Sportsbooks' equalizer for unequal teams
Point Spread Betting Explained
A point spread is a margin of victory the favorite must beat for spread bettors to win. Spreads exist because lopsided matchups would attract one-sided action on the moneyline. By giving the favorite a handicap, sportsbooks balance the action and turn nearly every game into a 50/50 betting proposition (priced around -110 on each side).
How to Read a Point Spread
A negative number is the favorite — they must win by more than that number. A positive number is the underdog — they can lose by up to that number (or win outright) and still cover.
Ravens -3.5 vs Bengals +3.5
- Ravens cover if they win by 4 or more points
- Bengals cover if they lose by 3 or fewer, or win outright
- No "push" possible thanks to the half-point (.5) hook
Why -110 Pricing Matters
Most spread bets are priced -110 on each side. That means you risk $110 to win $100 — the $10 is the sportsbook's margin (the 'vig' or 'juice'). To break even over time, you must win 52.4% of -110 wagers.
Key Numbers in NFL Spreads
NFL games disproportionately end on certain margins (3, 7, 10, 14). Buying or selling these 'key numbers' through a half-point hook can meaningfully shift expected value.
- 3 — most common NFL margin (around 15% of games)
- 7 — second most common (around 10%)
- Crossing 3 or 7 (e.g., -2.5 to -3.5) materially changes the bet
Related Guides
Put It Into Practice
Open an account at one of the licensed Maryland sportsbooks and try a small wager — the best way to internalize the math is to use it.
Point Spreads FAQs
What does cover the spread mean?
A favorite covers the spread by winning by more than the spread number. An underdog covers by losing by less than the spread number, or by winning outright.
What's a push on a spread?
If the spread is a whole number (e.g., -3) and the favorite wins by exactly that margin, the bet is a push and your stake is refunded. Half-point spreads (-3.5) eliminate pushes.
Why is the spread always -110?
The -110 price is the sportsbook's built-in margin. To break even, you must win 52.4% of -110 wagers. Sharp bettors target spreads where their expected win rate exceeds 52.4%.
Can spreads change after they post?
Yes. Spreads move as money comes in and as news breaks (injuries, weather). Locking in a number you like before it moves is called "buying the line."