Cover

What Does it Mean to Cover?

Covering the spread means a team has won by enough points to beat the point spread set by the sportsbook.

Examples

• If the Chiefs are -7 and win 28-17 (by 11 points), they covered
• If the Chiefs are -7 and win 24-20 (by 4 points), they did not cover
• If you bet the underdog Eagles +7 and they lose 24-20, the Eagles covered because they lost by fewer than 7

Key Concept

Covering is different from winning. A team can win the game but fail to cover the spread, and an underdog can lose the game but still cover.