Thursday, Oct. 16
Welcome to my overrated/underrated NFL injury report for Week 7.
Carolina at Green Bay (Sunday): Green Bay may be minus its two starting cornerbacks, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields. Both didn't practice on Thursday after getting hurt this past Sunday against the Dolphins.
Perception: The Packers are in trouble. Raise Cam Newton's rating.
Nover's View: The Packers have the deepest set of defensive backs in the NFC if not the entire NFL. Davon House and Craig Hayward are capable replacements. Newton only has one good wide receiver - Kelvin Benjamin - and he may not play because of a concussion suffered courtesy of cheap short artist Vontaze Burfict. If Newton engineers a cover it won't be with his arm, but with his legs taking advantage of ultra aggressive Clay Matthews.
Kansas City at San Diego (Sunday): The Chiefs could get back three-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry, who has been missing in action since the second quarter of Week 2 after sustaining a high ankle sprain.
Perception: Isn't Berry somewhat overrated?
Nover's View: Perhaps, but his presence would be huge especially for this matchup. All the Chargers do is pass and Kansas City has weak cornerbacks. Philip Rivers is better than every quarterback except Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees so Berry would be a key reinforcement. Cornerback Ron Parker had been filling in at Berry's safety spot. Parker could be used now to strengthened Kansas City's secondary depth especially in nickel and dime coverages.
Miami at Chicago (Sunday): Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert is bothered by an elbow injury and may not play.
Perception: The Chiefs didn't care to resign Albert after six seasons so he must be on the downside of his career.
Nover's View: Albert has had a resurgence with the Dolphins. He is a top 10 left tackle. If Albert can't go the Dolphins are likely to switch rookie right tackle Ja'Wuan James to Albert's spot, which is protecting Ryan Tannehill's blind side. This could mean a big game from previously quiet Jared Allen and a strong look to the over if an over/under sacks prop can be found on this matchup.
San Francisco at Denver (Sunday): 49ers star linebacker Patrick Willis isn't expected to play due to a toe injury.
Perception: Big loss for the 49ers.
Nover's View: Willis isn't as dominant as he was a couple of years ago. He wasn't even the 49ers' best linebacker last season. Rookie Chris Borland is likely to fill in for Willis. Borland is highly productive. If he would have been drafted by a team in need of an immediate starter he would be a rookie of the year candidate.
Tennessee at Washington (Sunday): Jake Locker practiced on Thursday, but Charlie Whitehurst took the majority of first-team reps, according to reports.
Perception: Who in their right mind would even get involved with this game?
Nover's View: I'm embarrassed to say, but if Locker is able to start and I can still get more than 4 points, I would strongly consider the underdog Titans. Locker can't avoid injury, but his gutty style would fire up the Titans. Whitehurst is a total stiff.
On the handicapping front, I have big plays going Friday, Saturday and Sunday with more plays coming. My home page can be found here: /pregamepros/pro-bettor/bettor.aspx?id=7746#capper.
As always, no bad luck!