Quick Answer
What Does Plus and Minus Mean in NFL Betting?
In an NFL point spread, the minus sign marks the favorite giving points. The plus sign marks the underdog receiving points.
Direct answer
In an NFL point spread, the minus sign marks the favorite giving points. The plus sign marks the underdog receiving points.
Example
Buffalo -3.5: gives 3.5 points
Miami +3.5: receives 3.5 points
TEAM A -3.5
-2.5
WIN
-3
PUSH
-3.5
LOSS
-2.5 → WIN at a 3-point margin. -3 → PUSH. -3.5 → LOSS.
Why it matters
The signs tell you how the spread is applied. Buffalo must win by at least four to cover -3.5. Miami can win outright or lose by three or fewer to cover +3.5.
More context
American odds also use plus and minus signs, but there they describe payout price rather than points. Read the location of the sign: the spread sits beside the team, while the price is commonly shown in parentheses.
Common mistake
The signs on the spread are separate from the signs on American odds. In Buffalo -3.5 (-110), -3.5 is the spread and -110 is the price.
Read the complete quote
Apply this definition to the exact quote on the screen. Record the sportsbook, spread, attached price, and observation time. A number without its full context can hide a meaningful difference in cost or grading.
Learn next
Learn next: What Does -110 Mean in Betting?