NFL Injury Impacts: Ailing Receivers Could Hamper Marquee QB Battle

Quarterbacks Tom Brady of Tampa Bay and Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay are currently fifth and seventh, respectively, in the odds to win the NFL Regular Season MVP award, according to the NFL betting lines. However, both could have limited targets.

BetUS is continuing a weekly feature looking at which teams figure to be impacted by injured players.

Let’s check the latest NFL picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL predictions. We’ve plenty of NFL expert picks for you to consider.

Pass Catchers in Limbo

Two of the Super Bowl favorites, according to the NFL playoff odds, are the undefeated Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Good news is the Super Bowl is not Sunday, because both teams could be less than 100%, especially when it comes to players catching passes thrown by MVP candidates Josh Allen and Tom Brady.

Buffalo tight end Dawson Knox and receiver Gabriel Davis are both questionable as the Bills travel Dolphins Sunday at 1 p.m ET. An injured foot (Knox) and ankle (Davis) have both limited in practice. The situation with Davis could be a bigger concern in Buffalo. Speed is a huge part of Davis’ game, and being slowed by a bum ankle is not ideal.

Tampa was already dwindling at the receiver position, with Chris Godwin and Julio Jones unlikely to play against the Green Bay Packers. Tampa will now be without Mike Evans, suspended (one game) after his latest confrontation with New Orleans Saints’ cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

The Buccaneers brought in ex-Bill Cole Beasley, because they are running low on proven players who can catch the ball.

Walking Wounded in Baltimore

Every team in the NFL has to work around injuries to key players. It just seems as if the Baltimore Ravens have experienced it more than just about anybody else.

Thursday’s Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/mMqCd4dUdr

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 22, 2022

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It’s no different this week, as those listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s visit to Foxboro and the New England Patriots are hard to top.

Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, running back J.K. Dobbins, receiver Devin Duvernay, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and promising rookie tight end Isaiah Likely are among the Ravens with ‘questionable’ next to their names.

Baltimore will continue to be without running back Gus Edwards and cornerback Kyle Fuller, hoping the list of players having to miss Sunday’s game doesn’t increase.

Good, Bad News with Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys should welcome receiver Michael Gallup back this Monday night when they visit the New York Giants However, there are questions about the availability of tight end Dalton Schultz. Schultz didn’t practice Thursday due to an injured knee.

With the Cowboys already missing starting quarterback Dak Prescott (thumb), Cooper Rush needs all the assistance available. If no Schultz Monday, one less reliable target down the middle. It also impacts how those who bet online look at this game.

Wilson’s Tough Sledding

It’s been a sluggish start for the Denver Broncos and new quarterback Russell Wilson. One of the game’s historically-accurate passers completed just 14-of -31 passes in last week’s sloppy win over the Houston Texans.

As Denver heads into Week 3, hosting the San Francisco 49ers Sunday evening, young receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler are both questionable. Jeudy has issues with his ribs and shoulder, while Hamler has an ailing knee and hip.

Wilson was a little spoiled throwing to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf with the Seattle Seahawks, and his options in Denver aren’t at that level, even if everyone is healthy.

Packers’ Wobbly Wideouts

When the Packers and Bucs meet Sunday afternoon, focus will be on Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. They’re two of the best quarterbacks in the history of the league.

Who will be catching the passes thrown by these future Hall of Famers?

The issues with the Tampa Bay wideouts were addressed. Green Bay has issues at the receiver position as well.

Randall Cobb (illness), Allen Lazard (ankle), Sammy Watkins (hamstring) and rookie Christian Watson (hamstring) all missed Thursday practice. Check any recent developments before wagering.

Bruised Bolts

Other than concerns about quarterback Justin Herbert, receiver Keenan Allen, tight end Donald Parham and center Corey Linsley, all is well offensively with the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of Sunday’s home game with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

There seems to be some positive news on Herbert and Allen. Herbert (ribs) is said to be better, while Allen said he has a chance to play Sunday as he recovers from a hamstring issue.

Is Kamara Nearing Return?

New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara sat out last week’s loss to Tampa Bay (injured ribs). He has returned to practice on a limited basis and could be back when the Saints march into Charlotte to oppose the Carolina Panthers Sunday.

He is far from the only high-profile offensive player needing to be monitored by those who bet online.

Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey (ankle), San Francisco tight end George Kittle (groin) were limited in practice. Las Vegas receiver Hunter Renfrow (concussion) and New England Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers (knee) both didn’t practice.

Rookie Watch

Observe the status of Detroit Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson, who has three sacks in his first two games, has missed practice time this week due (injured thigh). He’s still considered one of the favorites, according to the NFL predictions, in the odds to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Colts’ receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) was able to participate in Wednesday practice, while offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann is also questionable.

Vikings’ cornerback Andrew Booth (quadriceps) remains questionable. He missed practice, while Giants’ defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux was a limited participant Thursday (injured knee).

49ers’ running back Tyrion Davis-Price was hoping to get some of the workloads after the injury to last year’s rookie star, Elijah Mitchell, but he’s out (high ankle sprain).

Titans’ receiver Kyle Phillips was a limited Thursday participant with a shoulder issue.