This week in NFL betting features a few teams on the playoff bubble plus some crucial divisional matchups.
Raiders (5-6) vs Chargers (6-5)
It’ll be interesting to see if the Raiders can stay within the betting spread, which has been stretched as far as 13 points at most books, now that quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Jason Campbell will get another shot this week. Two other high-impact players will be hobbled if they play this week for Oakland; tight end Zach Miller is battling a torn plantar fascia and Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders’ best defensive player, is battling a groin injury.
San Diego is plenty banged up, too. Vincent Jackson’s calf will keep him out again this week and Antonio Gates, dealing with the same injury as Zach Miller, doesn’t look like he’ll play. He’ll test his pain threshold on Sunday. Malcolm Floyd will try to play through a hamstring injury; Patrick Crayton is out long-term with a dislocated wrist. Is there anyone left for Phil Rivers to throw to? Maybe San Diego will keep running the ball. Ryan Mathews will return from his ankle injury this week and split carries with Mike Tolbert.
Falcons (9-2) vs Buccaneers (7-4)
It appears the Falcons will be relatively healthy for this crucial divisional showdown. Backup running back Jason Snelling hurt his hamstring last week and may not play, but most of Atlanta’s starters are good to go. William Moore, John Abraham and Curtis Lofton were limited in practice this week but shouldn’t miss any game time.
Tampa isn’t quite as lucky and sports betting sharps should take notice. Kellen Winslow (ribs) and Cadillac Williams (knee) are nicked up but should play; they’re not the problem. But the Bucs lost two starters to injury last week; guard Davin Joseph and safety Cody Grimm. Both are out for the season.
Cowboys (3-8) vs Colts (6-5)
The Cowboys are in tough against a desperate Colts team, but they finally got a blessing in disguise when totally the totally ineffective Marion Barber strained his calf. Third-string running back Tashard Choice, who may be better than both Barber and Felix Jones, should finally touch the ball this week. Keith Brooking didn’t practice all week but could still suit up for the Cowboys’ “D” on Sunday. Tony Romo’s broken collarbone will keep him out several more weeks.
The Colts’ injury woes aren’t improving much. Joseph Addai remains out with nerve damage in his shoulder, though Mike Hart (ankle) will return and spell Donald Brown. Austin Collie (concussion), Gary Brackett (toe), Kelvin Hayden (neck), and pretty much Indianapolis’ entire roster are game-time decisions.
Steelers (8-3) vs Ravens (8-3)
Is Ben Roethlisberger’s foot broken or not? The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says it is but the Steelers say it’s not, insisting that Big Ben just aggravated an old injury with scar tissue. Troy Polamalu is nursing an Achilles injury but he played through it the last two weeks.
While it won’t matter to fantasy football players, the Ravens will miss fullback Le’Ron McClain this week. His ankle injury will force him to miss the first game of his career.