NFL betting: Week 1 injury report
Every week, we'll be covering the NFL's most significant injuries and how they're affecting numbers in the betting market. Here's the outlook for the opening weekend of the 2019 season.
A.J. Green, WR Bengals (knee)
Status: Out
Green was ruled out for six-to-eight weeks over the summer with torn ligaments in his ankle. Though the door was left open for a possible return by the opener against the Seahawks, the team opted to place the star receiver on injured reserve. The market moved quickly following Green's original diagnosis, pushing Seattle from an eight-point favorite all the way up to -9.5. That's where it currently sits two days away from the game.
As CG Technology's William Bernanke told The Action Network's Mark Gallant, the only wide receivers who are valuable enough to cause a shift in the point spread are Julio Jones and Antonio Brown. Unless there's been a steady dose of incoming Seahawks money, the 1.5-point jump would be a slight overreaction in the market.
Nick Bosa, DE 49ers (ankle)
Status: In
San Francisco's rookie pass-rusher has been dealing with a high-ankle sprain but will be available for Sunday's opener against the Buccaneers.
Bosa's particularly crucial for a 49ers defense that ranked No. 21 in the league in sacks per game last season. The entire defense figures to be tested by a Bruce Arians-coached Bucs squad that, with some dynamic offensive weapons, should get into plenty of shootouts (again) this season. Though Bosa's latest status is a plus for the Niners' defense, the team's secondary might be a bit short-handed, as Shanahan also noted that Jimmie Ward is unlikely to play after breaking his finger in practice Wednesday. The Buccaneers are currently one-point favorites, with a total of 50.5.
Nick Foles, QB Jaguars (oblique)
Status: Probable
Foles should be ready to go for Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs despite dealing with oblique soreness stemming from ... passing the ball too much in camp. The Jags' quarterback play will be a point of emphasis in Week 1, considering they'll likely have to trade points with the league's No. 1 scoring offense from a year ago. Foles should be in the lineup barring a major setback leading up to game day, though you can guarantee Kansas City would be a touchdown favorite - or more - if the incumbent was sidelined.
Devin Funchess, WR Colts (Back)
Status: Probable
There's a lot to dig into with the Colts, but we'll start with Funchess, who was brought over in free agency to play a big role in the offense opposite T.Y. Hilton. The former Panthers receiver was limited in practice earlier in the week but returned as a full participant Thursday, so there's reason to believe he'll be a go for Sunday's opener against the Chargers. Fellow wide receiver and rookie Parris Campbell will have no limitations after previously dealing with a minor hamstring injury.
Indy's running back group might be thin, however. Jonathan Williams has been on the mend with a rib injury and Jordan Wilkins was limited all week, meaning the Colts could potentially carry just two healthy rushers for Week 1. The supporting cast's health is especially important for the season opener considering Indianapolis is moving on without Andrew Luck, who retired a few weeks ago. Following that news, the Chargers went from -3.5 all the way to -9.5, and currently sit -7.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.