I want to wish everyone a Happy Veterans Day, and thank the vets for putting their lives on the line to help keep us safe.
Having dispensed with this, the division's dysfunction didn't necessarily translate into failure for those teams last week. Indy overcame the firing of Pep Hamilton and a players only meeting where it was alleged the front office is dictating playing time and lineups over the coaching staff to beat the previously unbeaten Broncos. Meanwhile in Nashville, the tacks overcame the firing of Whisenhunt and the hiring of Mike Freaking Mularkey to actually beat the Saints. The Texans managed not to lose during their bye week, and my beloved Jaguars largely outplayed the Jets, but still managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, turning the ball over not once, not twice, but three times within the last 5 minutes of the game. The division's overall ineptitude transferred to me and my picks, as I only got one out of three right.
There are better days ahead for me and the Jaguars..right? Right?!?
The picks...
Jacksonville (2-6) at
Baltimore (2-6)-In a matchup of two closely matched teams, the Jaguars travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens. The Jaguars may be travel weary as they close out this road stretch, but fortunately they are relatively healthy. The Ravens, however, recently lost ageless WR Steve Smith to a season (possibly career) ending Steve Smith to a torn Achilles. The rest of their receivers combined were not as productive as Smith. That should make them easier to defend, especially in the running game. Turnovers notwithstanding, the Jaguars looked improved against a good Jets team. I think the Jaguars-against my better judgment-take one against the Ratbirds.
Jaguars 21-Ravens 17.
Carolina (8-0) at Tennessee (2-6)-Tennessee wunderkind QB Marcus Mariota had his second game of his rookie season where he threw for 4 TDs and 0 INTs in a game in the win against New Orleans last week. But he is going up against a Carolina team that has frustrated opposing passers all season long, most recently Aaron Rodgers.
Carolina remains unbeaten (though I despise the tacks, I hate typing that Carolina is unbeaten) in a 27-16 win over the tacks.
Houston (3-5) at Cincinnati (8-0)-History suggests Houston wins this game. Over the years, when the teams met in the postseason, Houston owned Cincinnati, knocking them out of the post season in back to back years. I think, however, the dynamic has changed. Houston does not have a QB or a running game. Dalton, however is playing well for the Bengals, as is the defense.
The Bengals take the win in Cincy 31-14.
Last week: 1-2
Overall: 16-12
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
