NFL Divisional Round Odds & Injuries: Bettors Beware

Anquan Boldin of the Arizona Cardinals missed out on the team's wild-card win over the Packers and is unlikely to see any action against the New Orleans Saints this weekend. (AP Images)

We’re down to the NFL’s final eight, and injuries certainly can play a key role for the four teams that had to play last week, while the four that had byes are mostly healthy.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens: Let there be no doubt that Flacco plays this weekend against the Colts, but he is nowhere near 100 percent with a hip quadriceps injury (but he’s not listed on the injury report). The Ravens didn’t need Flacco much against the Patriots, as his 34 passing yards Sunday at New England tied an NFL record for the fewest in a playoff victory during the Super Bowl era. But Baltimore certainly will need more passing this week against Indianapolis, which is 7-point favorite for Saturday night’s game on Bodog’s NFL odds.

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens: Heap suffered a back stinger late in Sunday’s win over New England and is hurting but should start against the Colts as he has been practicing so far this week. Heap is a key part of Baltimore’s limited passing game, as he had 53 receptions for 593 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals: Boldin was the biggest name to sit out last weekend’s playoff action (high ankle sprain), and all the Cards did was score 51 points without their No. 2 receiver. Reserve WRs Steve Breaston and Early Doucet were tremendous in helping to fill in for Boldin against the Packers. The Cards are now 6-1 (2-0 in the playoffs) in games that Boldin has missed over the last two seasons, fueling speculation that he will finally be traded this offseason. He remains very iffy for Saturday’s game with the Saints, but look for him to try and play if it all possible if for no other reason than to build up his value to other teams. He has yet to practice through Wednesday,   however, and probably will be a game-time decision. Linebacker Geno Hayes also has yet to practice this week but played through his injury against the Packers. He, too, could be a game-time call. Arizona is a 7-point dog at New Orleans on Bodog’s NFL odds.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints: The bye week was a great thing for the Saints, as they expect Thomas, their leading rusher, to play against the Cardinals on Saturday after missing the regular-season finale against Carolina because of three broken ribs. He has been practicing fully this week. The Saints are expecting the returns of tight end Jeremy Shockey (toe) and wide receiver Lance Moore (ankle). Shockey hasn’t played since Week 14 due to that turf toe. New Orleans is -7 against Arizona on Bodog’s NFL odds.

Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys: Barber, who was limited to three carries and four yards in Saturday's wild-card victory against Philadelphia, didn’t practice Wednesday because of a swollen bursa sac in his left knee, but the Cowboys are optimistic he can play this weekend against the Vikings. Fellow RB Tashard Choice has been practicing after it was feared he suffered a concussion against the Eagles – those tests turned out to be negative. Choice had 14 carries against the Eagles with Barber so limited – Felix Jones had a career-high 16 carries for Dallas. The Cowboys are +3 at Minnesota on Bodog’s NFL odds.

Steve Weatherford, P, New York Jets: This is a first, listing a punter among our key injuries, but these are the playoffs and any missing starter could be key. Weatherford missed last week’s win over the Bengals because of an irregular heartbeat condition that caused him to feel lightheaded before the game. Placekicker Jay Feely also handled the punting against Cincinnati. But Weatherford, who has had the non-life threatening condition since high school, will play this week against the Chargers. LB Bart Scott injured his ankle vs. the Bengals and might be a bit limited this week but will play against San Diego, which is -8 on Bodog’s NFL odds.

Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers: The star pass-rusher hasn’t practiced since before Christmas (but has played in games) because of a torn plantar fascia in his left foot but says he feels better than he has in weeks thanks to the bye week and practiced Wednesday. He will start against the Jets.

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