With the exception of the Indianapolis Colts, the AFC South went 2-1 last week, with the Houston Texans defeating the Arizona Cardinals, 21-16, and the Jacksonville Jaguars defeating the Tennessee Titans, 34-14. Here are my picks for the Week 12 schedule:
The Houston Texans (6-4) take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3). The Texans ran roughshod over the Jaguars in a 20-point blowout in Week 3, before C.J. Stroud proved himself as a legitimate lead running back and Devin Singletary established himself as a legitimate lead running back.
Since that Texans loss, the Jaguars have been on a seven-game winning streak, losing only once to the San Francisco 49ers. Houston has the No. 8 run defense, so Jacksonville will have to find ways to include Travis Etienne even if he isn’t running much. The Texans, on the other hand, have the eighth-worst pass defense, so Trevor Lawrence will have to sling it about if the Jags are to win. In Jacksonville’s last seven games, he has eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Texans are likewise on a roll, having won six of their last eight games with only two minor stumbles against the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers (both by two points). Stroud is passing for nearly 300 yards per game.
The Colts should win this game on paper. They have a better offense, defense, and rushing back, plus they are playing at home. But for some reason, I have a strong feeling Tampa will win this one.
Buccaneers 24, Colts 18 PREDICTION
Carolina Panthers (1-9) vs. Tennessee Titans (3-7): Looking at the Titans’ next seven games, this may be the only one that can be won. The remaining games are against teams that are still in contention for the playoffs. Derrick Henry has struggled the last three games, and facing a Panthers run defense that allows over 130 yards per game could be just what he needs to get back on track.
The Colts should win this game on paper. They have a better offense, defense, and rushing back, plus they are playing at home. But for some reason, I have a strong feeling Tampa will win this one.
Buccaneers 24, Colts 18 PREDICTION
Carolina Panthers (1-9) vs. Tennessee Titans (3-7): Looking at the Titans’ next seven games, this may be the only one that can be won. The remaining games are against teams that are still in contention for the playoffs. Derrick Henry has struggled the last three games, and facing a Panthers run defense that allows over 130 yards per game could be just what he needs to get back on track.
