Last week, our Jaguars won their second straight game, beating the loathsome and detestable tacks after a late punt return by Rashad Greene, a short TD pass from Bortles, a forced fumble by House,  an extra FG from Myers and a last play sack by Andre Branch.  That game represented the 3rd win in the last four games for the Jaguars, the best streak since Gus' first season.  There is now talk that the team is learning how to win.  For the first time since 2010, the Jaguars are relevant this time of year.  That is certainly something for which we can be thankful.

 

You can argue that I might be learning how to win at picking these games because I seem to have had a decent few weeks, though as I type this, I am probably courting a disastrous picking weekend.  Hopefully it's just paranoia.

 

Let's get on with the picks...

 

San Diego (2-8)
at Jacksonville (4-6)
-The Bolts come to town having lost 6 straight.  The Chargers have been besieged with injuries to key personnel.  The prevailing sentiment is that head coach Mike McCoy should be fired, and that the team has actually quit on him.  Rivers and Gates were squabbling on the sidelines, and there is a potential move to Los Angeles looming over this franchise.  That seems a LONG LONG way from the Jaguars at the moment.  While the Jaguars are not to be mistaken for the '85 Bears, there are signs things are looking up.  The phrase "Jaguars offensive viability" is not an oxymoron any longer, as SECOND YEAR (I'm looking at YOU, Marshall Faulk) QB Blake Bortles has thrown 20 TD passes thus far with 6 games left in the regular season.  That figure is, IIRC, three below the franchise record for TD passes in a single season.  The receivers are the best group since Jimmy and Keenan dominated opposing secondaries in the 1990s.  While a joke last year, the run defense has shown up big time this year and is in the top ten against the run.  Good young players abound on this roster, and while there are still weaknesses, this team looks like it's beginning to believe.  Jaguars win 27-21.

 

New Orleans (4-6) at Houston (5-5)
-New Orleans has a huge edge at QB.  Houston seems to have the edge at too many other positions, and has a defense than can actually stop teams.  Texans win 21-17.

 

Oakland (4-6) at Tennessee (2-8)
-I think the loathsome and detestable tacks actually have a decent future at QB in Mariota and a decent defense.  Oakland is a team on the rise (even if it may also be a team on the move) with young studs like Carr, Mack, and Amari Cooper.  They still need to learn to win, and I think they get one here.  Raiders 27-loathsome and detestable tacks 16.

 

Tampa Bay (5-5)
at Indy (5-5)
-The resurgent Bucs with #1 overall pick Jameis Winston, travel to Insy to face the Colts, who are 3-0 without Andrew Luck.  Winston is fresh off of a 5 TD win in Philly, while the Colts rallied to beat Atlanta on the road.  Attrition is beginning to take its toll on Indy, as starting CB Vontae Davis is hobbled with a hamstring injury, while starting LT is hobbled by injury himself.  If those two guys can't go, I don't see them beating Tampa.  Tampa 24-Indy 20.


 

Last week:  2-1

Overall:  20-14.


 

Everyone, please have a happy and safe thanksgiving.  For fans of AFC South teams besides the Jaguars, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, but I hope your teams lose big time.  They deserve it!

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