Pro Football Doc, Dr. David Chao, shares his thoughts on some key players ahead of NFL Week 9.

J.J. McCarthy - Ankle

"Will he play? He has to, A, he's ready to go, B, Carson Wentz is down."

  • J.J. McCarthy has a +7.9% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of McCarthy, the Vikings Pass Offense and the Lions Pass Defense therefore we expect him to go OVER his projected passing prop and DFS points.

Michael Penix - Knee

"Penix's bone bruise is different than Brock Bowers. Brock Bowers is returning this week, but Michael Pennix looks like he's gonna go."

  • Michael Penix has a -25.9% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Penix, the Falcons Pass Offense and the Patriots Pass Defense therefore we expect him to go UNDER his projected passing prop and DFS points.

Bryce Young - Ankle

"This "low high ankle sprain." Bottom line is it's not bad, he's ready to go, I believe. Andy Dalton broke his thumb, apparently, so it's definitely Bryce Young."

  • Bryce Young has a -25.4% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Young, the Panthers Pass Offense and the Packers Pass Defense therefore we expect him to go UNDER his projected passing prop and DFS points.

Jayden Daniels - Hamstring

"Daniels' hamstring, and he looks ready to go, and not Marcus Mariota this week."

  • Jayden Daniels has a -31% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Daniels, the Commanders Pass Offense and the Seahawks Pass Defense therefore we expect him to go UNDER his projected passing prop and DFS points.

Kyler Murray - Foot

"Murray, who is looking like he's going to play with his foot sprain. He's technically limited, but looks like he's gonna play."

  • Kyler Murray was an LP Friday and listed as Questionable, has a +9.5% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Murray, the Cardinals Pass Offense and the Cowboys Pass Defense therefore we expect him to go OVER his projected passing prop and DFS points.

Brock Purdy - Toe

"The iffy one might be Brock Purdy with the turf toe, limited still, but I think this is the first week Brock Purdy has a real chance to play."

  • Brock Purdy, LP Friday and listed as Questionable, has a -13.4% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Purdy, the 49ers Pass Offense and the Giants Pass Defense therefore we expect him to go UNDER his projected passing prop and DFS points.

Joe Flacco - Shoulder

"AC joint, throwing shoulder. We talked about it on Sunday. I think he did that. He went to the locker room, got X-rays, got it shot up, and returned. They didn't win the game against the Jets, but it really is this — he was limited today. Would they rather have a Joe Flacco, who's new to the Bengals team, not practicing much, taking injections and playing, or Jake Browning, who has more of the playbook, who is practicing and 100%? That will be a coaching decision."

  • Joe Flacco, DNP Friday and listed as Questionable, has a +15.5% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Flacco, the Bengals Pass Offense and the Bears Pass Defense therefore we expect him to go OVER his projected passing prop and DFS points.

Want more expert injury insights?

Sign up for a free account and newsletter at Sports Injury Central

👉 Try our proven winning premium tools, projections and picks winning at 62% on spreads for FREE.

This week only for new weekly SIC Picks subscriptions!

For FREE unlimited access to SIC Picks this week use promo code: SICNEWS

SIGN UP NOW HERE

Sports Injury Central (SIC) is raising the bar for NFL betting confidence in 2025.

For the first time ever, SIC is offering a guaranteed winning record (over 50.1%) on NFL regular-season pregame spread picks from SIC Picks — or subscribers will receive a refund of their annual SIC Picks subscription.

This bold offer is available exclusively to the first 100 new annual SIC Picks subscribers and is powered by the same data-driven algorithms that have made SIC the go-to source for injury analysis, performance projections and predictive betting insights.

👉 Secure Your Guaranteed Season - SIGN UP NOW HERE

WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BET ON THE NFL? - USE SIC PICKS FOR PROVEN WINNING PICKS CASHING AT 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!