What Does +9.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Dallas Cowboys break the offensive huddle as a group including lineman Tyler Smith (73) T.J. Bass (66) wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) Jalen Tolbert (1) running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

(AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 18, 2024, 3:02 PM

If a team is +9.5 in NFL betting at BetMGM, they’re considered the underdog by nine and a half points. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -9.5.

To cover the spread (+9.5), the underdog must lose by nine or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime).

To cover the spread (-9.5), the favorite must win by 10 or more points.

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

Example of +9.5 Spread in NFL Betting

New York Giants (+9.5, -110) at Dallas Cowboys (-9.5, -110)

The Giants are the road underdog (+9.5), and the Cowboys are the home favorite (-9.5).

If New York loses by nine points or less, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If Dallas wins by at least 10 points, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Giants 34, Cowboys 24: The Giants win by 10 points and cover the spread.

Giants 27, Cowboys 27 (OT): The Giants tie and cover.

Cowboys 29, Giants 20: The Giants lose by nine points and cover.

Cowboys 24, Giants 14: The Giants lose by 10 points and don’t cover.

Cowboys 42, Giants 42 (OT): The Cowboys tie and don’t cover.

Cowboys 51, Giants 41: The Cowboys win by 10 points and cover.

Cowboys 15, Giants 6: The Cowboys win by nine points and don’t cover.

Payout for +9.5 Spread in NFL Betting

New York Giants (+9.5, -110) at Dallas Cowboys (-9.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Giants-Cowboys example, the odds for each spread (+9.5 and -9.5) 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.

Sportsbook Odds Boosts are among the ways to change odds and lock in a bigger potential payout.

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.