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Every week, we'll be covering the NFL's most significant injuries and how they're affecting numbers in the betting market. Here's the outlook for Week 8:
Matt Ryan, QB Falcons
Status: Questionable
Ryan tweaked his ankle during last week's loss to the Rams, prompting some global shops to take down this line completely. The spread with Ryan is expected to be in the +3.5 range on Sunday against the Seahawks, though it could get pushed up to as high as +7 if backup Matt Schaub gets the nod. It's tough to try and play doctor and make an educated guess on what's going to materialize but 53.5 is a ton of points, Ryan or not. The under might be the look before there's more clarity on the injury, which would likely push it down a full touchdown with no Ryan.
Patrick Mahomes, QB Chiefs (knee)
Status: Doubtful
A week after dislocating his knee cap, Mahomes has flirted with returning for Sunday Night Football against the Packers, though that seems unlikely. If there's anything that could aid backup Matt Moore, it's running the football. Green Bay's dime defense has been gashed by opposing backs this season, allowing close to five yards per carry. Life might not be so bleak sans Mahomes; take a peek at the Chiefs +4 at home.
Note: Shortly after this article was published, Mahomes was ruled OUT for Sunday. Matt Moore will start for the Chiefs.
Denzel Ward, CB Browns (hamstring)
Status: Probable
Ward is one of a handful of Browns defensive backs who should return from injury when Cleveland travels to take on the Patriots. The second-year corner has had some ups and downs this season, but is coming off a year in which he was graded as the No. 12 corner in the league by Pro Football Focus. New England's schedule so far has been a cakewalk. Though the Cleveland secondary isn't elite, they're No. 15 in explosive pass rate allowed and No. 17 in yards per completion. It should be a stiff test for Tom Brady and a depleted offense.
Quincy Williams, LB Jaguars (hamstring)
Status: Doubtful
Williams is one of three Jaguars linebackers doubtful for Sunday against the Jets, joining Najee Goode and Leon Jacobs. That trio's accounted for a grand total of 535 defensive snaps this season. Their injuries should leave the middle of the field pretty open for quarterback Sam Darnold, who won't get a much tougher test than he did last weekend against New England, the best statistical defense in the league. New York should be optimistic it can score, considering the offense has faced the toughest slate of defenses leading up to this weekend. The over or the Jets team total over are two good looks.
Xavien Howard, CB Dolphins
Status: Probable
Miami's star cornerback was sidelined the last two weeks due to knee soreness, but is trending toward playing against the Steelers on Monday Night Football. The Dolphins have seen a fair share of unders this season, but it's likely only a matter of time before there are points on the board. Miami's secondary is dead-last in the league in explosive pass plays allowed, so Howard or not, there's a green light on the over 42.5 for the prime-time clash.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKoIodziej.
