Key Injuries in the NFL
By: Point Train Consultants
Keep an eye on key injuries after the first weekend of the regular season in the NFL. The Preseason has already given teams their share of devastating injuries; Samari Rolle of the Ravens, Ma'ake Kemoeatu of the Panthers, Bob Sanders of the Colts, Jamaal Brown of the Saints, and Stewart Bradley of the Eagles are just a few of the players on a long list of the injured before week one even got underway.
Injuries have their way of dismantling a team. For instance; in 2006, Bob Sanders missed 12 regular-season games and the Colt’s run defense ranked among the league's worst. When Sanders returned for the playoffs, Indy's suddenly stingy run defense was one of the catalysts for their Super Bowl run.
Some players have an even bigger impact on their teams playoff hopes, especially quarterbacks. After Seattle went 10-6 in the 2007 season and suffered a loss in the divisional round in the playoffs, Matt Hasselbeck was plagued by injuries in 2008 and the Seahawks managed just 4 wins.
There were a few key injuries in week one that may affect betting strategies in the weeks ahead. Monitor these injuries on a week-to-week basis. Some of them are:
Troy Polamalu: Polamalu was an absolute beast in the first half of the Thursday night game against the Titans. He had 6 solo tackles (1 for loss), 2 passes defended, and one interception. He was injured on a blocked field goal and will now be out 3-6 weeks. Pittsburgh has to face the Bears, Chargers, and Vikings all in the next six weeks and could become susceptible to big plays without their 5-time pro bowler.
Brian Urlacher: The Chicago Bears middle linebacker and defensive captain dislocated his wrist in Sunday night’s game vs. Green Bay. He missed the entire 2nd half and is expected to miss the remainder of the season after having to undergo surgery. The Bears great defense takes a major step back without Urlacher. Opposing teams with good rushing attacks may have an advantage over Chicago.
Anthony Gonzalez: The Colts young receiver sprained his MCL on a freak injury against the Jaguars. Gonzo is expected to miss 2-6 weeks. Colts QB Peyton Manning usually does a good job of implementing players into his offense, but there is little depth behind Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark. Wayne and Clark will now face double teams and defenses will be able to blitz Manning more often.
Donovan McNabb: Keep an extra close eye on this injury. McNabb fractured a rib on a touchdown run vs. the Panthers in the 3rd quarter. The Eagles QB is questionable for their next game and could miss extended time. Philly picked up QB Michael Vick in the off-season but he is unavailable until week three. Kevin Kolb will be the starter if McNabb can’t go in week two. Philly gets their next three games at home (bye in week four) and their toughest test comes against New Orleans on Sunday.