What Does +4 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, left, tosses a ball to quarterback Justin Herbert before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday in Pittsburgh, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

(AP Photo/Matt Freed)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 04, 2024, 2:10 PM

If a team is +4 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re considered the underdog. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -4.

To cover the spread (+4), the underdog must lose by three or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly four points, it’s a push.

To cover the spread (-4), the favorite must win by at least five points. If they win by exactly four points, it would be a push.

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

Example of +4 Spread in NFL Betting

Denver Broncos (+4, -110) at Los Angeles Chargers (-4, -110)

The Broncos are the road underdog (+4), and the Chargers are the home favorite (-4).

If Denver loses by three or less points, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If they lose by four points, they push. If they lose by at least five points, they don’t cover.

If Los Angeles wins by at least five points, they cover the spread. If they win by four points, they push. And if they tie or lose, they don’t cover.

Here are some score examples:

Broncos 28, Chargers 20: The Broncos win by eight points and cover the spread.

Broncos 17, Chargers 17 (OT): The Broncos tie and cover.

Chargers 31, Broncos 27: The Broncos lose by four points and push.

Chargers 40, Broncos 33: The Broncos lose by seven points and don’t cover.

Chargers 30, Broncos 25: The Chargers win by five points and cover.

Chargers 14, Broncos 10: The Chargers win by four points and push.

Chargers 34, Broncos 34 (OT): The Chargers tie and don’t cover.

Payout for +4 Spread in NFL Betting

Denver Broncos (+4, -110) at Los Angeles Chargers (-4, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Broncos-Chargers example, the odds for each spread (-4 and +4) 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.