PROFOOTBALLDOC (1-4 last week, 24-16 for season)
SIC Score is our proprietary numerical injury grading system that incorporates the health of every NFL team and individual players to give sports bettors, DFS players and fantasy owners an edge each week during the season. While it purposely doesn’t take into account coaching, schemes or matchups, SIC Scores give an accurate assessment of team/player overall health heading into a game.
DALLAS -9.5 vs DENVER
The Cowboys get Dak Prescott back and he will be full go with mobility given the extra week, but out of caution, they may only use him in the pocket. With wide receivers having some minor health issues. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard should be the focus especially due to the significant Broncos issues at linebacker where all four starters will be missing. Both teams will miss their starting left tackles, but Denver also misses top offensive weapon TE Noah Fant due to COVID.
Trevon Diggs will be full go with his ankle and should blanket Courtland Sutton who has played well but is not 100% after ACL surgery yet. Jerry Jeudy is also still working his way back to full health after his high ankle sprain. With K.J. Hamler out, the Broncos have issues with all four top pass catchers. The Dallas gets healthier this week while Denver drops. The Cowboys are heavy favorites but if it goes to script of health, could cover easily.
MINNESOTA +6 at BALTIMORE
The Ravens come in with a better record, off a bye and a bad loss to the Bengals. Meanwhile the Vikings just lost to a first-time starting backup QB. However, the SIC scores have the advantage to Minnesota on the road to at least keep it close. Baltimore has well known running back issues and are down to No. 5 on the depth chart but also have offensive line issues. No. 1 wide receiver Sammy Watkins is still limited with his hamstring and carries a low SIC score of 41, meaning that even if he plays there is a chance of aggravation and to expect lower production. Minnesota is relatively healthy, especially on offense. An upset is not out of the question, but the Vikings should keep it close.
LAS VEGAS -3.5 vs NY GIANTS
Both teams have been through a lot this week. The Raiders had the Henry Ruggs tragedy and the Giants went thru the COVID uncertainty. In the end, the Giants offense is missing the entire right side with 60% of the starters on the offensive line missing as well as the No. 1 RB Saquon Barkley still out as well as multiple pass catchers. Las Vegas is not at top health but compared to New York, they are almost 20 SIC score points the healthier side and should cover as road favorites.
KANSAS CITY -7.5 vs GREEN BAY
No Aaron Rodgers and there are other key offensive/defensive starters out for the Packers. The No. 1 corner is still missing and they face a healthy Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs defense is injury free and they face a Green Bay offense down at least four starters and Rodgers is not there to make up the difference. This once marquee matchup is now blunted with Kansas City who has struggled. Even with the Chiefs being a more than one score favorite, evaluating team health has us leaning to KC.
LA RAMS -7 vs TENNESSEE
How will Ryan Tannehill and the rest of the Titans offense fare without Derrick Henry? The Rams defense remains relatively healthy and now they add Von Miller who should be good enough to play through with his ankle injury. The L.A. offense is also relatively healthy going against the Titans with two top corners and linebackers out. The almost 20 point team SIC score difference favors the Rams.
