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Sports betting can seem confusing at first, especially when you encounter terms like point spreads. A 7-point spread is a common betting line that plays a critical role in leveling the playing field between two teams. But what exactly does -7 or +7 mean in sports betting, and how can you use this knowledge to place smarter bets?
In this guide, we’ll break down the concept of the 7-point spread, show you how to interpret -7 and +7, and explain how Juice Reel can help you take your betting strategy to the next level.
What is a Point Spread?
A point spread is a betting line set by oddsmakers to create a more even matchup between two teams. It assigns a specific point handicap (negative or positive) to each team:
- The Favorite: Indicated by a negative number (e.g., -7), this team must win by more than the spread to cover.
- The Underdog: Indicated by a positive number (e.g., +7), this team can lose by fewer than the spread or win outright to cover.
Point spreads are used in sports like football, basketball, and hockey to balance betting action and make games more competitive for bettors.
What Does -7 Mean in a Point Spread?
If you see a point spread of -7 in sports betting, it means the favored team must win by more than 7 points for your bet to win. For example:
- Team A (-7): You win if Team A wins by 8 points or more.
- If Team A wins by exactly 7 points, it’s a push, and your bet is refunded.
- If Team A wins by 6 points or fewer, or loses outright, you lose the bet.
Example: If the Commanders are -7 against the Saints, and they win 24-16, they cover the spread.
What Does +7 Mean in a Point Spread?
A point spread of +7 indicates that the underdog can lose by up to 7 points or win outright for your bet to win. For example:
- Team B (+7): You win if Team B loses by 6 points or fewer, or wins outright.
- If Team B loses by exactly 7 points, it’s a push, and your bet is refunded.
- If Team B loses by more than 7 points, you lose the bet.
Example: If the Bears are +7 against the Vikings, and the Vikings win 24-20, the Bears cover the spread.
Factors That Impact a 7-Point Spread
Several factors influence point spreads, including:
- Team Performance: Recent wins, losses, and overall strength.
- Injuries: Key players being unavailable can significantly impact the line.
- Home-Field Advantage: Teams playing at home often receive favorable spreads.
- Public Perception: Heavy betting on one side can cause the spread to shift.
These factors highlight the importance of staying informed and leveraging tools like Juice Reel to make data-driven decisions.
How Juice Reel Helps with Point Spread Betting
There are a multitude of ways that Juice Reel can help you select bets when looking at the point spread, including:
1. AI Betting Insights
Juice Reel’s AI sports betting app provide daily insights for spreads, moneylines, and player props. Use our app to identify value bets and get data-backed predictions for all major sports leagues, including the NFL and NBA.
Explore our AI Sports Predictions page for more details.
2. Bet Tracking and Analytics
Sync your sportsbooks with Juice Reel to track all your wagers in one place. Use performance analytics to see how you’ve performed on spreads like -7 or +7 over time.
Check out our Sports Betting Tracker to learn more.
3. Finding the Best Odds
Juice Reel’s Odds Comparison Tool scans 300+ sportsbooks to show you the best lines for spreads. Don’t settle for a -7.5 at DraftKings when you can find -7 at BetMGM.
Visit our Best Odds page to start saving money on juice.
4. Community Insights
See how the smartest bettors are wagering. With our community data, you can find out if the sharp money is on the favorite or the underdog in a given matchup.
Learn how to Sell Sports Picks and monetize your expertise with Juice Reel.
How to Bet on a -7 or +7 Point Spread
Be sure to follow the spread betting strategy below to become a more successful sports bettor.
- Select a Sportsbook: Use Juice Reel to find the best odds for your chosen spread.
- Place Your Bet: Decide whether to bet on the favorite (-7) or the underdog (+7).
- Track Your Wagers: Sync your bets with Juice Reel to monitor your performance.
- Adjust Your Strategy: Use the app’s insights to refine your approach over time.
Why Point Spreads Like -7 Are Common in Football
Point spreads such as -7 are prevalent in football because of scoring dynamics. Touchdowns (7 points) and field goals (3 points) make it a frequent margin of victory. This creates key numbers that bettors need to consider when placing spread bets.
For example:
- Betting on -6.5 instead of -7 avoids pushes.
- Betting on +7.5 instead of +7 provides a safety margin.
Why Point Spreads Are Common in Basketball
Point spreads are a staple of NBA betting due to the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of the game. Unlike football, where scoring occurs in larger increments (touchdowns and field goals), basketball games often have tighter margins, making spreads a critical tool for balancing matchups.
For example:
- Betting on -6.5 instead of -7 ensures you win if the favorite wins by exactly 7 points.
- Betting on +7.5 instead of +7 gives you a safety margin if the underdog loses by exactly 7 points.
Basketball’s frequent scoring, late-game fouling, and free throws make point spreads highly dynamic, which is why tools like Juice Reel’s odds comparison and NBA AI Predictions are invaluable for identifying the best lines and gaining an edge.
Master the 7-Point Spread with Juice Reel
Understanding point spreads like -7 and +7 is essential for successful sports betting. By using Juice Reel’s AI-generated picks, odds comparison tools, and community insights, you can make smarter bets and maximize your returns.
Juice Reel’s AI sports betting offers you the power to make smarter, data-driven parlays, backed by insights across all major sports leagues. Download the Juice Reel app today to explore our AI-generated parlay picks, track your bets, and make the most of every game.
For more betting strategies and tips, visit our Blog or check out our AI Player Props for the latest insights.
