AFC South Predictions: Week 11

AFC South Prediction Record: 26-10

Buffalo Bills (3-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)

The Bills have parted ways with head coach Dick Jauron after a season that has not lived up to expectations for many Bills fans. After reeling off two big wins in a row, the Bills have dropped their last two games, and management thought it was time for a change. On the other hand the Jaguars are above the .500 mark for the first time this season, and they are currently on a two game winning streak. The Jaguars are led by All-Pro running back, Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 860 rushing yards this season and 12 touchdowns. This is bad news for a Bills defense who is surrendering an average of 173 rushing yards per game, and with the loss of their head coach the Bills may put up a “white flag” for the remainder of the season. I expect the Jaguars to pound away at this questionable Bills defense and find ways to get MJD as many touches as possible. This could be another long day for the Bills, but another big win for the Jaguars who look to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Jaguars 28     Bills 17

Indianapolis Colts (9-0) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-4)

Coming off of the biggest win of the season, the Indianapolis Colts must now travel to their prior city to face a hungry Ravens team looking for an upset. Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning will face off again this weekend in a matchup that has “spoiler game” written all over it. For the Ravens a loss would prove to be a big blow for their hopes of reaching the playoffs this season, and drop them to 5 total losses on the season with 6 games left. Although this game could be a spoiler for the Colts, it does not have quite as drastic implications. With a loss the Colts would no longer be in the hunt for the next perfect season, and it would give the Texans an outside chance to catch the Colts in the division. However, unlike prior seasons this game should feature two offenses that are very capable of putting up points. Although the Ravens still have a solid defense, this season Joe Flacco and this young offense have been able to put plenty of points up on the board. Averaging around 25 points per game this Ravens offense does not rely as heavily on Ray Lewis and this defense as it has in the past. The Colts have never had much of a problem putting up points, and this season is proving to be the same story. I expect this game to be very competitive, but it will be very difficult for the Colts to get the right mindset coming off of their huge win against the Patriots. 

Colts 21     Ravens 20

Tennessee Titans (3-6) @ Houston Texans (5-4)

The Houston Texans come off of their bye week in a strong position for their first playoff berth in their young history. However, the Titans have been playing fantastic football over the past three weeks, putting up over 30 points in all three weeks. This game is huge for the Texans who look to move two games over .500 and frontrunners for a wild card berth, but the Titans are looking to spoil the Texans season. With Chris Johnson and Vince Young, this Titans offense has come to life and opposing defenses are struggling to stop this team at all. Like the Titans, the Texans are relying on their offense to win games this season, and so far it has worked out nicely. However, the loss of Owen Daniels was a big blow to the Texans offense, and it has forced Matt Schaub to rely more heavily on his receiving core and running backs. The Titans are pounding opposing defenses with the run, averaging 162 yards per game on the ground, and will look to take advantage of a Texans defense who is surrendering 109 yards per game on the ground. Although the Texans have proven to be a good team this season, I think that the Titans will pull the upset here. 

Titans 24     Texans 20