NFL Week 9 odds: Joe Flacco injury shifts Browns to favored role over Broncos

The Broncos announced Tuesday that starting quarterback Joe Flacco could miss up to six weeks with a herniated disc in his neck. And while it might not be of much interest to the average fan that the QB of a 2-6 team is going to miss time, it certainly got the attention of bettors. 

The Browns took over the role as favorites after the news was announced, with Denver going from 1-point favorite to 3-point underdog in the NFL odds. 

With Flacco out, the Broncos will start Brandon Allen this week. Allen, taken by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2016 draft out of Arkansas, has not appeared in a regular-season game. He was the third-string quarterback for Jacksonville his rookie season and was cut by the Rams at the end of training camp this year. 

Allen threw for 3,340 yards and 30 touchdowns with eight interceptions in his senior season at Arkansas as the Razorbacks went 8-5 and won the Liberty Bowl. 

Allen has talented players to work with receiver Courtland Sutton (39 catches for 636 yards and three TDs) emerging as a playmaker and Emmanuel Sanders (30 for 367 and two TDs) recently added to the mix. He also will have a valuable safety valve in rookie tight end Noah Fant who has 20 receptions for 185 yards and a touchdown. Running back Royce Freeman can make plays out of the backfield, as well, with 26 catches for 182 yards. 

Undrafted rookie Brett Rypien will serve as the backup. Second-round draft choice Drew Lock is expected to return to practice after the bye week. He has been on the injured list while recovering from a thumb injury. 

Flacco, the longtime Ravens quarterback and MVP of Super Bowl XLVII, is likely to be placed on injured reserve, but he isn't expected to require surgery.   

The quarterback was critical of the lack of aggressive play-calling after the Broncos' 15-13 loss to the Colts last week. Denver led the entire game before Adam Vinatieri kicked the winning 51-yard field goal with 22 seconds left.   

Flacco threw for 174 yards and no touchdowns in the game. He has thrown for 1,822 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions this season, his first with the Broncos after 11 seasons in Baltimore. 

To keep up with how the NFL odds are shifting and to see what our experts think about any news that could change the outlook, check back here for our NFL picks.