For the side, the favourite is noted by a minus sign and a number. Taking this side, in order to win, the team in question must score at least one more point than the line or spread listed. The favourite is nicknamed "chalk." This expression dates from the days when colored chalk was used to write the odds next to the favored team.

To bet the underdog, you bet on the "plus" side, with the hope or expectation that your team will either win the game outright or lose by 1 point less than the line.

The Total (Over-Under) is posted with a number that represents the combined score of both teams at the end of the game, overtimes included. There are two choices: you can bet that the combined score will fall under the Total listed, or over. Obviously, if you believe the game will be high scoring, you bet on the over. Conversely, if you believe the game will be a low-scoring contest, you bet the under. The Total bet is a way to bet on the game and either bet on both teams to score a lot, or not, without choosing a side.

In our mythical match-up, the line on the betting board would look like this:

Detroit (the away or road team is always listed on top) 39.5

Green Bay (the home team is always on the bottom) —5

Green Bay is a 5-point home favourite and the Total on the game is 39.5.