ProFootballDoc: Top 10 Injury Concerns and Early Line Movers Coming Out of Week 12

It wasn't a 4-1 week, but at least it was a winning week. We went 3-2 on our five Sunday picks based on injuries, making our season total 35-22-3 or a +13 margin. 

Tonight's game favors the Seahawks, even at -6.5. With Lane Johnson now on IR, three out of five starters are out, and all five spots have health issues.

As for the Tuesday BAL vs. PIT game, my belief is that it will be played only if there are no new Ravens positives this morning and Tuesday morning, indicating that the outbreak has ended. If there are positives, it will be interesting to see whether the league adds a Week 18 or forces a forfeit.

More importantly, our record was 6-0 last Sunday late afternoon and early evening since we anticipated line moves for Week 12 that allowed bettors to get better numbers. Knowing the coming injury announcements allowed us to predict the direction of movement for HOU vs. DET, WAS vs. DAL, BAL vs. PIT, NYG vs. CIN, CAR vs. MIN and SF vs. LAR. (see www.profootballdoc.com for videos). This week, we have anticipated line movements for seven games. www.profootballdoc.com.

Here are this week's top 10 injury issues coming out of Sunday:

1. Josh Allen - There was concern for both of the QB's ankles, even after he returned to finish the game for the Bills. Often post-game swelling makes the situation worse, but not here. Based on video, I believe Allen escapes any significant injury, and therefore, the Buffalo -2.5 line from Sunday night will climb past the key 3 number as they take on the 49ers.

2. Daniel Jones - The Giants head coach said his QB could play next week, but we don't believe he will. He tried to play through his right hamstring strain but couldn't. Jones could not push off to throw, much less run. According to video, he will miss at least this coming week against the Seahawks. The current line of 7.5 should climb as word gets out that Colt McCoy will be the starter.

3. Teddy Bridgewater - The Panthers QB hurt his left non-throwing arm right at the end of the game. The camera panned away after his final throw, so the injury was not shown on TV. Post-game, Bridgewater said it would be fine. I tend to believe him but will look at the All-22 film when it comes out. Since Carolina has a bye in Week 13, he should be fine to practice and play for Week 14.

4. DJ Moore - Late in regulation, the Panthers WR tried to change directions in the end zone and went down grabbing his right calf. By video, he appears to have injured his right ankle as he tried to stop and pivot back. The best guess is an inversion ankle sprain where he will miss some practice time but given the bye next week, should return for Week 14 action.

5. Dalvin Cook - Everyone panics when the Viking RB heads to the sidelines. He injured his right ankle in a pile and was in enough pain that it caused him to fumble. Cook was able to shake it off to return. It did not appear to be a high ankle sprain, so he should be licking his chops to play next week against a banged up Jaguars defense that gave up over 200 rushing yards to the Browns yesterday.

6. Josh Jacobs - The Raiders RB injured his right ankle and did not return. We hope that was due to the lopsided score and not the severity of the injury. We expect Jacobs to miss some practice, but unless he swells unexpectedly, he has a good chance to play next week against the Cardinals, whose entire starting defensive line has been out.

7. Phillip Lindsay - The Broncos RB twisted his knee and was quickly ruled out. Analyzing film has us worried for an MCL sprain and/or meniscus tear. His season should not be over, but how much time he misses beyond next week is now the question. 

8. Calvin Ridley - The Falcons WR limped off after a tackle but returned. By video, he hurt his left ankle when a defender got a hold of his foot and brought him down. Since his foot was not planted or trapped to the ground, I doubt there will be any issue going forward.

9. Allen Lazard - The Packers WR was progressing from his core muscle surgery. He returned and caught a TD. Late in the game, he was drilled in the sternum and by video analysis, left the game for wind and chest contusion. I believe he can and will return to play next week without issue.

10. Anthony Castonzo - The Colts left tackle suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee, and his team fell apart. The offensive line is the Colts' strength, and now with him and likely center Ryan Kelly out (neck/COVID), the Colts' playoff chances hang in the balance.

For the rest of the players and as news breaks throughout Monday and the week, go to the free www.profootballdoc.com for the most comprehensive injury analysis anywhere.