What Does -7 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) runs with the ball against Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

If a team is -7 in BetMGM’s NFL spreads at BetMGM, they’re favored by seven points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +7.

To cover the spread (-7), the favorite must win by at least eight points. If they win by exactly seven points, it would be a push.

To cover the spread (+7), the underdog must lose by six or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime). If they lose by exactly seven points, it’s a push.

Overtime is included in the final score that determines if the team covers the spread.

Example of -7 Spread in NFL Betting

Kansas City Chiefs (-7, -110) at Chicago Bears (+7, -110)

The Chiefs are the road favorite (-7), and the Bears are the home underdog (+7). 

If Kansas City wins by at least eight points, they cover the spread. If they win by seven points, they push. And if they tie or lose, they don’t cover. 

If Chicago loses by six or less points, wins, or ties, they cover the spread. If they lose by seven points, they push. If they lose by eight points or more, they don’t cover.

Here are some score examples:

Chiefs 28, Bears 20: The Chiefs win by eight points and cover the spread.

Chiefs 14, Bears 7: The Chiefs win by seven points and push.

Chiefs 21, Bears 21 (OT): The Chiefs tie and don’t cover. 

Bears 24, Chiefs 14: The Bears win by 10 points and cover. 

Bears 31, Chiefs 31 (OT): The Bears tie and cover.

Chiefs 40, Bears 33: The Bears lose by seven points and push.

Chiefs 32, Bears 24: The Bears lose by eight points and don’t cover.

Payout for -7 Spread in NFL Betting

Kansas City Chiefs (-7, -110) at Chicago Bears (+7, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Chiefs-Bears example, the odds for each spread (-7 and +7) are -110. The odds can vary for games; they could be +100, -105, -110, -115 or another value.

To calculate the potential payout, add a spread bet to your BetMGM Bet Slip. 

With -110 odds, a winning bet with a $25 stake would return $38.18 (including stake).

At -105 odds, a winning bet with a $25 stake would return $39.05 (including stake).

If a spread bet pushes, the stake is refunded. 

Parlays and betting Odds Boosts are among the ways to change odds and lock in a bigger potential payout. 

To build a parlay, add multiple bets to your Bet Slip and add a stake to the Parlays section.

To get an Odds Boost, check updated sports betting promos or log in to your BetMGM account. If you don’t have an account, check your eligibility for a welcome offer or BetMGM Refer A Friend bonus.

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