Player Props Explained: Complete Beginner Guide (2025)

Player props are one of the most popular types of sports bets in the US, but many beginners do not fully understand what they are or how they differ from traditional markets like spreads and moneylines. This guide explains player props from the ground up, covering what they are, how they work, common types by sport, and how to approach them responsibly.

By the end, you should have a clear understanding of player props and be ready to explore more advanced topics like strategy, bankroll management, and tools. Sports betting is for adults 21+ only in legal US states. Always bet responsibly.

What Are Player Props?

A player prop, short for player proposition bet, is a wager on a specific statistic or outcome tied to an individual player rather than the final result of the game. You are betting on what a player will do, not on which team wins.

Definition in Plain English

Instead of betting on the final score or which team covers the spread, you are betting on things like:

• How many yards a quarterback throws
• How many points a basketball player scores
• How many strikeouts a pitcher records

Your bet can win even if your team loses the game, and it can lose even if your team wins. That independence is what makes player props unique.

How Player Props Differ From Spreads and Moneylines

Point spreads and moneylines:

• Bet on the final outcome of the game
• Tied to which team wins or the margin of victory
• Generally lower vig and more liquid markets

Player props:

• Bet on individual player performance
• Independent of game outcome
• Often higher vig and more volatile

For more on how spreads work, see our Point Spread Betting Guide.

Common Types of Player Props by Sport

NFL Player Props

NFL player props are the most popular type of prop bet in the US. Common markets include:

• Passing: Yards, touchdowns, interceptions, completions
• Rushing: Yards, touchdowns, attempts
• Receiving: Yards, receptions, touchdowns
• Anytime touchdown scorer: Any player to score a touchdown during the game
• First touchdown scorer: Player to score the first touchdown of the game

NBA Player Props

NBA player props focus on individual stats and combination markets:

• Points: Over/under total points scored
• Rebounds: Over/under total rebounds
• Assists: Over/under total assists
• PRA: Points + rebounds + assists combined
• Threes made: Over/under three-pointers made
• Double-double: Player to record 10+ in two stat categories

MLB Player Props

MLB player props focus on hitting and pitching stats:

• Pitching: Strikeouts, earned runs, wins
• Hitting: Hits, home runs, RBIs, total bases
• NRFI/YRFI: No run or yes run in the first inning

Other Sports

Player props are also available in NHL, soccer, golf, tennis, and other sports. The types of props vary by sport and scoring dynamics.

How Player Props Are Priced

Sportsbooks price player props by:

1. Projecting player performance based on historical data, usage, matchup, and other factors
2. Converting the projection to a line (e.g., 275.5 passing yards)
3. Adding vig to both sides to ensure profitability

The odds you see reflect the sportsbook's estimate of probability plus their built-in edge.

Why Player Props Are Popular

Player props have exploded in popularity for several reasons:

• Engagement: More markets per game, more sweat on every play
• DFS crossover: Daily fantasy sports players already focus on player stats
• Same game parlays: Ability to combine multiple props into one ticket
• Player focus: Many bettors prefer rooting for individual players

Are Player Props Profitable?

Player props can be profitable for disciplined bettors with good research processes, but most bettors lose money on props due to high vig, variance, and emotional betting.

Success requires:

• Better projections than the market
• Line shopping for the best odds
• Bankroll management with 0.5-1 percent stakes
• Tracking results over large sample sizes

For detailed strategy, see our Player Prop Betting Strategy Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a player prop?

A player prop is a bet on a specific statistic or outcome tied to an individual player, such as passing yards, points scored, or strikeouts.

How do player props work?

You bet over or under a specific line set by the sportsbook. If the player exceeds the line (over) or stays under it (under), your bet wins.

Are player props legal?

Player props are legal in states where online sports betting is licensed and regulated. However, some states ban college player props.

Can I bet on player props for any sport?

Most major US sports offer player props, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Availability varies by sportsbook and state.

Why are player props more volatile than spreads?

Player props depend on individual performance, which is less predictable than team performance. A single injury, substitution, or game script change can dramatically affect outcomes.

Should beginners bet player props?

Beginners can bet player props, but should start small (0.5-1 percent of bankroll per bet), track results, and focus on learning before scaling up.