Betting the spread in football is a popular form of sports betting where you’re not just picking the winner of the game, but also the margin of victory. The spread is a number set by oddsmakers that represents the expected margin of victory for the favorite over the underdog. Here’s how you can bet the spread in football:

1. **Understand the Spread**: The spread is usually listed with a negative sign for the favorite and a positive sign for the underdog. For example, if the New England Patriots are playing the Miami Dolphins and the spread is Patriots -7, it means the Patriots are expected to win by 7 points. If you bet on the Patriots, they would need to win by more than 7 points for you to win your bet. If you bet on the Dolphins, they can either win the game or lose by 6 points or fewer for you to win your bet.

2. **Choose Your Side**: Decide whether you want to bet on the favorite or the underdog. Betting on the favorite means the team you choose must win by more than the spread. Betting on the underdog means that team can win, or they can lose by less than the spread.

3. **Placing the Bet**: Go to a sportsbook, either online or in person, and tell them the amount you want to bet, the spread, and which team you’re taking. For example, you might say, “I’ll take the Dolphins +7 for $100.”

4. **Understanding the Payout**: Typically, spread bets are -110, which means you need to bet $110 to win $100. This is known as the vigorish or juice, which is the commission the sportsbook charges for taking your bet.

5. **Covering the Spread**: To win a bet on the favorite, the team must win by more than the spread. To win a bet on the underdog, the team can win the game or lose by less than the spread. If the game lands exactly on the spread, it’s considered a push, and you get your money back.

6. **Consider the Hook**: Sometimes the spread will include a half-point, known as a “hook.” This ensures there’s no possibility of a push. For example, if the spread is -7.5, the favorite must win by 8 or more points for you to win the bet, while the underdog can lose by 7 or fewer points.

7. **Manage Your Bankroll**: Always bet within your means and manage your bankroll responsibly. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.

8. **Shop for Lines**: Different sportsbooks may offer different spreads for the same game. It’s a good idea to shop around for the best line to maximize your potential payout.

Remember that betting on sports carries inherent risks, and it’s important to bet responsibly. Always be aware of the odds, the potential payout, and the risks involved before placing any bets.