As teams prepare for the NFL playoffs, one of their most significant concerns is injuries. Teams are not the only one concerned about injuries. Odds makers pay close attention to injuries as well. Injuries to key players will move the line. Going into Wild Card weekend, these are some of the more sufficient injuries with implications on games and NFL betting lines.
LeSean McCoy, Running Back
Buffalo Bills
An ankle injury has LeSean McCoy listed as a game-time decision against the Jaguars. Since joining the Bills in 2015, McCoy has 3300 yards rushing and 27 total touchdowns.
Impact on Betting: The lack of McCoy would noticeably handicap the Buffalo Bills. The Bills finished 3-1 when McCoy topped 100 yards rushing and 4-1 when he scored a touchdown. The Jaguars finished the year as the top passing defense and below average against the run. Without McCoy, Tyrod Taylor could be forced to throw much more, which makes this a considerably more difficult game to win for the Bills. If you think the Bills can win, now is a good time to bet the moneyline, as the line and spread of -9.0 for the Jaguars is likely to move with a healthy McCoy.
Jonathan Stewart, Running Back
Carolina Panthers
Back tightness held Jonathan Stewart out of the Panthers final game of the regular season. Stewart says he will be ready to play on Sunday, but the team will be monitoring his injury closely.
Impact On Betting: While Jonathan Stewart does not carry the same weight he did a few seasons ago, the lack of him in the lineup will impede the Panthers chances. Stewart provides balance to the rush offense of the Panthers. Without him, the team becomes over-reliant on Cam Newton and may be forced to use Christian McCaffery in short-yardage situations/late game situation.
DeMarco Murray, Running Back
Tennessee Titans
DeMarco Murray continues to recover from an MCL injury that caused him to miss Week 17. Murray is questionable against the Chiefs.
Impact On Betting: While few give the Titans much of a chance at upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs, if they had a fully healthy DeMarco Murray to pair with Derrick Henry, the line would likely be a bit lower than -9.0. With Murray out of the lineup in Week 17, Henry set a career high with 28 rushing attempts. However, he failed to do much, rushing for only 51 yards. Murray is the better receiving option in Tennessee. While Henry did take a pass 66 yards to the house last week, he finished the season with only 11 catches for 136 yards, compared to Murray who had 39 for 266.
Andy Levitre, Left Guard
Atlanta Falcons
While both Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones are listed on the injury report for Atlanta, the Falcons losing their starting left guard, Andy Levitre, for the season with a triceps injury could be worse.
Impact on Betting: At this point of the season, teams hope their offensive lines have developed strong chemistry. The lost of Andy Levitre, a nine-year NFL veteran puts that chemistry in doubt. Levitre helped the Falcons grade as a top-ten offensive line in 2017. Ben Garland will fill in for Levitre, but with less experience and chemistry, he will likely struggle against Aaron Donald and the Rams strong pass-rush.
Marqise Lee, Wide Receiver
Jacksonville Jaguars
Marqise Lee remains on the injury report due to an ankle injury he suffered back in December. Although he is not viewed as a superstar and led the NFL in dropped passes this season, the Jaguars are a better offense with Lee starting.
Impact On Betting: With Marqise Lee in the lineup, Blake Bortles put on the best three-game stretch of his entire career. As Lee moved to the sideline, Bortles and the offense struggled and showed signs of reverting to its old form. Lee and Bortles were drafted by the Jaguars the same season and had developed chemistry over the last four seasons. The Jaguars will be favored with or without Lee. However, they may put up fewer points on Sunday, so consider wagering on the under.
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