What Does -7.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Carolina Panthers fans hold flags commemorating the 30th anniversary of the franchise prior to an NFL Football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sep. 15, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. The Chargers defeated the Panthers 26-3. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)

(AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 15, 2024, 4:38 PM

If a team is -7.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re favored by seven and a half points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +7.5.

To cover the spread (-7.5), the favorite must win by eight or more points.

To cover the spread (+7.5), the underdog must lose by seven 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 -7.5 Spread in NFL Betting

San Francisco 49ers (-7.5, -110) at Carolina Panthers (+7.5, -110)

The 49ers are the road favorite (-7.5), and the Panthers are the home underdog (+7.5).

If San Francisco wins by at least eight points, they cover the spread. If Carolina loses by seven or less, wins, or ties, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

49ers 28, Panthers 20: The 49ers win by eight points and cover the spread.

49ers 24, Panthers 17: The 49ers win by seven points and don’t cover.

49ers 39, Panthers 39 (OT): The 49ers tie and don’t cover.

Panthers 42, 49ers 34: The Panthers win by eight points and cover.

Panthers 31, 49ers 31 (OT): The Panthers tie and cover.

49ers 34, Panthers 27: The Panthers lose by seven points and cover.

49ers 48, Panthers 40: The Panthers lose by eight points and don’t cover.

Payout for -7.5 Spread in NFL Betting

San Francisco 49ers (-7.5, -110) at Carolina Panthers (+7.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this 49ers-Panthers example, the odds for each spread (-7.5 and +7.5) 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 the best 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.