It’s Tua Time.
The rookie quarterback from Alabama has been handed the keys to the Dolphins Offense. Miami head coach Brian Flores said that Tua Tagovailoa will start at home against the L.A. Rams in Week 8 after the Dolphins’ bye week.
Oddsmakers don’t expect the switch from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Tua to change anything when it comes to the point spread.
“We probably won’t move it at all,” South Point sportsbook director Chris Andrews told NBC Sports. “If anything, I’ve got Fitzpatrick a point higher than Tua right now."[[ad:athena]]
Many old school oddsmakers still give players a number to the point spread. Most players aren’t worth that much, but the quarterback always moves the needle. I remember Andrews telling me two years ago that Aaron Rodgers was worth seven points to the line because he’s amazing and then-backup DeShone Kizer was dreadful. So if the Packers were -10 at home with Rodgers, they would be -3 with Kizer.
(After the quarterback, usually the next important positions to the point spread are wide receiver, an elite pass rusher, a top defensive back and then center or left tackle).
Bettors may not like to put their money on Fitzpatrick, but it’s hard to argue that he’s less valuable at this point. A veteran that knows the offense inside-and-out is probably better on the surface than a young rookie making his first start. Rookies are prone to follow up “wow” plays with “oh no” plays.
Of course Tagovailoa’s impact to the spread will definitely change if he takes the world by storm and scores three or four touchdowns.
“Tua gets a full two weeks to prepare with the bye,” Andrews explained. “This was clearly the plan all along. He should be up to speed with what they’re trying to do. We’ll be watching closely and we’ll be ready to make the necessary adjustments.”
Stay tuned to Rotoworld next week for an in-depth look at future options and prop markets for Tua.
