PROFOOTBALLDOC (2-3 last week, 31-28-1 for season)
SIC Score is our proprietary numerical injury grading system that incorporates the health of every NFL team and individual players to give sports bettors , DFS players and fantasy owners an edge each week during the season. While it purposely doesn’t take into account coaching, schemes or matchups, SIC Scores give an accurate assessment of team/player overall health heading into a game.
MIAMI -6.5 vs NY GIANTS
The Dolphins have been healthy and play good defense but now their offense gets healthier. Tua Tagovailoa’s finger injury is behind him and he also gets his No. 1 receiver DeVante Parker as well as his starting center back. The Giants will start Mike Glennon at QB and be missing a couple wide receivers and offensive linemen. This combines for almost a 20 point SIC Score team edge with Miami on the rise and New York on the fall.
DETROIT +7.5 vs MINNESOTA
Yes, the Lions are winless but by trend, they get healthier while the Vikings are falling. Everyone knows Dalvin Cook is out, but our worry lies more with the best defender at each level missing with Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks and Patrick Peterson out. While the Lions get some cornerback help, they are still short at linebacker. This could be a higher scoring affair (over 46.5) and we expect Detroit to keep pace and maybe even finally get lucky.
LAS VEGAS -1.5 vs WASHINGTON
The focus may be on Darren Waller being out with DeSean Jackson and Josh Jacobs questionable but the Raiders on the strength of their defense are still the healthier squad by 15.5 on the SIC Score scale. Washington will be without their top two pass rushers and will have offensive line issues including starting a fourth string center.
JACKSONVILLE +13 @ LA RAMS
The Jaguars get almost two touchdowns while being the slightly healthier side. The Rams dip this week with Darrell Henderson, Jr. limited (or out) with a quad injury who then turn to Sony Michel. Odell Beckham, Jr. should play thru his posterior hip pointer but has yet to get fully acclimated to his new team while being limited in his practice time. Not expecting Jacksonville to put off the road upset but they can hang with the struggling Rams.
KANSAS CITY vs DENVER under 47
The Chiefs are the healthier side but we are impressed with how the Broncos get healthier defensively with a 24 point defensive SIC Score jump. Add to that Kansas City now has a healthy defense that has recently carried them, this could end up being a lower scoring divisional game. Melvin Gordon is out but Teddy Bridgewater will play thru his leg contusion. We lean towards the Chiefs (-10) but the Field View shows the under to be the stronger play.
