10-20-2021, 12:28 AM
(10-13-2021, 09:56 PM)Bullseye Wrote: [ -> ]Let me start off on something of an editorial note. I appreciate the football discussion respect shown to me on these boards, more than you guys realize, which is why I have been posting here in the boards various iterations since 2002. That said, I have no proprietary intellectual property interest in this thread. Conceptually it's not even an original idea. I consider it "board property." If time constraints or health issues somehow prevent me from posting this in a timely manner, and you take the initiative to continue the discussion by posting, you certainly owe no apologies or explanations or caveats for posting in your own style. Heck, I don't always adhere to the same format. To me, it's still fun reading the posts and making the picks, celebrating the ones I get right and lamenting the ones I get wrong, especially when my gut instructs me otherwise. Mikey, Kodiak Jag and just about everyone else who has stepped up to post in my stead has done great. I like reading what you guys think about football, even if we disagree on a given topic or point.This week: 2-1
Having dispensed with that, last week was a fairly easy week in terms of predictions, and I managed to go 3-0.
On to this week's games.
Miami (1-4) at Jacksonville (0-5)-in this edition of the Jaguars' London game, two struggling teams meet up across the pond. Even though I no longer attend the games and I know Khan views these games as critical to the Jaguars financial success, I wish they had picked another team for us to play in London. Two Florida teams should play each other in Florida. Having been to several in state matchups over the years as a STH, I can say playing Miami and Tampa in Jacksonville adds an excitement to the atmosphere that are missing from most games. I think moving this game oversees hurts the fans here more than most. As for the game itself, Miami QB Tua Tagoavila returns from cracked ribs that kept him out the past three games. It is also my understanding that struggling LT Austin Jackson (who I did NOT like last year) has been supplanted at that position by Notre Dame rookie Liam Eisenberg, who struggled in his first start last week with two holding penalties and a sack surrendered by him. Many argue this game is winnable for Jacksonville. It may be true, but given this team is 0-5 and injuries are mounting on offense, I'm not sure this team should be given the benefit of the doubt over anybody. To win, the Jags must avoid turning the ball over, get the running game going, and exploit the Dolphins struggling offensive line. The Jaguars MIGHT catch a break as Xavien Howard might be out. I am going way out on a limb here, but Jacksonville gets its first win of the season. Jaguars 24 Miami 21.
Indy (1-4) at Houston (1-4)-Indy lost a tough game to Baltimore they had won by most accounts. Meanwhile, the Texans lost a close one to the Patriots. While rookie QB Davis mills has performed fairly well for the Texans, I think his task is too tall going up against a Colts defense, especially without starting LT Laremy Tunsil, who will miss a month with a broken finger. Colts win 27-10.
Bills (4-1) at tacks (3-2)-In a battle of two teams I loathe, the red ht Bills head to trashville to take on the tacks, fresh off a win over the Jaguars. The Bills were my early pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, and absent a blocked punt in week one, has very much looked the part of a legitimate Super Bowl contender so far, and their remaining schedule is ridiculously easy. Tennessee, however, poses a potential challenge. If Buffalo has a defensive weakness, it's against the run, and Derrick Henry can be a monster to stop. But Buffalo's pass rush seems improved this year, and Tennessee is not protecting well. Josh Allen's play exceeds all expectations, and the Bills offense is playing well enough to force Tennessee to pass the ball to keep up. Considering that would take the ball out of Henry's hands and force them to pass block, that would not be good for the tacks. I would be just fine with either team losing, but I think the Bills win this one 31-17. Oh yeah...Screw the Bills and Screw the tacks!
Last week: 3-0
Overall: 12-5
Overall: 14-6
Never thought I'd say picking the Jags to win bailed me out.