Betting Blog: Will Hurricane Helene Path Impact NFL & College Football Games?

When handicapping, bettors must stay on top of the conditions, as noted in our NFL weather report. But there is currently an even greater variable in play. Sportsbook users have already witnessed the impact of Hurricane Helene’s path while betting, with Braves vs. Mets games postponed in a significant series in the race for an NL Wild Card spot. How many college football and NFL games will be affected —  if any? Let’s dive in.

Hurricane Helene Path: College Football Games

The storm formed in the Caribbean Sea. Before its arrival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis already declared a state of emergency in 61 counties. Once Hurricane Helene appears, it may evolve into a Category 3 hurricane.

It’s already collided with Week 5 of the college football campaign. The contest between the Florida A&M Rattlers and Alabama A&M Bulldogs has been postponed to Nov. 29. Saturday’s contest was set to be the Rattlers’ SWAC home opener.

While the Florida Gators have their bye week, the Miami Hurricanes are slated to host Virginia Tech on Friday night. Elsewhere, Florida State travels to Dallas to take on SMU for the Mustangs’ home opener. The hurricane could alter FSU’s travel schedule.

Weather permitting, the UCF Knights will take on Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes in Orlando, where FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame show is expected to broadcast.

Hurricane Helene, which may usher in heavy winds and rain to areas beyond the southeast, could affect No. 2 Georgia at No. 4 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The college football betting markets for this game are below.

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Georgia at Alabama: Spread, Moneyline, Total

Will Hurricane Helene Path affect NFL Week 5?

Much of the damage from the tropical storm in the Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee areas is forecasted for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Therefore, it shouldn’t impact any of the teams playing on Sunday. However, surrounding areas of the stadiums, like in Atlanta and Tampa Bay, aren’t necessarily immune come gameday.

The odds for NFL Week 4 in those areas consist of the Saints at the Falcons and the Eagles at the Buccaneers.

Saints at Falcons: Spread, Moneyline, Total

Eagles at Buccaneers: Spread, Moneyline, Total

how weather affects CFB & NFL bets

Here are three potential betting scenarios impacted by weather and how wagers may be wagers. As always, double-check the terms and conditions with the sportsbook of your choice.

• If a matchup is underway, 55 minutes of game time must be completed. Otherwise, the outcome of a bet must be determined. For instance, if a wager exceeds the total, it will stand.
• If a game is postponed, some books note that they must begin by the following Wednesday for bets to count. If not, all bets will be void.
• Some books will void all bets if a game shifts to a different location.