What Does +2.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
(AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 16, 2024, 3:29 PM

 

If a team is +2.5 in BetMGM’s NFL odds, theyโ€™re considered the underdog by two and a half points. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -2.5.

To cover the spread (+2.5), the underdog must lose by two or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime).ย 

To cover the spread (-2.5), the favorite must win by three or more points.

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

Example of +2.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Chicago Bears (+2.5, -110) at Detroit Lions (-2.5, -110)

The Bears are the road underdog (+2.5), and the Lions are the home favorite (-2.5).ย 

If Chicago loses by two or less, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If Detroit wins by at least three points, they cover instead.ย 

Here are some score examples:

Bears 34, Lions 30: The Bears win by four points and cover the spread.ย 

Bears 24, Lions 24 (OT): The Bears tie and cover.

Lions 20, Bears 18: The Bears lose by two points and cover.

Lions 30, Bears 27: The Bears lose by three points and donโ€™t cover.

Lions 26, Bears 26 (OT): The Lions tie and donโ€™t cover.ย 

Lions 17, Bears 14: The Lions win by three points and cover.

Lions 36, Bears 34: The Lions win by two points and donโ€™t cover.

Payout for +2.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Chicago Bears (+2.5, -110) at Detroit Lions (-2.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Bears-Lions example, the odds for each spread (+2.5 and -2.5) 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.ย 

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.ย 

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

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 donโ€™t have an account, check your eligibility for a welcome offer or BetMGM Refer A Friend bonus.

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Visit the online sportsbook for updated spreads and futures odds for each team throughout the year:

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.