NFL Bet Line
The NFL point spread is a scoring handicap set by oddsmakers that levels the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. One side gives points; the other receives them. Both sides are typically priced at -110, meaning you risk $110 to win $100 in profit — that extra $10 is the house's cut.
What exactly is a point spread?
Say the Chiefs open as 7-point favorites over the Raiders. You'll see it written as Kansas City -7 / Las Vegas +7. Bet the Chiefs -7 and they must win by 8 or more for you to collect. Bet the Raiders +7 and Las Vegas can lose by 6, tie, or win outright and you still cash the ticket. The spread exists so oddsmakers attract roughly equal money on both sides — not to predict the final score.
How do you read the -110 price?
Almost every spread in the NFL prices each side at -110. That number tells you the cost to play: wager $110, win $100. Not $110. A $100 stake returns only about $90.91 in profit at -110 odds. To understand why that gap exists and how much it costs over a full season, read what vig is in NFL betting and how much the sportsbook takes. Short answer: roughly 4.8% theoretical hold when both sides sit at -110.
What does "covering the spread" mean?
To cover means your team satisfied the spread condition. The favorite covers by winning by more than the spread. The underdog covers by winning outright or losing by fewer points than the number. If the Chiefs are -7 and win 28–24, they won the game by 4 — they did not cover -7. Raiders backers collect.
What is a push — and what happens to your money?
A push occurs when the final margin lands exactly on the spread. Chiefs -7, final score Chiefs 21 Raiders 14 — seven points exactly. Every spread ticket on that game is refunded. No winners, no losers. That's why sportsbooks often use a half-point hook (e.g., -7.5) to eliminate a push entirely. The NFL betting terms glossary covers push rules alongside every other key term.
When does the spread beat the moneyline — or vice versa?
Heavy favorites on the moneyline can be brutal value. A -300 moneyline means you risk $300 to win $100; one upset erases three winning tickets. Betting that same team -7 on the spread at -110 requires them to win convincingly, but the risk-to-reward ratio is far better. For a full breakdown of that tradeoff, see what a moneyline is in NFL betting and when it beats the spread. There's no universal right answer — it depends on the number and how confident you are in the margin.
How does -3.5 differ from -3?
That half-point is called the hook. A spread of -3.5 means the favorite must win by 4 or more — a 3-point victory does not cover. A spread of -3 means a 3-point win is a push and bets are returned. The hook eliminates that middle ground. Bettors sometimes pay extra vig to move a line by half a point (called "buying the hook"), which only makes mathematical sense in specific situations. Learn more about how those numbers shift before kickoff on the NFL betting line movement guide.
What is a pick 'em (PK)?
When oddsmakers see two evenly matched teams, the spread is zero. You'll see PK or Pick listed instead of a number. Neither team is favored. Both sides are priced at -110. The only question is which team wins the game — margin is irrelevant. For a complete look at every line type you'll see on the board each week, the NFL Bet Line home page covers spread, moneyline, totals, and more in one place.
Placing your first spread bet
Once you understand the spread, the next step is setting up an account at a licensed sportsbook operating in your state. Operators such as BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings all offer NFL spread markets. Walk through the full account-opening process at the guide to opening an NFL sportsbook account and placing your first bet. Must be 21+ (18+ in some states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.