NFL Picks Week 2: Which Teams Would Be Winners If Not for Injuries?

Every team in the NFL has suffered from having players injured, whether in training camp, the preseason or in Week 1. But there are two that stand out as teams that, if it weren't for injuries, would be formidable contenders in 2011.

The New York Giants already have 10 players on the injured reserve list, eight of whom are from the defense—four from the secondary, two from the defensive line and two linebackers.

Two more, defensive back Prince Amukamara and defensive end Osi Umenyiora, underwent surgery for their particular injuries but remain on the active roster. And now linebacker Justin Tuck and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks are suffering from neck and knee injuries, respectively.

So it comes as no surprise, then, that the team lost their first game of the season, against division rivals the Washington Redskins. And the Giants appear likely to struggle as the season wears on.

It is difficult for any team to suffer that many injuries to starters throughout the season. The fact that the Giants have to deal with this so early on, and to so many defensive players, will make it tough for the team to seriously contend for a playoff spot.

In contrast, the Indianapolis Colts have dropped out of the playoff conversation at this early point in the season due to the loss of just one player—quarterback Peyton Manning.

Without his leadership and talent on the field, the team was blown out in their season opener to the Houston Texans, losing 34-7.

While losses are generally a team effort, and their defense was certainly lacking (to say the least) last week, the fact that the Colts have to face perhaps the entirety of the 2011 season without Manning under center has their entire organization in a tailspin.

Adding to that difficulty, linebackers Gary Brackett and Ernie Sims are ruled out for this Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, after both suffered injuries in their Week 1 loss.

While it's hard to say any team's season is over when it's barely just begun, based on injuries alone, it looks like the Colts and Giants have more than a few obstacles to overcome if they have hopes of reaching the postseason this year.