From the Broncos led by Manning setting a -28.0 spread against the Jaguars to the Patriots smashing the Colts by 35 points in a game with a 21-point spread, these matchups featured jaw-dropping betting lines that the bookies dropped on the punters.
Some big moments include Russell Wilson’s four-touchdown masterclass and Tom Brady’s 300-yard, three-touchdown display, which show how elite play can turn mismatches into highlight reels.
Biggest Betting Spreads in NFL History
Here are some examples where the bookies made some massive betting spreads, and just sat back and watched some of the biggest NFL betting lines in history unfold.
1. Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 2013
- Spread: Broncos -28.0
- Game Result: Broncos 35 – Jaguars 19
Peyton Manning led the Broncos’ offense brilliantly, throwing for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Despite the big win, Denver failed to cover the spread, illustrating the risk of large spreads even with a high-powered offense like the 2013 Broncos, which also saw Wes Welker catching a touchdown and accumulating over 60 receiving yards.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1976
- Spread: Steelers -27.0
- Game Result: Steelers 42 – Buccaneers 0
The Steel Curtain defense showcased its might by shutting out the Buccaneers completely.
Terry Bradshaw made the best of on this dominance, throwing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns, with Franco Harris adding two rushing touchdowns, showing the Steelers’ ability to convert defense into scoring.
3. New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts – 2011
- Spread: Patriots -21.0
- Game Result: Patriots 59 – Colts 24
Tom Brady’s big outing, throwing for three touchdowns and over 300 yards, and Rob Gronkowski’s two touchdowns on 137 receiving yards, powered the Patriots.
The defense also added two pick-sixes, exacerbating the Colts’ misery without their star quarterback, Peyton Manning.
4. San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons – 1987
- Spread: 49ers -23.5
- Game Result: 49ers 25 – Falcons 17
Joe Montana had a big game with 250 passing yards and a touchdown, but it was Jerry Rice who stood out with over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.
The 49ers found it hard to convert red zone appearances, which led to a closer game than the bookies expeted, missing the spread cover.
5. Minnesota Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills – 2018
- Spread: Vikings -17.0
- Game Result: Bills 27 – Vikings 6
Rookie Josh Allen stunned the Vikings (and the bookmakers) with his mobility, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for another, notching over 200 total yards.
The Vikings’ usually reliable defense, led by Harrison Smith and Everson Griffen, was caught off-guard by Allen’s unscripted plays.
The bookmakers lost big on this one.
6. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Miami Dolphins – 2007
- Spread: Eagles -16.5
- Game Result: Eagles 17 – Dolphins 7
Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook struggled to find rhythm, with McNabb throwing for just 130 yards and Westbrook rushing for under 50 yards but scoring a touchdown.
The Eagles’ defense, however, held firm, limiting the Dolphins to just one touchdown, showcasing that even struggling teams can challenge higher spreads.
7. Seattle Seahawks vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 2013
- Spread: Seahawks -19.5
- Game Result: Seahawks 45, Jaguars 17
Russell Wilson’s near-perfect game included four touchdown passes, two to Sidney Rice.
Marshawn Lynch added a rushing touchdown, showing the Seahawks’ balanced attack. The defense, featuring Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, forced three turnovers, underscoring the team’s great play on both sides of the ball during their championship season.
There we have it, the 7 largest betting spreads in NFL history. Check out our biggest betting spreads in NBA history for some more examples of big bookie lines.
