Pro Football Doc, Dr. David Chao, breaks down some key injuries to watch ahead of NFL Week 18.
George Kittle
George Kittle. The star tight end will definitely play, but how effective he will be remains the question. Given his ankle injury, he’s likely to be used more in the run-blocking game and less downfield in the passing game. That said, having George Kittle blocking is a very important part of the San Francisco 49ers offense.
Kittle has a -11.3% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Kittle, the 49ers Pass Offense and the Seahawks Pass Defense therefore we expect him to be UNDER his projected rushing prop and DFS points.
Trent Williams
Another key blocker is Trent Williams, who missed basically the entire game last week with a hamstring strain suffered on the opening-drive pick-six. He has not practiced all week. If anyone can play through an injury, it’s Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, but he seems unlikely to play this week, and if he does, it would likely be with limited effectiveness.
Josh Allen
Josh Allen and his foot issue. He has been limited in practice, and with some seeding implications involved, he may see some time, but he is not expected to play the entire game for the Bills.
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is back and is going to start. He’s had three straight full practices this week, which is the first time in over two months that he has practiced three times leading up to a game. Hopefully, he can be effective and help unleash Derrick Henry again.
Jackson has a -17.1% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Jackson, the Ravens Pass Offense and the Steelers Pass Defense therefore we expect him to be OVER his projected rushing prop and DFS points.
T.J. Watt
As for T.J. Watt, if this were not essentially a playoff game, he would not be playing. He has only had limited practice several weeks after the dry-needling lung injury. Expect him to try to go, but the question is whether that means 15 snaps, 30 snaps, and how effective he can be as the Steelers try to win the AFC North.
Want more expert injury insights?
Sign up for a free account and newsletter at Sports Injury Central
👉 Try our proven winning ratings, projections and picks cashing at 71% on 3-Star Spreads this season.
For NFL Week 18 we have a GUARANTEED WINNING 3-STAR PICK - sign up, follow our picks and win.
New weekly SIC Picks subscriptions only.
WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BET ON THE NFL? - USE SIC PICKS FOR PROVEN WINNING PICKS CASHING AT OVER 56.5% ON SPREADS OVER SIX YEARS!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!
