If you’ve ever looked at a football betting line and saw something like “Team A -1.5,” you might have wondered—what does that even mean? Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. When I first started learning about sports betting, the numbers and jargon felt overwhelming. But once I cracked the code, everything started making sense.
Understanding point spreads, especially a -1.5 spread, is essential if you want to make informed bets. It’s one of the most common types of bets you’ll encounter in football betting, and knowing how it works can help you avoid costly mistakes.
In this guide, I’ll break it down in the simplest way possible. You’ll learn what a -1.5 spread means, why sportsbooks use it, and how you can use this knowledge to improve your betting strategy. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Understanding Point Spreads in Football Betting
Before we talk about the -1.5 spread, let’s start with the basics—what is a point spread? Simply put, a point spread is the margin set by sportsbooks to level the playing field between two teams. Instead of just picking the winning team, you’re betting on whether a team will win or lose by a specific number of points.
Here’s why sportsbooks use spreads:
- To balance betting action: If one team is much stronger, everyone would bet on them. A spread evens things out.
- To make betting more competitive: It forces bettors to think about margins of victory, not just winners.
- To set fairer odds: Betting without a spread (moneyline betting) can sometimes offer very low payouts on strong favorites. Spreads make things more interesting.
How Point Spreads Work?
A point spread assigns a positive or negative number to each team.
- The favorite (expected to win) gets a negative number.
- The underdog (expected to lose) gets a positive number.
For example:
- Team A -7.5 means Team A must win by at least 8 points to cover the spread.
- Team B +7.5 means Team B must lose by 7 or fewer points, or win outright, for the bet to win.
Now that you understand point spreads, let’s get into the details of the -1.5 spread specifically.
What Does -1.5 Spread Mean?
A -1.5 spread is one of the smaller point spreads you’ll see in football betting. It means the favorite must win by at least 2 points for a bet on them to win. If they win by exactly 1 point or lose, the bet loses.
Breaking It Down
- If you bet on a team with a -1.5 spread, they must win by 2 or more points for your bet to win.
- If they win by exactly 1 point, you lose the bet.
- If they lose the game, you lose the bet.
Let’s look at an example:
- Buffalo Bills -1.5 vs. Miami Dolphins +1.5
- If the Bills win 24-21, you win the bet.
- If the Bills win 24-23, you win the bet.
- If the Bills win 24-23, but you bet on Miami +1.5, you lose.
- If the Bills lose outright, you lose the bet.
When Do You See a -1.5 Spread?
- In closely matched games, where one team is only slightly favored.
- When there’s uncertainty, like injuries or bad weather affecting the game.
- In playoff games or rivalry matchups, where teams are more evenly matched.
Understanding a -1.5 spread is crucial because it often signals a tight contest. Betting on small spreads like this requires strategy, which I’ll cover in later sections.
How to Bet on a -1.5 Spread
Betting on a -1.5 spread is simple once you understand the basics. Since the favorite only needs to win by 2 or more points, it’s often seen as a safer bet compared to larger spreads.
Steps to Bet on a -1.5 Spread
- Choose a sportsbook – Pick a trusted betting platform with competitive odds.
- Find a game with a -1.5 spread – Look at the betting lines to see where this spread appears.
- Analyze the teams – Consider factors like injuries, recent performance, and head-to-head matchups.
- Place your bet – Select the favorite (-1.5) or the underdog (+1.5) based on your research.
- Monitor the game – Watch how the game unfolds to see if your bet wins.
Winning and Losing Scenarios
- If your team wins by 2 or more points, you win the bet.
- If your team wins by exactly 1 point, you lose.
- If your team loses, you lose.
Betting on a -1.5 spread often provides better value than moneyline bets on heavy favorites, as the payout is typically higher.
-1.5 Spread vs. Moneyline Bets
| Bet Type | How It Works | Risk Level | Potential Payout | Best for… |
| -1.5 Spread | The team must win by at least 2 points. A 1-point win loses the bet. | Moderate | Higher than moneyline | Bettors looking for better odds on favorites |
| Moneyline | You win if your team wins, no point spread involved. | Lower | Lower payout for favorites | Safe bets on strong favorites or underdogs with good value |
This table helps you quickly see when to choose one over the other. Let me know if you’d like
Comparing -1.5 Spread vs. Other Common Spreads
Not all point spreads are the same. The difference between a -1.5 spread and other spreads like -2.5 or -3.5 can greatly impact your betting strategy.
Key Differences
- -1.5 Spread: The team must win by 2 or more points. It’s common in close matchups.
- -2.5 Spread: The team must win by at least 3 points. A field goal often decides these bets.
- -3.5 Spread: The team must win by at least 4 points. These bets carry more risk.
How the Payouts Change
Larger spreads usually offer higher payouts since they are riskier. A -1.5 spread has a lower risk, so the payout is slightly lower.
Comparison: -1.5 vs. -2.5 vs. -3.5 Spreads
| Spread | Bet Wins If… | Bet Loses If… | Risk Level | Potential Payout |
| -1.5 | Team wins by 2+ points | Team wins by 1 or loses | Moderate | Higher than moneyline |
| -2.5 | Team wins by 3+ points | Team wins by 1 or 2, or loses | Higher | Better odds than -1.5 |
| -3.5 | Team wins by 4+ points | Team wins by 1, 2, or 3, or loses | Highest | Highest payout of the three |
The bigger the spread, the higher the risk but also the better the payout. A -1.5 spread is safer, while -3.5 offers higher returns but is harder to hit.
Here are the next two sections, maintaining the required tone, readability, and SEO structure. Let me know when you’re ready for the next part!
Key Strategies for Betting on a -1.5 Spread
Betting on a -1.5 spread can be rewarding, but it comes with risks. I’ve learned a few key strategies that can help you make smarter bets.
1. Look at Team Strength and Recent Form
Not all favorites cover the spread. A team may win, but only by one point, making a -1.5 bet a loss. Always check:
- Recent game performances (Did they dominate or barely win?)
- Injuries to key players
- How well they perform against the spread (ATS)
2. Compare Home vs. Away Performance
Home teams often have an advantage. But some teams perform better on the road. Look at home/away stats before placing a -1.5 bet.
3. Watch for Line Movements
Sportsbooks adjust the spread based on betting activity. If a -1.5 line moves to -2 or -2.5, it means people are betting heavily on the favorite. If you like the -1.5 bet, placing it early can get you better odds.
4. Consider Weather Conditions
Bad weather (rain, snow, strong wind) makes scoring harder. This increases the chance of close games, which can hurt a -1.5 bet.
5. Match Betting Strategy to the Spread
Different spreads require different betting approaches. Here’s a quick reference:
| Spread | Best Betting Strategy |
| -1.5 | Bet if the favorite is strong and consistent |
| -2.5 | Look for teams that regularly win by 3+ points |
| -3.5 | Only bet if the team dominates opponents |
Using these strategies improves your chances of winning a -1.5 bet while avoiding common mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced bettors make mistakes when betting on a -1.5 spread. Avoiding these errors can save you money and improve your results.
1. Ignoring Game Context
A -1.5 spread looks easy to cover, but if a team plays a tough rival, it could be a closer game than expected. Always research team matchups before betting.
2. Overvaluing Favorites
Many bettors assume a favorite will cover the spread just because they are better. But winning doesn’t always mean winning big. Even great teams sometimes struggle to win by more than 1 point.
3. Forgetting About Overtime Rules
Some leagues have different overtime rules that affect spreads. In college football, both teams get a chance to score, increasing the chance of a close finish. In the NFL, a team can win by only 1 point in overtime, making a -1.5 bet a loss.
4. Chasing Losses
If you lose a bet, don’t immediately place another one to “win it back.” This leads to poor decision-making and bigger losses. Stick to a betting plan and only place bets with solid research behind them.
5. Ignoring the Odds Value
A -1.5 spread usually has better odds than the moneyline, but it’s not always the best choice. If the moneyline offers more value and you think the team will win, sometimes it’s better to take a safer bet.
Avoiding these mistakes helps you become a smarter bettor and improves your long-term success with spread betting.
Here are the next two sections, keeping the tone, readability, and expertise intact. Let me know when you’re ready for the final part!
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
I get a lot of questions about -1.5 spreads. Here are some quick answers to clear up any confusion.
1. What happens if a team wins by exactly 1 point?
If you bet on a -1.5 spread and your team wins by only 1 point, you lose the bet. The team didn’t cover the spread because they needed to win by at least 2 points.
2. Is betting on a -1.5 spread better than the moneyline?
It depends. A -1.5 spread gives better odds than the moneyline, but it also carries more risk. If you think a team will win but aren’t sure by how much, the moneyline is safer. If you believe they will win big, the -1.5 spread gives a better payout.
3. How do sportsbooks adjust spreads before kickoff?
Sportsbooks change spreads based on betting activity, injuries, and weather. If too many people bet on one side, the spread shifts to balance the bets. For example, a -1.5 spread could move to -2 or -2.5 if heavy money comes in on the favorite.
4. Can a -1.5 spread be profitable in the long run?
Yes, but only with a good betting strategy. Always analyze teams, track performance against the spread (ATS), and look for value in the odds. Betting blindly on favorites to cover -1.5 spreads can lead to losses over time.
Conclusion
Understanding -1.5 spreads is key to making smarter football bets. Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:
- A -1.5 spread means the favorite must win by at least 2 points. A 1-point win or a loss means the bet loses.
- It offers better odds than a moneyline bet but carries more risk.
- Knowing team performance, injuries, and weather conditions helps you bet wisely.
- Avoid common mistakes like overvaluing favorites, ignoring context, or chasing losses.
Before placing a -1.5 bet, take time to research and compare your options. If you use the right strategy, spread betting can be both fun and profitable.
Want to learn more about betting strategies? Let me know what you’d like me to cover next!
