What Does +1 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

min read

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to throw the ball in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 in Houston. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 24-20. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

(AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 04, 2024, 2:11 PM

If a team is +1 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re considered the underdog. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -1.

To cover the spread (+1), the underdog must win the game or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly one point, it’s a push.

To cover the spread (-1), the favorite must win by at least two points. If they win by exactly one point, it would be a push.

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

Example of +1 Spread in NFL Betting

Pittsburgh Steelers (+1, -110) at Houston Texans (-1, -110)

The Steelers are the road underdog (+1), and the Texans are the home favorite (-1).

If Pittsburgh wins or ties, they cover the spread. If they lose by one point, they push. If they lose by at least two points, they don’t cover.

If Houston wins by at least two points, they cover the spread. If they win by one point, they push. And if they tie or lose, they don’t cover.

Here are some score examples:

Steelers 20, Texans 16: The Steelers win by four points and cover the spread.

Steelers 32, Texans 32 (OT): The Steelers tie and cover.

Texans 15, Steelers 14: The Steelers lose by one point and push.

Texans 27, Steelers 17: The Steelers lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Texans 41, Steelers 37: The Texans win by four points and cover.

Texans 35, Steelers 34: The Texans win by one point and push.

Texans 20, Steelers 20 (OT): The Lions tie and don’t cover.

Payout for +1 Spread in NFL Betting

Pittsburgh Steelers (+1, -110) at Houston Texans (-1, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Steelers-Texans example, the odds for each spread (+1 and -1) 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.