Understanding NFL Point Spreads: A Guide to Betting the Spread

Point spreads represent one of the most popular and exciting forms of sports betting. But how exactly do NFL point spreads work? This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about betting point spreads on pro football.

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What Is an NFL Point Spread?

A point spread is a handicap set by sportsbooks to make a lopsided NFL matchup more even and enticing to bet on. Favorites have to win by more than the spread, underdogs can lose by less than the spread - or win outright.

For example, if the Chiefs are 7-point favorites against the Jets. Kansas City must win by more than 7 to "cover the spread." If they only win by exactly 7, it's a "push" and all spread bets are refunded.

Point spreads exist because most bettors don't want to bet huge favorites on the moneyline. Spreads even the playing field and provide exciting betting opportunities on both teams.

How Do Point Spreads Work in the NFL?

NFL spreads typically range from 1 to 15 points. However, for evenly matched contests, the spread is often set at 2.5, 3, or 3.5 points to eliminate any possibility of a tie.

Some key factors to understand about NFL point spreads:

Favorites have a negative spread (e.g. -7), underdogs are positive (e.g. +7)

Bettors wager on teams to "cover the spread"

Winning margin must exceed the spread to cover

Exactly hitting the spread is a push (tie)

Point totals determine winners, final score is irrelevant

Learning to quickly read point spreads is a critical betting skill. But the general concept is simple - Pick whether the favorite will win by more than their handicap.

Betting Strategy: How to Beat NFL Spreads

Consistently beating NFL point spreads requires an advanced betting strategy:

Bet against public - Fade popular opinions and consensus picks

Focus on totals - Don't worry about who wins, just the point differential

Key numbers - Look for spreads landing on 3 or 7 to avoid pushes

Buy low - Back undervalued underdogs with inflated spreads

Teasers - Adjust the spread in your favor by sacrificing payout odds

Middling - Bet both teams to capitalize on line movement

There's no simple secret to covering spreads. Doing your homework on team trends, injuries, matchups, and more is crucial. Experience reading lines and understanding line movements also pays big dividends.

Why Bet the Spread Over Moneylines?

Point spread betting offers several advantages over betting straight moneylines:

Reduced risk on favorites - Larger payouts for less risk

Added value on underdogs - Get points to improve your betting position

Hedge against the spread - Middle by betting both teams

Eliminate ties - No pushes with halves like 2.5 points

Exciting sweat - Comes down to the wire with lead changes -taking advantage of bad lines - More opportunity when factors are overlooked

For NFL matchups with heavily favored teams, spread betting provides way more upside than just taking the moneyline. The points you get with underdogs also make those bets more enticing.

Restrictions and Workarounds in Point Spread Betting

When diving into NFL point spread betting, you might come across restrictions, especially if you’re signed up with a self-exclusion program like GamStop. GamStop is a tool designed to help people take a break from gambling by blocking access to participating betting sites for a set period. This means that you cannot place bets on spreads or anything else until the exclusion period expires.

But what if you’re ready to get back in the game? Many players turn to non Gamstop betting sites for more freedom. These sites let you enjoy point spread betting without the limitations of self-exclusion programs. Just remember, the key is staying in control and betting responsibly to keep the fun in the game.

Final Thoughts on Betting NFL Spreads

Learning to bet NFL point spreads opens up new profit potential on every single pro football game. You'll gain a whole new perspective analyzing matchups and judging betting value based on the spread rather than just picking winners.

It takes time to get a feel for anticipating line movements and identifying opportunities. But with the right knowledge and strategy, point spread betting can take your NFL wagering to the next level.

The key is sticking to the fundamentals of smart money management, research, and line shopping. Before you know it, you'll be crunching NFL spreads and beating the books like a pro.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!