The deeper we get into the NFL regular season, the more effect injuries will have on your NFL picks – especially at quarterback, the most important position on the field. The Minnesota Vikings have some major quarterback issues to sort out before Sunday’s game (1 PM ET, FOX) against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Minnesota tried starting Sam Bradford on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, but his knee didn’t hold up very well, so Case Keenum had to come in and lead the Vikes (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) to a 20-17 victory as 4.5-point road favorites.

Which quarterback will face the Packers (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) this Sunday on a short week? Bradford is considered day-to-day after tests revealed no additional damage to his knee, but it’s more likely that Keenum will play. The NFL odds for this matchup have Green Bay laying 3 points to Minnesota despite the uncertainty. Ironically enough, Keenum has performed at a very high level subbing in for Bradford, so Minnesota could have some betting value if their incumbent starter has to miss another game.

Here’s a quick look at what else is in store on the Week 6 NFL betting slate, with a focus on quarterback injuries and changes (all times Eastern):
 

Sunday: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints (1 PM, FOX)

Detroit (3-2 SU and ATS) could be in trouble after quarterback Matthew Stafford hurt his right leg in last week’s loss to Carolina, but the Lions say they’re “optimistic” that Stafford will be able to play the Saints (2-2 SU and ATS). Until Stafford’s status is confirmed, the game lines for this matchup will remain locked with Detroit as a 4.5-point road dog, up from +3.5 at the open.
 

Sunday: New England Patriots at New York Jets (1 PM, CBS)

Quarterback Tom Brady has a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, but he should be fine to start for the Patriots (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) after skipping Tuesday’s practice. The surprising Jets (3-2 SU and ATS) are 10-point home dogs at press time after opening at +9.5.
 

Sunday: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans (1 PM, CBS)

The winless Browns (0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS) have made another switch at quarterback, replacing rookie DeShone Kizer with sophomore Kevin Hogan. The advanced stats say Kizer was the worst starter in the league through five weeks; despite the change, Houston (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) is holding steady as a 10-point favorite.
 

Monday: Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (8:30 PM, ESPN)

There’s a chance that quarterback Marcus Mariota will be recovered from his hamstring injury in time to start for Tennessee (2-3 SU and ATS), and they need him under center after Matt Cassel struggled in relief. The Colts (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) are still kicking the can forward on quarterback Andrew Luck, who’s been ruled out for Week 6. Odds are pending for this matchup until Mariota’s status becomes clear.

 

*Odds as of October 12, 2017