This guide will walk you through our NFL sharp betting data: what it is, why it matters and how to use it to make informed, strategic bets.
What NFL Sharp Data Is
Sharp data tells you which side of a bet the pros are betting on. Let's look at an example:
On our web dashboards, we refer to sharp bets as the "Pro Edge". The higher this number is, the more sharp bettors are favoring the bet over the public. The lower this number is, the more sharp bettors are aligned with the public.
Pro Edge = Total Money % - Total Ticket %
In the example above, 67% of total money was wagered on the Chiefs while 53% of the total bet slips backed Kansas City. That resulted in a 14% Pro Edge. Since professional bettors tend to wager higher amounts of money than casual bettors, sharp data is a valuable tool to use. In this case, expert bettors leaned more towards the Chiefs than public bettors did.
Why Accessing Sharp Data Matters
There are several ways you can improve your betting ROI using sharp data. Let’s look at how you can use it alongside public data.
NFL Sharp Data + NFL Public Data
Sharp bettors are considered pros due to the fact that they typically wager the most money and are usually responsible for moving lines. Sharps usually get heavy action on their targeted bets soon after odds are released. Having access to those targets is extremely powerful.
The higher the Pro Edge, the more sharp bettors are favoring a particular bet over the public. The lower the Pro Edge, the more sharp bettors are aligned with the public. For example:
You’re planning to bet on the Giants (-9) against the 49ers. New York is a decent public bet (63% of tickets are wagered on them), but a whopping 95% of the money is wagered on the Giants, showing a 32% Pro Edge - a huge sharp bet. Therefore, you feel more confident in locking in the bet on New York.
NFL Sharp Data vs. NFL Public Data
In that same scenario, if 63% of tickets were wagered on the Giants (-9), but 72% of the money was wagered on the 49ers (a 35% Pro Edge in their favor: 72% of the money - 37% of tickets), it might make you hesitant to bet on New York and might even sway you to back San Fran.
Betting with the sharps doesn’t work every single time, but if you want to consistently make informed bets by utilizing sharp data, your bankroll will most likely grow over time. Remember, sportsbooks are profitable for a reason and understand that the public leans towards favorites, leans towards overs and reacts to breaking news in today’s social media age. If it was as simple as betting with the public, we’d see a lot of millionaires cashing all over the sports betting world.
Where Our Sharp Data Comes From
BetQL has proprietary relationships with sportsbook operators that provide this data in exchange for promotional value on the website.
Developing A Personal NFL Betting Strategy
Identifying an edge is one of the most difficult aspects of sports betting. Luckily, BetQL subscribers have a full arsenal of tools to utilize on our web interface. BetQL is every bettor’s one-stop shop for live odds, a proven best bets algorithm and public data in addition to sharp picks. Which tools you use and how you do so is completely up to you.