NFL Week 13 Injuries Bettors Need to Know: Key Players in Panthers-Saints
The cruel reality of the NFL is that most teams aren’t able to start the same 22 men on a week-by-week basis. The physical nature of every single play is what makes fans love the sport, but also what can ultimately cripple the experience with the loss of key players. Monitoring Market Share and Vegas lines are very important in predicting future performance, but so is accounting for how the absence of key players could impact the rest of the team.
Let’s run through some of the key injuries for Week 13. You can view daily practice participation and estimated game statuses using our Injury Dashboard.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals offense will continue to roll with Blaine Gabbert under center, but he’ll be without No. 2 receiver John Brown (toe, out). Offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin said he expects Adrian Peterson (neck, questionable) to suit up Sunday, although his status should be monitored considering he didn’t practice all week and the absence of backup Kerwynn Willliams (ribs, out) could open up additional touches. Robert Woods‘ (arm, out) continued absence means a likely shadow date for Sammy Watkins with all-world cornerback Patrick Peterson. You can view each week’s WR/CB showdowns with our Matchups tool.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings
Devonta Freeman has cleared the concussion protocol and will resume his 60/40 timeshare with Tevin Coleman, as head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Freeman wouldn’t be limited in his first game back from injury. The absence of PFF’s No. 10 overall cornerback Desmond Trufant (concussion, out) is an upgrade for the entire Vikings pass offense – especially Stefon Diggs, although pass protection could be an issue with starting right tackle Mike Remmers (back, out) sidelined.
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
LeSean McCoy (knee) didn’t practice Friday, but isn’t listed on the final injury report and is good to go for Sunday. The Bills could lean on the run more than usual without No. 1 receiver Kelvin Benjamin (knee, out), although the offensive line will once again have to make do without left tackle Cordy Glenn (foot/ankle, out). Tom Brady (Achilles, not listed) is in a sneaky tough matchup, and he’ll once again operate without both right tackle Marcus Cannon (ankle, out) and receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder, out).
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
Devin Funchess (toe) missed practice Wednesday, but is good to go for Sunday after not being listed on the final injury report. The status of both Christian McCaffrey (shoulder, questionable) and Greg Olsen (foot, questionable) is less clear. McCaffrey said Thursday he expects to play, but both have been limited all week and head coach Ron Rivera confirmed their game statuses won’t be decided until Saturday. Cam Newton hopes to have all of his weapons at the Coors Field of Fantasy Football against a Saints defense that will welcome back Ken Crawley (abdomen, not listed), but could once again be without Marshon Lattimore (ankle, questionable) — PFF’s No. 17 and No. 4 overall cornerbacks, respectively.
Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ty Montgomery (ribs, IR) is done for the season, but Aaron Jones (knee, questionable) is a game-time decision and could return to form a timeshare with fellow rookie Jamaal Williams. The potential return of both linebacker Clay Matthews (groin, questionable) and defensive linemen Kenny Clark (ankle, questionable) would be good news for a defense missing No. 1 corner Kevin King (shoulder, out). The Buccaneers’ run game will be without starting center Ali Marpet (knee, IR) as well as right tackle Demar Dotson (knee, questionable), but starting guard Evan Smith has cleared the concussion protocol and will suit up Sunday. Doug Martin‘s (concussion, out) early-down reps will likely be split between Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers. The good news for the Bucs is Jameis Winston (shoulder, questionable) has thrown all week and is fully expected to start along with weapons DeSean Jackson (foot, questionable) and Cameron Brate (hip, questionable).
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
The Texans will be without starting left tackle Chris Clark (ankle, IR) and field-stretcher Will Fuller (ribs, out). Running back Lamar Miller was limited in practice throughout the week with a knee injury, but isn’t listed on the final injury report and will work as the team’s featured back Sunday. Corey Davis could once again work as the Titans’ featured receiver with Rishard Matthews (hamstring, questionable) a game-time decision.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts
Allen Hurns‘ (ankle, out) continued absence means more reps for the likes of Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole against a Colts defense without defensive back Rashaan Melvin (hand, out) — PFF’s No. 14 overall cornerback. Still, the offense may have to continue to work without right tackle Jermey Parnell (knee, questionable) and left guard Patrick Omameh (quad, questionable). The Colts offense could benefit from the absence of PFF’s No. 4 linebacker Telvin Smith (concussion, out), but the league’s 24th-ranked offensive line in adjusted line yards will have to step up without starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion, out).
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants
Michael Crabtree is suspended for his melee with Aqib Talib, and Amari Cooper’s (concussion/ankle, out) absence leaves Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson (hip, questionable), and Jared Cook as the Raiders’ top options in the passing game. They’ll face a Giants defense that will be without No. 1 corner Janoris Jenkins (ankle, IR) and potentially Eli Apple (hip, questionable), but is tentatively expected to have run-stuffing defensive tackle Damon Harrison (elbow, questionable). Geno Smith will be without guard D.J. Fluker (toe, IR) and tackle Justin Pugh (back, doubtful) in his Giants’ debut, but will welcome back No. 1 receiver Sterling Shepard (migraines, not listed) vs. the Raiders’ league-worst defense in overall and pass DVOA.
Monitor FantasyLabs’ industry-leading News Feed to stay updated on all relevant workload and injury concerns.
No Comments