and oddsmakers aren't actually predicting a result. the spread is just the balance point between bets falling on each side. I suggest you try something I did a few years ago and look at the spread for a random number of games this week, preferably more than 10. Then look at how the actual spread of the scores compares to the pointspreads. You will probably be surprised at how often they're not close. It shouldn't be that surprising though when you realize they're not trying to predict the score. They're just predicting gambler behavior and then adjusting it as needed as game time approaches.