2015 Rules Changes and Their Impact on the NFL Odds

In the course of this offseason, the NFL has instituted a few important rule changes in the bid to ensure that games are played in a fair manner. To set the mood right for the Training Camp activities and NFL betting action that will be taking place when the 2015 Preseason games begin, here is a look at some of the rule changes that have been adopted so far and their impact on the NFL odds. Carrying Forward a Foul at the End of a Half Previously, an Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul committed at the end of a half would be ignored. In the new rules, such fouls will be applied to the ensuing kickoff, giving an advantage to the offended team. Player Ineligibility Thanks to the Number 1 rule-breakers/benders in the NFL, the New England Patriots, a player that declares himself ineligible will not be allowed to line up outside the tackle box. Going against this rule leads to a 5-yard penalty. Interestingly, the Patriots were the last team I saw break this rule when RB Shane Vereen declared himself ineligible in the 2015 AFC Playoffs against the Ravens, but he still lined up in the slot where he’d be able to catch a pass.

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Moving the Line of Scrimmage for Extra Points This is one rule you’ve probably heard about many times in the offseason, mainly because it will potentially have a huge effect on game outcomes. In the newly enforced rules, teams are allowed to move the line of scrimmage back to the 15-yard line (during try kicks/punts) for extra points. Even so, 2-point conversions will still be run from the 2-yard line. Additionally, this rule allows defensive teams to now return a missed or blocked punt for two points of their own, as has been the case in college football. Extension of Instant Replay System The NFL instant replay system will be extended to include reviews of game clock on the final play of either the first half or second half of a game, or even in overtime. So if there is an error in the functioning of the game clock, time can be taken off or put pack. You need an example of how this works, check out the final play of the 2013 Iron Bowl clash between Alabama and Auburn. Player Safety Changes In order to protect players from injuries, the following four changes have been made: Firstly, a defensive team that is lining up against a punt is not allowed to push team-mates into the opposing offensive formation. Also, anyone on the line must be outside the snapper’s pads. Any violations on this rule result in a 15-yard penalty. Secondly, an offensive player is prohibited from blocking a defensive player below the waist when that defensive player is tied up above the waist another offensive player outside the area that is usually occupied by the TE. This is probably not a big deal, but an important rule to note.

Thirdly, and very notably, “PEEL BACK” blocks are now illegal for everyone on the offense in ALL areas of the field. In case you are wondering what we mean by peel back blocks, we are referring to those blocks that involve an offensive player hitting a defensive player from the side as the defensive player is making a run towards his end zone. Often, the blocks are unseen because of quick movement by the players. Fourthly, the intended receiver of a pass will be given “defenseless player protection” during a potential case of interception or immediately after an interception. A penalty is awarded if a hit comes in what is termed as an “immediate continuing action: of pick. Heavy Regulation of Football Pressure Tom Brady and the Pats, this one is specially tailored for you! As reported by Mike Pereira of Fox Sports, pregame football pressure readings will now be documented, and game officials will conduct random halftime and postgame rechecks on the balls. In addition, footballs will continue to be to have at least 12.5 pounds per square inch of air and nothing in the excess of 13.5 psi. If a football falls outside any of those numbers, the air pressure must be adjusted accordingly. And to ensure that no switching of balls take place, the game officials will number the balls 1-12, as opposed to last season, when the balls were not numbered. Linebackers’ Jersey Numbers Okay, this change probably won’t have much of an effect on betting, but it’s a nice one to note, as a final change. In the new rules, linebackers can now wear jerseys that have numbers between 40 and 49, something that was not allowed previously.