Understanding NFL Spreads

Whenever fans are talking shop about the NFL, the latest NFL spreads are bound to be a topic of conversation.

NFL spreads are calculated at each sportsbook differently, many times by a group of 100 to 300 expert handicappers. Each expert predicts the outcome of the game, using all of their resources for stats, player news, etc., and the average score is calculated from all of the predictions. And that is how NFL spreads are calculated.

Some sportsbooks hire the same handicappers to help them set the spreads, but others use their own. That is why different sportsbooks sometimes show different spreads.

The spreads will fluctuate throughout the week as news on players and teams is released. For example, if Peyton Manning misses practice for 3 days, the sportsbook analysts may adjust the point spread to be less favorable to the Colts, especially if a flurry of bettors start betting against the Colts.

Fortunately, handicappers such as myself, have access to inside information prior to it being released to the public. Thus, I am able to pass this information to my subscribers and members so they can benefit before the spreads are adjusted.

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