The Friday injury report is a resource for NFL betting that you can’t afford to overlook when planning their weekend action. Before you make any decisions with your hard earned money, monitor these Week 2 injuries and related roster storylines that have significant implications on the outcomes of their respective games.
Vikings at Packers
This is the most consequential injury report of Week 2. The eyes of the NFL are on Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers who left the first half of the Packers’ Week 1 contest against the Bears with a knee injury. He returned to lead the Pack to a win, but his status for Sunday – as well as the remainder of the season – is far from certain.
Rodgers’ status will dictate how this game plays out, but he will likely be a game time decision for the Packers.
The Vikings lone injury is to starting center Pat Elfein, who is missing his second consecutive game to start the season.
Chiefs at Steelers (-5.5)
The Chiefs were identified as a play to consider this week as underdogs on the road in Pittsburgh. Friday’s injury report does nothing to discourage that.
Pittsburgh’s starting cornerbacks – Joe Haden and Artie Burns – could both miss Sunday’s contest against the innovative and explosive Chief passing attack. Haden didn’t practice all week with a hamstring injury and is doubtful to play Sunday. Burns is listed as questionable to play with a toe injury.
The Steelers are also likely to be without one of the premier guards in all of football. David DeCastro did not practice this week and is listed as doubtful with a broken hand.
For the Chiefs, they will be without star safety Eric Berry with a heel injury.
Panthers at Falcons (-6)
Panther quarterback Cam Newton will be playing behind a patchwork offensive line on the road this week. The Panthers lost both of their starting tackles to injuries early in the season and are without starting guard Trai Turner who has been ruled out with a concussion. Starting tight end Greg Olsen will also miss extensive time starting this week.
Atlanta lost two key defensive starters in Keanu Neal and Deion Jones in Week 1. They’ll also be without versatile running back Devonta Freeman in what could be a low scoring game.
Colts at Redskins (-6)
The Colts are facing a tough injury test this week on the road. They’ll be without their starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo. Right tackle Joe Haeg will bump over to protect quarterback Andrew Luck’s blindside, but backup tackle Denzelle Good will also miss the game.
Indianapolis will be on its second option at left tackle and third at right tackle. That’s a lot of stress on the edge for a team that already had concerns about protecting Luck.
Expect the Redskins to try to exploit battered Colts’ offensive line by pressuring Luck all game.
Eagles (-3.5) at Buccaneers
The defending champion Eagles take a banged up group on offense to Tampa Bay. They’re still without starting quarterback Carson Wentz and will also be without running back Darren Sproles and wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey.
The Bucs aren’t a picture of health, either. The defense will be without starting corner Brent Grimes and first round defensive tackle Vita Vea. Deep threat receiver DeSean Jackson was in concussion protocol this week and is questionable. If he misses the game, his absence could cost the Buccaneer offense some points.
Texans (-3) at Titans
Perhaps no team in the NFL is in worse injury shape than the Titans. A team that wants to be able to run the football is without both standout tackles – Jack Conklin and Taylor Lewan. Starting quarterback Marcus Mariota is also listed as questionable with an injury to his throwing elbow.
Both teams are looking to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start. The Texans do so with a much healthier group.
Browns at Saints (-9.5)
The Saints enter this game healthy and hungry after a Week 1 loss. Quarterback Drew Brees isn’t shy about lighting up the hometown scoreboard and that could spell trouble for a Browns team that will be missing at least one starter on defense.
The Browns will be without defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah who is nursing an ankle injury. That’s good news for the Saints, who can allocate extra resources to stopping Cleveland pass rushing terror Myles Garrett in Ogbah’s absence.
