Injuries have already taken a toll on some NFL teams, and online sportsbooks are adjusting early this season.
Christian McCaffrey reportedly heading to injured reserve for the San Francisco 49ers and Jordan Love expected to miss Green Bay’s game against Indianapolis has shifted some Week 2 odds and other bets at NFL sportsbooks.
The 49ers opened at 6-point favorites against the Minnesota Vikings when lines were released late Sunday and when oddsmakers may have expected McCaffrey to be available. Six days later and less than 24 hours until Sunday’s kickoff, it’s down to 4.5 points. Green Bay was a 4.5-point favorite when last week’s look-ahead lines were released but are now 2.5-point underdogs in a wild 7-point swing.
McCaffrey opens door for Mason
MaCaffrey’s injury opened up an opportunity to reserve running back Jordan Mason.
Mason rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries and Deebo Samuel rotated into the backfield for 23 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries in the opener. The Niners moved from -5.5 to -4.5 ahead of that matchup with the Jets when McCaffrey was ruled out in the last hour before the game.
Mason should once again handle lead back duties in Week 2 at Minnesota, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that McCaffrey is headed to IR with calf soreness and Achilles tightness.
Mason’s performance also caused a stir in the betting world, as bet365 Sportsbook dealt with a controversy related to prop movements before the Week 1 kickoff.
McCaffrey’s injury also is impacting award futures at online sportsbooks. After being ruled out at the last minute last Monday Night, McCaffrey’s odds to repeat as OPOY jumped from +800 to +1300 at most books. McCaffrey was off the board for the award on Saturday at FanDuel Sportsbook after news broke about his prolonged absence.
The Vikings have taken over half the tickets so far to move this line. Minnesota is coming off a 28-6 road win at the Giants, but will be without Jordan Addison (ankle) this Sunday. Sam Darnold excelled against the Giants and will now have to face the 49ers after spending last season as a backup with the franchise.
Love injury elevates Willis as GB starter
Love’s injury moved lines and futures earlier this week as his status has remained doubtful for several days.
Malik Willis will take over for Green Bay for what could be a few weeks.
The Packers were around +230 in the preseason for NFC North divisional odds, and were at +700 Saturday at FanDuel.
