligible.
More broadly, many sportsbooks treat accepted bets as final under their house rules. For example, DraftKings house rules state that once accepted, a bet will remain valid and cannot be withdrawn by you.
Sgp opportunities during live NFL matchups
Same game parlays can be built live as matchups evolve. As you’re taking in the action, note changes in player performance, in-game injuries, or new coaching strategies that may emerge in response to what is happening on the field.
As an example, let’s say it is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking on the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta running back (RB) Bijan Robinson exits early due to injuries, opening the door for backup Tyler Allgeier to get more touches as the game continues.
You could react in real time to the new development, such as putting together an SGP for a Falcons moneyline win plus Allgeier to score a TD at any time. Live betting lets you respond to such developments, making for a fun and fast-paced way to get even more involved.
Tools and resources for parlay bettors
Tools for NFL parlay bettors include payout calculators, in-app tracking features, and educational guides that help you estimate returns, monitor legs, and understand settlement rules. Handy stuff to have open.
Free parlay calculators
Free parlay calculators do the heavy lifting, crunching numbers and calculating potential payouts instantly and accurately. They help save time and reduce mistakes, letting you focus on researching which legs to add or skip as you craft your NFL parlays.
A simple Google search for “free betting calculator” will bring up several options for you to check out. Please note that some only work for straight bets, while others are more advanced and allow you to enter parlay legs and calculate the odds accurately.
You simply enter the odds for all of the wagers you want to include on your slip, plus the stakes you plan to wager. The calculator will calculate the actual odds and potential return, cutting guesswork and showing you clear expectations. For example.
- You are looking to build a three-leg parlay.
- The odds for your three selections are -110, +120, and +200.
- You head to a free parlay calculator and enter the odds for all three legs.
- The calculator does its thing and gives you total parlay odds of +1160.
- You enter the amount you plan to bet, such as $10.
- The calculator displays the potential winnings at those odds.
- In this case, a $10 bet at +1160 has the chance to win $116.
You can compare a 2 leg vs 3 leg version of the same parlay in a calculator to see how much payout you gain by adding the extra leg.
Track your live results
Tracking your live results not only enhances the entertainment of NFL parlay betting but is also an important step in bankroll management. Thankfully, sportsbook apps and sites make it easy to do so. Once you’ve submitted your wagers, you can view their status at any time via the “open bets” section of your account.
For a straight, single bet, it is simple, you win or lose based on that lone outcome. When you bet on parlays, there are moving pieces, with legs settling at different times. When you are logged in, you can view the progress in real time, with correct and incorrect calls marked accordingly.
Live tracking also provides the added benefit of locking in profits early or mitigating some losses. If the sportsbook offers an “early cash out” option for that wager, you can decide when to take it or leave it, adding yet another strategic component for you to consider.
Parlay guides and resources
Parlay guides typically walk you through building a ticket in a sportsbook app and explain how odds combine, how legs settle, and what common rules, voids, pushes, cash out limits mean for payouts.
You can find beginner guides and advanced resources, whether you prefer the written word or visual instruction on YouTube. For example, you can use a step-by-step YouTube tutorial to see how to build a parlay inside a sportsbook app. There are even dedicated threads on Reddit where contributors share their picks, ask for advice, and discuss parlays.
No matter how you prefer to learn and research, there are options to explore. If you prefer to make your own calls, you can, and there are plenty of NFL parlay opportunities shared on social media for those interested in following or tailing.
Pros and cons of NFL parlays
NFL parlays carry both excitement and risk. They offer the potential for high payouts and extra engagement through multi-leg wagering. On the downside, the risk of losing is high, and it is not uncommon to lose several in a row. Here are the main pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- High payout potential Parlays multiply the odds of each leg, so even a small bet can yield big returns if every pick wins. For example, turning $10 into $200 with a correctly predicted four leg parlay is possible, making parlays an attractive option.
- Excitement and variety Having action spread across multiple outcomes can make NFL games more fun to watch and follow, especially for bettors who like researching and tracking the results of different matchups at once.
- Flexibility of betting options Bettors can combine spreads, totals, moneylines, and props across games or within a single contest. You can design tickets to your opinions and preferences, offering more flexibility than single wagers.
Cons
- High risk and low win rate Every leg of a parlay must-win for the ticket to cash. A single mistake wipes out the entire bet. For example, a five leg parlay that comes down to one final leg will lose if the last pick falls short, even after hitting four winners.
- Parlays require multiple outcomes to be correct on the same ticket, which can make them tougher to hit consistently. Over time, that dynamic tends to work in the sportsbook’s favor compared to simpler, single outcome bets.
Responsible gambling for parlay bettors
Responsible gambling is essential if you are betting on NFL parlays. The allure of large payouts can sometimes lead to wagering more than planned or chasing losses. By establishing safe habits, using available tools, and setting realistic limits, bettors can enjoy the fun and excitement of parlays while maintaining control over their betting behavior.
Tools for safer play
Some sportsbooks provide built-in tools for safer play. They help bettors manage their activity, such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion features. These controls can be set for daily, weekly, or monthly periods and are easily accessible through account settings.
For example, a bettor could use a loss limit tool to stop betting after losing $50 in one night.
Parlay-specific responsible strategies
For NFL parlays specifically, there are several responsible strategies that can help you better manage your play. Multi-leg wagers are risky by nature. However, you can help keep the risks manageable by limiting the number of legs and avoiding going all-in on parlays.
For one approach, a bettor could limit parlays to three legs or less, and balance out his play with single wagers. This still offers upside potential while balancing risk and exposure. You could also have set rules about limiting the number of long shots you include.
On paper, the potential for a big parlay score can look mighty appealing. Reality says that the chances of everything breaking just right are slim. NFL parlays have their spot in a well-rounded approach, just be sure to use them responsibly.
Tips for staying in control
Responsible gambling tips can help you stay in control while still enjoying NFL parlay betting. By employing practical habits like setting a strict budget, monitoring the ins and outs of your account, and tracking your bets, you’re well on your way to keeping betting fun and safe.
Tracking can also help you clearly identify times when it is time to say when. You can more easily spot potentially risky behaviors, such as wagering too much during a single NFL week. This can inspire you to adjust, such as by taking a time out to reflect and reset.
By betting responsibly and practicing good habits, you remain in control of your play. That can help keep NFL betting enjoyable and your bankroll intact, further setting the stage for focusing on the season’s entertainment and excitement.
Conclusion
NFL parlays are one of the most exciting betting options you could ask for. The fun of researching to craft the perfect combo, plus the potential for outsized returns, is a big reason they remain popular with NFL bettors.
While they remain a popular attraction at sportsbooks, parlays are also inherently risky. It’s challenging enough to make the correct call on a single wager, let alone have the stars align and nail all of your picks on an SGP or parlay.
Take the time to devise an approach and strategy that works for you by leaning on the tips on these pages, and always practice responsible gambling practices to keep things safe. By following those simple steps, NFL parlay betting can remain enjoyable.
NFL Parlay FAQs
What happens if one leg is void?
If one leg is void, many sportsbooks adjust the parlay by removing that leg and recalculating the odds using the remaining legs. For example, FanDuel notes that a treble with one void leg becomes a double.
Why are some same-game parlay combinations blocked?
Some same game parlay combinations are blocked because sportsbooks restrict closely linked outcomes they treat as “related contingencies.” For example, FanDuel states that parlay bets combining different selections within the same event are not accepted when there are related contingencies.
Can I cash out a parlay?
Yes, you can sometimes cash out a parlay, but it depends on the sportsbook, market, and wager type, and may not be available or guaranteed. For example, FanDuel explains that Cash Out is not currently available on all FanDuel Sportsbook markets and that your request to Cash Out is not guaranteed to be accepted.
Are SGPs treated differently than regular parlays?
They can be. For example, DraftKings’ house rules define a “Same Game Parlay” as a single bet combining multiple selections from the same event, and it depends on those selections and how they relate to each other.
Do I need every selection to be correct for a parlay to win?
In general, a parlay requires every selection on the ticket to be correct to win. If one selection loses, the parlay will not cash. That is why parlays can offer bigger potential payouts than single bets, but can also be harder to win consistently.
