Sports Betting 101: What is an Underdog?

Betting 101: What is an Underdog?

When bookmakers set a spread between two teams, one team is expected to win (the favorite), while the other team is expected to lose (the underdog). The underdog will be listed at plus-money (example: +120) or plus-points on the spread (example: +2.5). Let’s say the Browns are underdogs against the Bengals this week. Bookmakers open the Bengals as six-point favorites (-6) on the spread and -265 on the moneyline. While the Browns are listed as six-point underdogs (+6) and +215 on the moneyline. If you’re interested in betting the underdog on the money line (+215), risking $100 would win you $215 (the payout is better since the result isn’t as likely). If you wanted to bet the Browns on the spread at +6, you need the Browns to lose by less than six points to cash your bet. The higher the line is on the underdog, the lower the probability is of that team winning. 

What is a Favorite?

What if you wanted to bet the favorite? Using the example from above: Bengals -6 (on the spread), -265 (on the money line), and Browns +6 on the spread (+215 on the money line). Betting on the Bengals would mean you’re laying money on the favorite. If you bet the Bengals (favorite) on the spread (Bengals -6), you need the Bengals to win by more than six points to cash your bet. If you wanted to bet the Bengals on the moneyline (-265), you’d need to risk $265 to win $100. The payout isn’t as big on the money line since the Bengals are expected to win as the favorite. 

Be sure to use FTN’s Live Odds page when betting on favorites and underdogs to ensure you’re getting the best available number.