Aside from the obvious absence of Carson Wentz, the Divisional Round of the 2018 NFL Playoffs is not marred by too many injuries. Wentz is obviously out and Pittsburgh Steelers star wideout Antonio Brown looks like he’s back. However, a few other important players are either questionable for the weekend or officially ruled out. These players’ absences will affect their teams and could sway the NFL betting lines. Many of the key injuries this weekend are on the defensive side of the ball.
DeMarco Murray, RB
Tennessee Titans
DeMarco Murray is again ruled out of the Titans game, due to an MCL injury. Even if Murray was healthy, the Titans seem happy with Derrick Henry as their lead back.
Impact On Betting: Although Murray would likely have been relegated to the role of backup on Saturday night, his absence still hurts the Titans ability to use the whole playbook. Henry is proving to be a strong runner, especially in the second-half of games. However, as many expect the Titans to trail in this game, they could have used Murray’s superior catching abilities out of the backfield.
Andrus Peat, LG
New Orleans Saints
The Saints lost their starting left guard in their Wild Card win over the Carolina Panthers. Peat started 29 games for the Saints over the last two seasons.
Impact On Betting: Losing a pivotal of the offensive line never helps a team in the playoffs. Against the Vikings, who ranked first in rushing defense, the loss will hurt the Saints ability to run the ball. The Saints were able to pass against the Panthers. However, the Vikings have a much better passing defense. Without Peat to help set up play action, the Saints will likely struggle more on offense. Betting under 46.5 could be the smarter bet.
Artie Burns, CB
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers could be without one of their top defensive backs on Sunday. Burns is dealing with a knee injury, which he suffered in practice, but he was able to get back in full work later in the week.
Impact On Betting: The Steelers defense has struggled since Ryan Shazier went on the IR back in Week 13. Before the loss of Shazier, the Steelers had once allowed a team to score more than 24 points in a game (Jacksonville scored 30 in Week 5). Since Shazier went down with his injury, the Steelers have allowed 24 points or more in three of their four games. The Steelers cannot deal with more injuries on their defense if they want to get back to the Super Bowl. While Burns is not a top-tier cornerback, he is reliable and matches up well against the Jaguars wide receivers. Without him, the Steelers secondary may need to play more five-man formations, opening things up for Leonard Fournette, who rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the Jaguars Week 5 victory in Pittsburgh.
Telvin Smith, LB
Jacksonville Jaguars
The speedy linebacker is one of three linebackers hurt on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith is coming off an 11-tackle performance against the Bills and is a key member of the Jaguars defense. He wasn’t able to practice early in the week.
Impact On Betting: Smith’s speed at the linebacker position is ideal for covering running backs out of the backfield. Although Le’Veon Bell caught ten passes in the Jaguars Week 5 game against Pittsburgh, Bell only turned those catches for 46 yards. Smith was one of the main reason for Bell averaging only 4.6 yards per reception, which is 1.51 yards lower than his season average. Without Smith, Bell should have the ability to pick up more yardage after the catch. Bell will also have more running lanes without Smith, overall hurting the Jaguars ability to upset the Steelers on Sunday.
Brandon Graham, DE
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles sack leader (9.5 in 2017) is questionable for Saturday. The former first-round pick is a crucial part of the Eagles defensive line. He was a full participant late in the week, so he should be good to go.
Impact On Betting: Without Graham, the Eagles pass-rush and run-stopping abilities will suffer. Graham added nine stuffs to go with his 9.5 sacks. His well-rounded play on the defensive line helped the Eagles field one of the best units in the NFL. Without Graham, more holes will open up for Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Without Carson Wentz, the Eagles will need their defense to get stops, to help set up Nick Foles and the offence with good field position. Graham’s absence could hinder their ability to force three-and-outs, overall hurting the Eagles chances on Saturday.
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