(10-01-2020, 12:09 AM)Bullseye Wrote: Just when the fans were getting some semblance of football normalcy, or at least as normal as can be with few if any fans in the stands, Corona has a counterstrike with the tacks as the target.  After their game against Minnesota, some eight different players and coaches test positive.  Their facility has shut down until Friday, and their game against Pittsburgh may be postponed until Monda, or until later in the season.  Ordinarily, a I hate Tennessee joke would go well here if a hypothetical plague hits the tacks.  But since the Coronavirus is real and the potential ramifications so serious, I can't take the [BLEEP] here.  I hope all involved are well and that it does not spread further.  I also hope all completely recover from it.

After a 3-1 week, I am now 73 for the year.

This weeks picks will have an asterisk as there is uncertainty surrounding the Tenn-Pitt game may be postponed.  I will proceed as if the game will be played this week.

Tennessee (3-0) at Pittsburgh (3-0)-In this week's top matchup, two undefeated and traditional Jaguars foes face off either Monday or Tuesday when the tacks host the Steelers.  Although Tennessee is undefeated, they hardly look dominant.  They easily could be 1-2, and have not shown the trademark strong defense.  Pittsburgh, on the other hand, have been good in all facets of their game.  With Big Ben back, they can pass the ball effectively, which gives the rugged Connor room to run.  They have performed well against the run, and have been good in pressuring opposing QBs.  Whenever they play, Pittsburgh hands the tacks their first loss of the season 28-20.

Minnesota (0-3) at Houston (0-3)-On the opposite end of the standings is a matchup of two winless teams as the Texans host the Vikings-two teams who seem to have more talent than their records suggest.  Both have traded away two top receiving threats-Diggs went to Buffalo while Hopkins left for the Cardinals and his coming off his second 10 catch performance in the last three weeks.  Can the Vikings protect Cousins against Watt and Mercilus?  I think the Vikings get their first win of the season 24-23...though part of me wants to see them lose to continue to elevate thei second round pick they give to the Jaguars in the spring.

Jacksonville (1-2) at Cincinnati (0-2-1)  The good guys are fresh off of a disappointing home loss to Miami, and now on their way to face the Bengals and promising looking rookie QB Joe Burrow.  While not successful enough to have a win yet, the bengals have played tough in all three of their games.  Despite not getting much in the way of protection, Burrow has kept the Bengals in all three of their games.  The question for me is can the Jaguars pressure Burrow and give him the rookie yips considering the Jaguars traded away Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell and defensive coordinator Wash seems completely averse to blitzing, much to the chagrin of many fans.  James Robinson has played well at RB, and in many ways looks like an upgrade over Fournette.  At the end of the day, I don't think the Jaguars pressure Burrow enough to stop him from having a good game.  Bengals win 27-21.

Indianapolis (2-1) at Chicago (3-0)-The Bears have switched to former Eagles/Jaguars QB Nick Foles.  But this is a game where neither team seems as good as their records indicate.  I think the Bears have enough offense and difference makers on defense to pul off the home win over the Colts 24-22.

Last Week:  3-1
Overall:  7-3