No floor was gained by any of the three groups tied for the AFC South lead with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars all shedding their Week 16 video games.
Houston and Jacksonville have winnable matchups this week whereas Indianapolis attracts the red-hot Raiders, who dropped 63 factors on the Los Angeles Chargers and upset the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in back-to-back weeks.
Listed here are predictions for Week 17’s slate of video games:
Houston Texans (8-7) vs. Tennessee Titans (5-10): Followers could also be handled to the C.J. Stroud versus Will Levis matchup they have been robbed of two weeks in the past. Stroud seems to be on monitor to start out after lacking two video games with a concussion and Levis practiced on Wednesday with no restrictions after lacking final week with an ankle damage.
The Texans topped the Titans two weeks in the past in Tennessee in a 19-16 extra time nail-biter with backup Case Keenum stepping in for Stroud. Devin Singletary rushed for 121 yards and Noah Brown caught eight passes for 82 yards and a landing in that assembly, however Houston’s protection stole the present with 24 pressures, 13 hurries, seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
Tennessee’s offensive line has been its weakest hyperlink all season, and the teaching workers could also be hesitant to throw Levis again on the market given what occurred to him final time. The group will even possible be beginning Andre Dillard at left sort out with Jaelyn Duncan benched final week attributable to a wrist damage and ineffectiveness.
If Houston’s move rush, which generated 27 pressures and 16 hurries final week in opposition to the Browns, brings the warmth once more prefer it did two weeks in the past, this sport might get out of hand rapidly.
PREDICTION: Texans 28, Titans 19
Indianapolis Colts (8-7) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (7-8): Previous to final week’s disappointing 29-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Colts have been one of many hottest groups within the league having received 5 of their final six video games. With two video games left within the common season and a division title and playoff spot very a lot inside attain, Indy ought to rebound with a extra spirited effort in opposition to an equally determined Raiders group.
With the gamers lobbying for Antonio Pierce to be named the everlasting head coach, it wouldn’t be stunning to see the Raiders go all-out during the last two video games to try to sneak into the playoffs and preserve Pierce round.
Indy’s probabilities of successful might hinge on whether or not receiver Michael Pittman Jr. performs or not. He missed final week’s sport with a concussion, and QB Gardner Minshew had his fewest passing yards since Week 10. This must be a detailed one, however the Colts have extra to play for.
PREDICTION: Colts 22, Raiders 21
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-10): Losers of 4 in a row, the Jaguars couldn’t have performed the Panthers at a greater time. Carolina ranks thirtieth in complete offense and twenty ninth in scoring, which must be excellent news for a Jags offense that will have to start out C.J. Beathard with Trevor Lawrence nursing a sprained proper shoulder.
The Panthers do have the No. 5 protection, so if they’ve any likelihood of pulling off a win this week, it’ll be as a result of Jacksonville’s offense couldn’t transfer the ball.
If Beathard does begin, this may very well be the right get-right sport for working again Travis Etienne, who had a season-low six carries for 12 yards final week in opposition to Tampa Bay. This must be a low-scoring affair, however Jacksonville is determined and Carolina has nothing to play for.
PREDICTION: Jaguars 19, Panthers 16
