Past the halfway mark of the season, things are getting a little more interesting in the division.  While the mediocre at best records that permeate the division leave the teams open to ridicule from fans and media nationwide, the fact is, all of the teams have a shot at winning it and thus making the playoffs in this mid to late November time.  For teams like Jacksonville and Tennessee who have not had success in many years, it's good to have a veneer of relevance after October.  For Indy, Luck's absence, which estimates for his return range as long a 6 weeks, provides a test to the charge that they aren't much without Luck.  For Houston, can they finally overtake the Colts?

 

My picks:

 

Tacks (2-7)
at Jacksonville (3-6)
-Our beloved Jaguars are looking to build more momentum after a long, grueling road stretch.  They have won two of the last three, and were in a position to beat the Jets before late turnovers doomed them.  The loathsome and detestable tacks are still angry after the loss to Carolina, which featured Cam Newton dancing after a TD and the tacks getting butthurt about it.  Cam was right.  You don't want him dancing, keep him out of the end zone.  If the Jaguars can block the loathsome and detestable tack front seven, which has produced 27 sacks thus far, Jaguars receivers should be dancing against a depleted loathsome and detestable Tack secondary that's down to three healthy CBs.  I know in the past, the Jaguars have not fared well against depleted opponents, but I think, especially on a short week, the Jaguars can capitalize on the loathsome and detestable Tack injuries.  Jaguars 24, the loathsome and detestable tacks 17.

 

N.Y. Jets (5-4)
at Houston (4-5)
-Houston is coming off of a big win on the road Monday night against previously unbeaten Cincinnati.  Their defense slowed and throttled one of the leagues prominent offenses in Cincy, and they go up against a Jets offense not quite as formidable.  There are whispers that the Jets corners, once the envy of the league, are finished.  Not a surprise to hear that about Cromartie, but it IS something of a shock to hear it about Revis.  But if you look at the past two weeks, Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins have had success against him.  I don't think Hoyer is as good as Bortles or even Tyrod Taylor, but sadly I think Houston keeps it going another week because of Watt.  Houston 23, NY Jets 16.

 

Indy (4-5)
at Atlanta (6-3)
-Indy minus Andrew Luck will go down to Atlanta to face a struggling Falcons team.  While Indy is 2-0 without Luck this year, both wins came against fellow mediocre AFC South opponents, and they should have lost to Jacksonville.  I don't think they have the firepower to stay with Atlanta.  Atlanta wins 28-20.

Last week:  2-1

Overall:  18-13 

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