Definition
A team covers when its final score beats the point spread. For a favorite, that means winning by more than the spread. For an underdog, it means losing by less than the spread or winning the game outright.
Formula for a favorite: final margin > spread.
If a team is favored by 6.5 points, it covers only by winning by 7 or more. If the spread is exactly 7 and the favorite wins by 7, the bet is a push, not a cover.
Worked Example
The Eagles are listed at -6.5 (-110) against the Giants.
Final score: Eagles 27, Giants 20.
The Eagles win by 7 points. Since 7 > 6.5, the Eagles cover the spread. A bettor who risked $110 at -110 wins $100 in profit and receives $210 total back.
If the Eagles won 24-20, the margin would be 4. Since 4 < 6.5, the Eagles would not cover, even though they won the game.
Why It Matters
Covering separates picking the winner from beating the number. This concept helps a bettor judge spread bets by price and margin, not just by which team is more likely to win.
