AFC South Predictions: Week 12

AFC South Prediction Record: 30-10

Indianapolis Colts (10-0) @ Houston Texans (5-5)

The Indianapolis Colts are becoming known as the “cardiac colts,” having won their last four games by a total of only ten points. The Houston Texans have also been in close contests, however, they have lost their last two games by a total of 3 points in each game. Neither team has looked dominate over the past few weeks, but unlike the Texans the Colts have found ways to win. This game could make or break the Texans season, with a loss dropping them to 5-6 and more than likely out of the playoff picture. Each of these teams are still putting points up on the board the Colts still averaging 27 points per game, and the Texans 23 points per game. However, the last time these two teams met the Texans lost a heartbreaker on a missed field goal, and this game looks like it is going to be just as tight. The Texans are desperate for a win, and Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, and a slew of running backs for the Texans must step up. The Colts will need another strong performance from their defense in this one, and Peyton Manning must be efficient, as he usually is. I expect a close game in this one, but in the end I feel like the Colts may suffer their first loss of the season. 

Texans 24     Colts 20

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) @ San Francisco 49ers (4-6)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have silently clawed their way back into playoff contention on the shoulders of Maurice Jones-Drew. Jones-Drew is having a fantastic season, rushing for 926 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also averaging 4.8 yards per carry. However, the 49ers have slowed down significantly after coming out of the gates hard and fast at the start of the season, losing five of their last six. On a positive note each of these teams has found bright spots at the receiver spot, Jacksonville’s Mike Sims-Walker has 694 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns and Crabtree is showing why he was the most highly thought of receiver in this years draft. The 49ers struggled to stop the run last week against the Green Bay Packers, and that could pose significant problems coming into this game against the run oriented Jaguars. I expect Jacksonville to stay in the playoff hunt and pull out a hard fought victory.

Jaguars 21     49ers 17

Arizona Cardinals (7-3) @ Tennessee Titans (4-6)

After losing six consecutive games to start this season, the Tennessee Titans have righted the ship and reeled off four victories in a row. Jeff Fisher’s team has proven in the past few seasons that they are a team of “streaks” both good and bad ones. However, with the reemergence of Vince Young and the explosion of Chris Johnson, some people are suggesting that the Titans may be able to make a run at the playoffs. Without a doubt that would be one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history, and Chris Johnson would surely vault himself right into the mix for the MVP of the league. The Cardinals have also been playing good football as of late, and with an emergence of a running attack this season the Cardinals are as dangerous as ever. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower have combined for 899 rushing yards this year, and Kurt Warner has thrown for 2,718 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. However, I believe the Titans will be able to pull this one out, and continue their march towards an unlikely playoff berth. 

Titans 27     Cardinals 24