In the gaming world, there is nothing more maddening than the Sunday morning NFL injury report that messes with Vegas football odds. Nearly every head coach treats playing status like a CIA missive - using vague adjectives like "doubtful" and "probable" to describe the numerous injuries players endure throughout the season.
In the world of covert NFL operations, these secretive injury reports work well to keep the opposition guessing on a weekly basis. But for those looking to gauge the over/under, spreads and lines in preparation for their Sunday wagers, injury reports become a massive headache, potentially ruining their Vegas football odds.
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Nobody wants to see a speedy wide receiver as questionable with a strained hamstring. Or a pass-happy QB listed as doubtful with a sprained wrist. While football remains the ultimate team game, there's no denying the fact that individual players can have a massive impact on the outcome of the game and the point spread, as set by Vegas oddsmakers. As the old adage states - "big time players make big time plays," and nowhere is this more evident than in the NFL.
In this light, here's a look at a group of players who can directly affect individual contests proving how ultimately indispensable they are to their teams. Here they are: Two Players Who Can Move the Vegas Football Odds in '05.
QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Simply put Peyton Manning may be the most indispensable player in the NFL.
It's not so much his statistical prowess - although the 49 TDs and 121.1 passer rating last season was impressive - but rather the impact Manning has on the Colts' offense. His ability to read a defense while approaching the line of scrimmage, make audible adjustments in a matter of seconds and throw with pinpoint accuracy is an indication of how heavily Indy relies on their star quarterback and how he affects Vegas football odds.
As a result, Manning could wreak havoc with the lines for the upcoming NFL campaign. One of the more interesting things about Manning is the speed and efficiency in which he can put points on the board. Last season, he threw for 30 first-half touchdowns, making him a favorite amongst those who play Vegas football odds. His ability to put teams away early can have a direct effect on lines - when the Colts stake out to a big early lead, starters are often rested more, which can often result in a lot of second-half catch-up - toying with point spreads in the process. Consider the week nine game versus Minnesota last season - after posting a 14-0 first-half lead, things looked comfortable for the Colts. But a strong second-half surge by the Vikings made Indy sweat out a 31-28 win, whittling a two-touchdown spread down to a single field goal in the process.
WR Randy Moss, Oakland Raiders
Rarely has a wide receiver been received with more hype.
In moving to Oakland , Randy Moss isn't expected to just catch touchdowns. He's responsible for 1) the reclamation of QB Kerry Collins, 2) freeing up young WRs Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry by receiving a flurry of double-teams, 3) opening up the offense for new RB LaMont Jordan to run wild.
Talk about a full plate not to mention how he'll be judged amongst those who play Vegas football odds.
Moss will likely increase the Raiders' offensive output this season, but with that comes a lot of responsibility. And responsibility has never been one of Moss' strong suits aside from accumulating close to $100,000 in fines since 1998, he is known to take plays off and struggled through an injury-plagued 2004. As a result, his impact on upcoming NFL lines could be huge.
If Moss struggles with injury, or reverts to his malcontent form, the trickle-down effect will be epic. Porter and Curry will no longer experience the freedom from playing alongside a superstar WR; Collins loses his most lethal target; teams can stack against the run and neutralize Jordan essentially, the entire offense sags when Moss is not performing at his best. Jordan will be another big factor when it comes time to judge Vegas football odds on the Raiders.
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