What Does -9.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Harold Landry III (58) plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

(AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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

If a team is -9.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re favored by nine and a half points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +9.5.

To cover the spread (-9.5), the favorite must win by 10 or more points.

To cover the spread (+9.5), the underdog must lose by nine 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 -9.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Minnesota Vikings (-9.5, -110) at Tennessee Titans (+9.5, -110)

The Vikings are the road favorite (-9.5), and the Titans are the home underdog (+9.5).

If Minnesota wins by at least 10 points, they cover the spread. If Tennessee loses by nine or less, wins, or ties, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Vikings 24, Titans 14: The Vikings win by 10 points and cover the spread.

Vikings 29, Titans 20: The Vikings win by nine points and don’t cover.

Vikings 37, Titans 37 (OT): The Vikings tie and don’t cover.

Titans 42, Vikings 32: The Titans win by 10 points and cover.

Titans 21, Vikings 21 (OT): The Titans tie and cover.

Vikings 20, Titans 11: The Titans lose by nine points and cover.

Vikings 27, Titans 17: The Titans lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Payout for -9.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Minnesota Vikings (-9.5, -110) at Tennessee Titans (+9.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Vikings-Titans example, the odds for each spread (-9.5 and +9.5) 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.