How spreads work
A spread of -7 means the favorite must win by 8+ points to "cover the spread." If the spread is -7 and the team wins by exactly 7, the bet "pushes" — your stake is refunded. Half-point spreads (e.g., -7.5) eliminate pushes.
Why spreads matter
Spreads are the dominant US market for football and basketball. They neutralize lopsided matchups and create a ~50/50 betting proposition with a built-in -110 vig.
Key numbers in NFL
Football margins of victory cluster around 3 (field goal) and 7 (touchdown). Crossing these key numbers with a half-point movement can shift a bet from "very likely to push" to "much more likely to win or lose outright." See our NFL key numbers guide for detail.
Spread strategy
Line shop aggressively — half-point movements on spreads are worth 7-9 cents in vig terms. Read our line-shopping guide.
FAQ
What is a Point Spread?
A point spread hands the favorite a "negative" handicap. The favorite must win by more than the spread; the underdog can lose by less than the spread (or win outright) to cover.
Where can I place this bet?
Most major US sportsbooks offer this bet type. Our top picks: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM.