Point spread question

[Jacky Roberts]

The Pats are favored by 17 this weekend in Miami. Does anyone know what the biggest point spread in NFL history was? I have to think that there's a good shot that the Patriots could enter a game as a 20-25 point favorite this year, especially vs. Jets and/or Dolphins at home. Crazy.

 

[BelichickFan]

17 on the road - yikes. That would be about 22 at home. Can't answer your question but this is nuts; of course I wouldn't take Miami +17.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

17 on the road - yikes. That would be about 22 at home. Can't answer your question but this is nuts; of course I wouldn't take Miami +17.

Playing at home is supposed to be worth 3, so it would be Miami +20 on neutral turf, and Miami +23 at Gillette.

 

[BadMoFo]

I used to like being the underdog. I know the offense should do alright, but I am hoping the defense has one of its best showings of the year this week. Plus I'd like to see the running game really kick it into high gear. I want to see Tom Brady come out of this one with a clean jersey.

 

[BelichickFan]

Playing at home is supposed to be worth 3, so it would be Miami +20 on neutral turf, and Miami +23 at Gillette.

I usually think of it as 2.5 but, whatever, either way it's a nutty number for an NFL game.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

You have to remember that the point spread IS NOT WHAT VEGAS THINKS THE FINAL SCORE DIFFERENTIAL WILL BE, it is the number which they think will entice the most equal betting on both sides. They do not want everyone betting only one side of any game, the spread is to ensure even betting on both teams.


FYI
The '69 Jets were a 22 point underdog to the Colts, how did that work out for the Colts?

 

[tedylb]

I wouldn't bet against the favorites. They've covered 6 out of 6 so far. As mentioned, in the stock market and in gambling, the smart money usually makes a good living from the dumb money

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Look at this years NCAA Game...


Appalachian St. +37 at Michigan

We all know who won that game

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

Syracuse was a 40 point underdog to Louisville, and we all know how that turned out (well actually probably only me and Dryheat do).

 

[aluminum seats]

The biggest spread in NFL history (I think) was '78 was in December '93, where the 49ers were favored over Cincinnati by 24. SF won 21-8. If the Pats keep this up, they certainly will be favored by a similar number against the Jets.

 

[FrontSeven]

The biggest spread in NFL history (I think) was '78 was in December '93, where the 49ers were favored over Cincinnati by 24. SF won 21-8. If the Pats keep this up, they certainly will be favored by a similar number against the Jets.

Cincinnati must have cheated.

CinciGate.

 

[FrontSeven]

How about the Niners giving 18 to the Chargers in the SB and covering? Holy crapoli. Six TD passes by Steve Young didn't hurt that cause.