2008 Analyzing Football Lines
As you look at college and NFL football lines there are some basic things to keep in mind and with college football lines there are differences. When handicapping college football it is important to keep it thorough and yet basic, and not overanalyze games.
Football lines handicapping starts with power ratings. Power ratings are common knowledge with many gamblers that look at NFL football lines. The football lines oddsmakers know this so there should not be an over-emphasis on the numbers that they produce. Power ratings are simply a good guide and a place for a gambler to start in order to get an initial feel for a game versus the football lines. You can start with ratings and move to statistical data to know whether or not there is a huge advantage for one side or the other in regards to good rushing offense versus poor rushing defense, great pass defense versus poor pass offense, or a matchup of strengths in the football lines. Turnover margins are a key as are penalties, and special teams statistics because they are important indicators to a gambler looking at football lines.
A gambler also needs to gauge recent performance and how the teams have played leading up to this game. This is important in NFL football lines. He also needs to check for any possible motivation or effort issues as he looks at the football lines. For example, one of the teams could be coming off a huge upset or emotional victory or a devastating loss versus the football lines. Perhaps one of the teams is coming off of a bad game or two which may indicate a potential slump while the other team may be rolling into the game with excellent play leading up to the matchup.
It is also important to look for any technical data regarding the teams, particularly under their coach. Some teams respond well to a coach on the road, or home and a coach’s track record with a team in a particular situation can help give a handicapping read versus the football lines.
It is always best not to allow any one factor to override the complete picture as you look at college and NFL football lines. We should remember that nothing is guaranteed in football lines.
