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KodiakJag · 11-25-2019, 03:43 AM

I'm filling in for Bullseye while health issues prevent him from posting. Bullseye, we all miss you and hope your situation improves.

[font=Arial]Indianapolis[/font] @ Houston - Recap

We expected a hard, close-fought battle last Thursday night and that's exactly what we got. Indy leaned heavily on their run game while Houston chose a balanced attack. The result was a treat for smashmouth fans as the night saw a combined total of 274 rushing yards and several injury breathers as bells were getting rung on both sides. The contest was eventually decided by 3 points and included a controversial no-review fumble near the end of the game. Some dubious playcalling and clock management by the Colts probably kept this game from going into overtime. Meanwhile, the race for the title of AFCS champion continues...

[font=Arial]Jacksonville[/font] @ Tennessee - Recap

Did anyone really expect a different outcome? For the third straight week, our Jaguars were blown out by a divisional opponent in a game that was over before the start of the 4th quarter. Leading by only 7-3 at halftime, the Titans came out and scored 4 consecutive touchdowns in the 3rd quarter, three of them in the first five minutes, and quickly put the game out of reach. Our inability to stop the run was once again our downfall, allowing Tannehill to relax and have the luxury of attempting only 18 passes all game. Even John Oehser, a paid shill for the Jaguars, released his take on the situation following the game that sounded a lot closer to your average fan opinion. You can read the article (sans rose-colored glasses) here: OEHSER'S OPINION

Now for the picks:

Game 1 (Tennessee @ [font=Arial]Indianapolis[/font])

Another week, another AFCS divisional matchup featuring two teams with playoff aspirations as well as, in my opinion, the two best coaching staffs in the AFCS. The Titans (6-5) take on the Colts (6-5) in what is expected to be another run-heavy matchup. This will be the 2nd meeting between these two teams this year, with the Colts winning 19-17 in week 2. After losing to Carolina in week 9, I stated that the Titans were basically finished and figured they would probably win only two of their remaining games. That was three weeks ago, and my opinion has changed. They showed up big in their last 2 games, notching wins against the Chiefs and Jags and looking impressive while doing it. Their chances of winning the AFCS crown are still somewhat low with the difficult finishing schedule they have, but I have no reason to believe they will head into Indy and belly flop like the Jaguars did. The Colts, coming off a close loss to the Texans, look to "get right" at home. I have to admit that this is a difficult pick for me to make, as arguments could easily be made for both sides winning. Give me the Titans to win, with the week 2 score flipped.

Titans 19
[font=Arial][font=Arial]Colts[/font][/font] 17

Game 2 (Tampa Bay @ Jacksonville)

In a matchup of teams without much at stake, our Jaguars (4-7) host the Buccaneers (4-7). Last week, the Bucs went into Mercedes-Benz stadium and tamed the Falcons 35-22 utilizing a balanced attack while largely shutting down Atlanta's running game. I expect them to focus on the run more this week, with the additional benefit of cutting down opportunities for "Crab Legs" interceptions. Conversely, I expect our Jags to attack largely through the air, trying to exploit a defense that gives up 290 passing yards per game. However, it seems like nothing is working for the Jaguars right now.

Buccaneers 27
[font=Arial]Jaguars[/font] 20

Game 3 (New England @ [font=Arial]Houston[/font])

Sunday night, the Patriots (10-1) come to do battle with the Texans (7-4) at NRG Stadium in Houston. If the Texans have any hope of winning this game, they'll have to play much better than they did last week against the Colts. For defense, this means bringing pressure, shutting down as much of the underneath/short stuff as possible, and generally playing disciplined (penalty-free) football. On offense, the Texans will need to keep the Patriots off-balance with a balanced attack and unpredictable play calling. The problem for the Texans is the Patriots finally have a good defense to support Brady and already do those things I said the Texans will need to do. New England wins again and maintains their conference lead over Baltimore while the AFCS race tightens even more.

[font=Arial]Patriots[/font] 34
[font=Arial][font=Arial][font=Arial]Texans[/font][/font][/font] 21

Last Week 2-0
Overall 25-11

Pete Prisco last week 2-0
Pete Prisco overall 19-17

"We believe in victory!" - Gus Bradley
"I don't want to believe. I want to know." - Carl Sagan