NFL fans are finally getting a taste of the league’s new kickoff rules via preseason action. But how could this impact things for DraftKings Sportsbook NFL bettors?
Review of the rule
Here’s a refresher for those who are familiar with the NFL rule change, as well as an intro for those who haven’t dug into the details yet:
- Kicker lines up on his team’s 35-yard line.
- Other 10 members of the kicking team line up on the opposing team’s 40-yard line.
- Receiving team must have at least nine blockers.
- Receiving team’s blockers line up between their 30- and 35-yard lines.
- Play begins when the ball is caught or lands in the “Landing Zone” or gets returned from the end zone.
- Introduction of “Landing Zone”. This area ranges from the receiving team’s 20-yard line to their goal line.
- A ball that lands in the “Landing Zone” must be returned.
- A ball that does not reach the receiving team’s 20-yard line will result in the receiving team obtaining possession on their 40-yard line.
- A ball that reaches the end zone in the air can be returned or the receiving team can get possession on their 30-yard line.
- If a kick lands in the “Landing Zone” but bounces into the end zone, the ball can be returned or the receiving team can down the ball for a touchback that results in possession on their own 20-yard line.
- A kick that goes out of bounds results in the receiving team obtaining possession on their 40-yard line.
- Onside kicks can only be utilized in the fourth quarter.
Insights to consider
Total points is the area in which bettors should expect the most impact throughout the first month of the season.
“Could be worth 1-2 (point) increase on the totals to start the season,” DraftKings’ Johnny Avello said.
Given the nature of this NFL rule change, special teams could have a more direct impact on scoring. With this rule seeming to make kick return touchdowns more likely, special teams-related bets and props are in line to see more action to open the season.
Noteworthy D/ST betting option on DraftKings Sportsbook
While DraftKings Sportsbook betters can back individual kick returners as ANYTIME TOUCHDOWN SCORERS, thus extending their reach beyond special teams, there is another option available that could cast a different range of outcomes.
Bettors can also back a specific team to log a D/ST touchdown under ANYTIME TOUCHDOWN SCORERS. With this play, a defensive touchdown or a special team touchdown (i.e. kick return) scored by the selected team would result in a winning play.
Place your bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
