What Does -6.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)

(AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 15, 2024, 5:27 PM

If a team is -6.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re favored by six and a half points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +6.5.

To cover the spread (-6.5), the favorite must win by seven or more points.

To cover the spread (+6.5), the underdog must lose by six 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 -6.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Washington Commanders (-6.5, -110) at New York Giants (+6.5, -110)

The Commanders are the road favorite (-6.5), and the Giants are the home underdog (+6.5).

If Washington wins by at least seven points, they cover the spread. If New York loses by six or less, wins, or ties, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Commanders 21, Giants 14: The Commanders win by seven points and cover the spread.

Commanders 27, Giants 21: The Commanders win by six points and don’t cover.

Commanders 35, Giants 35 (OT): The Commanders tie and don’t cover.

Giants 37, Commanders 30: The Giants win by seven points and cover.

Giants 24, Commanders 24 (OT): The Giants tie and cover.

Commanders 33, Giants 27: The Giants lose by six points and cover.

Commanders 42, Giants 35: The Giants lose by seven points and don’t cover.

Payout for -6.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Washington Commanders (-6.5, -110) at New York Giants (+6.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Commanders-Giants example, the odds for each spread (-6.5 and +6.5) 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.