If the team’s adjusted score still wins, the bet wins. These point spreads or handicaps are either added or subtracted from the team’s final score. This allows bettors to place a bet on either team at equal or near-equal betting lines, as opposed to the more uneven lines on the moneyline. NFL point spreads are how oddsmakers “level the playing field.” They assign a points handicap for each team. This allows bettors to quickly get a pick in, although the lines can change leading to the game. NFL point spreads are typically the first markets to open, way even before the moneyline.
NFL point spreads are one of the most popular markets with which to bet on professional football.