What is Cover in Sports Betting?

Cover Explained in Detail

Covering the spread is distinct from winning the game. A team can win the game but fail to cover, and an underdog can lose the game but still cover. This distinction is what makes spread betting more nuanced and interesting than simple moneyline betting.

For a favorite to cover, they must win by more than the spread number. If the Eagles are -7, they need to win by 8 or more to cover. For an underdog to cover, they must keep the game closer than the spread or win outright. If the Cowboys are +7, they cover if they win or lose by 6 or fewer.

The concept of covering is central to the most common type of sports bet. When someone says they had a great week and went 4-1, they almost always mean they went 4-1 against the spread, meaning four of their five picks covered. Tracking cover rate is the primary way bettors measure their performance.

Certain game situations produce higher or lower cover rates. Home underdogs in the NFL historically cover at a rate above 52%. Teams coming off a bye week tend to cover more frequently. Teams in revenge game spots often cover. While no single angle is a guaranteed winner, combining multiple favorable cover situations can tilt the odds in a bettor's favor.