The spread evens out a lopsided game. Instead of picking who wins, you pick whether the favorite wins by enough.
How it works
- Chiefs -6.5: the Chiefs must win by 7 or more.
- Raiders +6.5: the Raiders can lose by 6 or less (or win) and you still cash.
Both sides usually sit around -110, so you bet $110 to win $100.
Why the half point matters
-6.5 means no ties (no "push"). With -7, if the Chiefs win by exactly 7, your bet is refunded. Half points look small, but in football a lot of games land on 3 and 7. Getting -2.5 instead of -3.5 can be the difference between a win and a loss.
How to find a good spread
- Compare books. One might have -6.5, another -7. Always grab the better number.
- Know the key numbers in football: 3 and 7 matter most.
- Think about how the teams actually win. Some teams blow people out, others win close.
- Don't chase line moves. If the line already jumped, the value might be gone.
Spread or moneyline?
- Big favorite you trust: the spread usually pays better than a tiny moneyline.
- Underdog you think can win outright: the moneyline pays more.
Key takeaways
- The favorite must win by more than the spread; the underdog must lose by less
- Half points decide a lot of bets
- Shop for the best number before betting
The bottom line
Spreads make every game a 50/50 on paper. Your job is to find the ones that aren't.