What Does -1.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

BetMGM Oct 15, 2024, 5:29 PM

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) runs on to the field with the offense during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

(AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

If a team is -1.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re favored by one and a half points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +1.5.

To cover the spread (-1.5), the favorite must win by two or more points.

To cover the spread (+1.5), the underdog must lose by one point, win the game, or tie (after overtime).

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

Example of -1.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5, -110) at Dallas Cowboys (+1.5, -110)

The Eagles are the road favorite (-1.5), and the Cowboys are the home underdog (+1.5).

If Philadelphia wins by at least two points, they cover the spread. If Dallas loses by one, wins, or ties, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Eagles 34, Cowboys 30: The Eagles win by four points and cover the spread.

Eagles 21, Cowboys 20: The Eagles win by one point and don’t cover.

Eagles 24, Cowboys 24 (OT): The Eagles tie and don’t cover.

Cowboys 34, Eagles 30: The Cowboys win by four points and cover.

Cowboys 42, Eagles 42 (OT): The Cowboys tie and cover.

Eagles 17, Cowboys 16: The Cowboys lose by one point and cover.

Eagles 28, Cowboys 18: The Cowboys lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Payout for -1.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5, -110) at Dallas Cowboys (+1.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Eagles-Cowboys example, the odds for each spread (-1.5 and +1.5) 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.