Glossary
Underdog
The underdog is the side a sportsbook judges less likely to win. On the moneyline it carries plus odds and pays more than an even bet, rewarding the lower chance with a bigger return. On the spread, the underdog is the team receiving points as a head start.
The underdog is the side the market expects to lose. It shows up as a plus price on the moneyline, such as +160, and as a plus number on the spread, such as +6.5, meaning it is being spotted points.
An underdog pays more because it is judged less probable. A moneyline underdog that wins outright delivers the largest return relative to stake of any straight bet. On the spread, an underdog does not even need to win the game, only to stay within the points.
As with favorites, the label tells you nothing about whether the bet is good. A generously priced underdog can offer real value, while an underdog priced too short is simply an expensive long shot. The price against the true chance is what counts.
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