What the NFL Spread Number Actually Means
When you see a line like Chiefs -6.5 vs. Raiders +6.5, the favorite must win by at least seven points for a bet on Kansas City to cash. The underdog covers if they win outright or lose by six or fewer. That half-point — called the hook — eliminates a push, meaning no ties. The standard juice on most NFL spreads is
-110 on both sides, so you risk $110 to profit $100. College Football Betting Lines follow the same structure, though spreads can run much wider when Power Five programs face smaller schools. Understanding this math before you lock in your pick is how sharp bettors approach every week of the NFL season.