:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67082602/1217938563.jpg.0.jpg)
The NFL hopes to open its 2020 season on time, but some or all of their teams can expect to be playing home games without fans in the stadium. Each locale is implementing different rules, and today we learned that both the New York Giants and New York Jets will play with no fans in the seats.
Joint Statement from the Giants and Jets pic.twitter.com/e8MGmXpimv
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 20, 2020
As these reports become official, we’ll start to see some changes in point spreads for their home games. DraftKings Sportsbook has provided lines for the Giants Week 1-16 games, and no line for their Week 9 tilt against the Patriots due to the recent signing of Cam Newton. Here is where they currently stand:
vs. 49ers: +5.5
vs. Broncos: +1
vs. Cardinals: -1
vs. Bills: +1.5
vs. Patriots: TBD
vs. Dolphins: -3.5
vs. Raiders: -1.5
vs. Browns: +1.5
In sports betting, home field advantage is viewed as being worth roughly 2 to 3 points. Some teams like the Seahawks, Saints, and Chiefs have a more significant advantage than other teams.
DK Sportsbook oddsmaker Johnny Avello said he would cut a home field advantage in half with no fans in the stands. The Jets had a 2.5-point home field advantage at the end of the 2019 season, so 1 to 1.5 points is the likely change. There is still benefit of knowing your home stadium and locker room, and not having to travel, so you still get some boost playing at home. But, it will not be nearly what it would be if there were fans in the stands.
If the Jets lose 1 to 1.5 points in home field advantage, we could see three games move to even, as they are slight favorites against the Broncos, Bills and Browns. Of course, not all lines are created equal so this is just a basic projection for the time being. However, sportsbooks have yet to make a move with the potential for no fans in the stand, so there could be some value to be found in early lines.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.