NFL lines and spreads are betting odds that help level the playing field between favorite and underdog teams. They work by applying a point handicap to the favored team, which must be overcome for bets on that team to win.

A point spread example:

Cincinnati Bengals -6.5 (-108)
Cleveland Browns +6.5 (-114)

In this case:

• Bengals must win by 7+ points for Bengals bets to win
• Browns bets win if they win outright OR lose by 6 points or fewer
• The negative number in parentheses shows required bet amount to win $100

The point spread serves two key purposes:

1. Evens out betting action between teams
2. Creates more balanced betting opportunities compared to straight moneyline bets

Bookmakers may adjust spreads before games based on betting patterns to maintain balanced action on both sides. This helps them manage risk while offering competitive odds to bettors.

Key factors that influence NFL point spreads:

• Team strength and performance
• Home/away advantage
• Injuries and roster changes
• Weather conditions
• Historical matchup data

The final margin of victory is what matters for spread bets, not just who wins the game outright. This creates more strategic betting options compared to traditional moneyline wagers.

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