After Week 6 in NFL betting consisted of pure carnage, we have plenty of news and notes to discuss as we prep for Week 7. Here’s a look at some info on the early games.
Rams (3-3) vs Buccaneers (3-2)
Hard to believe these two teams have combined for five wins already this season. Neither roster will look much different than it did in Week 6. Sam Bradford will soldier on without Mark Clayton (knee – out for season). Danario Alexander will continue to see increased targets assuming his surgically repaired left knee can handle it. Kareem Huggins (ACL) is gone for the year for Tampa but the Bucs weren’t using him much anyway.
Eagles (4-2) vs Titans (4-2)
Betting fans should probably expect Vince Young to suit up against Philly. He sprained his knee in the Monday nighter but Jeff Fisher said Young could’ve re-entered the game had it not been a blowout. I’d put his odds at better than 50/50 to play. DeSean Jackson (concussion) won’t play for the Eagles this week and maybe not for a while. Michael Vick (ribs) will probably return in Week 9. For now, the ship is Kevin Kolb’s to steer. If he plays well this weekend, we could see a new quarterback controversy.
Bills (0-5) vs Ravens (4-2)
It could get ugly for the Bills when they visit Baltimore this week. Right tackle Cornell Green is still out with a knee injury. Fred Jackson will continue to start over C.J. Spiller at running back but may not get a ton of carries if (when?) Buffalo falls behind at Baltimore. Ed Reed (hip surgery) will start practicing with the Ravens on Wednesday and hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday.
49ers (1-5) vs Panthers (0-5)
The 49ers are more or less healthy and have a real shot to win their second straight game at Carolina this Sunday. Vernon Davis had an MRI on his knee Monday but the injury looks minor; he stayed in the game with it last week. Jimmy Clausen’s first audition to be an NFL starter is over. The Panthers have benched him after going 0-3 with him under center. Matt Moore will get another shot at the quarterback job this week.
Jaguars (3-3) vs Chiefs (3-2)
This sports betting blog isn’t counting on David Garrard (concussion) to play in Week 7. Trent Edwards and his happy feet will probably get the call against the underrated K.C. defense, which hopes to bounce back after struggling against Houston. Defensive end Tyson Jackson (sprained MCL) is practicing but hasn’t returned to the lineup on game day yet.
Steelers (4-1) vs Dolphins (3-2)
Now that Ben Roethlisberger’s rust is gone, he could really open up against Miami in Week 7. He’ll make good use of Mike Wallace, who averages a ridiculous 25.1 yards per catch this year. The Dolphins are relatively healthy for this matchup coming off their bye week.
Bengals (2-3) vs Falcons (4-2)
The Bengals want redemption after losing to Tampa before their bye week but they’ll start Week 7 on the wrong foot; defensive end Antwan Odom has been suspended four games for using performance-enhancing drugs. It looks like Jonathan Fanene (hamstring) will be ready to replace him, however. The Bengals’ secondary is also banged up. Jonathan Joseph’s status is unknown; he didn’t practice Monday. Roy Williams (knee) also may not play this week. I’d bet at a sportsbook that the Falcons won’t have Dunta Robinson this week. Not only is he concussed, he may be suspended for his vicious hit on DeSean Jackson last week.