What Does +3.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gestures during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 16, 2024, 3:30 PM

If a team is +3.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re considered the underdog by three and a half points. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -3.5.

To cover the spread (+3.5), the underdog must lose by three or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime).

To cover the spread (-3.5), the favorite must win by four or more points.

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

Example of +3.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5, -110) at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5, -110)

The Steelers are the road underdog (+3.5), and the Ravens are the home favorite (-3.5).

If Pittsburgh loses by three points or less, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If Baltimore wins by at least four points, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Steelers 35, Ravens 30: The Steelers win by five points and cover the spread.

Steelers 21, Ravens 21 (OT): The Steelers tie and cover.

Ravens 20, Steelers 17: The Steelers lose by three points and cover.

Ravens 27, Steelers 23: The Steelers lose by four points and don’t cover.

Ravens 30, Steelers 30 (OT): The Ravens tie and don’t cover.

Ravens 24, Steelers 20: The Ravens win by four points and cover.

Ravens 34, Steelers 31: The Ravens win by three points and don’t cover.

Payout for +3.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5, -110) at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Steelers-Ravens example, the odds for each spread (+3.5 and -3.5) 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.