When it comes to online sports betting, a reverse bet is a type of bet that you can make with most sports books, but one of the least popular options. In fact, in most circumstances reverse bets won’t even show up on the radar, and some don’t even know what they are. A large part of the reason for this is because the bets can be confusing for those that have never heard about them or understand them. However, for those that have taken the time to figure them out, they can be a useful tool to becoming successful and making a profit whether in the NFL or any other sport.

A reverse bet is essentially just two “if” bets, a bet on two teams or more but with a different catch than a parlay when you take the odds listed by the pay head bookies. While in a parlay every team selected has to come through and be considered a winner in order for the ticket to have any validity as a winner, the reverse bet is different in that even having one winner on the list could lead to making some money. If you bet a three-game reverse bet and the first game wins, then the bet you planned to make on the second is active, and so on. This way, if you lose all of your bets you lose, and it is over. However, if you win your first bet, then you take the money from that winning and proceed to you second bet. If the second bet loses, then you still win the money from the first bet. If the second bet wins then you carry on under the same format going forward.

After registering wins in each of their first five games, it appeared as though the Detroit Lions were destined to push the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers at the top of the NFC North. But with just two wins in seven games since, the Lions are barely holding on to an NFC Wild Card spot, and will need to find a way to end their skid against the lowly Minnesota Vikings this weekend before they end up on the outside looking in as eight-point favorites according to the pay head bookies.

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions – 8

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

If Detroit is going to have any chance at covering such a big number, it will start up front on their defense as they attempt to stop the Vikings’ rushing attack. Even though Minnesota will likely be without Adrian Peterson, the Lions will be missing a key piece of their own with Ndamakong Suh suspended, and they will still have to deal with Toby Gerhart, Detroit is giving up an average of 4.8 yards per carry on the ground, and that number needs to be sliced in half if they are going to control the tempo and eventual outcome of this NFL game. The Lions will also need quarterback Matt Stafford to perform at the highest level, and avoid the costly turnovers that have cost his team at points this season. Detroit needs to win this game, and likely will, but they will have a tough time covering the sports betting spread.

NFL Betting Pick: Minnesota Vikings + 8

Considered one of the deepest division’s in the opening weeks of the NFL regular season, the NFC South is down to a two-horse race with the Atlanta Falcons looking to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints this weekend. Unlike last year when the Falcons cruised to a 14-win season and the best record in the NFL, this season has seen its share of highs and lows, and the resilience that the team has built along the way could help them through when it counts the most as they look to put together a string of consecutive wins as they host the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings @ Atlanta Falcons (-9.5)

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

The Falcons have once again relied on one of the league’s most balanced offenses, as they rank in the top-11 in terms of both rushing and passing yards. One of the biggest differences however has been the team’s renewed sports betting commitment to the running game, as it has led to them winning four of their last five. There is no denying that Atlanta is more effective with running back Michael Turner as the focal point of their offense, which takes the pressure off of young Matt Ryan and open things up for the passing game. Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder won’t have that same luxury with running back Adrian Peterson out of the pay head lineup, and that will make things even tougher on an injury-riddled Vikings’ team.

NFL Betting Pick: Atlanta Falcons – 9.5

For the second time this season, the Baltimore Ravens are coming off of a big win over the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers that has moved them in to first in the AFC North. Also for the second time this NFL season, the Ravens will be a significant favorite the following week, hoping to avoid an emotional letdown and upset against a team that they should have no problem getting past in the Seattle Seahawks.

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) @ Seattle Seahawks

Sunday, 4:15 PM ET

It was week two when the Ravens couldn’t keep up with the Tennessee Titans on the road, falling 26-13 just one week after blowing away the Steelers. This time around it will be the Seahawks that Baltimore tries their hand against, and while there are some sports betting circumstances working against them such as the fact that they are coming off of an emotional win and now have to travel to the west coast, they should still have enough left in the tank to handle their business. Even with last Sunday’s win, Baltimore is still in a dogfight for the division with both Pittsburgh and the surprising Cincinnati Bengals, who they will host the following week. Seattle has managed just two wins this season and their struggles haven’t been limited to their offense with three straight losses on the heels of their pay head bye week.

NFL Betting Pick: Baltimore Ravens – 6.5