If you’ve ever looked at a betting slip and seen a ‘+6.5’ or ‘-3’ next to a team, you’ve met the point spread. It’s the tool bookmakers use to level the playing field when one side is clearly stronger. Instead of just picking a winner, you’re betting on how many points a team will win or lose by.
Imagine a match between a top‑tier club and a lower‑division side. Without a spread, almost everyone would back the favorite, and the bookmaker would have a lopsided book. By adding, say, a 10‑point spread to the favorite, the odds become attractive for both sides. If the favorite wins by more than 10, they cover the spread; if they win by fewer or lose, the underdog covers. This tug‑of‑war keeps betting balanced and gives you a chance to profit even when the stronger team just edges out a win.
Reading a spread is easy once you know the signs. A ‘+’ means the team starts the game with extra points, while a ‘‑’ means points are taken away. For example, if Team A is -7.5 and you back them, they must win by 8 or more for your bet to succeed. If you pick Team B at +7.5, they can lose by up to 7 points or win outright, and you still win the wager.
Most spreads end with .5 to avoid ties—known as a ‘push’. A push returns your stake, so you never lose or win on a tie. This half‑point trick is why you’ll see spreads like -3.5 or +4.5.
Here are three practical tips:
Remember, the point spread isn’t about predicting the exact final score; it’s about the margin of victory. Treat it like a puzzle: combine stats, news, and gut feeling to decide which side of the spread feels more likely.
Finally, manage your bankroll. Betting on spreads can be tempting because the payouts are often close to even money, but a string of bad picks can eat into your stake fast. Set a limit per wager—typically 1‑2% of your total bankroll—and stick to it.
With these basics, you can walk into any football betting market, read the spread, and make a confident choice. The point spread turns every game into a two‑way contest, giving you a fair shot whether you back the favorite or the underdog.
The Commanders visit the Packers on Thursday night with Green Bay favored by 3.5 and a 48.5 total, tied for the week’s highest. Both teams won in Week 1. We break down the case for each side, what the trends say, how the market moved, and which props fit the likely game scripts. Kickoff from Lambeau is 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
