Week 8 M*A*S*H Report: Colts, Broncos, Ravens Lead Injury-Ridden Teams
Deeper into the season, teams are looking less like they did at the start because of all the injuries. Be careful betting on Denver, Baltimore, and Indianapolis. Injuries will matter for bettors in other games, as well.
Broncos vs Chiefs
The Broncos would have had a difficult enough time as it was. They lost to the Chiefs at home despite having an unusually strong home advantage in high-altitude Denver. Now, they’ll have to travel to feared Arrowhead Stadium without running back Royce Freeman. Freeman split carries with Philip Lindsay, who will have to assume a larger role than he ever had before. Moreover, wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, a tackle, edge rusher Shane Ray, and possibly a center, and two linebackers, including Von Miller, will miss this game. As a small dose of consolation, two important pieces of KC’s defense, Justin Houston and Eric Berry, will likely be absent. Still, if there were ever a sure piece to put into your ML parlay, think Kansas City.
Ravens vs Panthers
Baltimore has curiously become three-point favorites on the NFL odds board in Carolina. The Ravens will miss a tackle and likely a guard. Moreover, the backup guard has been dinged-up during the week and only accrued limited practice time. The battered offensive line will have to deal with one of the better pass rushes in terms of sack percentage. On defense, Baltimore will miss starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey from its vaunted defense.
Colts vs Raiders
Indianapolis’ offense is tattered-up. Marlon Mack finally returned to full practice on Friday, although he is still listed as ‚questionable.‘ His backup won’t play. Wide receiver Ryan Grant and a backup tight end have been ruled ‚out.‘ On defense, a safety and defensive tackle won’t play. Rookie linebacking sensation Darius Leonard is worth monitoring because of his ankle, which prompted a late appearance on the injury report. Last year, the Colts gave up over 40 points in both of its West Coast games and they’ve already allowed over 30 points in four games this season.
Saints vs Vikings
The Vikings will continue to miss starting running back Dalvin Cook. A starting tackle will miss the game and the other starting tackle likely will as well. On defense, linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Andrew Sendejo have been ruled ‚out.‘ Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Linval Joseph are officially listed as ‚questionable.‘ All of these injuries on defense will make it that much harder for Minnesota to stop the second-best scoring offense.
Jets vs Bears
The Jets had already considered the wide receiver position as a weakness. Now, they’re in serious trouble. Quincy Enunwa has been ruled ‚out.‘ Robby Anderson will likely join him. Their absences will put a huge burden on Jermaine Kearse as the only usual receiver left. New York’s pass attack will struggle against the ninth-best pass defense in terms of opposing quarterback rating. On defense, cornerback Trumaine Johnson hasn’t practiced for over a month and will likely fail to help the Jets stop Chicago’s steaming pass attack. Chicago’s Mitch Trubisky has thrown for about 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his last three games. The Jets may also miss two offensive linemen, two additional defensive backs, and a linebacker.
Buccaneers vs Bengals
Both offenses get an added advantage. The Bengals will benefit from Tampa Bay missing two key defensive linemen. Cincinnati’s Joe Mixon is one of the better running backs with 4.6 yards per carry and he should have a good game. On the flip side, Tampa Bay will benefit from Cincy missing two starting linebackers and a corner. Tampa’s offense should exploit the middle of the field. The game total has risen a point to 54.5, currently.
Eagles vs Jaguars
The Eagles are evidence that luck balances out over time. Earlier in the season, they were dealing with numerous injuries in their pass attack. Now, their receivers are healthy and Jacksonville will miss cornerbacks AJ Buoye and Tyler Patmon and nickel corner D.J. Hayden is listed as ‚doubtful.‘ Quarterback Carson Wentz has produced a passer rating over 110 in each of his last three games and, despite the reputation of Jacksonville’s defense, he should have another excellent game. The game total is moving in favor of „over“ bettors and Jacksonville’s injuries are a big reason why.
Deeper into the season, teams are looking less like they did at the start because of all the injuries. Be careful betting on Denver, Baltimore, and Indianapolis. Injuries will matter for bettors in other games, as well.
Broncos vs Chiefs
The Broncos would have had a difficult enough time as it was. They lost to the Chiefs at home despite having an unusually strong home advantage in high-altitude Denver. Now, they’ll have to travel to feared Arrowhead Stadium without running back Royce Freeman. Freeman split carries with Philip Lindsay, who will have to assume a larger role than he ever had before. Moreover, wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, a tackle, edge rusher Shane Ray, and possibly a center, and two linebackers, including Von Miller, will miss this game. As a small dose of consolation, two important pieces of KC’s defense, Justin Houston and Eric Berry, will likely be absent. Still, if there were ever a sure piece to put into your ML parlay, think Kansas City.
Ravens vs Panthers
Baltimore has curiously become three-point favorites on the NFL odds board in Carolina. The Ravens will miss a tackle and likely a guard. Moreover, the backup guard has been dinged-up during the week and only accrued limited practice time. The battered offensive line will have to deal with one of the better pass rushes in terms of sack percentage. On defense, Baltimore will miss starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey from its vaunted defense.
Colts vs Raiders
Indianapolis’ offense is tattered-up. Marlon Mack finally returned to full practice on Friday, although he is still listed as ‚questionable.‘ His backup won’t play. Wide receiver Ryan Grant and a backup tight end have been ruled ‚out.‘ On defense, a safety and defensive tackle won’t play. Rookie linebacking sensation Darius Leonard is worth monitoring because of his ankle, which prompted a late appearance on the injury report. Last year, the Colts gave up over 40 points in both of its West Coast games and they’ve already allowed over 30 points in four games this season.
Saints vs Vikings
The Vikings will continue to miss starting running back Dalvin Cook. A starting tackle will miss the game and the other starting tackle likely will as well. On defense, linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Andrew Sendejo have been ruled ‚out.‘ Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Linval Joseph are officially listed as ‚questionable.‘ All of these injuries on defense will make it that much harder for Minnesota to stop the second-best scoring offense.
Jets vs Bears
The Jets had already considered the wide receiver position as a weakness. Now, they’re in serious trouble. Quincy Enunwa has been ruled ‚out.‘ Robby Anderson will likely join him. Their absences will put a huge burden on Jermaine Kearse as the only usual receiver left. New York’s pass attack will struggle against the ninth-best pass defense in terms of opposing quarterback rating. On defense, cornerback Trumaine Johnson hasn’t practiced for over a month and will likely fail to help the Jets stop Chicago’s steaming pass attack. Chicago’s Mitch Trubisky has thrown for about 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his last three games. The Jets may also miss two offensive linemen, two additional defensive backs, and a linebacker.
Buccaneers vs Bengals
Both offenses get an added advantage. The Bengals will benefit from Tampa Bay missing two key defensive linemen. Cincinnati’s Joe Mixon is one of the better running backs with 4.6 yards per carry and he should have a good game. On the flip side, Tampa Bay will benefit from Cincy missing two starting linebackers and a corner. Tampa’s offense should exploit the middle of the field. The game total has risen a point to 54.5, currently.
Eagles vs Jaguars
The Eagles are evidence that luck balances out over time. Earlier in the season, they were dealing with numerous injuries in their pass attack. Now, their receivers are healthy and Jacksonville will miss cornerbacks AJ Buoye and Tyler Patmon and nickel corner D.J. Hayden is listed as ‚doubtful.‘ Quarterback Carson Wentz has produced a passer rating over 110 in each of his last three games and, despite the reputation of Jacksonville’s defense, he should have another excellent game. The game total is moving in favor of „over“ bettors and Jacksonville’s injuries are a big reason why.
