ProFootballDoc: Injury Info Essential To Market Timing Wagers

The Jets covered easily Monday as predicted, but it does not count towards our Sunday record of 5 picks each week, which stands at 28-15-2. 

As legal wagering spreads across the country, getting the best numbers is key. One way to do that is to market time your bets, and knowing the upcoming injury news can help you tremendously. 

Sunday night, the Steelers opened as solid 10 (even 10.5) point favorites.

At www.profootballdoc.com, we posted that Ben Roethlisberger's knee concerns would drive that line down. We added that those who liked the Bengals should take the points Sunday night, and those who liked the Steelers should wait. Sure enough, the line dipped to 7.5 and 8 by midday Monday and then went even lower on the Big Ben COVID high risk news. If you like the Steelers, jump on at FanDuel where the line is Steelers -6.5 now. 

Roethlisberger wouldn't have practiced anyway with his knee MCL issue and will still come off the COVID list in time to play, so there is really minimal effect. As news of Big Ben playing comes out later the week, expect the line to creep up again. Certainly, it would be ideal to get both Bengals +10.5 and Steelers -6.5 for a terrific middle position and an almost free shot to win both wagers.

In another example, the Browns opened as only 2.5-point favorites over the Texans, given that Baker Mayfield was on the COVID list and Nick Chubb was still out. At www.profootballdoc.com, we said Sunday night to jump on the Browns, as our analysis showed that Mayfield would be cleared by Wednesday to practice and that Chubb was set to return from his MCL sprain. It has already moved to the key number of 3, and we can expect it to go to 3.5 or more as the health of Mayfield and Chubb is further confirmed later this week.

The Eagles have been one of the more injury-riddled teams, and by now everyone knows that. The reality is that they are about to get healthier coming off their bye. Alshon Jeffrey will finally make his season debut, Miles Sanders will return from a knee sprain and Lane Johnson will play and finally be likely to finish a game. Philadelphia opened as 3-point favorites over the Giants and are now at 3.5. This line should go up even more as the public becomes aware of the upcoming favorable injury reports.

The 49ers have now taken up the mantle for the most injured team. The focus is on their injured fantasy players, but in reality, the defense is just as badly hurt. When the Sunday night line showed Saints -6.5, that line was sure to move and has immediately gone as high as 10. Once again, market timing is key.













THURSDAY NIGHT: The Colts at Titans is a battle for first place and features a matchup of healthy teams. New FanDuel users can bet on either side of this game at 25-1 odds. Sign up by clicking here.

With T.Y. Hilton playing and the offensive line healthy, the Colts are slightly healthier. Offensively, the Titans are without star left tackle Taylor Lewan (ACL) and WR Adam Humphries (concussion). Defensively, the Colts lost Malik Hooker (Achilles) early season, and the Titans will have Jadeveon Clowney (meniscus) but at less than 100%. Expect a hard fought interdivision battle that likely leads to a close, low scoring game.

OutKick readers can sign up to www.profootballdoc.com for free and get the advantage for your fantasy/DFS/gambling plays.

In addition to the Colts-Titans offer above, new FanDuel users are eligible for a $1,000 risk-free bet. If you lose your first bet up to $1,000, FanDuel will refund your account.

Written by
David Chao, MD -- known digitally as Pro Football Doc -- is an expert contributor for Outkick. Chao spent 17 seasons as the team doctor for the San Diego Chargers (1997-2013) and is part of the medical team at OASIS in San Diego where he treats and specializes in orthopedic sports injuries, working with high-profile professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, and MLB.