What Does +8.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald walks on the sideline during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Seattle. The 49ers won 36-24. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 18, 2024, 3:03 PM

If a team is +8.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re considered the underdog by eight and a half points. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -8.5.

To cover the spread (+8.5), the underdog must lose by eight or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime).

To cover the spread (-8.5), the favorite must win by nine or more points.

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

Example of +8.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Las Vegas Raiders (+8.5, -110) at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5, -110)

The Raiders are the road underdog (+8.5), and the Seahawks are the home favorite (-8.5).

If Las Vegas loses by eight points or less, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If Seattle wins by at least nine points, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Raiders 34, Seahawks 25: The Raiders win by nine points and cover the spread.

Raiders 21, Seahawks 21 (OT): The Raiders tie and cover.

Seahawks 28, Raiders 20: The Raiders lose by eight points and cover.

Seahawks 20, Raiders 11: The Raiders lose by nine points and don’t cover.

Seahawks 27, Raiders 27 (OT): The Seahawks tie and don’t cover.

Seahawks 40, Raiders 31: The Seahawks win by nine points and cover.

Seahawks 40, Raiders 32: The Seahawks win by eight points and don’t cover.

Payout for +8.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Las Vegas Raiders (+8.5, -110) at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Raiders-Seahawks example, the odds for each spread (+8.5 and -8.5) 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.