How the spread works
A favorite listed at -6.5 must win by seven or more to cover. The underdog at +6.5 covers if they win outright or lose by six or fewer. The half-point (the "hook") prevents a tie. Both sides are usually priced around -110, meaning you risk $110 to win $100, with that extra $10 being the book's margin.
A worked example
Team A is -6.5 against Team B at +6.5. If Team A wins 27-20, that is a 7-point win, so -6.5 covers. If Team A wins 24-20, a 4-point win, then Team A fails to cover and the +6.5 underdog cashes even though they lost the game. The scoreboard and the spread result can disagree, which is the whole idea.
Reading spread movement
Spreads move as money comes in and as news breaks. When a line moves toward the less-bet side, sharper money is pushing it, a signal worth watching. Getting the best number matters most on spreads: a half-point can be the difference between a win, a push and a loss over a season.
Frequently asked questions
What does covering the spread mean?
A favorite covers by winning by more than the spread; an underdog covers by losing by less than the spread or winning outright.
Why are spreads set at half points?
The half-point (hook) removes the possibility of a tie, so every spread bet resolves as a clear win or loss rather than a push.
Related terms
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