What Does -9 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) runs with the ball against Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 01, 2024, 5:23 PM

If a team is -9 in BetMGM’s NFL spreads at BetMGM, they’re favored by nine points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +9.

To cover the spread (-9), the favorite must win by at least 10 points. If they win by exactly nine points, it would be a push.

To cover the spread (+9), the underdog must lose by eight or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly nine points, it’s a push.

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

Example of -9 Spread in NFL Betting

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9, -110) at New York Giants (+9, -110)

The Buccaneers are the road favorite (-9), and the Giants are the home underdog (+9).

If Tampa Bay wins by at least 10 points, they cover the spread. If they win by nine points, they push. And if they tie or lose, they don’t cover.

If New York loses by eight or less points, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If they lose by nine points, they push. If they lose by 10 points or more, they don’t cover.

Here are some score examples:

Buccaneers 22, Giants 12: The Buccaneers win by 10 points and cover the spread.

Buccaneers 32, Giants 23: The Buccaneers win by nine points and push.

Buccaneers 15, Giants 15 (OT): The Buccaneers tie and don’t cover.

Giants 25, Buccaneers 14: The Giants win by 11 points and cover.

Giants 17, Buccaneers 17 (OT): The Giants tie and cover.

Buccaneers 15, Giants 6: The Giants lose by nine points and push.

Buccaneers 20, Giants 10: The Giants lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Payout for -9 Spread in NFL Betting

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9, -110) at New York Giants (+9, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Buccaneers-Giants example, the odds for each spread (-9 and +9) 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.

Parlay bets and sports betting 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 betting 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.