After a crazy Divisional Round, you would expect to see a fairly lengthy list of injuries entering this weekend. However, for the most part, teams are healthy going into Conference Championship. A few injuries have popped up in practice that should be carefully monitored – including Tom Brady’s hand – but we can only speculate on their impacts on the Conference Championship games. Here are the key NFL injuries going into the AFC and NFC Conference Championship games.
Tom Brady, QB
New England Patriots
Tom Brady hurt his throwing hand in practice on Wednesday. The current extent of the injury is unknown, but as more information comes out over the week and weekend, the situation will start to clarify.
Impact On Betting: No injury on any team in the playoffs could cause such a massive shift in the predictions and betting lines of a single game. Brady somehow injured his hand in practice on Wednesday. Details on the injury remain spotty (which is expected with Bill Belichick and the Patriots). If the injury proves to be substantial, the whole outcome of the AFC Championship becomes much less predictable. The weather on Sunday in Foxboro is expected to be mild and sunny, which benefits an injured Brady. Overall, follow this injury as much as possible. If the Patriots backup (Brian Hoyer) starts, watch this NFL betting line change shift by a considerable amount.
Andrew Sendejo, S
Minnesota Vikings
Andrew Sendejo left Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints after colliding with Saints’ wide receiver Michael Thomas. Sendejo was diagnosed with a concussion and remains questionable for the game on Sunday as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Impact On Betting: Sendejo made one of the biggest plays in the Vikings win on Sunday, making an acrobatic interception on Drew Brees. Once Sendejo left the game, the Vikings secondary slipped up and let the Saints back in the game. Sendejo absence is more manageable against Nick Foles and the Eagles. Still, not having him back there helps the Eagles chances on Sunday.
Tashaun Gipson, S
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tashaun Gipson suffered an injury in the Jaguars win over the Steelers on Sunday. The injury caused him to play just over 50% of the Jaguars defensive snaps last weekend.
Impact On Betting: Although Gipson does not get the same credit as Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, he is a pivotal part of the Jaguars defense. Frequently, Gipson is tasked with covering the opposing team’s tight end. The injury limited his effectiveness last week, leading Vance McDonald to catch ten passes for 112 yards. Gipson would likely have drawn coverage duties on Rob Gronkowski in Sunday’s game. If Tipson is out, which now seems likely, it will be an even greater challenge for the Jaguars to stop Gronkowski. Bet on Gronk to score a touchdown this weekend.
Leonard Fournette, RB
Jacksonville Jaguars
Leonard Fournette hurt his ankle on Sunday. The injury forced him to miss the last half of the second quarter. Fournette came back in the second half of Sunday’s game, but he has been limited in practice this week.
Impact On Betting: Keeping Fournette out is likely precautionary. However, it is important to note that Fournette missed time earlier in the season with an ankle injury. The risk of re-injuring the ankle is also something to consider. The Jaguars need Fournette at 100% if they are to have any chance of upsetting the Patriots on Sunday. Last year, the Steelers completely fell apart after they lost Le’Veon Bell in the Conference Championship. The same could happen if Fournette re-aggravates his ankle injury.
Dannell Ellerbe, LB
Philadelphia Eagles
Dannell Ellerbe sat out of practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury. Ellerbe has only played in four games this season, but his presence helps the Eagles depth in the middle of the field.
Impact On Betting: Overall, the Eagles are the healthiest team going into Sunday. They can survive without Ellerbe but would be better off with the veteran linebacker. If Ellerbe cannot play on Sunday, Najee Goode will fill in. Goode played two snaps last weekend and is a step down from Ellerbe, especially at stuffing the run.
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