line in football sports betting explained

This would likely be a result of injuries to the Eagles, or most of the money was coming for Dallas. The line has moved 3 since the sportsbook opened its odds. However, with the Eagles being +3.5 dogs, they could afford to lose by 3 or under - even win - to payout. As we can see, the Cowboys are 3.5 favorites and would need to win by 4+ points to cover the spread. This is an example of how a typical NFL spread bet would look. From here, sportsbooks may choose to alter the lines even more in order to attract greater betting interest. Once betting odds are opened to the public, the line will move depending on where the money is being wagered. It is never an accurate representation of an outcome’s likelihood. Why Do Betting Lines Move?įirstly, betting lines can be any type of odds - moneyline, spread, over/under, even prop bets.Īs we know from our betting odds explainer, sportsbooks set odds in the hopes of attracting interest to both sides of a wager. There are reasons for it, so let’s not keep you waiting any longer.

Now, if you can go one further and predict line movements, well, then you could get richer than Patrick Mahomes (we said could, not would)!Ī line movement simply refers a shift in the initial odds or spread. In other words, more chances for you to get a precious payout. Reading the lines - presuming you can understand odds - will give you a one up on any sportsbook. Lines can move sharply or as quickly as Tom Brady outside the pocket, it really depends! Line movements are quite common in sports betting and change due to public backing and changes made by sportsbook.

Line in football sports betting explained