Major NFL Injuries That Will Have the Biggest Impact in Week 1

Before you make bold picks for Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season, or possibly lay down some bets, make sure you take the most crucial injuries into consideration.

Missing a starting safety can be catastrophic in a team's defensive game plan. 

A running back not yet able to churn his legs at 100 percent can undoubtedly alter a club's offensive production. 

You get the point. 

Here are major injuries that will have the biggest impact on the Week 1 slate of games.

Sione Po'uha

The Jets face an immense amount of pressure in the season opener against the upstart Buffalo Bills. While all eyes will be on Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Gang Green's offense, remember, New York's defense is still one of the better units in the league. 

However, if nose tackle Sione Po'uha can't go, the Bills will have a much easier time controlling the line of scrimmage and consistently running the football with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. 

Po'uha is the Jets' defensive anchor who's also a great run-stuffer and has demonstrated a fine capability to disrupt plays on his way to the quarterback. 

According to ESPNNewYork.com, head coach Rex Ryan had this to say about his availability:

"

Sione's close. He really is close. He's begging us to play, but I think we're gonna be smart and give it a little time. This is really the first week he's practiced. He was out there today, but we'll see. 

"

The 325-pound defensive tackle is officially listed as "questionable," but Ryan's comments don't seem very optimistic. 

Daryl Smith

Daryl Smith is one of the most underrated and under-appreciated linebackers in the NFL. He ranked as the No. 10 outside linebacker in Matt Miller's BR 1000 list, and the Bleacher Report's NFL Draft Lead Writer had this to say about the Jaguar defender:

"His all-around play—be it in pass coverage, run support or even blitz packages—makes Smith an invaluable member of the Jaguars defense."

Sadly for the Jags, he's been officially listed as "out" for their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings with a groin injury.

The Vikings will likely feature a heavy dosage of the run game, and Smith's absence could lead to Jacksonville's defense surrendering many big plays. 

Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson is expected to play against the Jaguars, but he's officially listed as "questionable."

Rotoworld.com suggests, at best, AP will be a change-of-pace runner and "probably won't reach double-digit carries" behind Toby Gerhart, who will get the start in the backfield.

His level of effectiveness will be interesting to monitor. 

If Peterson's showing his familiar burst, the Vikings could run over the Jaguars. If he's clearly not at 100 percent, it'll obviously help the Jaguars' chances at victory. 

James Harrison and Ryan Clark

The Steelers take on Peyton Manning and Co. in Denver and will do so without James Harrison and Ryan Clark. 

Harrison is dealing with a knee injury and is officially listed as "questionable." 

However, Gary Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweeted about his expected availability. 

As if playing Manning without Harrison wasn't bad enough, the loss of Clark is extremely detrimental. He's the quarterback of the defense and works wonderfully with Troy Polamalu. 

Clark has a sickle cell trait and is unable to play in Denver's high altitude.