Odds Shift as Injuries Hit Quarterbacks on Playoff Teams

Six beginning AFC QBs will likely be unable to go well with up this weekend, together with starters on 4 of the highest seven groups within the standings. Now, the race for the playoffs has grow to be a struggle of attrition greater than a race to assemble one of the best roster doable.

Which groups are greatest poised to face up to the harm onslaught and which groups ought to the league be looking out for? Let’s have a look.

Quarterbacks fill the harm report

QB accidents are inclined to destroy seasons. In spite of everything, how is a staff purported to survive in a quarterback-driven league with out their most vital participant?

This 12 months, there have been so many accidents that groups have sufficient cause to maintain combating as if nothing’s modified. Based mostly on standings heading into Week 14, a random AFC playoff staff is extra prone to have a backup beneath middle than a starter, which has tremendously elevated the parity between the groups.

Earlier than we proceed, a fast have a look at the harm report:

• Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) – excessive ankle sprain, week-to-week
• Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers ) – excessive ankle sprain, week-to-week
• Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns) – fractured shoulder, out for season
• Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts) – shoulder sprain, out for season
• Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) – torn wrist ligament, out for season
• Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets) – torn Achilles, out for season
• Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) – torn Achilles, out for season
• Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints) – concussion and shoulder/rib accidents, week-to-week
• Daniel Jones (New York Giants) – torn ACL, out for season

Eight of the 9 gamers on that record both performed within the postseason a 12 months in the past or have been in line to take action this 12 months based mostly on their staff’s file.

Attaining postseason success with a backup QB isn’t not possible. Former Philadelphia Eagles backup Nick Foles is one of the best instance of that, as he took over for MVP favourite Carson Wentz and led his staff all the best way to the Tremendous Bowl.

 Foles was named Tremendous Bowl MVP

In that sport that has since been immortalized in historical past, Foles went 28-43 for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. The Eagles beat the New England Patriots 41-33, and Foles was named Tremendous Bowl MVP.

9 QBs that began the 12 months as backups have gone on to win the Tremendous Bowl. Notable names on that record embody Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, and Terry Bradshaw, amongst others.

Impression on staff odds

Looking forward to this weekend’s video games, solely one of many 4 AFC playoff candidates coping with QB accidents is an underdog, whereas three are favorites, per FanDuel Sportsbook. Two of them – the Browns and the Jaguars – play each other in a sport wherein the Browns are favored by three factors. 

Solely 4 groups down their beginning QB are underdogs this weekend, whereas 5 are favored. This speaks to the competitiveness of the groups as a collective and the parity that exists since many groups are coping with important accidents.

futures odds, the three groups whose quarterbacks don’t have an harm – the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (+220), Baltimore Ravens (+270), and Miami Dolphins (+310) – have one of the best odds to win the convention. Nonetheless, that is to be anticipated since additionally they have one of the best information.

at the moment out of the playoff image however have wholesome star QBs, are subsequent within the oddsmakers’ record

Actual motion might be seen under the Jaguars, who’re fourth in odds to win the AFC (+1100). The Buffalo Payments (+2000) and Houston Texans (+2300), each of whom are at the moment out of the playoff image however have wholesome star QBs, are subsequent within the oddsmakers’ record of groups most certainly to win the convention title. 

Solely after these groups do the Browns, Steelers, and Colts, who would all make the playoffs in the event that they began the day of writing, test in.

Lawrence possible has the biggest influence on how the chances might swing of all injured QBs. The anticipated drop-off from him to C.J. Beathard is excessive, however he additionally has an opportunity to return this season. 

That’s why the oddsmakers haven’t written the Jags off, since they maintain a one-game lead within the AFC South and have the tiebreaker.