What Does +5.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

BetMGM Oct 18, 2024, 2:58 PM

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) reacts after converting a first down next to New York Jets defensive tackle Leki Fotu, right, and cornerback Brandin Echols, bottom, during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

If a team is +5.5 in BetMGM’s NFL spreads, they’re considered the underdog by five and a half points. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -5.5.

To cover the spread (+5.5), the underdog must lose by five or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime).

To cover the spread (-5.5), the favorite must win by six or more points.

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

Example of +5.5 Spread in NFL Betting

New York Jets (+5.5, -110) at Buffalo Bills (-5.5, -110)

The Jets are the road underdog (+5.5), and the Bills are the home favorite (-5.5).

If New York loses by five points or less, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If Buffalo wins by at least six points, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Jets 26, Bills 20: The Jets win by six points and cover the spread.

Jets 15, Bills 15 (OT): The Jets tie and cover.

Bills 35, Jets 30: The Jets lose by five points and cover.

Bills 27, Jets 21: The Jets lose by six points and don’t cover.

Bills 28, Jets 28 (OT): The Bills tie and don’t cover.

Bills 20, Jets 14: The Bills win by six points and cover.

Bills 42, Jets 37: The Bills win by five points and don’t cover.

Payout for +5.5 Spread in NFL Betting

New York Jets (+5.5, -110) at Buffalo Bills (-5.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Jets-Bills example, the odds for each spread (+5.5 and -5.5) 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.

Parlay bets 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.