What Does +5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with quarterback Tim Boyle (14) as he comes into the game as wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) looks on during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Seattle. The Seahawks won 24-3. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 05, 2024, 8:55 AM

If a team is +5 in BetMGM’s NFL spreads, they’re considered the underdog. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -5.

To cover the spread (+5), the underdog must lose by four or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly five points, it would be a push.

To cover the spread (-5), the favorite must win by at least six points. If they win by exactly five points, it would be a push.

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

Example of +5 Spread in NFL Betting

Miami Dolphins (+5, -110) at Buffalo Bills (-5, -110)

The Dolphins are the road underdog (+5), and the Bills are the home favorite (-5).

If Miami loses by four or less points, they cover the spread. If they lose by five points, they push. If they lose by at least six points, they don’t cover.

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

Here are some score examples:

Dolphins 23, Bills 16: The Dolphins win by seven points and cover the spread.

Dolphins 33, Bills 33 (OT): The Dolphins tie and cover.

Bills 30, Dolphins 25: The Dolphins lose by five points and push.

Bills 24, Dolphins 14: The Dolphins lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Bills 30, Dolphins 24: The Bills win by six points and cover.

Bills 17, Dolphins 12: The Bills win by five points and push.

Bills 35, Dolphins 35 (OT): The Bills tie and don’t cover.

Payout for +5 Spread in NFL Betting

Miami Dolphins (+5, -110) at Buffalo Bills (-5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Dolphins-Bills example, the odds for each spread (+5 and -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.