What Does +7 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) reacts after a turnover during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

(AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 15, 2024, 5:18 PM

If a team is +7 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re considered the underdog. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -7.

To cover the spread (+7), the underdog must lose by six or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly seven points, it’s a push.

To cover the spread (-7), the favorite must win by at least eight points. If they win by exactly seven points, it would be a push.

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

Example of +7 Spread in NFL Betting

Miami Dolphins (+7, -110) at Houston Texans (-7, -110)

The Dolphins are the road underdog (+7), and the Texans are the home favorite (-7).

If Miami loses by six or less points, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If they lose by seven points, they push. If they lose by at least eight points, they don’t cover.

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

Here are some score examples:

Dolphins 30, Texans 21: The Dolphins win by nine points and cover the spread.

Dolphins 16, Texans 16 (OT): The Dolphins tie and cover.

Texans 24, Dolphins 17: The Dolphins lose by seven points and push.

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

Texans 38, Dolphins 30: The Texans win by eight points and cover.

Texans 35, Dolphins 28: The Texans win by seven points and push.

Texans 41, Dolphins 41 (OT): The Texans tie and don’t cover.

Payout for +7 Spread in NFL Betting

Miami Dolphins (+7, -110) at Houston Texans (-7, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Dolphins-Texans example, the odds for each spread (+7 and -7) 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.