Definition
The favorite is the team or player expected to win a matchup. Favorites are indicated by negative moneyline odds (-150) and give points on the spread (-3). You risk more to win less on favorites because they have higher win probability.
Example
Chiefs are -200 moneyline favorites, meaning you risk $200 to win $100. On the spread, they might be -6.5, needing to win by 7+ for spread bettors to cash.
Common Questions
Should I bet favorites or underdogs?
Should I bet favorites or underdogs?
Neither automatically. Focus on value, not team status. Sometimes favorites are undervalued, sometimes underdogs are. The goal is finding bets where true probability exceeds implied probability.
Why do favorites have negative odds?
Why do favorites have negative odds?
Negative odds show risk-to-win ratio. -200 means risk $200 to win $100 because the team has roughly 67% implied probability. Higher probability = lower payout to balance expected value.