What Does -8.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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(AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 16, 2024, 3:28 PM

If a team is -8.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re favored by eight and a half points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +8.5.

To cover the spread (-8.5), the favorite must win by nine or more points.

To cover the spread (+8.5), the underdog must lose by eight 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 -8.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Houston Texans (-8.5, -110) at Cleveland Browns (+8.5, -110)

The Texans are the road favorite (-8.5), and the Browns are the home underdog (+8.5).

If Houston wins by at least nine points, they cover the spread. If Cleveland loses by eight or less, wins, or ties, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Texans 30, Browns 21: The Texans win by nine points and cover the spread.

Texans 25, Browns 17: The Texans win by eight points and don’t cover.

Texans 35, Browns 35 (OT): The Texans tie and don’t cover.

Browns 42, Texans 33: The Browns win by nine points and cover.

Browns 24, Texans 24 (OT): The Browns tie and cover.

Texans 26, Browns 18: The Browns lose by eight points and cover.

Texans 49, Browns 40: The Browns lose by nine points and don’t cover.

Payout for -8.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Houston Texans (-8.5, -110) at Cleveland Browns (+8.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Texans-Browns example, the odds for each spread (-8.5 and +8.5) 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.