Around Thanksgiving every year, some teams are already looking ahead to the playoffs while others have an eye on the future.
This year, however, no team is safe. Week after week, we have seen Super Bowl contenders get embarrassed and division leaders get taken down by the worst of the league.
While NFL betting has never been more difficult, there are still ways to find advantages that increase your odds of winning. Having a licensed physical therapist interpret the NFL Week 12 injury reports will help you gain an edge that other bettors miss.
Below are the top NFL Week 12 injuries to consider when placing your Week 12 NFL betting picks. Please note that all NFL Week 12 odds and lines are current as of Wednesday, November 24 at 11 AM EST.
NFL Week 12 Injuries & Betting Tips
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers (Toe)
Green Bay Packers vs Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Rodgers appeared on this week’s injury report with a toe injury. It’s not clear when he suffered the injury, but he’s come out and stated that it’s far more painful than turf toe.
To me, this sounds like a sesamoid fracture or plantar plate tear, the latter of which affected Patrick Mahomes last season. Without the stability to push off the toe, sprinting becomes laborious and throwing mechanics can be altered depending on which foot is affected. Rodgers can wear an insert to stabilize pushing off the toe, but it doesn’t eliminate the problem.
Rodgers could be in trouble against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday as left tackle Elgton Jenkins was lost to an ACL tear and David Bakhtiari has not yet returned from his own ACL tear.
I don’t like the idea of Rodgers scrambling around without effective blindside protection against a dangerous Rams defense. This game is currently a pick’em, which makes my bet pick here 1 unit on the Rams Moneyline (-110) at Caesars.
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CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys (Concussion)
Dallas Cowboys vs Las Vegas Raiders
CeeDee Lamb suffered a concussion during the Cowboys’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, putting him in jeopardy of missing a game for the first time in his NFL career with Dallas on a short week.
Based on the steps necessary to go through the NFL’s five-stage concussion protocol, Lamb would need to practice with a limited designation on Wednesday. If he can absorb contact without symptoms in practice, he’ll be re-tested prior to Thursday’s game. He did not practice on Monday or Tuesday, however, making a Thursday return unlikely.
Each concussion is unique and timelines vary, but it will be incredibly difficult for Lamb to be cleared to play with such a quick turnaround. To make matters worse, Dallas is already without top wideout Amari Cooper due to COVID protocols.
That’s a lot of offensive firepower lost for Dak Prescott, which makes my NFL bet of the day 0.5 units for the Raiders to cover the +7.5 spread (-110) at Caesars.
Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears (Bruised Ribs)
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions
Justin Fields suffered bruised ribs that forced him out of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens and will sideline him for Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions as well.
With bruised ribs, this is strictly a pain issue. There are injections and bracing that can be used to manage the discomfort, but this comes down to whether he can be effective if he’s flushed out of the pocket or if his offensive line fails him.
Because of this, Andy Dalton will start under center against Detroit on Thanksgiving.
Considering the short week and uninspiring play of Dalton, I like the Lions’ chances to at least keep this game close. My betting pick is 0.5 units on the Lions to cover the +3 spread (-110) at Caesars.
The Chicago Bears will be without QB Justin Fields during their Thanksgiving Day clash against the Detroit Lions. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
AJ Brown, WR, Tennessee Titans (Left Hand/Chest)
Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots
AJ Brown exited Sunday’s contest against the Houston Texans several times to initially work through a left-hand injury, specifically the 4th and 5th digits. He returned to action but was later knocked out with a chest injury following a hard hit to the shoulder from Texans CB Desmond King.
Brown has been dealing with various injuries this year, including knee and hamstring issues that forced him to miss time earlier in the season. The Titans have already tied the record for most game participants in a season due to the multitude of injuries that have ravaged their roster, including Julio Jones and Derrick Henry.
- Read our full Week 12 Titans vs Patriots betting picks & tips.
Thankfully for Ryan Tannehill, Brown appears on track to suit up. He may have trouble hauling in passes, however, especially against a ferocious Patriots defense that specializes in shutting down their opponents’ top weapons.
We may finally see all of Tennessee’s injuries catch up to them down the stretch, which may have been a factor in their stunning loss to Houston. With New England at home and riding a five-game win streak, my betting pick is 0.5 units on the Patriots Moneyline (-280) at Caesars.
Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets (Left High-Ankle Sprain)
New York Jets @ Houston Texans
Michael Carter sustained a left ankle injury on Sunday that head coach Robert Saleh described as a mild high-ankle sprain. The timeline reported for him is to be out 2-to-3 weeks which is pretty standard, although that timeline is still optimistic with his productivity likely dropping upon returning.
Carter is not expected to attempt to play this week in Houston, guaranteeing Tevin Coleman the lion’s share of backfield touches. New York will also be without Joe Flacco and Mike White, both of whom were placed on the COVID/Reserve list. This forces rookie QB Zach Wilson back under center, even though he still may not be fully healthy himself.
- Read our full Week 12 Jets vs Texans betting picks & tips.
The Jets’ depth has been obliterated by injuries and this is merely the latest blow. This game could turn into a shootout against Tyrod Taylor‘s Texans, and based on our NFL gameday odds I’m putting 1 unit on the Over 44.5 (-110) at Caesars.
Other Week 12 Notable Injuries
- Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris suffered a brutal hit resulting in a concussion during Sunday Night Football and is in danger of missing this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Los Angeles Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. suffered his second concussion of the season, which could delay his timeline in returning to play.
- Jacksonville Jaguars WR Jamal Agnew was placed on IR following a hip injury, forcing the team to find alternative options at kick and punt return.
- Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson is being placed on IR to have neck surgery, ending his season.
- Chicago Bears DE Khalil Mack will end his season on IR following foot surgery from an injury originally sustained in Week 3.
- Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan is dealing with turf toe in his right foot, making it difficult to drive off his back foot when attempting intermediate and deep throws.
Kyle’s Injury Report Betting Record: 37-23, +5.48 Units
Thanks for reading our NFL Week 12 Injury Report! For more NFL Week 12 betting tips, check out our NFL Week 12 Best Bets and NFL Week 12 Prop Bets.
