What is Quarterbacks? Quarterbacks Explained in 2 minutes
Jesse M. Cox Last Verified
26/06/2026
What is a quarterback?
Quarterbacks are often deemed the star player of an American and Canadian football team and they line-up directly behind offensive line.
The quarterback is the player who dictates the pattern of play and are at the centre of the action in each offensive play as they are almost always the first to receive the ball after the snap.
They will then look for a pass or hand off to a running back or, on more rare occasions, run with the ball themselves.
Of course, the defending team is trying to prevent the quarterback from making any of these plays and if the quarterback gets caught by defensive team in possession of the ball, this is known as a sack and something that all quarterbacks want to avoid.
How are quarterbacks used in sports betting?
Quarterbacks are the lynchpin of any NFL team and much like a striker in football, a goalkeeper in hockey and a setter in volleyball are often the difference between an average team and a good one.
That plays a big role in the betting markets as a high-quality quarterback means a team is more likely to win, as they deliver the pass that leads to a touchdown.
For example, the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is widely viewed as being the best of his generation and because of that, it is no surprise to learn that the Patriots have won five Super Bowls with Brady as quarterback.
The side with the stronger quarterback will often be the bookmaker’s favourite for the game which highlights the importance this position plays.
Did you know…
In the NFL, the quarterback position is the only one that receives win and loss statistics.
In the history of the game, Tom Brady boasts the most career wins with over 220 whilst the second-place quarterback, the now retired Peyton Manning, recorded exactly 200 career wins.
