AFC South Predictions: Week 16

AFC South Prediction Record: 42-14

San Diego Chargers (11-3) @ Tennessee Titans (7-7)

The San Diego Chargers have placed themselves in a comfortable second place in the AFC playoff picture, and pending a two game skid to end the season will receive a first round bye. On the other hand, the Titans are barely clinging onto their playoff lives, and will need to win out and receive a lot of help from other teams in order to stay alive. However, unlike on Thanksgiving, with the lowly Lions and the inconsistent Cowboys, this holiday game looks to be one of the best of the week. Led by Philip Rivers, the Chargers come into this one averaging 28 points per game with 355 yards of total offense. Rivers is quietly having an MVP caliber season, and if it were not for the Colts unblemished record and the return of Brett Favre, Rivers would surely be in the discussion for league MVP. With Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Darren Sproles, and Ladanian Tomlinson the Chargers have a multitude of weapons on offense, and going against a Titans defense that surrenders 25 points per game could foreshadow a high scoring contest. However, Chris Johnson and Vince Young head a Titans offense that can be just as potent, averaging 23 points per game and 163 yards per game rushing. Johnson has 1,730 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season and may be on track to join the elite 2,000 yard rushing club. This game should be full of big plays and excitement, and I expect a high-scoring affair. In the end I believe that the Titans will be able to pull this one out, but only if Vince Young performs up to the level that he has been playing over the past few games. 

Titans 27     Chargers 24

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) @ New England Patriots (9-5)

This is another game that has huge implications upon the AFC playoff picture. With the Patriots now having a 2 game lead in the division, and tied with the Bengals for the third seed in the AFC playoffs, this will not be a letdown game for New England. However, the Jaguars need this game in the worst way. The Jaguars had a wild card berth in their paws, but after losing to the Colts they are now on the outside looking in. With an offense that is only averaging 19 points per game, the Jaguars will need another big game out of Maurice Jones-Drew. The Patriots are a team that has struggled as of late, but have found ways to win despite distractions. This game will mean more to the Jaguars then it will to the Patriots, and if they want to win they will have to slow down Tom Brady and posses the ball with Jones-Drew. I expect the Jaguars to come out hard and catch the Patriots off guard, and in the end they will win a close one.

Jaguars 24     Patriots 21

Houston Texans (7-7) @ Miami Dolphins (7-7)

After placing themselves in a position to possibly catch the Patriots, the Dolphins took a big hit last week by losing to the Tennessee Titans. However, the Dolphins are still alive in the playoff race, but will need to pull out a win against a Texans team who is also looking to sneak into the playoffs. These two teams could not be any different in terms of how they have won games this season. The Texans have relied heavily on the arm of Matt Schaub, and for a good portion of the season they have struggled to run the ball and stop opposing offenses. On the other hand, the Dolphins have been able to run the ball and play solid defense, whether it be with Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams the Dolphins have simply pounded opposing teams. Although both teams need a win in order to stay alive, I believe that the Dolphins are playing better football as of late. 

Dolphins 20     Texans 16

New York Jets (7-7) @ Indianapolis Colts (14-0)

Now this game will be a tough one to get a reading on. Although many Colts fans want the Colts to run the table and finish the regular season at a perfect 16-0, I believe that it is much more important that this team is fully healthy and ready to make a Super Bowl run. The New York Jets are a team that is desperate for a win, and at 7-7 they are another one of those AFC teams that are clinging onto their playoff lives. What especially scares me about this game is the fact that the Jets are so desperate, and that they are a defensive oriented team. The Jets are a defensive oriented team that love to get after the quarterback and play smashmouth football. Whether it be Bart Scott, David Harris, or Shaun Ellis, Ryan loves to get pressure on the quarterback. The Colts may take the “wait and see” approach about this game, and Caldwell may play the starters as long as the game does not become a blowout either way or as long as he feels that Peyton is still receiving good protection. I expect the Jets to come out trying to punch the Colts in the face, and the Colts may struggle early, especially if Reggie Wayne is being locked down by elite level cornerback Darrelle Revis. Although this game is difficult to judge because no one can be certain of how long the starters will play, I believe that the Jets will pull the upset and end the Colts’ run at a perfect season.

Jets 24     Colts 17