What Does -3.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) reacts during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 15, 2024, 4:40 PM

If a team is -3.5 in NFL betting odds at BetMGM, they’re favored by three and a half points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +3.5.

To cover the spread (-3.5), the favorite must win by four or more points.

To cover the spread (+3.5), the underdog must lose by three or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime).

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

Example of -3.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Buffalo Bills (-3.5, -110) at New York Jets (+3.5, -110)

The Bills are the road favorite (-3.5), and the Jets are the home underdog (+3.5).

If Buffalo wins by at least four points, they cover the spread. If New York loses by three or less, wins, or ties, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Bills 27, Jets 23: The Bills win by four points and cover the spread.

Bills 20, Jets 17: The Bills win by three points and don’t cover.

Bills 28, Jets 28 (OT): The Bills tie and don’t cover.

Jets 37, Bills 33: The Jets win by four points and cover.

Jets 32, Bills 32 (OT): The Jets tie and cover.

Bills 45, Jets 42: The Jets lose by three points and cover.

Bills 23, Jets 13: The Jets lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Payout for -3.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Buffalo Bills (-3.5, -110) at New York Jets (+3.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Bills-Jets example, the odds for each spread (-3.5 and +3.5) 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.