A Beginner’s Guide to Points Betting Football: How to Bet on the Spread

13 min read
Sep 17, 2024, 10:30 AM
Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Last Updated: Sep 17, 2024, 10:31 AM

Betting Responsibly on the Spread

Points betting, particularly in football, involves predicting how many points a team will win or lose by, rather than simply focusing on which team wins the game. This form of wagering has become common across football betting markets, as it introduces more complex outcomes that extend beyond the final score. By focusing on the spread of points, bettors aim to determine whether a team will exceed or fall short of expectations set by the sportsbook.

In football, points often shift the dynamic of a game. A team may perform well initially but see their fortunes change as the game progresses, leading to fluctuations in how the final score reflects the point spread. This is especially relevant in games where teams are closely matched or when key players are absent due to injuries, affecting the outcome and the ability of teams to cover the spread. Points betting considers these variables and focuses on how teams perform in relation to these expectations.

The use of odds is also critical in point spread betting. Sportsbooks assign odds based on a range of factors such as recent performances, injuries, or historical trends between the two teams. Bettors then assess whether the assigned point spread offers a reasonable reflection of how the game might play out. Points betting can add layers of complexity to football wagering by forcing bettors to consider not just who will win, but by how much or how little.

In football, every play matters, as the accumulation of points often comes down to key moments such as field goals, touchdowns, or even last-minute drives. This makes points betting an analytical exercise where a deep understanding of a team’s performance and the game’s dynamics is essential. Since the spread is designed to even out the competition, even a one-point difference in the final score can be the difference between a successful bet and a loss.

While points betting is a prominent feature in football wagering, it is important to approach it with caution, as it is a more intricate form of betting that involves not just predicting the winner of the game, but how many points separate the two teams. Understanding the spread and how points influence the final outcome is key to navigating this popular betting market.

What is Point Spread Betting?

Point spread betting is a wager that focuses on the margin of victory between two teams rather than simply picking a winner. This betting method levels the playing field, particularly in matchups where one team is heavily favored. Instead of betting on which team will win the game outright, bettors place wagers on whether the favored team will win by more than a certain number of points (the spread) or whether the underdog will lose by fewer points or win.

In point spread betting, online sportsbooks set a margin known as the spread. Bettors then wager on whether the favored team can "cover" the spread or if the underdog can perform better than expected. This type of wager is especially common in NFL point spreads, which are among the most popular bet types in football. The appeal of spread betting lies in how it creates an even contest between mismatched teams, making both sides of the wager more interesting.

For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are listed at -6.5 against the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs need to win by at least seven points for a bet wins scenario. If you wager on the Chiefs and they only win by six points, your bet loses because they didn’t cover the spread. On the other hand, if you bet on the Rams, they can either lose by six points or fewer, or win the same game outright, for your bet wins scenario.

Unlike run lines in baseball or puck lines in hockey, where the spread is fixed (typically at 1.5 runs or goals), football spreads can vary greatly depending on the teams and matchups. In the NFL, spreads of three, six, and seven points are common due to how the total points in a game tend to accumulate with field goals and touchdowns. As most sportsbooks adjust spreads based on betting patterns and team conditions, it's important for bettors to keep an eye on line movement across the course of the betting week to find the best value.

Point spread betting is designed to make each same game more competitive in the eyes of bettors. Whether you are wagering on the favorite to win by more than the spread or the underdog to lose by less, you’re always factoring in how the total points will impact the final outcome. By carefully analyzing the spread and potential scenarios, you can increase your chances of winning in this dynamic and widely used betting format.

If you feel that betting on point spreads are leading to problematic gambling habits, remember that many resources, like crisis counseling and referral services, are available to help you maintain control over your betting behavior.

How to Read Point Spread Odds

Reading point spread odds can seem confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes intuitive. The key lies in recognizing the minus (-) and plus (+) signs. The minus number indicates the favorite, while the plus number represents the underdog.

For instance, in a matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals (-3) and the New England Patriots (+3), the Bengals are favored by three points. If you bet on the Bengals, they must win by more than three points for your bet to win. Conversely, a bet on the Patriots wins if they win outright or lose by three points or fewer.

The odds might look like this:

TeamPoint SpreadOdds
Cincinnati Bengals-3-110
New England Patriots+3-110

This means for every $110 wagered, you could win $100 if your bet cashes.

Understanding Point Spreads

The point spread is designed to create a balance between two teams, even when one is much stronger than the other. By giving the underdog an advantage or handicapping the favorite, the bet becomes more engaging for sports bettors.

Key Numbers to keep in mind when dealing with point spreads in football include three and seven, as they represent common outcomes (field goals and touchdowns). If the spread is close to a key number, the betting market often becomes more volatile.

Example of a Key Number in Action
If the Kansas City Chiefs are favored by three points over the Cincinnati Bengals, it means that the expected margin of victory is within a common scoring range. Therefore, bettors must weigh their bets carefully, as a field goal can make or break the result.

Point Spread Betting Strategies

Here are some strategies to help you navigate point spread betting successfully:

  • Shop for Better Value: Comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks is essential. You might find that one sportsbook offers a team's point spread at -2.5, while another offers it at -3. This small difference can be crucial in making or losing a bet.
  • Analyze the Matchups: Focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams. Factors like injuries, weather, and home-field advantage can impact the spread.
  • Avoid Betting with Emotion: It’s easy to back your favorite team, but successful bettors make decisions based on research and analysis, not emotion.
  • Understand Half Points: Half-point spreads (e.g., -3.5 or +2.5) eliminate the possibility of a tie, or "push." These are known as "hooks" and often present a more favorable betting scenario.

Point Spread Betting Across Major Sports

While football is the most common sport for spread betting, other sports like basketball and hockey also use similar systems:

  • Basketball: Known as the puck line in hockey, the spread works similarly to football, with favorites needing to cover a set margin of victory.
  • Baseball: Uses a spread system called the run line, typically set at 1.5 runs. Bettors can wager whether a team will win by more than one run or lose by fewer.
Example
In a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs might be favored by four or more points. However, in basketball, the spread might be set at eight points for the favorite to cover, reflecting the higher scoring nature of the game.

Alternative Point Spread Betting

Sometimes, bettors look for variations in spread bets for a chance at bigger payouts. Some alternative options include:

  • Teasers: Bettors can adjust the point spread in their favor by adding points to their chosen team’s spread.
  • Buying Points: You can buy or sell points to move the line, potentially getting better odds or protecting your original bet from a narrow loss.

Can You Parlay Point Spread Bets?

Yes, you can combine multiple point spread bets into a single parlay, which increases the potential payout but also the risk. Each leg of the parlay must win for you to win the overall bet.

For instance, you could place a parlay involving the Kansas City Chiefs (-3) and the Los Angeles Rams (+7). Both teams must cover their spreads for your parlay to hit. Parlaying point spreads can lead to bigger payouts, but also significantly increases the difficulty.

How to Make a Point Spread Bet

Making a point spread bet is relatively straightforward:

  1. Choose a sportsbook: First, pick a reputable online sportsbook that offers point spread betting.
  2. Select the game: Navigate to the sporting event of interest, such as an NFL matchup.
  3. Place your bet: Select the team and spread you want to bet on, enter your bet amount, taking into consideration responsible bankroll management, and confirm your wager.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many new bettors fall into the following traps:

  • Betting Too Much: Avoid placing large bets, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the teams or the football betting markets.
  • Chasing Losses: Don’t try to make up for lost bets by doubling down. It’s a quick path to developing a gambling problem.
  • Ignoring Line Movement: Betting lines can shift as more bets come in. Keep an eye on live betting opportunities for better value.

Points Spread Betting FAQs

Point Spread Betting FAQs

What happens if the final score lands exactly on the point spread?

This is called a "push," and bettors typically get their money back.

Can you combine point spread bets with other bets?

Yes, point spreads can be parlayed with other bet types, including totals and moneyline wagers.

What is a "hook" in point spread betting?

A hook is the half-point added to a spread, which ensures that there’s no tie.

<p>Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, <a href="https://www.rg.org">RG</a> prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.</p><p><strong>Experience:</strong></p><ul><li>Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries</li><li>Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group</li><li>Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports</li></ul>
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Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

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Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

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Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

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Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
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Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

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Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.

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