‘Covert’ injury report key for establishing lines

What qualifies as interesting reading for an oddsmaker? No, it's not a good book or even a well-crafted column. At this time of year, the NFL injury report contains the most riveting words put to paper.

Updated injuries on a week-to-week basis in the league develop the wagering line and opinions from the bettors.

"How candid are these teams when they send out the injury info? The NFL has made a valiant attempt to have clubs be more forthright, but in reality, we're still dealing with covert activity," Las Vegas Sports Consultants odds director Tony Sinisi said. "We rely on experience and handle the information on a team-by-team basis when making our judgments."

Last Sunday, the Eagles beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 15-6 in Philadelphia. Both teams got beat up in the process, and this week's injury report tells the tale of the nastiness of that game.

Philadelphia, a 3-point road favorite against the Chicago Bears today, has listed running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) as questionable, and quarterback Donovan McNabb is probable to start with a chest injury.

The versatile Westbrook's impact on the Eagles' offense is staggering.

"Westbrook certainly is not 100 percent, and Correll Buckhalter will definitely see a lot of action," LVSC oddsmaker Sean Van Patten said.

Sinisi is a big supporter of Eagles coach Andy Reid.

"Especially when injuries surface, it illuminates the value of a solid coach. Reid is superb at finding ways to keep things pieced together and heading in the right direction," Sinisi said.

The Philadelphia defense has to step up again, after sacking Ben Roethlisberger eight times in last week's victory.

As for the Steelers, running back Willie Parker is out with a sprained knee, and Roethlisberger is probable with a thumb injury for Monday, when Pittsburgh, as a 51/2-point home favorite, hosts 2-0 Baltimore.

The Steelers' offensive line concerns that were conveyed before the season, mostly because of the loss of guard Alan Faneca to the New York Jets, have been well founded.

"Will Roethlisberger survive? That's my question," Van Patten said. "The Steelers are on pace to get their quarterback killed."

Through three games, Pittsburgh has allowed 14 sacks and is on pace for 75 for the season. The dubious league mark is held by the 2002 Houston Texans, who saw quarterback David Carr flat on his back 76 times.

The Ravens' defenders might be licking their chops, but the Steelers are at home on a Monday night, off a loss, and Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco will be conceivably a wide-eyed rookie basket case.

The injury report for the New Orleans Saints, 5-point home favorites over San Francisco, has prompted a minor line shift.

Drew Brees is not bashful about throwing the football, but who's going to catch it? Tight end Jeremy Shockey is out, along with wide receiver Marques Colston, and wideout David Patten is questionable.

The 49ers can expect to get a healthy dose of Reggie Bush. New Orleans coach Sean Payton's game plan will call for Bush to run left, right, catch swing passes and operate in the slot heading downfield.

With eight Saints missing practice and another five limited in their preparation for the 49ers, oddsmakers won't overreact for today's game but will take a big-picture approach.

"What's going on now doesn't concern me as much as the overall lack of depth that will ultimately prove to be the long-term Achilles' heel for the Saints," Sinisi said.

Brian Blessing, project manager for Las Vegas Sports Consultants, can be reached at bblessing@lvsc.com. Listen to the LVSC oddsmakers on "Sportsbook Radio," weekdays at 4 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio (920 AM). Visit vegassportsconnect.com for more odds information.