The Rise of Player Props: How Individual Performances are Shaping NFL Betting

Here’s Jake Moszkowski’s latest analysis for Jake’s Takes, diving into the growing popularity of Player Props during the NFL season and why they’re becoming a dominant part of the betting landscape.

In recent years, player props have evolved from a niche offering to a dominant force in the sports betting landscape, especially in the U.S. As the betting market continues to expand, particularly following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, we’ve witnessed an impressive shift in focus toward individual player performance bets. With people switching their betting behavior in recent times to backing more individual players, we are not surprised to see an uptick in interest for player props.

This transition marks a significant change in how bettors engage with sports, and player props are now positioned as the future of sports betting.

The NFL Player Prop Revolution

Looking specifically at the NFL, the appeal of player props is easy to understand. Historically, most bets were placed on traditional markets like point spreads, moneylines, or over/under totals. Back in 2019, nearly 80% of NFL bets fell into these categories. However, recent data shows a dramatic shift, with bettors increasingly turning their attention to player-specific outcomes rather than traditional game results.

This shift aligns with the explosion of player props now available for every NFL game. Bettors have a vast array of options to choose from—whether it’s predicting passing yards, rushing touchdowns, or receptions—turning each game into a customized betting experience.

For example, as highlighted in our latest analysis, player props have come to dominate the top NFL markets. From touchdown scorers to receiving yards, bettors are increasingly engaged with individual stats over overall team performance. The prominence of Player Props reflects the trend we saw during the NFL season in September (and last year), where for Huddle, player props were the most combined category in Same Game Parlays (SGPs), which was over 50%.

See the full analysis here!

Why Are Bettors Focusing on Player Props?

The rise of player props can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Simplicity and Appeal: For casual bettors, traditional markets like spreads and moneylines can seem complex and intimidating. Betting on player performances, on the other hand, feels more intuitive. Predicting how many passing yards Patrick Mahomes will throw or how many touchdowns Derrick Henry will score is a straightforward and engaging way to interact with the game.
2. Enhanced Entertainment: Player props often tie bettors closer to the action on the field. Tracking individual performances creates a dynamic and interactive viewing experience, adding excitement to every snap. This is further enhanced when bettors combine player props in a Same Game Parlay (SGP), where multiple predictions can be bundled together, increasing potential payouts and the thrill of the bet.
3. Market Expansion: With sportsbooks offering hundreds of player props for every NFL game, bettors are now faced with a buffet of betting options. This variety caters to both casual and experienced bettors alike, offering a broad range of choices from straightforward bets to more advanced prop combinations.

The Data Speaks for Itself

Our recent analysis at Huddle has shown that player props now consistently rank among the top betting markets for the NFL. Player-centric bets such as receiving yards, rushing yards, and passing touchdowns are leading the pack in terms of volume and engagement. This shift not only shows a growing preference for individual performance bets but also highlights the changing dynamics of how fans interact with the sport itself.

As more sportsbooks, including Huddle, continue to offer innovative ways to engage with player props through features like Same Game Parlays, we anticipate this trend to continue growing. At Huddle, we've recognized this shift by delivering versatile player markets, driven by the growing interest in the performance of individual athletes. As the nature of sports betting moves in this direction, it's critical for sportsbooks to offer products that can create, price, and settle these markets in real-time, ensuring they stay ahead in this rapidly changing landscape.

The future of sports betting is personal, player-focused, and more engaging than ever before.

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