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In sportsbetting the '''underdog''' of a given event is the side of the market that is perceived as having a less likely chance of winning. Often abbreviated ''dog'', the underdog carries a positive [[point spread]] and yields a [[plus money]] return on the [[moneyline]]. The other side of the same market with a greater perceived chance of winning is known as the [[favorite]].
== Underdog moneyline ==
== Underdog spread ==
In order to balance the perceived skill discrepancies between competing teams a point spread is used. The underdog being viewed as the weaker team is given a positive spread. The points they are given are applied to the final score in order to determine if the bet wins. A bet on an underdog's point spread will win if they either win outright or lose by a margin smaller than the spread.
Using the same example as before the Baltimore Ravens have a +3.5 point spread with -110 odds. A bet on the Ravens spread would win if they either win the game outright or lose by 1-3 points. Because the point spread is being used to balance the perceived ability of both teams the betting odds are normally equal around -110. This means a $110 risk would yield $100 profit for a total return of $210.
{| class="wikitable" style= Example "text-align: center; margin: auto;"|- style="background-color:#eaecf0;"|colspan="2"|'''Team'''|'''Spread'''|'''Total'''|'''Moneyline'''|-|[[File:Patriots.png|25px]]|New England Patriots| -3.5 (-110)| Over 44.5 (-110)| -180|-|[[File:Ravens.png|25px]]|Baltimore Ravens|style="background-color:#E2FFD3"| +3.5 (-110)| Under 44.5 (-110)| +160|}