“Against the spread” refers to betting on a team to perform better than the point spread set by the sportsbook. They must either win by a margin greater than the spread (for favorites) or lose by fewer points than the spread (for underdogs) for the bet to be successful.
Quote from NY Post Point spreads are supposed to be the great equalizer. History has shown that the eventual champions are often underestimated by the composite sum of market influences, even when they’re media-friendly, high-profile programs. Consistently clearing high expectations is a sign of greatness.
In the opposite direction, the 49ers are often blowing out teams when their entire superstar talent, particularly on offense, is on the field.
It’s just that given their recent history, I have zero confidence by the time of the Super Bowl or even the NFC Conference championship game that the 49ers will still have all of their superstar talent on the field.