NFL Week 14 Odds & Key Injuries: Hines Ward Update

The Pittsburgh Steelers are favored to win tonight against the Cleveland Browns, but injuries to key players continue to plague the defending Super Bowl champions. (AP Images)

Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Ward practiced on a very limited basis Wednesday because of a hamstring strain and is expected to be a game-time decision for the Steelers’ must-win Thursday against Cleveland. Coach Mike Tomlin has all but ruled Ward out, but the receiver – who leads the Steelers in receptions and touchdowns -- said he was still holding out hope. Rookie Mike Wallace would start in Ward’s place. Star safety Troy Polamalu remains out for Pittsburgh, which is a 10.5-point road favorite on Bodog’s NFL odds.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions: The No. 1 overall pick has been playing through a shoulder injury for a few weeks, but he aggravated it in the loss to Cincinnati in Week 13. Stafford admitted he might have to sit a game or two to heal up, and a decision was made Wednesday to start Daunte Culpepper against the Ravens, who are -14 on Bodog’s NFL odds (this line moved a point toward Baltimore when it was learned Stafford was out).

Matt Ryan, QB, and Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Another week on this list for both Falcons’ offensive stars, as both sat out last week’s loss to Philly. The Falcons probably need to win out to have any chance at a playoff spot, but both remain iffy for this week against unbeaten New Orleans. Expect no decision on the duo until the weekend. Ryan threw for 289 yards and Turner ran for 151 in the Falcons’ 35-27 loss to the Saints on Nov. 2. There is no line on Sunday’s game on Bodog’s NFL odds yet.

Matt Schaub, QB, and Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans: Schaub dislocated his left shoulder on the first play of the Week 13 loss to the Jaguars, but coaches are hoping he can play this week against Seattle. Schaub actually returned to the Jacksonville game and nearly led a big comeback despite the injury, and he’s optimistic he will play against the Seahawks. However, Slaton, who had a huge rookie year but has been a big disappointment in 2009, is done for the season after being placed on injured reserve this week. Chris Brown and Ryan Moats will share the backfield duties against Seattle, which is +6 on Bodog’s NFL odds.

DeSean Jackson, WR, and Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Both players sat out last week’s win over Atlanta, but Jackson is guaranteeing that he will return from a concussion this week against the New York Giants. Westbrook has missed three games with a concussion but returned to practice this week as did Jackson. Still, he is questionable to play Sunday, with LeSean McCoy likely to start regardless. Philly, which is tied with Dallas atop the NFC East, is a 1-point road dog on Bodog’s NFL odds.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets: There won’t be a matchup of starting quarterbacks drafted in the first-round of the 2009 draft as Jets rookie Mark Sanchez will sit because of a knee injury suffered last Thursday against Buffalo. Kellen Clemens, who hasn’t started a game since late in the 2007 season and has a 3-5 career record as a starter, will get the call. There is no line yet on Bodog’s NFL odds for the Jets-Bucs matchup; Tampa Bay, of course, starts rookie Josh Freeman at QB.

Devin Hester, WR, and Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago Bears: Hester left Sunday’s win against the Rams after just one catch due to a strained calf, but he expects to practice Thursday and start this week against Green Bay. Briggs practiced fully Wednesday and will start against the Pack after missing last week’s game with knee and hip issues. The Packers are 3-point road favorites on Bodog’s NFL odds to complete the season sweep of Chicago.

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