These experienced high-volume handicappers shape the line movement more than any other group of bettors, including the large number of recreational bettors, who are known collectively in bookmaking circles as ‘squares’. Since they are still primarily decided by the human element, there will certainly be ‘mistakes’ in the lines that will be pounced on by ‘sharp’ bettors. However, one must remember that at the core, the odds are not decided by a computer, but instead are primarily man made. Oddsmakers may use formulas, simulations, or other statistics-based programs to help them create these numbers, in addition to personal observations. Many factors go into creating an opening line. The first numbers bettors see each week come from a professional group of oddsmakers that convene to give each game an opening number. Even football bettors who have bet for several years may have little knowledge of line movement or the origins of weekly NFL odds. There is no simple answer to who makes the point spread, totals and moneylines for each week of NFL action.
