What Does -2 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

BetMGM @BETMGM Sep 30, 2024, 8:28 PM

If a team is -2 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re favored by two points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +2.

To cover the spread (-2), the favorite must win by at least three points. If they win by exactly two points, it would be a push.

To cover the spread (+2), the underdog must lose by one point, win the game, or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly two points, it’s a push.

Overtime is included in the final score that determines if the team covers the spread.

Example of -2 Spread in NFL Betting

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2, -110) at Cleveland Browns (+2, -110)

The Steelers are the road favorite (-2), and the Browns are the home underdog (+2).

If Pittsburgh wins by at least three points, they cover the spread. If they win by two points, they push. And if they tie or lose, they don’t cover.

If Cleveland loses by one, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If they lose by two points, they push. If they lose by at least three points, they don’t cover.

Here are some score examples:

Steelers 28, Browns 23: The Steelers win by five points and cover the spread.

Steelers 17, Browns 15: The Steelers win by two points and push.

Steelers 31, Browns 31 (OT): The Steelers tie and don’t cover.

Browns 34, Steelers 25: The Browns win by nine points and cover.

Browns 21, Steelers 21 (OT): The Browns tie and cover.

Steelers 21, Browns 20: The Browns lose by one point but cover.

Steelers 14, Browns 4: The Browns lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Payout for -2 Spread in NFL Betting

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2, -110) at Cleveland Browns (+2, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Steelers-Browns example, the odds for each spread (-2 and +2) are -110. The odds can vary for games; they could be +100, -105, -110, -115 or another value.

To calculate the potential payout, add a spread bet to your BetMGM Bet Slip.

With -110 odds, a winning bet with a $25 stake would return $38.18 (including stake).

At -105 odds, a winning bet with a $25 stake would return $39.05 (including stake).

If a spread bet pushes, the stake is refunded.

Parlays and sportsbook Odds Boosts are among the ways to change odds and lock in a bigger potential payout.

To build a parlay, add multiple bets to your Bet Slip and add a stake to the Parlays section.

To get an Odds Boost, check updated sportsbook promos or log in to your BetMGM account. If you don’t have an account, check your eligibility for a welcome offer or BetMGM Refer A Friend bonus.