:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67291706/1198879277.jpg.0.jpg)
The NFL is on track 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 on Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced their plans to start the season.
The Vikings will have no fans for their two games, which means they will play in an empty stadium for their Week 1 home opener against the Green Bay Packers and their Week 3 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. The team will continue working with the Minnesota Department of Health to figure out when they can have fans back in attendance.
DraftKings Sportsbook has provided lines for three Vikings games this season, with one of them being their home opener. Minnesota is a 3.5-point favorite against Green Bay.
In sports betting, home field advantage is viewed as being worth roughly 2.5 to 3 points. Some teams like the Seahawks, Saints, and Chiefs have a more significant advantage than other teams. The Vikings draw well and have a loud crowd so it’ll be around a field goal, maybe more depending on the weather and the oddsmaker.
DK Sportsbook oddsmaker Johnny Avello said he would cut a home field in half with no fans in the stands. There is still benefit of knowing your home stadium and locker room, and not having to travel, so you still get some benefit to playing at home. But, it will not be nearly what it would be if there were fans in the stands.
If the Vikings lose 1.5 points in home field advantage, we could see the Packers line drop to two points. When you get that close, it’s in a particularly murky area that can be a little more difficult to sort. We don’t have a line for the Titans matchup, but they’d likely be a slightly larger favorite.
Not all lines are created equal and plenty will change between now and each game, so this some 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.