Football betting spreads are one of the most popular ways to wager on the NFL (and college football). They level the playing field, making games between unevenly matched teams more interesting. This article breaks down how spreads work, covering the basics, reading odds, and strategies.
What is a Point Spread?
A point spread represents the margin of points a favored team is expected to win by. Instead of simply picking a winner, you’re betting whether the favored team will win by more than the spread, or if the underdog will lose by less than the spread (or win outright!).
Spreads are denoted like this: Team A -7.5 vs. Team B +7;5
- Team A is the favorite. They need to win by 8 or more points for a bet on them to win.
- Team B is the underdog. They can lose by 7 or fewer points, or win the game outright, for a bet on them to win.
Reading the Odds & Payouts
Alongside the spread, you’ll see odds, typically expressed as +/- numbers (e;g., -110, +100). These represent the vigorish (or juice) – the commission the sportsbook charges;
-110: You need to bet $110 to win $100 (plus get your $110 back). This is common for standard spreads.
+100: You need to bet $100 to win $100 (plus get your $100 back). Often seen on alternate spreads or more risky bets.
Example:
Let’s say the Kansas City Chiefs are -7.5 against the Denver Broncos +7.5, with odds of -110 on both sides.
- Betting on Chiefs -7.5: Kansas City must win by 8+ points. If they win 27-20 (a 7-point win), your bet loses. If they win 30-20 (a 10-point win), your bet wins, and you receive $100 for every $110 wagered.
- Betting on Broncos +7.5: Denver can lose by 7 or fewer points, or win the game. If they lose 27-20 (a 7-point loss), your bet wins. If they lose 30-20 (a 10-point loss), your bet loses.
Half-Point Spreads (.5)
You’ll often see spreads with a .5 (e.g., -7.5, +3.5). This eliminates the possibility of a “push” (tie) where no money is returned. A half-point forces a clear winner and loser.
Key Spread Betting Terms
- Cover the Spread: When a team wins (or loses) by more (or less) than the spread.
- Push: A tie where the spread exactly matches the final point difference. Bets are typically refunded.
- Hook: The .5 in a spread, designed to avoid pushes.
Basic Spread Betting Strategy
While luck plays a role, consider these factors:
- Team Form: How have the teams been playing recently?
- Injuries: Key injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance.
- Home-Field Advantage: Home teams generally perform better.
- Matchup Analysis: How do the teams’ strengths and weaknesses align?
