What is the spread?

The spread can get confusing at times, so I hope this can help.

 Example: Patriots -3 over Jets - Now if the Patriots only win by three than that would just be a TIE or a Push as they would call that in Vegas.

 What the minus sign next to the Pats is telling you is the number of points they are favored by. So basically think of it as before the opening kickoff has even gotten under way, if you bet on the Patriots, you are already losing 3-0.

 If the example was Patriots + 3 over Jets-  With the plus sign it's the number of points you are getting which means you are betting on the underdog. Which is the opposite as the statement above being if you bet on the Pats, you are winning 3-0 before the opening kickoff and just have to make sure they don't lose by three or more points in the end.

If anyone has any other questions feel free to comment and ask.