Houston @ Indianapolis Man, I dunno! How is anyone supposed to pick this one?! You've got a Third String QB who, as far as I can tell, has been on the roster since last Saturday and standing behind an Offensive Line that allowed Jacksonville to get three sacks. On top of that, he's either going to be throwing the ball to a guy with a giant fork sticking out of his back (Andre Johnson) or handing it to one who just filed his Social Security claim (Frank Gore). But that ain't all! On the other side, there's yet another third string QB who is manning an Offense that got taken apart piece by piece by Belichik on National television just last week. Then again, the Indianapolis Defense did just give up four touchdowns in a half last week, so maybe he's got a shot. That being said, I think Houston's Defense takes care of this one over the last vestige of the Pagano era. Houston for the win.

 

All that being said above, I do appreciate Pagano's dignity in his press conference this past week. While I did not see it live, from what I read he came across as having a great perspective on his role. Kudos sir.

 

Tennessee @ New England This one looks to be tricky with all of the injuries piling up on New England but don't be fooled. Belichik has enough sway and input on the Defense to take apart a bad Offense and he's got the horses to pull it off. Losing Easley won't help much, but I think he's got enough savvy to handle the rambling Mariotas. It's going to be interesting to watch the New England passing attack go against Tom Terrific. As much as I don't like them and am convinced that they smell of a rancid jar of mayonnaise, their Pass Defense is pretty good. Still don't think it'll be enough in Foxborough though. New England takes this one.

 

Atlanta @ Jacksonville I'm way too anxious about this one. Despite the blowout loss last week to a surging Carolina team, Atlanta has held games close this season. With Poz being limited at best, they will probably try and shove D. Freeman down the field and then let Jones run rampant across the middle of the Defense. And remember, the Jacksonville scheme seems designed to let Pass Catchers run free across the middle. The answer? The pass rush. Get to Ryan early and often and keep him from setting up a deep route to his WRs. Also, if there was ever a game for Julius Thomas and Marqise Lee to blow up, this is it. I went against my homerism last week and it bit me where the Good Lord split me, so I'm going to go back to my old way on this one. Gimme JAX to win.

 

Last week: 2 - 1

Overall: 24 - 20

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