Sports Betting Pages

Monday, January 10, 2011

NFL Injuries: Conference Semi-Finals Breakdowns

The biggest injury of the week was probably to our collective wallets. Who saw the Seahawks' NFL betting straight-up victory over the Saints coming? But, seriously, let's examine the infirmary.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

It's not an injury, but this sports betting blog wonders about Ed Reed's status for Saturday's tilt with Pittsburgh. His brother, Brian, fled police because of a stolen vehicle over the weekend, jumped into the ice-cold waters of the Mississippi, and is missing. It's possible he died in the chase. If his body is found, you have to wonder if Ed will feel up to playing. Our hearts go out to the Reed family.

Aside from Reed's status, the Ravens have no significant new injuries to report. Tom Zbikowski and Tavares Gooden could both miss Saturday but didn't play last week, either.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers had an extra week to rest, so they're in good shape entering the Divisional Playoff sports betting showdown with Baltimore (unless you count all their offensive line injuries throughout the season). Troy Polamalu isn't on the injury report; guard Maurkice Pouncey (neck) and cornerback Bryant McFadden (groin) are both probable.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Defenders Frank Zombo, Atari Bigby and Korey Hall missed last Sunday's victory over Philadelphia and are questionable for the Pack in Saturday's visit to Atlanta. The newest edition to the injury report: Donald Driver. Green Bay's all –time leading receiver injured his knee against the Eagles and is questionable for Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

ATLANTA FALCONS

The Falcons are rested and squeaky-clean for Saturday. No one from their Week 17 starting lineup even appears on the injury report right now.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Now that Matt Hasselbeck is back from his hip injury – to the tune of four touchdown passes during Seattle's sportsbook shocker over New Orleans – the Saints are fairly healthy as they prepare for Chicago this weekend.

CHICAGO BEARS

Nick Roach (shoulder) looks like he'll be ready to start at linebacker for the Bears against Seattle. Earl Bennett missed Week 17 with an ankle injury but should be ready to line up at receiver for Chicago this week.

NEW YORK JETS

Gang Green can breathe a sigh of relief over Damien Woody. The big offensive tackle is batting through a knee injury but it's not expected to keep him out against New England.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

For a team coming off a bye, the Patriots aren't as healthy as you may think. Or is Bill Belichick just messing with us by dumping half his roster onto the injury report like he normally does?

Tully Banta-Cain's groin could keep him out against the Jets, as could rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez's hip. It's too early to tell. Should the Patriots want to use Brandon Spikes, he'll be available, as he's finished serving his substance-abuse suspension.