Thursday, Oct. 9
Here is a look at five overrated/underrated NFL injuries for Week 6:
Jacksonville at Tennessee (Sunday) - Quarterback Jake Locker is questionable for the Titans.
Perception: No one is even wasting time trying to handicap this abortion of a game.
Nover's View: Locker is a lower-tier starting NFL quarterback, but he's Joe Montana compared to Charlie Whitehurst. When you factor in the Titans also losing offensive left tackle Michael Roos and safety Bernard Pollard - two above average players - for the season they might not even be better than the Jaguars if Locker can't shake off his latest aliment, an injured wrist.
Carolina at Cincinnati (Sunday) - Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is expected to play after missing the last two games with a concussion.
Perception: A.J. Green is the Bengals player everybody is talking about since it's not looking like he's going to play Sunday.
Nover's View: Burfict is as important to Cincinnati's defense as Green is to its offense. Burfict led the NFL in tackles last season and calls the Bengals' defensive signals. One reason for the Patriots' blowout win against the Bengals last Sunday night was Tom Brady exploiting Burfict's inexperienced replacement, Emmanuel Lamur.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland (Sunday) - Browns cornerback Joe Haden missed practice again on Thursday because of a hip injury and may not play.
Perception: Haden is a shutdown corner. That would be a huge loss for Cleveland.
Nover's View: I think Haden is overrated. But his loss would be felt. The Steelers were game-planning to go after the Browns' 29th-ranked run defense, but if Haden doesn't play Ben Roethlisberger can't help but get Antonio Brown heavily involved again.
San Diego at Oakland (Sunday) - Raiders second-year linebacker Sio Moore is on target to play for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2.
Perception: The Raiders have a defensive starter who is younger than 30 and actually is decent?
Nover's View: Moore is one of the most improved players on the squad and was making an impact during the first two games racking up 19 tackles and one sack. His presence improves Oakland's defense.
Washington at Arizona (Sunday): Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is expected to play after missing the past five weeks with a hamstring injury suffered opening week.
Perception: Hey, I forgot about him. Jimmy Graham is on a bye this week. Is Reed worth picking up for this week?
Nover's View: Reed is a stud who has been held back by injuries. He has the talent to be a top-seven tight end and definitely gives the Redskins a legitimate red zone threat. I like him better than Heath Miller, Owen Daniels, Dwayne Allen, Charles Clay, Jared Cook and others who might be swimming around in your free agent pool.
On the handicapping front, I have a busy weekend going headed by my Big Ten Game of the Month and Triple Star NFL Game of the Week. Some plays are up. Others are coming ... all available on my homepage.
As always, no bad luck!