Does a QB Kneel Count as a Rushing Attempt Betting

This is a bit of a tricky question, as it depends on the specific sportsbook and the type of bet you placed.​

In most cases, a QB kneel will count as a rushing attempt for statistical purposes.​ This means it will factor into a quarterback’s total rushing yards for the game and season.​ However, when it comes to prop bets, particularly those focused on a quarterback’s rushing yards, sportsbooks are becoming increasingly savvy.​

Many sportsbooks now specifically exclude kneel downs from counting toward QB rushing yardage totals in their prop bets.​ This is because kneel downs are designed to lose a small amount of yardage and don’t reflect the quarterback’s actual rushing ability.​

To be absolutely certain, always check the specific rules and terms of the bet with your chosen sportsbook.​ They usually clarify whether kneel downs count toward player stats in their prop bets.​

NFL Rushing Rules and Statistics

In the NFL, a rushing attempt is defined as any play where a player carries the ball forward, intending to gain yardage, with the exception of a few specific scenarios.​ These scenarios include⁚

• Fumbles⁚ If a player fumbles the ball and it’s recovered by a teammate who advances it, the original ball carrier is still credited with a rushing attempt, even if they didn’t gain any yards.​
• Lateral Passes⁚ Lateral passes are not considered rushing attempts.​ If a player catches a lateral pass and advances the ball, it’s considered a rushing attempt for the player who caught the lateral, not the player who threw it.​

Kneel downs, however, fall into a bit of a grey area. According to the NFL rulebook, a quarterback kneel is technically considered a rushing attempt.​ It’s recorded as such in official game statistics, and any yardage lost is deducted from the quarterback’s rushing total.​

The NFL’s official scoring rules state that a quarterback who kneels to end a half or game is credited with a rushing attempt for the yards lost.​ However, it’s important to note that these rules primarily govern how statistics are recorded and don’t always directly translate to how sportsbooks handle wagers.

When it comes to betting, the specific rules regarding QB kneels and rushing attempts can vary depending on the sportsbook.​ Some sportsbooks might include kneel downs in their rushing attempt totals, particularly for season-long bets, while others might specifically exclude them, especially for prop bets focused on individual game performance.​

How Kneel Downs Are Treated in Betting

The inclusion or exclusion of QB kneels in rushing attempt betting is a point of contention and can vary significantly between sportsbooks and even specific bet types.​ There is no universally consistent rule, making it crucial for bettors to carefully scrutinize the terms and conditions set forth by each sportsbook.​

Historically, most sportsbooks counted QB kneels as rushing attempts across all wager types.​ This practice stemmed from the NFL’s official scoring rules, which, as previously mentioned, categorize kneel downs as rushing attempts for statistical purposes. However, this approach has evolved with the rise of prop bets, particularly those centered around player-specific rushing yardage.​

Recognizing that kneel downs are strategically intended to lose a minimal amount of yardage and don’t accurately reflect a quarterback’s rushing ability, many sportsbooks have opted to exclude them from QB rushing yardage totals in prop bets. This shift aims to offer a fairer betting environment that reflects the quarterback’s genuine rushing performance.​

However, ambiguity remains. Some sportsbooks might maintain the traditional approach of including kneels in rushing attempts for certain bet types, such as season-long bets, where the cumulative impact of kneel downs is less pronounced. Others might provide specific disclaimers or use nuanced language in their bet descriptions to clarify their stance on QB kneel downs.​

The key takeaway for bettors is to exercise due diligence.​ Never assume that a QB kneel will be uniformly treated across all sportsbooks or bet types.​ Always consult the specific rules and terms associated with the bet you are considering to determine whether kneel downs are included or excluded. This practice can prevent unpleasant surprises and ensure a more informed and enjoyable betting experience.​

Impact on Rushing Yards in Fantasy Football

In the realm of fantasy football, where statistical accuracy reigns supreme, the treatment of QB kneel downs regarding rushing yards can significantly impact a player’s performance and, consequently, a fantasy team’s success.​ While the NFL’s official scoring system considers QB kneels as rushing attempts, fantasy football platforms and leagues often adopt different scoring rules, creating a need for close attention from fantasy managers.

Most fantasy football platforms recognize that including kneel downs, which inherently result in minimal yardage loss, would unfairly penalize quarterbacks with strong rushing capabilities, particularly those playing for teams frequently ending games in victory formation.​ Consequently, a majority of fantasy leagues and platforms have modified their scoring systems to exclude QB kneel downs from counting toward a quarterback’s rushing yardage total.​

This modification ensures a fairer representation of a quarterback’s rushing prowess and prevents situations where a few kneel downs significantly skew their fantasy points.​ However, it’s crucial to note that not all fantasy leagues adhere to this practice.​ Some leagues might maintain the traditional scoring system, considering all QB kneel downs as rushing attempts with negative yardage.​

Therefore, fantasy football enthusiasts must carefully review the specific rules and scoring settings of their leagues and platforms.​ Understanding how QB kneel downs are treated is vital for making informed decisions during drafts, trades, and weekly lineup selections, especially when comparing quarterbacks who frequently find themselves kneeling down to secure victories.​

Examples of QB Kneel Downs Affecting Betting Outcomes

While seemingly trivial, QB kneel downs have the potential to sway betting outcomes, particularly in prop bets and fantasy football contests where rushing yardage holds significant weight.​ Here are a few hypothetical scenarios illustrating how kneel downs can influence results⁚

Scenario 1⁚ Rushing Yards Prop Bet ⎻ Imagine a star quarterback known for his mobility is facing a tough defense.​ The over/under for his rushing yards is set at 25.​5.​ He accumulates 25 rushing yards throughout the game but takes three kneel downs in victory formation, resulting in a net loss of 3 yards.​ If the sportsbook includes kneel downs in its calculations, he falls short of the over, disappointing bettors who banked on his rushing prowess.​

Scenario 2⁚ Fantasy Football Matchup ⸺ In a tightly contested fantasy matchup, two teams are separated by a mere point heading into Monday Night Football. The trailing team’s quarterback throws for a modest number of yards but is known for his rushing touchdowns. He scores two rushing touchdowns but also takes four kneel downs in a blowout win.​ If kneel downs are factored into the scoring, those negative rushing yards could be the difference between a victory and a heartbreaking defeat.​

These examples highlight the importance of understanding how different sportsbooks and fantasy leagues address QB kneel downs.​ Savvy bettors and fantasy managers need to be aware of these nuances, consult the specific rules of their chosen platforms, and factor in the potential impact of kneel downs before placing bets or finalizing their lineups;