1. Nfl Betting Explained
2. Nfl Point Spread Explained

What is a Point Spread or Side Bet?

A point spread is used in sports betting to even the odds between two unevenly matched teams. Each team is given a point total by the oddsmaker that can either be added or subtracted to the final score, thus factoring into if the bet was won or lost.

Example:

Nfl Betting Explained

The point spread for Super Bowl XLI was:

Colts –7

The 49ers have to win by 12 or more points to cover the spread. If the Cardinals win or lose by 10 or less, that side wins the bet. If the game lands on 11, like a 21-10 49ers win, it’s a push. NFL Betting – The Point Spread. This is the most popular bet on any NFL game and is also known as line betting or sides. Each game will have a favorite and an underdog, and the sportsbook will decide by how many points the favored team should win.

• NFL Spread Betting Oddsmakers set the point spread by making one team the favorite by a certain number of points. That team has to win by more than those points (the spread) in order to cover and pay out. Otherwise, the underdog covers – unless the winning margin is exactly the same as the spread.
• A winning wager on a 3-point spread at -110 would pay $100 for every $110 wagered. Buying a half point would mean that the bettor will have to wager $120 to win that same $100. It’s not much on a single wager but it adds up over time. Key numbers in the future. NFL rules change every season.

Bears +7

The (-) before the 7 indicates that the Colts were the point spread favorites. The (+) indicates that the Bears were the point spread underdogs.

Nfl Point Spread Explained

If one were to bet on the Colts, the Colts would have to win by a total of 8 points for the bettor to win. If one were to bet on the Bears, the Bears would have to win outright or lose by no less than 6 points for the bettor to win. A 7 point victory by the Colts would equal a push or tie.