NFL gambling odds: the importance of offensive linemen

NFL gambling odds are generally handicapped with a focus on the offensive playmakers, such as quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.  However, when examining the NFL odds it is also very important to consider the impact that the offensive linemen of each team can have on the NFL gambling odds, as these players have a major role in the success of an offense.  Paying special attention to offensive linemen when evaluating NFL gambling odds will not only help you improve your analysis of the NFL gambling odds in general, it will also be especially useful in evaluating the NFL gambling odds after injuries or trades.

NFL gambling odds should always be analyzed with an acknowledgement of offensive linemen because they are central players in any offense.  Even though offensive linemen are mostly unknown and do not receive much credit for their accomplishments, they form the backbone of every NFL offense.  Experts of NFL gambling odds know that it is the offensive linemen who keep quarterbacks upright and help create gaps through which rushers can burst. In other words, no matter how good a team’s offensive playmakers are, the offense will not get anywhere without a strong offensive line.

Consequently, as you examine NFL gambling odds you should pay close attention to how capable an offensive line will be.  For example, if you predict that an offensive line will be completely outmatched by an opposing defensive line then that is a fact that must be directly factored into your handicapping of the NFL odds.

By carefully analyzing offensive linemen when looking at NFL gambling odds you will also better prepare yourself to adapt your handicapping of NFL odds to injuries and trades.  For example, if a star running back is injured and a backup takes his place, then this change will directly alter the NFL gambling odds.  However, if you know that the running back has simply thrived behind a premier line then you can handicap the NFL odds knowing the backup will likely find success as well.

On the other hand, if the starting running back has not enjoyed a stellar offensive line then when you evaluate the NFL gambling odds you must acknowledge that the backup may struggle dearly to find open holes.  Similarly, it is important to consider an offensive line when evaluating the impact of trades on NFL gambling odds.  If you find, for example, that a highly-criticized quarterback who has suffered behind a porous line is traded to a team with one of the best offensive lines in the league, then you should understand that there is a very real chance that the quarterback will suddenly become significantly more productive.