(12-21-2017, 08:10 AM)Bullseye Wrote: Last week, the Jaguars clinched their first playoff berth since 2007 in crushing the Texans 45-7 in a game that was not as close as the score indicated.  Meanwhile, the tacks, lost their second straight game, this time to the resurgent 49ers.  For the second straight year, the tacks seem in danger of missing out on the playoffs due to late season losses, as the Jaguars effectively knocked them from the playoffs last year.  As a result, the Jaguars are now on the cusp of clinching the AFC South title.  In Indy and Houston, speculation is rampant about the fates of head coaches Chuck Pagano and Bill O'Brien, as their teams will miss the playoffs.  As for my predictions, last week I hit a rare (for me this year) 3-0 mark, made particularly satisfying by the results above and the ramifications for the division hunt. Too bad Pittsburgh could not come through.  The Jaguars would have had the 2nd seed in the playoffs had Pittsburgh won and the Jaguars won out.

Here are my picks for this week.

Rams (10-4) at tacks (8-6)-the tacks have not played well the past few weeks and have lost two straight.  Meanwhile the Rams are on a roll.  They have not yet clinched a playoff spot in the competitive NFC, despite their gaudy 10-4 record and having destroyed Seattle last week  Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives.  Pick the team playing better, especially at QB.  Rams win 27-17.

Steelers (11-3) at Texans (4-10)-Bortles, playing mostly with three rookie or first year receivers (a 4th rounder, and undrafted free agent, and a mid season pickup), absolutely picked the Texans' secondary apart last week.  Even without Antonio Brown, I can expect no less from Big Ben and the Steelers, though I'm hoping (perhaps in vain) the Steelers fold here.  Steelers 28 10 over Houston.

Colts (3-11) at Ravens (8-6)-  Colts are playing out the string.  Ravens are playing for their playoff lives.  Ravens win 24-13.

Jaguars (10-4) at 49ers (4-10)-  If I am correct, the Jaguars will have clinched the AFC South by kickoff due to the Rams beating the tacks.  If not, I think the Jaguars win here over the 49ers, who have found new fight and competence behind midseason acquisition QB Jimmy Garoppolo.  The 9ers haven't played a team like the Jaguars during this late winning streak.  I don't see the 9ers being able to block the Jaguars front four with Zane Beadles-yes that one-at RT, nor do I see their receivers having much success against the Jaguars' secondary.  Jaguars could/should get RB Leonard Fournette and WR Allen Hurns back this week.  Jaguars win 27-10. 

Last week:  3-0
Overall: 28-18

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays/Festivus to all of you.  Please be safe and happy.