What the NFL Spread Line Actually Tells You
A point spread is a handicap the sportsbook sets to even out two mismatched teams. If the Kansas City Chiefs open at -6.5, they need to win by seven or more for a spread bet on them to cash. The underdog — say the Las Vegas Raiders at +6.5 — covers if they win outright or lose by six or fewer. The
half-point removes any push scenario. Lines shift between open and kickoff based on where the money lands, so watching line movement tells you how the market is leaning before you commit. Standard spread markets carry -110 juice on both sides, meaning you wager $110 to profit $100.