After ten weeks, the division race takes shape. There are two teams atop the division: the loathsome, detestable stinkin' tacks and our own wonderful, amazing, and generally swell Jacksonville Jaguars-both at 6-3. As it currently stands, the tacks own the tiebreaker edge over the Jaguars, but there is still plenty of football left to play. Meanwhile, Indy and Houston, both missing their starting QBs, take up the rear, at least two games back. With this setting in mind, let's get to the picks. Last week was a good week for most. I had my own first 4-0 week. Hopefully I- and the Jaguars- can stack some more wins this week.
tacks (6-3) at
Steelers (7-2)-Under most circumstances, it would be easy for me to root against the Steelers. I've hated them since 1978. Their championships-and many of the wins they accumulated on the way to get them-are the NFL equivalent of WWE matches with the bogus officiating. They even stand a game above the Jaguars in the playoff standings at the moment. But as fate usually has it, there is often one time a year I find myself rooting for them out of necessity. This is that time, as the tacks travel to Pittsburgh on a short week. But when it comes to games that benefit the Jaguars, I will root for the Steelers with absolutely zero shame. A team traveling to Pittsburgh is usually in for a tough time. A team traveling to Pittsburgh on a short week even more so.
Steelers win 28-21.
Jaguars (6-3) at
Browns (0-9)-For the past few weeks, I have speculated if the Jaguars could get through the Cincinnati and Chargers games, that could be a springboard to a 9-3 record by the Seattle game-the second of our upcoming three game home stretch. However, that record presumes wins the next three games, the first of which is this week against Cleveland. Even though the Browns are winless and this game falls under the "presumed win" category, somehow this game scares me. The Jaguars have usually fared well against the Browns, and it seems as though we match up very well against them, especially our defense against their offense. That match up seems to portend big sack numbers this week. So why does this game scare me? I can't quite put my finger on it. The Jaguars are banged up. I know the Browns have talent on the defense, especially along the D-Line. Undoubtedly, part of this fear comes from my experience as a Jaguars fan over this past decade. But I have to remind myself this is a different Jaguars team. Temperatures are forecast to drop from the mid 50s on Saturday, to a high of 36 on Sunday. In the Jaguars first cold weather game of the season,
the Jaguars win 20-7.
Cardinals (4-5) at
Texans (3-6)-In a match up of two teams that are missing their starting QBs, the Cards travel to the Texans. Both teams have been ravaged by injuries. I know the Texans are at home, but I have a lot of respect for Bruce Arians. I think the Cards can get it done on the road.
Cards 24, Texans 20.
Last Week: 4-0
Overall: 18-13?
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
