Injuries to key players can count for a lot when betting on the NFL and can affect a team's chances against the spread. Those of you thinking that the key player in this case,
has "got to be the quarterback"....think again.
Quarterback. The QB is of course an important starter, often the most important, but not necessarily in relation to the pointspread in NFL betting. This is because when a quarterback is out through injury the sportsbooks compensate and adjust the spread where necessary. Whether they move it correctly is another matter but the point is that the absence of a starting quarterback is obvious and it is not something the public or the linesmakers are going to miss when it comes to NFL betting.
Linemen. If you have influential linemen out this will not necessarily move the nfl betting spread. Linemen are not generally household names like quarterbacks and are not 'appreciated' to the same level. However they are a vital component of any team. If a team has lost influential linemen, then you can bet the opposition coach is going to exploit any weaknesses in the back up linemen.
Centers. If the center is out be careful. Centers and quarterbacks have to 'click' and often have a very good relationship in a team that is doing well. Replace that center with a back-up and that 'understanding' is not on the same level. Again, the absence of a center doesn't usually impact the NFL spread, but can have perhaps the biggest effect - so take this into consideration when betting on an NFL game.
Middle Linebacker. If you have a back up middle linebacker and suddenly you see the opposition team making breaks with their running backs all over the field, then you know you are in trouble. These distance breaks are usually as a result of defensive frailties by middle linebackers.
Of course some absences may not be in key positions but still influence a game because that particular player is a great leader or motivator - again these types of absences may or may not affect the nfl betting spread - it really depends on the level of 'publicity' that the player has.
Anyway, the rule is to keep a check on absentee starters in these key positions that may not be 'well known' as personalities and therefore not affect the pointspread to the degree that they should.
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