Week 16 NFL Injuries for Week 17 NFL Power Ratings, Vegas Odds, Predictions

GA Tech vs. Air Force, Saints at Falcons picks against the spread and even the Vikings at Eagles top gamblers immediate worries, but NFL injuries will affect week 17 odds.

Week 16 saw its share of injuries but they were primarily to players from out-of-contention teams. Still, that can affect the NFL betting landscape. Let’s have a look.

Don’t worry about: Calvin Johnson (ankle), DeAngelo Hall (hamstring), Russell Okung (ankle)

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks: HIP

It’s ridiculous to say it, but the 6-9 Seahawks are playing for a playoff berth against the Rams next week. So losing Hasselbeck to a hip injury actually is a big deal for them. It’s too early to tell but there’s a solid chance that Seattle will turn to Charlie Whitehurst with its season on the line in Week 17.

Jon Kitna, Cowboys: OBLIQUE

Kitna took a physical and emotional beating from the Arizona Cardinals Saturday, tossing two pick-sixes before leaving with an oblique injury. Considering that Stephen McGee looked good in relief, it would make sense for the Cowboys to sit Kitna in Week 17.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos: RIBS

This injury occurred the week prior but Moreno tried to play through it in Week 16. He totalled 41 yards on eight touches  before halftime but couldn’t finish the game. Denver pulled off the sports betting upset anyway.

Mike Tolbert, Chargers: HEAD/NECK

The bulldozing runner was a godsend for the Chargers and fantasy football general managers this season but may have played his last game of 2010 yesterday. He was carted off after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Bengals safety Reggie Nelson. Even if he feels well enough to play next week, the Chargers would be silly to put him in harm’s way now that they’re eliminated from playoff contention.

Arrelious Benn, Buccaneers: KNEE

It’s too bad the Bucs won’t have Benn, a rapidly improving rookie wideout, next week when they try to squeak into the playoffs. He took a helmet to the knee yesterday, tore a ligament and has been placed on injured reserve.