The NFL Should Require Teams To Disclose When They're Going To Play Starters

[Yavin4]

When a team has clinched a playoff spot and has nothing else to play for, like home field advantage, that team should be required to disclose if and how they're going to play their starters before the game starts.

This way, ticket holders and the networks can decide whether they want to attend the game or broadcast it. And, in all honesty, gamblers will be notified.

You want to prevent insiders having knowledge about the game and using it to their advantage. For example, those gamblers who knew that Manning wouldn't play the entire 2nd half could have locked in a point spread earlier in the week.

If a team does not notify the league, then they should be fined.

[JonLP24]

1. I disagree

Teams should be able to play anyone whenever the hell they want.

The only thing I'm for which is already enforced is the injury report.

[Yavin4]

2. I'm Not Arguing Whether They Should Play Or Not

That's up to the team. However, they should be required to disclose their intentions prior to the game. You can build in exceptions such as a blowout or a near injury, but the teams need to disclose to their fans whether it's their intentions to play their starters for the full game or not.

Otherwise, you can create an opportunity for unscrupulous folks with inside information to make money.

[JonLP24]

3. My disagreement is

they should not be required to do that. I like the idea of coaches having that kind of a freedom, they may change their mind through the course of the game.

[Yavin4]

4. How Do You Account for the Potential for Abuse?

If you know that certain players won't play the full game, then you can capitalize on that information.

[JonLP24]

5. You don't

Besides who would know besides coaching staff, players, and team personnel? As far as I know they shouldn't be betting in the first place.

[madinmaryland]

6. "they should be required to disclose their intentions prior to the game"

:wtf:

Let me check with Belicheck on that one!

[Auggie]

7. It's understood by most fans that when teams clinch they rest the starters

When the 49ers had clinched playoff spots (eons ago) I was relieved to hear Montana or Lott would only play sparingly. It's okay with me -- I want my starters healthy and rested for the playoffs.

[madinmaryland]

8. That has to be one of the dumbest things I have heard. If you did not

know that Manning would be rested in the second half, then you really should not be gambling on football (or even prognosticating about the game of football).

Sheesh!