After their Week 16 losses, the three teams tied for first place in the AFC South—the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars—did not gain any ground.
This week, Houston and Jacksonville have winnable games, but Indianapolis will host the scorching Raiders, who have defeated the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in back-to-back weeks by a combined 63 points.
The following are the picks for the Week 17 schedule:
The Tennessee Titans (5-10) vs. Houston Texans (8-7) could provide fans with the C.J. Stroud vs. Will Levis game they were denied two weeks prior. After missing two games due to a concussion, Stroud seems to be ready to play, and Levis was able to practice without any limitations on Wednesday following his absence from last week’s game due to an ankle ailment.
Two weeks prior, in a thrilling 19-16 overtime game played in Tennessee, the Texans defeated the Titans, with backup quarterback Case Keenum replacing Stroud. Although Noah Brown caught eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown and Devin Singletary ran for 121 yards in that encounter, Houston’s defense was the real MVP with 24 pressures, 13 hurries, seven sacks, and 12 tackles for loss.
Given what happened to Levis the last time, the coaching staff would be reluctant to put him back in there considering that Tennessee’s offensive line has been its weakest point all season. In addition, Andre Dillard will probably start at left tackle for the team, as Jaelyn Duncan was benched last week because of a wrist injury and lack of production.
This game may easily spiral out of control if Houston’s pass rush, which produced 27 pressures and 16 hurries against the Browns last week, picks up steam like it did two weeks prior.
PICK: Titans 19, Texans 28
Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) vs. Indianapolis Colts (8-7): The Colts were among the league’s hottest teams before last week’s heartbreaking 29-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.having triumphed in their previous six games. With two games remaining in the regular season with a division title and postseason berth firmly within grasp, Indianapolis ought to bounce back against the similarly desperate Raiders squad with a more determined effort.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Raiders play their best over the next two games in an attempt to sneak into the playoffs and retain Antonio Pierce, as the players have been pushing for Pierce to be designated the team’s permanent head coach.
Michael Pittman Jr., an Indianapolis receiver, may or may not participate, which might affect Indy’s chances of winning. Gardner Minshew, the quarterback, had his lowest passing yardage since Week 10 and missed last week’s game due to a concussion. Though it ought to be a close game, the ColtsCarolina Panthers (2-10) at. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7): The Jaguars, who have lost their last four games, could not have drawn the Panthers at a better moment. With Trevor Lawrence recovering from a sprained right shoulder, Carolina is ranked 29th in scoring and 30th in overall offense, which should be excellent news for the Jaguars offense, which might have to start C.J. Beathard.
Given that the Panthers’ defense is ranked fifth, their only chance of winning this week will come from Jacksonville’s offense’s inability to move the ball. coring affair, but Jacksonville is desperate and Carolina has nothing to play for.
Travis Etienne, the running back, could have the ideal game to start if Beathard does start. Last week against Tampa Bay, Etienne managed just six runs for 12 yards, which is a season low. Although this should be a low-scoring contest,
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