AFC matchups
Colts @ Texans...
With D. Watson done for the year and Tommy Savage at the helm, the recently hot Texan offense may struggle to keep the ball rolling. The Colts, on the other hand, stand little to no shot of being a wildcard contender this year. We want the Colts to run away with this one, helping the Jaguars to make a push for the South.
Bengals @ Jaguars
As mentioned above, I think the Jaguars strong defense paired with the successful run game of with Fournette will lead to the division in the South. Taking down a forever mediocre, yet annoyingly relevant Bengals team (who own a tie breaker vs. us) helps put them in their rightful place. Marvin Lewis, smh...
Ravens @ Titans
The Titans surprisingly successful start has them tied atop of the their division with the Jaguars. Facing the Ravens, Bengals, Steelers and Texans late in the season doesn't help their cause, yet could allow them to be a factor in the wildcard race. The Jaguars, who face a relatively easy schedule the rest of the way, should handle their business. The Ravens are an interesting story. Like the Bengals, their mediocrity somehow always allows them to linger in the hunt. The Ravens rank dead last in pass yards per game, and I like the way their schedule shakes out the second half of the season. If I had to pick, I think a win for the Ravens today would do less harm than a Titans victory.
Raiders @ Dolphins
It pains me to pick the fish here. However, we have to believe that we'll be able to handle our own division come December. The Raiders are no bums. Although we dominated them a week ago, I look for them to stay relevant in the hunt. Having shipped out their biggest offensive weapon, we NEED to be able to sweep the Dolphins come December.
AFC vs. NFC
Broncos @ Eagles
Got to pull for the NFC team here...
Chiefs @ Cowboys
I repeat, got to pull for the NFC team here
AFC Byes
Browns, Chargers, Patriots, Steelers
Here is to hoping the football gods make Thursday's disaster a little less painful.