Brian Urlacher, Linebacker (Dislocated Wrist)

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears lost linebacker Brian Urlacher early in the first game of the year and sports betting cappers know that their defense hasn’t been the same since. Urlacher was the Bears leader on defense, and he was the key player who got everyone lined up, made key tackles and was the captain of the defense. Without him, the unit has turned completely soft.

Owen Daniels, Tight End (Torn ACL)

Houston Texans

While the Texans were never a popular bet in the sportsbook, their tight end was a popular pick among NFL pundits as the best in the NFL through the first half. The Weatherman, Owen Daniels, was tearing it up with 40 receptions, 519 yards and five touchdowns. Matt Schaub is going to miss his safety valve and so will the Pro Bowl, which is where he would have headed had he stayed healthy.

Kris Jenkins, Defensive Tackle (Torn ACL)

New York Jets

The New York Jets were never an offensive juggernaut – with or without Mark Sanchez’ struggles – but what they were was a nasty, mean defense. That’s not the case since they lost tackle Kris Jenkins. The Jets are particularly thin at the position, and they haven’t been able to be feisty since they lost him. On top of that, opposing teams are having no problems moving the ball up and down the field on this weakening Jets defense.

Al Harris, Cornerback (Torn ACL)

Green Bay Packers

Anyone who’s placed an NFL bet knows that one of the reasons the Green Bay Packers have been contenders for the last few years has been the play of their secondary. With two shutdown cornerbacks in Al Harris and Charles Woodson, the Packers were able to play man-to-man and let a lot of their other defenders roam. However, Harris suffered a torn ACL in Week 11 and that’s going to hamper the team significantly going forward. Opposing teams will now attack the side that he has left vacant.

Jamal Williams, Defensive Tackle (Torn Triceps)

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are without their Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Jamal Williams, and that’s a big deal. Their 3-4 defense is predicated on the play of their outstanding defensive tackle as he sucks up blockers and lets linebackers like Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips run free. Without Williams, this just isn’t the same unit. NFL betting fans probably won’t notice the significance of this injury until the Chargers start facing the elite teams – likely in the playoffs.