What Does -4 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates after catching a pass for a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 01, 2024, 5:19 PM

If a team is -4 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re favored by four points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +4.

To cover the spread (-4), the favorite must win by at least five points. If they win by exactly four points, it would be a push.

To cover the spread (+4), the underdog must lose the game by three or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly four points, it’s a push.

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

Example of -4 Spread in NFL Betting

Minnesota Vikings (-4, -110) at Dallas Cowboys (+4, -110)

The Vikings are the road favorite (-4), and the Cowboys are the home underdog (+4).

If Minnesota wins by at least five points, they cover the spread. If they win by four points, they push. And if they tie or lose, they don’t cover.

If Dallas loses by three or less points, wins or ties, they cover the spread. If they lose by four points, they push. If they lose by five points or more, they don’t cover.

Here are some score examples:

Vikings 25, Cowboys 20: The Vikings win by five points and cover the spread.

Vikings 31, Cowboys 27: The Vikings win by four points and push.

Vikings 17, Cowboys 17 (OT): The Vikings tie and don’t cover.

Cowboys 21, Vikings 14: The Cowboys win by seven points and cover.

Cowboys 14, Vikings 14 (OT): The Cowboys tie and cover.

Vikings 37, Cowboys 33: The Cowboys lose by four points and push.

Vikings 41, Cowboys 31: The Cowboys lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Payout for -4 Spread in NFL Betting

Minnesota Vikings (-4, -110) at Dallas Cowboys (+4, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Vikings-Cowboys example, the odds for each spread (-4 and +4) 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.