The underdog Jets can lose by eight points and still cover the spread. To place a bet on the favored Giants means they must win by at least 10 points to cover the spread. The positive value (+9) indicates the Jets are underdogs of 9 points. The negative value -9 indicates the Giants are favored by 9 points. Check the example below in an all-New York game. In reality, the point spread is set by betting experts, tested against real professional bettors and then refined based on what number they believe will encourage the same number of people to bet on the underdog as the favorite. Known as the line or the spread, it is sometimes (wrongly) thought of as what the oddsmaker thinks will be the margin of victory by one team. Why? Its traditionally the most fun way to bet football and its simple and easy to understand.īut how is the point spread set and what do all the numbers on a football betting odds screen mean? takes you through the basics of the football point spread. While live in-game wagering and fantasy-style prop betting have gained ground in recent years, its still the good old football point spread that dominates each weekend.
