A Beginner’s Guide to Points Betting Football: How to Bet on the Spread

Point spread betting is a wager that focuses on the margin of victory between two teams rather than simply picking a winner. This betting method levels the playing field, particularly in matchups where one team is heavily favored. 

Instead of betting on which team will win the game outright, bettors place wagers on whether the favored team will win by more than a certain number of points (the spread) or whether the underdog will lose by fewer points or win.

In point spread betting, online sportsbooks set a margin known as the spread. Bettors then wager on whether the favored team can "cover" the spread or if the underdog can perform better than expected. 

This type of wager is especially common in NFL point spreads, which are among the most popular bet types in football. The appeal of spread betting lies in how it creates an even contest between mismatched teams, making both sides of the wager more interesting.

For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are listed at -6.5 against the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs need to win by at least seven points for a bet wins scenario. 

If you wager on the Chiefs and they only win by six points, your bet loses because they didn’t cover the spread. On the other hand, if you bet on the Rams, they can either lose by six points or fewer, or win the same game outright, for your bet wins scenario.

Unlike run lines in baseball or puck lines in hockey, where the spread is fixed (typically at 1.5 runs or goals), football spreads can vary greatly depending on the teams and matchups. 

In the NFL, spreads of three, six, and seven points are common due to how the total points in a game tend to accumulate with field goals and touchdowns. As most sportsbooks adjust spreads based on betting patterns and team conditions, it's important for bettors to keep an eye on line movement across the course of the betting week to find the best value.

Point spread betting is designed to make each same game more competitive in the eyes of bettors. 

Whether you are wagering on the favorite to win by more than the spread or the underdog to lose by less, you’re always factoring in how the total points will impact the final outcome. By carefully analyzing the spread and potential scenarios, you can increase your chances of winning in this dynamic and widely used betting format.

If you feel that betting on point spreads are leading to problematic gambling habits, remember that many resources, like crisis counseling and referral services, are available to help you maintain control over your betting behavior.

Reading point spread odds can seem confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes intuitive. The key lies in recognizing the minus (-) and plus (+) signs. The minus number indicates the favorite, while the plus number represents the underdog.

For instance, in a matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals (-3) and the New England Patriots (+3), the Bengals are favored by three points. If you bet on the Bengals, they must win by more than three points for your bet to win. Conversely, a bet on the Patriots wins if they win outright or lose by three points or fewer.

The odds might look like this:

This means for every $110 wagered, you could win $100 if your bet cashes.

Understanding Point Spreads

The point spread is designed to create a balance between two teams, even when one is much stronger than the other. By giving the underdog an advantage or handicapping the favorite, the bet becomes more engaging for sports bettors.

Key Numbers to keep in mind when dealing with point spreads in football include three and seven, as they represent common outcomes (field goals and touchdowns). If the spread is close to a key number, the betting market often becomes more volatile.

Here are some strategies to help you navigate point spread betting successfully:

• Shop for Better Value: Comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks is essential. You might find that one sportsbook offers a team's point spread at -2.5, while another offers it at -3. This small difference can be crucial in making or losing a bet.
• Analyze the Matchups: Focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams. Factors like injuries, weather, and home-field advantage can impact the spread.
• Avoid Betting with Emotion: It’s easy to back your favorite team, but successful bettors make decisions based on research and analysis, not emotion.
• Understand Half Points: Half-point spreads (e.g., -3.5 or +2.5) eliminate the possibility of a tie, or "push." These are known as "hooks" and often present a more favorable betting scenario.

Point Spread Betting Across Major Sports

While football is the most common sport for spread betting, other sports like basketball and hockey also use similar systems:

• Basketball: Known as the puck line in hockey, the spread works similarly to football, with favorites needing to cover a set margin of victory.
• Baseball: Uses a spread system called the run line, typically set at 1.5 runs. Bettors can wager whether a team will win by more than one run or lose by fewer.

Sometimes, bettors look for variations in spread bets for a chance at bigger payouts. Some alternative options include:

• Teasers: Bettors can adjust the point spread in their favor by adding points to their chosen team’s spread.
• Buying Points: You can buy or sell points to move the line, potentially getting better odds or protecting your original bet from a narrow loss.

Can You Parlay Point Spread Bets?

Yes, you can combine multiple point spread bets into a single parlay, which increases the potential payout but also the risk. Each leg of the parlay must win for you to win the overall bet.

For instance, you could place a parlay involving the Kansas City Chiefs (-3) and the Los Angeles Rams (+7). Both teams must cover their spreads for your parlay to hit. Parlaying point spreads can lead to bigger payouts, but also significantly increases the difficulty.

Making a point spread bet is relatively straightforward:

1. Choose a sportsbook: First, pick a reputable online sportsbook that offers point spread betting.
2. Select the game: Navigate to the sporting event of interest, such as an NFL matchup.
3. Place your bet: Select the team and spread you want to bet on, enter your bet amount, taking into consideration responsible bankroll management, and confirm your wager.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many new bettors fall into the following traps:

• Betting Too Much: Avoid placing large bets, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the teams or the football betting markets.
• Chasing Losses: Don’t try to make up for lost bets by doubling down. It’s a quick path to developing a gambling problem.
• Ignoring Line Movement: Betting lines can shift as more bets come in. Keep an eye on live betting opportunities for better value.