Prop bets are wagers that can be placed on a variety of different aspects of a game. They are often influenced by player or team stats and can offer higher payouts than standard bets, such as who will win or total points scored. The key to successfully placing a prop bet is understanding the factors that can influence the outcome of a particular market. In addition, finding the best prices is essential for a serious bettor.
For example, a player’s matchup against an opponent’s defense can create a large variance in the odds for a specific prop bet. A good example of this is a running back matchup where a team has the worst defense against the run but the opposing running back is one of the most prolific rushers in the league. This type of information can help a bettor find value in the over/under on that particular player’s rushing yards.
Depending on the sport, league and even the individual sportsbook, there are numerous props to choose from. From the mundane (what will be the first scoring play of the game) to the exotic (how many times Pete Townshend will perform his patented windmill arm-swing move on his guitar), there are props available for all types of sports bettors.
NFL, NBA and MLB props are some of the most popular with the NFL offering the most extensive selection. The NBA and MLB have a plethora of head-to-head and stats combo props while the NFL offers individual player and team props.