Why odds move before kickoff

Injury news, weather, big bets and books copying each other all move prices. Here's what's going on, and why it means prices can differ.

A price isn't fixed when it's posted. Between opening and kickoff, NFL odds can move many times. Knowing why helps you understand why two books can disagree at the same moment.

What moves a line

• News: injuries, inactive lists, a quarterback change, weather for outdoor games.
• Money: books adjust when lots of money (or money from bettors they respect) comes in on one side.
• Other books: many books follow the sharpest, lowest-margin markets and move when those move.

Why books disagree for a while

Books don't all move at the same second. One may react to news in seconds, another in minutes. During that gap, the same bet can have noticeably different prices. Most gaps close quickly, which is why Coconuts shows how old a price is and asks you to check it at the book before you bet.

The closing line

The last price before the game starts is the "closing line". It includes the most information, so comparing the price you took with the close (closing-line value) is an honest check on your prices. It says nothing certain about any single result.

Information only. Prices change and any single bet can lose. 21+. Help: 1-800-GAMBLER.