Football Betting Terminology
If you're new to football betting, understanding the language used by sportsbooks and professional handicappers is essential. Terms such as ATS, moneyline, point spread and over/under appear throughout NFL and college football wagering discussions. Learning these definitions will help you interpret betting information with greater confidence.
Gridiron Gold Sheet has published professional football newsletters since 1980. Our experienced football handicappers use these terms every week while analyzing NFL and college football matchups, point spreads and betting value.
The following glossary explains many of the most common football betting terms.
Against the Spread (ATS)
ATS stands for "Against the Spread." Rather than simply winning the game, a team must perform better than the sportsbook's posted point spread to cover.
Visit our Against the Spread Betting page for a complete explanation.
Point Spread
A point spread is the handicap assigned by a sportsbook to balance wagering between two teams. Favorites must win by more than the spread, while underdogs may lose by fewer points than the spread and still cover.
Additional information is available on our Football Point Spread Analysis page.
Favorite
The favorite is the team expected to win the game. Favorites are identified by a minus (-) sign next to the betting line.
Underdog
The underdog is the team expected to lose. Underdogs receive points and are identified by a plus (+) sign.
Moneyline
A moneyline wager requires selecting the outright winner of the game without using a point spread.
Learn more on our Football Moneyline Betting page.
Over/Under (Totals)
The over/under, also called the total, is the projected combined score for both teams. Bettors choose whether the final score finishes over or under that number.
See our Football Over Under Betting guide for additional details.
Push
A push occurs when the final result lands exactly on the sportsbook's betting line. In most cases, wagers are refunded because neither side wins.
Cover
A team covers the spread when it performs well enough against the sportsbook's point spread for ATS wagers to win.
Hook
The hook is the half-point added to many betting lines, such as 3.5 or 7.5, to eliminate the possibility of a push.
Key Numbers
Key numbers are common victory margins such as three, seven and ten points. These numbers are especially important in football because of the scoring system.
Line Movement
Line movement refers to changes in point spreads, totals or moneylines after sportsbooks publish their opening numbers.
Our Football Line Sheets page discusses line movement in greater detail.
Handle
The handle is the total amount of money wagered on a particular game or betting market.
Juice (Vig)
The juice, also called the vigorish or vig, is the commission sportsbooks charge for accepting wagers.
Parlay
A parlay combines multiple wagers into one ticket. Every selection must win for the parlay to cash.
Teaser
A teaser allows bettors to adjust point spreads in exchange for reduced odds. Every selection in the teaser must still win.
Bankroll
A bankroll is the money specifically reserved for sports betting.
See our Football Bankroll Management guide.
Unit
A betting unit is a consistent wager size used to help maintain disciplined bankroll management throughout the season.
Public Betting
Public betting refers to wagers placed by recreational bettors. Heavy public action can sometimes influence betting lines.
Sharp Bettor
A sharp bettor is generally considered an experienced sports bettor who relies on disciplined analysis rather than emotion.
Closing Line
The closing line is the final betting number offered before kickoff.
Professional Football Handicapping Since 1980
Gridiron Gold Sheet has provided professional football handicapping since 1980. Our newsletters explain football terminology while offering detailed matchup analysis, point spread evaluation, injuries, coaching insights and betting value for both NFL and college football.
Learn more about our history on the Dennis Stagliano Football Handicapper page.
Related Football Betting Resources
Continue learning with our How to Read Football Point Spreads, Football Odds Explained, Football Betting Analysis, Football Handicapping Analysis, NFL Betting Strategy, College Football Betting Strategy, Football Newsletters and Free Football Newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ATS mean?
ATS stands for Against the Spread and measures whether a team covers the sportsbook's point spread.
What is a moneyline bet?
A moneyline bet requires selecting the outright winner without using a point spread.
What is a push?
A push occurs when the final result lands exactly on the sportsbook's betting line, resulting in most wagers being refunded.
Why are key numbers important?
Margins of three, seven and ten occur frequently in football, making them especially important to point spread bettors.
Why should I learn football betting terminology?
Understanding betting terminology helps you interpret football betting markets, sportsbook odds and professional handicapping analysis more effectively.