Packers (7-3) vs Falcons (8-2)
The Packers aren't totally devastated by injuries as they enter this crucial betting showdown with the Falcons but they sure have a lot of guys who are at least nicked up. Defensive end Ryan Pickett (ankle), linebacker Clay Matthews (shin), center Scott Wells (arch), defensive end Cullen Jenkins (calf) and safety Anthony Smith (ankle) all appear on the injury report. Most of them are questionable; we could see all of them or none of them Sunday. It seems Matthews is most likely to play, as the Pack are probably just limiting his practice time to keep him fresh.
The Falcons are in pretty good shape, too – and not just because they're 18-1 at the Georgia Dome with Matt Ryan at quarterback. Roddy White, the NFL reception leader so far this year, was limited in practice this week with a knee injury but should play, as he did last week. Same goes for defensive end John Abraham (groin).
Eagles (7-3) vs Bears (7-3)
If you're facing interception-prone Jay Cutler and a sieve-like Bears offensive line, the NFL's picks leader isn't the guy you want to have out, is it? Asante Samuel, who has seven interceptions this year, sprained his MCL against the Giants last week. He didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and will be a game-time decision. Philly could also be without run-stopping defensive tackle Antonio Dixon.
The Bears should get linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa back this week. He missed last week's game with a knee injury.
Buccaneers (7-3) vs Ravens (7-3)
The upstart Buccaneers will be close to full strength against Baltimore this week; they at least didn't suffer any significant new injuries in their win over San Francisco last week. Defensive end Kyle Moore missed the last two games with a shoulder injury and likely won't play this Sunday either. Linebacker Quincy Black has missed two games with an ankle sprain but should return against Baltimore.
Sportsbook players shouldn't worry too much about Ed Reed's illness. He returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday and should be good to start for Baltimore this week. It looks like the Ravens will also get safety tom Zbikowski (heel) back.
Chargers (5-5) vs Colts (6-4)
San Diego keeps waiting for good news but the infirmary seems fuller every week. Patrick Crayton dislocated his wrist in the Chargers' win over Denver on Monday night and required surgery. He's probably out for the season. It looks like Ryan Mathews is out with an ankle injury again this week; Mike Tolbert will get the start at running back. Malcolm Floyd tweaked his hamstring on Monday and may not play. Even Philip Rivers' favorite target, Antonio Gates, believes his foot injury could keep him out against Indianapolis. However, Rivers looks like he'll have Vincent Jackson (holdout) at his disposal for the first time all year.
Indianapolis is battling through plenty of injuries, too. Joseph Addai's nerve damage in his shoulder is taking a while to heal and will probably keep him out again this week, meaning Donald Brown will start at tailback. Mike Hart is back from his ankle injury, though, and could steal some carries. It doesn't look like Indy will get linebackers Gary Brackett (toe) or Clint Session (elbow) back for the Sunday nighter, either.
